Sure, you can book a formal tour of campus—but there are lots of ways you can find out what it’s like to be a college student on our campus. Here are ten great ways you can get a behind the scenes look at college life.
Go Undercover
If you’re in high school, odds are you’ll blend right in on a college campus. You’ll get a front row seat to what it’s like to be a college student.
- Eat lunch on campus – Have a day off? Take your lunch and eat on campus—right where every other college student is also eating their lunch. Find a spot in the Student Center, the Café, and or outside in the common areas. You’ll hear candid snippets of conversation, get a sense of what it’s like to just hang out in-between classes, and get a snapshot of campus life.
- Study with college students –Head to campus the next time you’ve got to buckle down on a paper and study among other college students. You might be surprised to find the study rooms packed, laptops all plugged in, and group projects are underway in hallways. College work is serious stuff—students may play hard but they also work hard to succeed in classes.
- Browse social media – Go undercover and find out what students are buzzing about on twitter, facebook, instagram and other social media outlets. What do students say about their own take on college life?
Get Involved
You don’t have to be a college student to get involved on a college campus. Check out these options:
- Attend an event– College campuses are hubs of spirited debates, cultural performances, and riveting speakers that are often open to the public. Browse the bulletin boards or online calendars for upcoming events on the campus.
- Sit in on a class – We can help you arrange to visit a classroom, meet faculty, and sit in on a lecture or lab. See the teaching and learning in action!
- Sign up for a Tour – Most campuses offer official tours every day. Bring your family and all your questions—our staff and student ambassadors are ready to help you get a sense of what you’ll experience as a student.
- Take a class while you’re in high school – Many colleges have agreements with high schools so that you can take college classes for free while you’re in high school and earn dual credit. It’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet and explore college while saving some dollars in the process!
Dig Deeper
- Do your research – Check out the college’s website and find out what they stand for. What is the mission? What are the goals? What does the college president say?
- Check out what kind of student groups they have – Just like in high school, colleges have tons of opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular groups and activities. Do they have groups that you’d be interested in? From Nursing Club to Zombie Defense Council, there’s usually lots to choose from.
- Talk to a college friend or family member – Get the inside scoop from a friend or family member that’s already a college student (or graduate). Ask them about their experience or have them show you around. You’ll get the unfiltered and real picture of what the college experience is all about.
