If you’re thinking about attending college, visiting campus is a great way to envision where you could be. Whether it’s touring labs and facilities, meeting professors or talking to current students, visiting campus gives you the chance to see what your future on campus could look like!

With Johnson & Wales University’s guided tours hosted by current students or other visit events such as Open House, you’ll learn more about the campus and envision what it could be like for you to attend college in either Providence, Rhode Island or Charlotte, North Carolina.

Below are just a few reasons why visiting campus is a good idea!

You can get a sense if this is the place you would want to be

Deciding where you’re going to attend college is an exciting time, but it could feel stressful. Finding the right campus that fulfills your academic and social needs while becoming a home away from home could be overwhelming.

That’s why visiting campus can help make your decision easier. Not only can it put your mind at ease, but it can also reassure your loved ones who care about you deeply.

At JWU, tour guides walk you through the resident hall you would be living in, the places you’ll grab food on campus (such as at the dining halls on the campuses) and the spaces you’ll spend your time in.

Seeing where you’ll take your classes, hang out with new friends and explore the residence hall you’ll be living in can give you a better sense of what your day-to-day life could look like and whether this is the place for you. It can also help replace some of that anxiety with excitement as you look forward to the memories and experiences you’ll have along the way.

You can talk to current students and professors

Visiting campus also gives you the opportunity to meet the people who could become a part of your college experience. Meeting professors in your intended major can give you insight into their teaching styles, what you’ll learn and what you can expect from your classes.

JWU focuses on smaller class sizes, averaging 21 students, allowing you to build closer relationships with your professors. Meeting these professors beforehand can give you the opportunity to start building that relationship and learn more about what you’ll be doing in their classes.

You can also talk to current students and learn from their experiences as once-incoming students themselves. Current students typically lead tours when you visit JWU, giving you the perfect opportunity to ask questions in your group or one-on-one. Ask them how they navigated their first year, what they enjoy most about campus or any questions that may be on your mind, such as the best places to live, study or eat on campus!

You can explore the town and city you’ll be living in

Many college campuses are in fun, bustling areas with plenty of things to do and explore. This could mean trying new restaurants, visiting different museums or going to special events that only happen in that specific area.

Some campuses are in the heart of the city, giving you the opportunity to experience everything happening around you. Others are located near the ocean or in college towns with multiple activities to take part in.

JWU is the only university in Rhode Island with a campus in the heart of the capital city, along with another nearby campus where students can enjoy being close to the water. JWU’s Charlotte, N.C. location is directly inside Uptown Charlotte, providing an urban campus right in the city grid.

Both cities are in culinary hubs, are walkable to different events happening in the area and provide a real college-town feel.

Visiting campus lets you experience the area for yourself and get a better idea of where you may spend the next few years of your life.

You can learn more about your future major

Some students learn better through lecture-based classes and textbooks, whereas others learn through hands-on experience or maybe a mixture of both. Visiting campus gives you a more personalized understanding of the degree you’ll be studying and what your classes may look like.

With the wide variety of majors that JWU offers, visiting campus allows students to better understand what’s available, including the resources and classes offered on each campus.

Ask your tour guide and professors questions to learn more about your classes and even get an idea of the projects you’ll work on. You may also discover a program or area of study that interests you even more after getting to see it in person!

You can see what the social scene is like

It’s important to have people you can surround yourself with in a new environment who get you, especially in college. Whether you prefer staying in and watching movies on a Friday night or going out and hitting the town, visiting campus can give you a better idea of what the social scene is like.

You can learn what clubs are active on campus, where students go on the weekends to unwind and how people spend their free time.

JWU has a club for every interest on campus, ranging from the JWU Travelers and JWU Players to the JWU Dance Team. You can take part in the school’s plays, ski and snowboarding trips, specific culinary and baking labs, or even learn how to crochet with other students!

Beyond clubs, JWU offers planned bingo nights, movies on campus and crafting events throughout the semesters. If you’re looking for things to do off campus, there are plenty of places to visit, from planned trips to places such as New York City or Carowinds Amusement Park in N.C. to restaurants to explore with friends and events happening throughout Providence and Charlotte.

Visiting campus can help you picture yourself getting involved and start thinking about the clubs, activities and experiences you want to participate in, too!

You can get comfortable with your new home

Starting a new chapter at college, especially when you’re away from home, can be anxiety-producing for students. Being away from family, friends and the comforts you’re used to can bring a lot of new feelings.

That’s why visiting the place you’ll be living, whether with the ones you love or on your own, can help lessen some of those feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Being able to see yourself on campus, meet current students and get familiar with your surroundings can help you feel more excitement and confidence about this next step in your journey.

Having the chance to see the campus, just as many JWU students have done before, can give you a better idea of whether this is the place for you and help ease some of the uncertainty that comes with starting college.

You can get to know your home away from home

Visiting the college campus you’re thinking about attending can not only give you a sense of where you’ll spend your next few years but also give you the closure and excitement you need to feel confident as you begin your college journey.

Whether it’s talking to current students, seeing the buildings where you’ll take your classes or simply “getting a good vibe” when you step foot on campus, visiting gives you the opportunity to feel more prepared for this new experience.

Another final perk of visiting the JWU campuses is that JWU offers a Visit Grant for students who complete an official on campus visit experience (such as a guided tour, open house or career exploration event). This grant provides up to $5,000 annually to first-year undergraduate students who visit by December 1 of their senior year, and it can be renewed for your four years at JWU for a total of up to $20,000!

At JWU, we want students to feel ready to start their next chapter. We’re here to help with anything you need along the way. That’s why JWU offers a variety of tours and visit events, giving you the chance to explore campus and ask questions.

Your college journey is a big step, and we’re here to help make it an exciting one. Come visit us and see if JWU is the right place to prepare you for your next journey not only just in college, but also with what comes after that, too!

Author Ava Zajczenko ’27 is a Nonprofit Management major with a focus on food insecurity and works as a student assistant at JWU, contributing to JWU News.