3 answers
Delaney
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What helped you pick the right college for you?
I am currently a high school senior waiting to hear back from colleges, and I know a lot of people say things about their major is what helped them pick, but what about the campus from other colleges made you pick the one you decided on? I think the main thing I am worried about, coming from living in a big city, is going to college and not being able to find the right people. #Fall25
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Going on a campus visit and tour is one of the best strategies.
I would go on a campus tour, for each college, to determine if the college (you are applying for admission to) is a right fit, and spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. These can usually be schedule through the college websites.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
I would go on a campus tour, for each college, to determine if the college (you are applying for admission to) is a right fit, and spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. These can usually be schedule through the college websites.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
Paul Silano Jr
Marketing Manager
3
Answers
Davenport, Florida
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Delaney!
Excellent, and very important question. I would create a list of your priorities, especially if you're going to move to an area. Do you prefer being near a city or are you ok with living in a more suburban area? Do you want more of a college town feel or would you prefer to go somewhere that you love the area?
I attended Florida Atlantic University, because I loved the Boca Raton area, it had so much for me to do there outside of the university, while also giving me the university feel. That's number one.
When you look at different schools, I believe selecting a school with more flexibility is beneficial, unless you know exactly what you want to do. I started off as a Criminal Justice major, then switched to Business, but graduated with a Journalism degree. I didn't plan it to occur that way, but I knew I was uncertain and wanted a school that could provide me options. FAU was able to do that.
So between those two things, along with any priorities that you have, I think you could nail down which school makes the most sense for you.
Best of luck!
Excellent, and very important question. I would create a list of your priorities, especially if you're going to move to an area. Do you prefer being near a city or are you ok with living in a more suburban area? Do you want more of a college town feel or would you prefer to go somewhere that you love the area?
I attended Florida Atlantic University, because I loved the Boca Raton area, it had so much for me to do there outside of the university, while also giving me the university feel. That's number one.
When you look at different schools, I believe selecting a school with more flexibility is beneficial, unless you know exactly what you want to do. I started off as a Criminal Justice major, then switched to Business, but graduated with a Journalism degree. I didn't plan it to occur that way, but I knew I was uncertain and wanted a school that could provide me options. FAU was able to do that.
So between those two things, along with any priorities that you have, I think you could nail down which school makes the most sense for you.
Best of luck!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Delaney. For me, picking the right college wasn't just about the major, it was about the overall campus environment and how I felt there.
When I was looking at colleges, one of the most important things for me was the campus atmosphere. I visited several schools to get a feel for what they were like. I paid attention to how the campus made me feel. Was it easy to get around? Did it feel friendly? I wanted to imagine myself there every day, feeling comfortable and happy. It's not just about the classes, it's about how the place feels when you walk around. If you can, visit the campuses or take virtual tours to see what the environment is like. It can help you get a better sense of whether it's the right place for you.
Since you're worried about finding the right people, I'd recommend focusing on the campus community. Every college has its own culture. Some schools have a lot of different groups and activities, while others are smaller and more close-knit. I looked for a school that had clubs and activities that interested me, because that's where I'd meet people with similar interests. When you visit campuses, try to talk to students about what it's like to make friends and connect with others. Are there groups that align with your hobbies or values? This can give you a better idea of the social life at each school.
Another important thing to think about is location. Since you're coming from a city, you might want a campus that's not too far away but also not in another big city. I wanted somewhere that had enough to do but wasn't overwhelming. It also helps to think about what you like to do outside of school. Are there things to do in the area, like parks or places to hang out? Some schools are in small towns or close to interesting places, which could make your college experience more fun.
Lastly, I wanted to make sure there were support systems at the college. I needed to know that if I had any problems, whether with schoolwork or just adjusting to college life, there would be people to help. Many colleges offer counseling services, student groups, and resources for new students. It made me feel better knowing there were places I could turn to if I needed support.
When I was looking at colleges, one of the most important things for me was the campus atmosphere. I visited several schools to get a feel for what they were like. I paid attention to how the campus made me feel. Was it easy to get around? Did it feel friendly? I wanted to imagine myself there every day, feeling comfortable and happy. It's not just about the classes, it's about how the place feels when you walk around. If you can, visit the campuses or take virtual tours to see what the environment is like. It can help you get a better sense of whether it's the right place for you.
Since you're worried about finding the right people, I'd recommend focusing on the campus community. Every college has its own culture. Some schools have a lot of different groups and activities, while others are smaller and more close-knit. I looked for a school that had clubs and activities that interested me, because that's where I'd meet people with similar interests. When you visit campuses, try to talk to students about what it's like to make friends and connect with others. Are there groups that align with your hobbies or values? This can give you a better idea of the social life at each school.
Another important thing to think about is location. Since you're coming from a city, you might want a campus that's not too far away but also not in another big city. I wanted somewhere that had enough to do but wasn't overwhelming. It also helps to think about what you like to do outside of school. Are there things to do in the area, like parks or places to hang out? Some schools are in small towns or close to interesting places, which could make your college experience more fun.
Lastly, I wanted to make sure there were support systems at the college. I needed to know that if I had any problems, whether with schoolwork or just adjusting to college life, there would be people to help. Many colleges offer counseling services, student groups, and resources for new students. It made me feel better knowing there were places I could turn to if I needed support.