A key part of the college process is touring the colleges themselves. Touring colleges gives you an insight of what it is actually like to be on the campus, and an opportunity to talk to students currently attending them. The college process is already overwhelming, so here are some tips that can make this part of it more stress-free.

1. Always arrive at least 45 minutes early.

You might think this is excessive, but trust me, it’s necessary. You’ve probably never been to the campus or around that area at all, giving yourself time to find parking and locate where the meeting spot is is key to a stress-free experience. It is also likely you have been on the road for a while, so arriving early will give you time to grab a snack or use the bathroom before the tour. The informational session that starts off the tour begins at the exact time stated, and they don’t wait for anyone. It is also nice to have a good seat in this session to have a good view of the screen. The good seats are all usually filled 10 minutes prior to the session beginning.

2. Wear comfortable shoes.

You will be doing a decent amount of walking, and comfortable shoes can be crucial to making the experience more enjoyable. If all you can remember from the tour is your painful heels, you won’t be thinking about the college itself.

3. Wear appropriate layers of clothing.

Depending on where the college is, this can vary. Because you’re outside for a good portion of the tour, it is important to dress appropriately. 

4. Take notes.

This might seem annoying, but taking notes of key points you hear during the tour can be of great help later on. The notes can remind you of why you do or do not want to go to the college, it can also help you to know what you want to include in your supplementary essay when applying. 

5. Research nearby colleges.

If you’re already driving/flying somewhere for a college tour, research other colleges that are nearby to make the best use of your time. 

6. Look at the surrounding city/town.

The location of the college is important, looking at the nearby city/town can give you a feel of the college itself and the people. It can also give you some insight into the possibilities of college life outside of the campus.