Most prospective students apply for admission at a number of different universities. This can be a stressful process, but the pressures do not end with an acceptance letter. It is not unusual to be accepted to several universities; this requires a decision as to which one best serves your goals, needs, and desires. Evaluating a university campus requires research into curriculum, living arrangements, location, social activities, and aesthetics.
The process of evaluating a university campus should not be undertaken with haste. There is no set criterion as to which university campus will be the best fit; the decision is highly personal. The perfect campus for one student might be completely inappropriate for another.
Your initial step in evaluating a university campus begins with a firsthand look. Take a trip, walk the campus grounds, and stroll through the buildings. Talk to professors, advisors, admissions personnel, and other students. Some aspects of the decision are based on facts, statistics, and pragmatics, while others revolve around nothing more than a feeling. If a university campus strikes you as friendly, familiar, and attractive, your final decision will be simpler.
It is important to tour the city or town in which the university is located. Social events and cultural amenities play a large role in campus life. Some students seek the familiar, while others prefer something new and different. Look at apartments for rent, and ask for a tour of dormitories. Check with the local chamber of commerce to discover if the area offers activities you enjoy.
Research further into the university’s educational offerings if the campus and surrounding environs meet with your approval. Many students look at curriculum and nothing else, but this is not necessarily the best approach. A person’s focus and attitude are almost always affected by his surroundings. People work best in an environment that makes them happy. If you feel uncomfortable with a university campus, the chance exists that you might not be able to function at your utmost potential.
Do not make your final decision until you have personally inspected the campus of every university to which you have been accepted. Take some time, and weigh the pros and cons of each. The odds are good that no campus will provide everything you want, but one may stand out from the others. The knowledge you gain from your visits, research, and explorations will allow you to make your choice with a minimum of doubt or worry.
