Visiting a college campus is one of the most important steps in your college decision process. It’s your chance to move beyond websites and brochures and experience firsthand what life could look like at a particular school. A campus visit allows you to picture yourself in the classroom, connect with faculty, meet current students and explore the places you may one day call home.
At TU, we know how important this step is, so we’ve put together the ultimate college visit checklist so you can prepare for your trip to our beautiful campus in Tiffin, Ohio. Whether you’re early in your college search or narrowing down your top choices, an on-campus visit can help you understand whether a university is the right fit for you academically, socially and personally.
HIGHLIGHT BAR: Visit and submit your FAFSA before Feb. 1, 2026 to receive a $1,000 visit grant and a $1,000 FAFSA grant.
When to Start Visiting Colleges
Many students and families wonder when to start visiting colleges. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a good rule of thumb is to begin exploring campuses during your junior year of high school. This gives you enough time to visit multiple schools, ask thoughtful questions and reflect on what you’re really looking for in a college experience.
The best time to visit a college is when classes are in session. You’ll get a more accurate feel for student life, class sizes and campus energy. Some key moments when visiting can be especially helpful:
- Before building your college list
- After receiving acceptance letters
- When deciding between final choices
Starting the process of visiting colleges early gives you time to return for another visit, especially if you’re applying to competitive programs or want to attend specialized events like open houses or major-specific visit days. If you’re already a senior, it’s not too late. Many schools, including TU, offer visits throughout the year, including fall, winter and spring.
What to Ask on a College Visit
Asking the right questions during a campus visit can help you make the most of your time and walk away with the information you need. Every college will highlight its strengths, but it’s your job to dig deeper and determine if those strengths align with your goals.
Here are some helpful questions to ask during your visit:
- What does a typical first-year schedule look like for my intended major?
- Are there clubs, athletics or student organizations that fit my interests?
- What is the student-to-faculty ratio, and how are classes typically structured?
- What types of scholarships and financial aid are available?
- What is the housing situation for first-year students?
- How easy is it to change majors if I discover a new interest?
- What opportunities exist for internships, research or study abroad?
- What academic support services are available to students?
- How are meals and dining services structured?
- What career services are offered, and how early can students start using them?
- What do students typically do in their free time?
Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions or speak with multiple people during your visit. The more conversations you have, the more confident you’ll feel about your decision.
What Does a College Visit Entail?
A typical college visit includes a campus tour and an admissions presentation, but it can also involve meeting with faculty, sitting in on a class or connecting with student organizations. At TU, we offer several types of visit experiences to fit your schedule and interests.
Individual Visits
Individual campus visits are a great starting point if you’re just beginning your college search or want a quieter, more personalized experience on campus. These visits at TU typically include a one-on-one meeting with an Admissions counselor, where you can ask questions about academics, scholarships, housing, student life and more. You’ll also take a guided campus tour and have the option to meet with faculty, coaches or TiffinArts representatives, depending on availability.
Open Houses
Open houses at TU offer a more structured visit day designed for prospective students and their families. These events typically include admissions and financial aid presentations, campus tours and opportunities to speak with faculty and current students.
Attending an open house is a great way to explore TU alongside other prospective students and get a broader feel for our academic offerings and student experience. These events are held several times throughout the year and are open to both first-year and transfer students.
Group Visits
Group visits are available for high schools, community organizations and other student groups that would like to explore campus together. These visits typically include a group admissions presentation, a campus tour and the option to request follow-up meetings with coaches, faculty or student services. If you’re an educator or group leader, you can submit a request form to schedule a visit for your students and receive additional planning support from our admissions team.
Experience Your Major Visits
Experience Your Major visits give prospective students the chance to explore their intended academic field in depth. These events include faculty-led presentations or demonstrations, a campus tour and optional sessions with admissions or financial aid staff.
Students can select from a variety of programs including business, criminal justice, psychology, education, exercise science, sports management and more.
TiffinArts Visit Days
TiffinArts Visit Days are designed for students interested in the arts, including band, dance, commercial music, visual media and more. During these events, you’ll tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet with faculty and students, and learn more about how TiffinArts integrates creativity with academic and professional preparation. Some events also include informal scholarship auditions, which are non-competitive and intended to help us get to know you and your interests.
Specialty Experience Events
TU also hosts a variety of specialty events throughout the year that are tied to unique academic and leadership programs. These full-day experiences allow you to explore specific areas such as innovation, criminal investigation, or transfer pathways, while connecting with like-minded students and faculty.
Events may include our Cold Case Fellowship Open House, Innovation Fellowship Open House, DragonNext Day and other themed visits. These experiences are an excellent way to learn more about TU’s specialized programs and engage with the community around your interests.
Visit TU
No matter where you are in your college search, visiting campus is a valuable step toward finding the right fit. At TU, we offer a wide range of visit options that let you explore campus on your terms. Additionally, visiting campus may also make you eligible for a one-time visit grant of $1,000 if you have not previously visited campus.
If you’re just getting started or are already comparing final choices, we’re here to help you make the most of your visit. To schedule your visit, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at visit@tiffin.edu or call us at 419.448.3423. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and helping you discover everything TU has to offer.