Posted 9:59 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Good questions to guide your campus visits and conversations
College visits are one of the best opportunities to go beyond college websites and glossy viewbooks and truly understand whether a campus is the right fit. While virtual tours can be helpful, nothing replaces the experience of being on campus and talking directly with the people who live, learn and work there. Thinking of thoughtful questions to ask colleges — especially questions to ask on a college tour — can help you gain insight into academics, student life, housing, finances and support services that may not be obvious online.
On many campuses, including UW-La Crosse, a current student will guide your tour, giving you the chance to hear firsthand what day-to-day life is like. You’ll also likely meet with Admissions staff or a college admissions counselor, making it the perfect time to prepare questions to ask college admissions counselors and other campus representatives. Starting meaningful conversations can help you better picture yourself at a potential college for the next several years.
Below are some of the best questions to ask colleges, crowdsourced from UWL students, faculty and staff, to help guide your college search and campus visits.
Questions about academics:
- What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
- Who will be teaching my classes — professors or teaching assistants?
- How will your university help me if I don't know my major?
- How hard is it to connect with professors outside of class?
- Where can students get help if struggling in courses?
- What kind of opportunities are there for undergraduates to do research?
- How would you describe your professors?
- What career-related help can I find on campus?
Questions about student life:
- What does the campus look like on the weekends? Do people stay and find things to do? Or does it empty out?
- Who are some of the staff on campus who have been helpful mentors to you?
- Who do you seek out when you are struggling personally? Who is available?
- If I have an underlying health issue, who should I contact on campus?
- Is there a place on campus to help improve my time management and/or study skills?
- Does the university have clubs and/or offices for people with disabilities, first-generation students, people of color, LGBTQI+ students, veterans or returning adults?
- What can students do in their free time nearby?
- How far away is downtown, restaurants, recreation spaces, etc.?
- Is there a place to work out/recreate on campus?
- Where are the best places to get food as part of the meal plan?
- Where are the best places to get food off campus?
- What kind of clubs and activities are on campus?
Questions about residence life:
- Did you get to pick your roommate?
- How many years do I need to live in the residence halls?
- What is provided in the dorm room, besides the bed? Is there a fridge? Is there a loft?
- If I want to loft my bed, do I have to rent on?
- Is there a health center for students and how can I access it?
- Is there a counseling center for students and is there a fee to use it?
Questions about finances:
- Are there scholarships available?
- Are there opportunities for students to work on campus? How easy is it to get a campus job? What are they like?
- Is there financial aid available for students who study abroad?
- What is the cost to attend - tuition/room/board?
Questions about safety:
- Do you feel safe on campus?
- Do you feel safe in the area around campus?
- Is there a credentialed police force on campus or a campus safety team?
- What does the Annual Security Report look like? (Every campus must post their Annual Security Report)
Check out more tips for college prep, such as why it is important to visit a college campus and how to write a college essay.