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Let’s face it: college visits can be intimidating. You’re exploring a new environment, trying your best to picture yourself studying and socializing there, and you often have no idea if you’re going to be admitted, let alone whether or not you should choose to pursue your education there. But college tours are great opportunities to ask questions that you won’t always find the answer to on a school’s website or promotional materials, and you can check out some handy places to start in the list below!

1. What are some of the most popular clubs/extracurricular activities here?

Most schools will indicate what student life is like somewhere in their advertisements, but getting a sense for what’s most popular and active will tell you a lot about the school’s overall culture and climate. Are you looking for a college with active Greek life and a different sports game to go to every night, or do you prefer a robust theatre program with lots of different options for artistic involvement? Consider what kind of student body you'd most like to be integrated into. 

2. What are some classes that students enjoy taking? 

There are some majors—like business, psychology and biology—that most schools will have departments for. However, every college will have different classes and different instructions teaching these subjects. It’s worth asking how specific schools put their own distinctive spins on traditional academic disciplines. This can also be a good time to ask about school-specific research opportunities and internships as well. 

3. What traditions does this school have? 

Every college is unique. Learning about what traditions or special activities the campus offers can give you some insight into whether or not it’s going to be a positive personality fit for you. Don’t forget to take part in ӣ������’s own tradition of rubbing the Wildcat’s nose for good luck before the first day of classes! 

4. What sort of supports are available for first-year students? 

Going to college is a big step regardless of where you choose to enroll. Being proactive about resources to help with the transition process—mentally, socially and academically—can help you ensure that you’ll be comfortable your first semester. The best time to ask for help is before you need it, so make sure you understand each school’s offerings, from their counseling centers to their tutoring services! 

5. Where can I park? 

You don’t often think about parking until you need it! It’s always a good idea to find out what your prospective schools’ car policies are, and how far you’ll have to walk to get to class. A 10-minute walk might not sound so bad on a sunny September day, but it can feel pretty long when it’s sleeting sideways in February. No one likes to get towed unexpectedly either, so these protocols are important to understand.

6. What’s your alumni network like? 

College typically only lasts four years, but it’s a decision that’ll affect the trajectory of your entire life. Finding out what alumni are doing and how they stay connected to their institutions can give you a small preview of what to expect when you graduate. Plus, for a such a significant investment, you’re going to want to make sure you’re going to get a good return on your time and money! 

7. What sort of early actions/decisions do you offer? 

Some colleges will offer early decision (binding) and early action (non-binding); comprehending the difference between these two options can be a matter of thousands of dollars! You’ll want to know if admissions are rolling, meaning that you can apply at any time, or if they have specific deadlines (and within those, some majors also have alternative timelines for applications). 

8. What sort of opportunities are there for students to work on campus?

“Broke college student” may be a stereotype, but it doesn’t have to be your destiny! It’s always nice to have money to offset expenses or treat yourself once and a while, and some schools offer tuition relief for student employees. When factoring in your total cost of attendance, be sure to consider any employment you might be eligible for. Working on campus can also be a great way to make friends and get to know the student body! 

So, what are you waiting for? Now that you’re armed with a repertoire of hard-hitting questions, be sure to schedule your tour of ӣ������ Manchester!