Sending your student off to college is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming as you navigate this big transition. A campus visit offers a unique opportunity to ease your concerns and get a glimpse of the supportive community your student will join. Walking through campus, meeting faculty, staff and students, and asking all the questions you might have can bring clarity and peace of mind. But what questions should you ask?
Here is a list of questions that will help you and your student get the most out of your campus visit.
Before Your Campus Visit
Visit nnu.edu to find out more information on NNU’s programs offered, student clubs, campus community, location description, religious affiliation, values and other interesting facts about the school. You may find answers to many of your questions there, and it will give you a good overview of the University before you even arrive.
During Your Campus Visit
Ask Your Student’s Admissions Counselor:
- How does my student apply to NNU?
- What are the requirements to be accepted?
- What are the costs to attend NNU?
- How many undergraduate students attend NNU?
- When does my student have to declare a major?
- Do you have an honors college? What are the requirements to qualify?
- What study abroad opportunities are there?
- What kind of learning disability and tutoring services are available to students?
- What physical and mental health services are available to students?
- How are roommates assigned?
- What are the meal plan options for the cafeteria? Are there accommodations for any type of dietary restrictions?
- Can my student have a car on campus? How much is a parking pass?
Ask Current Students:
- Which building will hold most of my student’s major classes?
- Is it easy to get around without a car?
- Where do students primarily hang out or study?
- What campus-wide events happen during the year?
- Is it a safe area to walk around? What kind of safety measures are in place?
- Do many students work on or off campus? How easy is it to find a job?
- What kinds of things do you do on the weekends?
- Is it easy to make friends in college?
- How often do you go home?
- What are the most popular campus clubs, events or activities on campus?
- Can you be involved in multiple activities?
- What is NNU’s chapel like?
- What is your favorite thing about NNU?
Ask Your Financial Aid Officer:
- What information do you require besides the FAFSA?
- Are there scholarships available to specific majors and talents?
- What other scholarships are available?
- What are some opportunities for work-study?
- How many students are awarded scholarships?
- What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?
- What is the average amount of student debt?
- What kind of payment plans are available?
Ask Your Student’s Professor(s):
- What are some highlights of your department?
- What are the class sizes?
- How much time do students typically spend on homework?
- What are finals like in your class?
- Can my student get help from professors outside of the classroom?
- Will my student have help making their class schedule each semester?
- What are the internship requirements?
- Do you provide assistance with internships or job placement after graduation?
- Are there research opportunities for undergraduate students?
- What student clubs are associated with this department?
- What are the career or grad school options for graduates in this department?
- What is your favorite thing about teaching at NNU?
After Your Visit
Sit down with your student and talk through your visit experience. Taking time to reflect is key to knowing if a school is the right fit. Ask these questions of your student, and of yourself:
- What is unique about this college?
- Did I feel welcomed during my visit? Did my student feel welcomed?
- How did the staff and faculty interact with the students during my visit?
- How did the students interact with each other?
- Would my student feel comfortable here? Would I feel comfortable sending my student here?
- Can my student envision themselves going to school at NNU (going to class, eating in the cafeteria, living in the dorms, participating in campus events)?
Your campus visit to NNU is the first step toward discovering everything we have to offer—an engaging academic community, meaningful spiritual life and a welcoming home for your student. Don’t miss out on the chance to see it for yourself. Schedule your campus visit today at nnu.edu/visit and let us show you how we do college different. We can’t wait to welcome you!