Although you can learn a great deal about a university from brochures, Web sites, and DVDs, no substitute exists for actually visiting a campus. If it is possible for you to visit in person, you should consider having a firsthand look at the college you may call home for the next four years. Universities are always looking for students who can contribute to the unique character of their institution. As an international student, you should be looking for an institution that offers you a comfortable, high-quality learning environment, and there is no better way to determine if a campus is right for you than by visiting in person.

Some schools allow you to set up your visit and to select your activities—a tour, faculty interview, lunch at a dining hall, meeting with a coach or organization director—online via their Web sites. Others recommend that you contact the admissions office directly by phone or e-mail. If you and your family will be spending the night, be sure to ask them about local hotels. In some cases, they will make those arrangements for you.

In a typical campus visit, you learn basic information about the university, its programs, admissions policies and application processes, scholarships, and housing opportunities. The core of a campus visit is the campus tour. Current students often serve as tour guides for the school, and they can tell you about their college experiences and answer questions about student life. You'll typically visit academic buildings, classrooms, residence halls, recreational facilities, and other areas of special interest to you.