Your Free Printable College Visit Checklist

Planning a college visit soon? Whether you’re scoping out your dream school or just starting your search, visiting a campus is an exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experience. There’s so much to look at, and it’s easy to forget to check the little things that can make or break your college experience. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered.

I created a free printable College Visit Checklist to help you stay organized and make the most of your visit. It’s packed with everything you’ll want to notice, ask about, and remember—so you won’t get home thinking, “Wait, did that dorm even have a fridge?”

Join our Facebook group “Dorm Life On A Budget” to interact with other likeminded parents for support.

Why You Need a Checklist

College brochures and tours are great, but they can be a little… polished. When you’re actually on campus, you’ll get the real feel for what life is like there. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to miss important details like how far the dorms are from the dining hall or how many outlets are in the dorm room. That’s where this checklist comes in!

What’s Included?

This checklist covers everything you need to observe, ask, or think about while you’re exploring a campus. Here’s a sneak peek:

1. Dorm Room Must-Knows

• Is the bed lofted or adjustable?
• How many outlets are there, and are they conveniently located?
• Is there a fridge included, or will you need to bring one?

2. Bathrooms (Yes, It’s Important!)

• Are the bathrooms shared, suite-style, or private?
• How far are they from your room?
• What’s the shower situation—curtains, stalls, or open?

3. Campus Dining

• Are there options for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone with food allergies?
• How late do the dining halls stay open?
• Is there a nearby coffee shop or grab-and-go options?

4. Academic Spaces

• How close are the dorms to classrooms?
• What are the library hours?
• Are there plenty of study spaces, or will you need to fight for a seat?

And that’s just the beginning. The checklist also dives into safety, social spaces, transportation, hidden fees, and more!

Here is the checklist

How to Use This Checklist

Download the Free PDF
1. Grab the checklist shown above.

2. Print It Out: Bring a physical copy with you or keep it on your phone for easy access.

3. Check Off as You Go: As you tour the campus, take notes and check off items on the list. Trust me, this will be a lifesaver when you’re comparing schools later!

4. Ask Questions: Don’t be shy—ask your tour guide or admissions rep anything that isn’t obvious.

Make the Most of Your Visits

College visits are a huge step toward finding the perfect fit for you. With this checklist in hand, you’ll leave each campus confident that you’ve covered all the bases—and with fewer “Wait, what was that place like again?” moments later.

Ready to start your college journey? Download the checklist now and get prepared to ace your visits like a pro. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d add to the list—I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Happy exploring!