Fall College Visits: Why Juniors Should Explore Campuses Now
Fall is often the best time to visit colleges!
If you're a high school junior, fall is truly one of the best times to explore colleges. As leaves change and campuses come alive with excitement, you'll get a real feel for student life and maybe even discover your future home. Here are tips to make your visits memorable, insightful, and fun.
1. Why Fall Is Ideal
When students return after summer break, campuses buzz with energy - clubs recruit new members, friends catch up, and sports teams kick off their seasons. Visiting in the fall lets you witness this vibrant atmosphere firsthand, giving you an authentic sense of what daily life is like.
2. Catch a Football Game or Campus Event
Many colleges host football games and other major athletic events during the fall semester. Grab tickets, cheer alongside the crowd, and soak in the school spirit. Sporting events are a perfect way to see the community come together and get a taste of campus traditions. If football isn’t your thing, look for soccer matches, club fairs, or live performances.
3. Explore Local Hangouts & Eats
Don’t just stay on campus! Research the surrounding area before your trip:
Find popular local restaurants or cafes and treat yourself to a meal that’s a campus favorite.
Check out spots where students relax, like quirky bookstores, coffee shops, or smoothie bars.
Taking time to explore off-campus will help you imagine your life there—not just as a student, but as a local.
SEC colleges have grown in poularity due to their strong school spirit and football culture
4. Chat Up Current Students
The best insights come from those living the college experience:
Strike up conversations during student-led tours.
Ask them what their favorite thing about their school is - whether it’s a unique club, a beloved professor, or a late-night food spot.
Find out about things that might not be listed on the school’s website, but matter day-to-day.
I always tell students to remember the name of a really great tour guide! It’s essay material later.
5. Capture Your Experience
Use your phone to jot down impressions and snap photos. After visiting a few schools, the details can blur together - notes will help you remember what made each campus special.
6. Take Advantage of Official Tours - But Go Beyond Them
Register for admissions tours and info sessions, but also carve out time to explore on your own. Wander through academic buildings, shady courtyards, and busy student centers. You’ll get a sense of campus life outside the official tour, and you can look around and really try to consider if you can “see yourself” at that campus.
Final Thoughts
Visiting colleges in the fall isn’t just about checking a box - it’s about picturing your future, finding your fit, and making memories along the way. Whether you’re tailgating at a football game, eating at a campus-favorite dive, or laughing with new friends, these experiences will help you decide where you want to take your next big step. Happy exploring!
