Summer is a Great Time for U.S. College Visits
Planning college visits is exciting and can feel like a real adventure, especially if you’re traveling all the way from another country! Summer is one of the best times for students and families to explore universities in the United States. A little smart planning can go a long way towards make your trip smoother, less stressful, and way more fun.
Whether you’re just starting the college search or narrowing down final choices, here’s a friendly guide to help you organize an unforgettable (and productive) summer college tour.
Step 1: Start with a Shortlist
America is a big place! Visiting every college that interests you probably isn’t realistic, based on how far apart they can be in the country. Before booking flights and hotels, sit down as a family and create a list of 5 to 10 universities that truly fit your student’s academic interests, personal style, and career goals.
You might want to consider:
- Location: East Coast, West Coast, South, Midwest — each region has a different vibe and climate!
- Size: Large universities, small liberal arts colleges, or something in between?
- Special Programs: Does the school offer strong majors in the student’s areas of interest?
- Campus Culture: Big on sports? Artistic? Politically active? More traditional?
Once you have a shortlist, you can group schools by region to plan efficient travel routes. Check out our article on choosing the right university for yourself for even more tips on what to consider when making your list of schools!
Step 2: Check College Visit Schedules Early
Even though campuses can feel quiet during the summer since the academic year is over and students are away, it’s often the most popular time for universities to offer information sessions, campus tours, and admissions Q&A panels. Before you finalize your itinerary:
- Visit each college’s admissions website to check summer tour availability.
- Look for special summer visit days or programs designed just for prospective and/or international students.
- Book tour spots early, especially for popular universities — summer dates can fill up fast!
- Expert Tip: If an in-person visit isn’t available, see if the school offers self-guided tours or virtual tours you can supplement your visit with during your trip.
Step 3: Map Out Your Travel Plan
This is where things get exciting — and sometimes tricky! Here’s a few tips for planning your travel logistics:
- Cluster colleges geographically: Visiting several colleges in the same city or state saves time and money.
- Use major airports: Cities like Boston, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles make good hubs for multiple college visits.
- Plan for transportation: In some areas, public transportation and rideshares like Uber or Lyft are very convenient. In others (like much of the Midwest or parts of New England), you’ll probably need a rental car. Do some research ahead of time to see what’s available in the area so that you’re not left stranded!
- Allow breathing room: Don’t try to visit more than 2 colleges per day. You’ll want time to absorb the experience and maybe explore the surrounding city a little. Plus, all that walking around campuses can be exhausting!
- And don’t forget — summer in the U.S. can be very hot and humid in some regions. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather!
Step 4: Make It a Learning Experience (and a Vacation!)
Yes, these visits are about finding the right college or university — but they’re also about experiencing life in the area where you might spend the next four years. Make an effort to:
- Ask questions during tours. (Admissions officers and tour guides love it when prospective students show genuine curiosity!)
- Chat with current students on campus if possible.
- Take lots of notes and photos — after a few campuses, everything can blur together.
Also, build in some time for fun! Visit local landmarks, try regional foods (hello, New England lobster rolls and Southern barbecue!), and enjoy a little sightseeing. Getting a sense of the broader culture around each college is just as important as seeing the campus itself.
Step 5: Understand the Costs and Plan Wisely
A U.S. college visit trip can get expensive, especially factoring in flights, hotels, rental cars, and meals. To keep costs manageable:
- Book hotels early for better rates — university towns often have limited lodging options, especially if there are other events happening at the same time as your visit, and costs can rise quickly as rooms run low.
- Pro-tip: Many large universities have on-campus hotels. Staying on campus can save you even more money since you won’t need to pay for transportation from the hotel to campus since you’re already there!
- Look for hotels with free breakfast or kitchenettes to save on food and take advantage of on-campus dining options. Most schools allow you to eat in their dining hall(s) for a fee—which is often cheaper than a restaurant meal and usually has no restrictions on how much you can eat!
- Consider visiting fewer colleges but spending more quality time at each one.
Take a Well-Planned U.S.-College Visit Trip this Summer
Organizing summer college visits in the U.S. can take a fair amount of planning and effort, especially if you’re traveling internationally, but it can be an incredible experience. Not only will you get a firsthand look at potential schools, but you’ll also create special memories as a family during a truly exciting life chapter.
Take your time, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey — college is a big step, and your adventure is just beginning! And if you’re looking for additional guidance on your college selection process, Sesameed is here to help! Reach out to us anytime for a free consultation.
