Top Three Tips for Exploring a College Town

Hi everyone, it’s Victoria, and today I wanted to talk about something dominating my life right now - college. Within the next few months, I will start applying to different universities, but before application season begins, I’ve been trying to tour as many different state universities as I can so I can narrow down my options. Besides the campuses themselves, you should also get a feel for the surrounding area and city the college is located in, and today I wanted to write about my top tips for exploring a city in between college tours to incorporate a little bit of fun and travel into something that can seem overwhelming.

1. Google search popular attractions near the campus

Always do a quick Google search of the city the college is in to get a general idea of what to expect, and if there’s a memorable attraction, like a theme park or a beach, see if it is possible take a trip over there to make a memorable impression of what is offered in that town and if it seems attractive to you. Even if it is something as simple as going on a mural/street art tour, you’ll be able to get a better feel and understanding for the city.

2. Find the city’s downtown or popular neighbourhoods

Every city has a different atmosphere, and the downtown area is usually where everything is happening. Wander around and take in the atmosphere: is it an older crowd or are the streets filled with other college students? See what kind of people are walking the streets, and where they’re hanging out and if there seems to be a crowd of people at a certain restaurant, see if you can slip in for a quick bite to eat.

3. Drive around the perimeter of the campus

It sounds weird, but you’ll get to see the area surrounding campus and what is available within walking distance if need be. Make note of grocery stores, gas stations, and other important places that you’ll most likely need to visit during your time living there. Driving around the campus will also give you a feel for the neighbourhood it is in, and if it is a place you can see yourself living. See if there are any interesting restaurants nearby or unique places that’ll be an interesting place to venture into one day.

I hope these quick tips give you peace of mind when tackling on the daunting task of visiting colleges, and to remind you that you should take into consideration both the campus and the city it is in, as you will be spending a few years living there.