Unique Questions to Ask College Students
Picking a college can feel intense. It will be the place where you’ll live, study, and make new friends—it’s kind of a big deal. That’s why visiting campuses is essential. A tour gives you the basics, but talking to actual students can tell you what life there is really like.
Here’s a list of must-ask questions to use when you’re visiting colleges and chatting with students.
What’s the average class size, really?
A tour guide might give you stats, but ask a student what their classes are like. Are they huge lectures or more one-on-one? This can help you figure out if you’ll get the attention you want or if you’ll need to take more initiative.
Is it easy to get into the classes you need?
Ask if they had trouble signing up for classes, especially in their first year. At big schools, smaller classes might be harder to snag until you’re an upperclassman. Registration struggles can make a difference in how soon you get into the classes that really interest you.
What was your freshman year like?
If most freshmen live in dorms, it’s good to know if the dorm life helped them make friends and feel at home. Ask how they felt about dorm life and if they found it inclusive and open.
What are the big extracurriculars here?
Find out what students get involved in and how active the clubs really are. If you’re into specific things—sports, theater, environmental groups—ask about that. You’ll also want to know if it’s competitive to get in and how much time it takes.
What’s the best thing about this college?
This one’s a fun question that can reveal a lot. Maybe it’s the campus itself, or the professors, or something totally unique to that college. It’ll give you a sense of what students love most about being there.
How would you describe the campus vibe?
Is the school friendly and inclusive? Does everyone hang out together, or do people stick to their own groups? You want to know if this is a place where you’ll feel comfortable and be yourself.
Are professors easy to reach outside of class?
It’s great if the professors are knowledgeable, but do they actually help students when needed? Some students might say their professors are always around, while others might feel they have to figure things out alone. Definitely something worth asking.
Is it easy to join clubs or teams?
College isn’t just about classes! Extracurriculars are where you’ll find your people and learn new things. Ask how easy it is to get involved in things that matter to you, from sports to volunteer groups to creative clubs.
How’s the food, honestly?
You’ll eat campus food a lot, so ask about the options and quality. Are there enough choices? Do they accommodate different diets? A few people might even have favorite meals or hidden dining spots to share!
Do you feel safe here?
College should feel like home, and safety is a big part of that. Ask students if they feel safe and if there are reasonable security measures in place. Knowing that will help you feel at ease wherever you choose to go.
How helpful are the academic advisors?
Advisors can help you figure out your classes, your major, and even your career. It’s worth asking if students find them helpful and accessible because good advising can make a huge difference.
Remember: Visiting campuses and talking to students can be a game-changer. Ask questions, be curious, and get a feel for the place—you’ll be living there, after all! Good luck finding the college that feels just right for you.
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