Undergraduate Admissions
2305 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203-1727
615-322-2561 | 800-288-0432
admissions@vanderbilt.edu

VU HOME | HOME | VISITING | VISITING TIPS

The campus visit allows you the opportunity to seriously consider whether or not a college is a good fit for you. Here are a few ideas on how you can get the best look at where you might be spending the next few years:

• Visit a college while classes are in session to get the best idea of what the campus culture is like.
• Plan ahead when visiting during the busiest times (usually September, October, April, during Spring Break, and on national holidays) since many programs will fill up. Campuses will also be busy during their own special campus events, such as Family Weekend, Homecoming, or certain athletic events.
• If possible, get a sense of academics and student life. Stick around long enough to go to a game, a speaker, a concert, or an organizational meeting.
• If you are very interested in athletics but you won’t see those facilities on your tour, make plans to visit them on your own. Likewise, if you want to speak with a non– admissions professional (such as a coach or professor), make that appointment before you arrive.
• If you know any current students (from your high school, your hometown, or a family friend) at the college, contact them ahead of time to set up a time to chat.
• Note changes in time zones and climate when traveling far from home.
• Dress comfortably for a long walking tour, but dress appropriately (e.g., don’t wear clothing that advertises another university, and don’t dress too casually).
• Arrive at the admissions office with plenty of time to park, check in, use the restroom, and get to the program on time. If you are staying close to the campus the evening before the program, do a “dry run” so that you know where you are going in the morning.
• If you have time, check out the surroundings. At the very least, drive or walk the perimeter of the campus to get a sense for the nearby off-campus offerings.