Visiting colleges is such an exciting step—you’re getting a real sense of where you might spend the next four years! Sure, you can look at pictures and read blogs, but nothing beats experiencing the campus in person. Most tours are led by current students, giving you a firsthand perspective of what life is really like there. And if you’re thinking about what to wear on a college tour, we’ve got you covered!
In your excitement to visit a campus, you might not have given much thought to your wardrobe. But trust us, what to wear on a college tour can actually impact your experience more than you’d expect. Whether you’re meeting with admissions officers, sitting in on a class, or exploring the grounds, what you wear can help set the tone for the day.
- Top Tips on What to Wear on a College Tour
- What Is a College Tour All About?
- Best Tips for College Tours
- Questions to Ask on a College Tour
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Top Tips on What to Wear on a College Tour
When you go on a college tour, you can usually expect an info session with an admissions representative and a campus tour. If you’re heading out for an official campus tour, chances are it’ll be a pretty laid-back experience. Most colleges and universities don’t expect you to dress up for an info session or while walking around with a tour guide—it’s all about feeling comfortable and being yourself.
That said, knowing what to wear on a college tour can still make a big difference. Even in a casual setting, your outfit should strike a balance between comfort and a polished look. After all, you never know who you might meet or what opportunities could come your way during the visit.
1. Consider the weather for the day.
Colleges offer visits year-round—during summer, winter, spring breaks, and throughout the semester. No matter when you go, it’s smart to pack according to the weather:
- If your visit is during snowy months, bundle up with proper winter gear, especially if you’re not used to the cold.
- Visiting during the rainy season? Don’t forget an umbrella (or two!) and some solid rain gear.
- And if it’s summer, light layers and breathable clothing are key—plus, pack a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Preparing what to wear on a college tour can really make or break your comfort during the day!
When in doubt, check the weather forecast a week before your visit so you can pack smart. If you’re traveling to a different part of the country, you might be in for a surprise. For example, if you’re from sunny Arizona and heading to rainy Seattle, you’ll almost certainly need an umbrella—or maybe even a rain jacket or waterproof hoodie.
If bad weather is a possibility, make sure you’re prepared with the right gear, but don’t go overboard buying items you’ll never use again. And remember, unless you have an interview or a meeting, comfort should be your top priority. You’ll be outside walking to and from buildings, so dress with the weather in mind.
2. Prepare your clothing and shoes.
When it comes to dressing for a college visit, we suggest keeping things simple and comfortable. It’s natural to want to make a great first impression, but there’s no need to overdress.
Instead, focus on being confident and relaxed. For students like you, a classic combo like your favorite jeans and a t-shirt works perfectly as college orientation outfits. If you have a crew neck or shirt featuring the university’s name, that’s even better! Just steer clear of clothing with inappropriate graphics, curse words, or anything offensive.
For your parents, they’re off the hook for suits and ties or formal business attire. Instead, choose something stylish yet comfortable—something that helps them blend in without drawing too much attention. Similar to students, they should also avoid clothing with offensive imagery or controversial political statements.
And for moms considering heels, think twice. You’ll likely be walking a lot, with few breaks, so comfy shoes like flats or sneakers are a better choice. If you really want to wear heels, bring a backup pair of shoes just in case.
For dads, sneakers, loafers, or boots are your best bet. Dress shoes might look sharp, but they’re not ideal for long walks. Keep in mind, what to wear on a college tour isn’t about spending money on a new wardrobe—it’s about wearing something that feels good and lets you focus on exploring the campus.
You’ll also want to think about practical items like a bag to carry brochures, a water bottle, snacks, or a notebook for jotting down notes. And don’t forget: your footwear matters! Sturdy sneakers, hiking boots, or walking shoes will keep you comfortable, especially on uneven terrain.
The bottom line? Dress for the experience, not to impress, and focus on learning all you can during your visit.
3. Keep these miscellaneous items on hand.
When you’re prepping for a college visit, it’s a good idea to plan for the unexpected. Weather can surprise you—a sunny forecast with a high of 85°F can suddenly turn into a rainy day. That’s why being prepared is key, and knowing what to wear on a college tour can save you from discomfort or stress.
Here’s a quick checklist of essentials to pack:
- Extra socks (because wet feet are the worst!)
- Sunglasses to shield your eyes on sunny days
- A bottle of water to stay hydrated while walking around
- Sunscreen to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays
- Comfortable shoes or boots, plus an extra pair just in case
- A spare comfy outfit for unexpected weather changes
- A hair tie or scrunchie to keep your hair out of your face
- Gloves, a scarf, or earmuffs if you’re visiting during snowy months
Thinking ahead and packing these essentials ensures you’re ready for anything. And when you’ve decided on what to wear on a college tour, you’ll feel confident and comfortable no matter the weather. Your focus should be on exploring the campus—not worrying about soggy socks or a sunburn!
What Is a College Tour All About?
A college’s website or viewbook can only give you so much insight. Visiting in person lets you experience the school firsthand and get a sense of what life on campus is really like. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time there if you enroll, it’s important to figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
During your visit, you might:
- walk around campus
- sit in on a class
- tour the dorms
- grab a meal in the cafeteria
- explore social spaces like the quad or student union
- check out the library or study spots
- meet with an admissions counselor
- chat with a coach
These activities will help you see the facilities, meet the people, and really get a feel for the school’s community. Whether it’s talking to professors, interacting with students, or simply observing the vibe, your visit will help clarify which colleges on your list truly resonate with you.
Don’t forget, many tours include a Q&A session with admissions reps or current students. This is a great time to ask anything on your mind—what the food’s like, how the dorms compare, or what to expect during your first year.
A college tour can narrow down your list of schools as some will “click,” while others might not feel like the right fit. Just remember to plan ahead and think about what to wear on a college tour to stay comfortable and confident throughout the day!
Best Tips For College Tours
Keep these tried and tested tips in mind to make the most out of your college tour:
1. Do your research.
Before heading out on a college tour, it’s smart to do your homework. Learning as much as you can about a school ahead of time will make your visit more meaningful. Plus, you might find during your research that the school isn’t the best fit, saving you the hassle of a potentially costly trip.
Start by diving into the school’s admissions website to get a handle on their application process and requirements. Use their net price calculator to estimate the financial aid you might receive. If the school offers a virtual tour or interactive campus map, check those out—they’re great tools for visualizing the campus layout and style.
Explore academic offerings in-depth. Visit department web pages to learn more about specific programs, resources, and the research focus of faculty. If you’re interested in student life, dig into residential options, policies, and active student-run clubs. Even reaching out to local alumni can provide valuable insights.
As you research, take notes and jot down questions you want answered during your visit. This preparation will keep you organized and help you make the most of your time on campus.
2. Bring a map.
When you’re planning your college tour, make it your own! Research buildings and events that catch your eye—maybe there’s a basketball game happening or a cool student event you’d like to check out—and create a personal “tour map.” As you explore, take notes about what stands out and don’t hesitate to snap a few photos to help you remember the experience later.
Don’t forget to look into off-campus spots, too! Whether it’s local shops, restaurants, or interesting landmarks, getting a feel for the surrounding community is just as important as seeing the campus itself.
3. Learn as much as you can.
Let’s be real: admissions information sessions can sometimes feel like a bit of a snooze fest—unless you’re lucky enough to have an engaging presenter.
But don’t let your mind wander or start checking your phone during the session. These sessions actually provide a lot of insight into the school’s culture and priorities, which can help you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
Plus, they give you valuable clues about what to emphasize in your supplemental essays and admissions interview. For example, a visit to Yale might inspire you to ask some specific questions during your Yale interview.
Schools often highlight things like their commitment to global perspectives, service, or interdisciplinary studies. Think about how your background and future goals align with those values. In these sessions, you’ll also learn about the application process, basic financial aid info, and degree offerings, as well as the school’s unique features—like study abroad programs, career resources, and aspects of student life that set them apart from other schools.
It’s a good idea to take notes so you can remember the key points. And remember all the research you did beforehand? Don’t be shy about asking questions based on that list you made! The best impression comes from asking questions that go beyond what’s easily found on the admissions website.
You can focus on questions about the school’s academic programs or student life. For example, you could ask, “What resources are available to support women in your engineering school?” or “Are there opportunities for non-theater majors to participate in stage plays on campus?”
4. Visit the admissions office.
The college visit is often your first chance to get some face time with the people who help make admissions decisions. The information session is usually led by a current admissions officer, so it’s the perfect time to ask all your questions about the application and admissions process.
While you’re there, see if you can meet the reader for your area or at least get their contact info so you can reach out if you have any questions when applying.
5. Ask questions
When you’re on a college tour, asking the right questions can help you get a clear picture of what life would be like at that school. It also shows your demonstrated interest. One study found that students who show demonstrated interest have higher chances of being admitted. If you want to find out the best questions to ask on a college tour, read on.
Questions to Ask on a College Tour
To make the most out of your college tour, consider asking the following:
Academics
Ask about class sizes, especially in introductory and upper-level courses, and whether classes are taught by professors or teaching assistants. It’s important to understand how much interaction you’ll have with faculty and the role TAs play.
Also, inquire about the ease of registering for classes as a freshman and the availability of academic advisors. You’ll want to know how often you’ll meet with an advisor and whether they’re easy to reach.
Consider asking how students typically choose their majors, if switching majors is simple, and how much time you have to decide on one before having to formally declare it.
Residential life
Find out where freshmen live and whether those dorms are separate from upperclassmen housing. Ask about the living arrangements in dorms, the likelihood of moving off-campus, and whether housing is guaranteed for all four years. If not, how easy is it to secure on- or off-campus housing?
It’s also helpful to know how the food is on campus, whether meal plans are mandatory, and the cost of food options both on-campus and off-campus. Don’t forget to ask current students about their experiences in the dorms—the good and the bad!
Student life
Inquire about clubs, activities, and student organizations, and how involved the student body is in these extracurriculars. If Greek life is important to you, ask how much of a presence it has on campus and what rush is like.
You should also ask about the weekend social scene—how often do students go home and what does a typical weekend look like for them? Sports culture is another key area to explore—ask about varsity, club, and intramural teams, their competitiveness, and the time commitment required.
Campus safety
Safety should always be a priority when considering a college. Ask how safe the campus and surrounding area are, and if students have ever felt unsafe. Find out about campus safety policies and procedures, and the availability of safety personnel, especially during late hours.
Resources
Find out about the health and wellness resources available on campus, including counseling services and disability services. It’s also worth asking about academic resources like tutoring services, writing centers, and computer labs. If technology is important to you, inquire about whether the school provides computers or if you’ll need your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are college tours free?
Your college tour itself should be free, but there are some other costs you might want to think about. If the college is a bit farther away, you’ll probably need to cover transportation and lodging.
Also, there are a few other things you might want to budget for while you’re on campus. For example, parking fees if you’re driving, or lunch if you plan to eat on campus. You might also find yourself tempted to grab some swag from the college bookstore, like a t-shirt or mug. If there are any events or activities you want to check out while you’re there, you may need to buy a day pass or tickets.
And if you decide to apply while you’re there, don’t forget college application fees and other related expenses.
2. How many college tours should I join?
You can visit as many colleges as you want, but keep in mind that traveling around for campus tours can take up a lot of time and money. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least two college visits. If you have more schools on your list, visiting three or four might be a great idea.
3. If I want to visit the campus, do I need to schedule a college tour?
Most schools will let non-students visit their campus, but keep in mind that there might be some restrictions for safety concerns. If there are specific buildings you want to check out—like the dorms, classrooms, or the library—it’s a good idea to schedule a tour in advance. That way, you’ll make sure you get access to all the areas you’re interested in exploring!
Takeaways
- Choosing what to wear on a college tour is all about comfort and practicality. You want to dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures, wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking around a lot, and stay true to your personal style while keeping things appropriate for a campus setting.
- To make the most out of your college tour, do your research beforehand, bring your own map, and learn as much as you can!
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the college application process or need more personalized advice on how to make the most of your college tours, AdmissionSight can help. With our guidance and personalized coaching, we can help you from crafting the perfect college application.
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