Make the Most of Your Summer College Visits

When we think of summertime we tend to think of beach trips, BBQs, concerts… why not add college visits to that list? That’s right, summer can be an excellent time to visit college campuses. The weather is more likely to be nice, you don’t have to worry about missing school or practice, and it can be easier for families to get time off to make the trip.

To make the most of summer college visits, here are some pro tips and considerations:

• Sure, regular classes may not be in session, but you will still interact with current students during your visit and there will be plenty to experience on campus. You will most likely have a campus tour with current students who will share their own experiences and provide examples of all the experiences of friends and classmates. It’s typical for there to be research programs, sports camps, summer camp sessions, and academic programming going on, so the campus should still be active. Because you will not be seeing the entire student body representation on campus, make sure you learn about not only diversity, but also efforts around inclusion and belonging. 
• Be sure to ask questions to get a true sense of the community. Arrive prepared with questions about typical campus and residence life such as:
  • What do students typically do on the weekends?
  • What is there to do on campus for fun?  What about near campus?
  • What are some events that were held this past year?
  • What percentage of students live on campus?
  • How would you describe the campus community?
• Take advantage of the surrounding area. During the summer, many families enjoy scheduling extra recreational time before or after visits. Research the local community and attractions near the campus. For example, RWU’s location in the beautiful coastal community of Bristol, RI offers you tons of great things to do!  For example:
  • Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes overlooking the water
  • Go for a walk, jog, or bike ride along the East Bay Bike Path
  • Tour the Blithewold Mansion Gardens and Arboretum
  • Explore Newport, Rhode Island (just 12 miles away)
  • Visit Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island (only 20 miles away)

We’d love to help you plan your visit to RWU and recommend some of our favorite ways to experience the area. Join us for an admission information session and campus tour, or our more robust BBQ by the Bay open house program this summer!

Schedule a visit