Campus Visit Tips
When you visit UMR, we want to make sure you get the most out of your time with us. Here are some campus visit suggestions from our Admissions Office:
- Think about which factors are important to you in choosing the right college. Some students want to be close to home, some want small classes, others want a college with a strong academic reputation, clinical or practicum affiliations, or strong community partnerships. Your decision should reflect what is most important to you.
- Ask about the admissions process, academic programs, tuition and other costs. Write your questions in a notebook and bring it with you to write down answers and your impressions.
- Plan ahead. Schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance so the Admissions Office can try to accommodate any special requests. Arrive on campus early. It’s better to be early than to feel rushed at the start of a busy campus visit schedule. Find the UMR campus using the on-line campus maps and directions.
- Explore the community. If you are not from the area, spend some time exploring the city where the college is located. While in Rochester, we recommend visiting the mall, dining at a downtown restaurant, exploring the skyways and subways that connect all of downtown, taking in a show at a comedy club or a performance at the Mayo Civic Center! You can also request a UMR Guest Pass to visit the Rochester Area Family Y.
Get the most out of your campus visit by asking questions.
Here are some suggestions:
- Is the surrounding community urban, suburban, or rural?
- How many students attend the university?
- Who teaches the classes? (Professors, Teaching assistants, or graduate students)
- What is the largest class a student could expect as a first-year or sophomore student?
- What education resources are available to the students? (Library, Writing Center, Career Counseling, Study Abroad Programs, etc.)
- How often is faculty available to students?
- Does the college offer scholarships? What is the scholarship application process?
- Does the campus require participation in a meal plan? What restaurants or food options are available?
- Where is the central gathering place for students? Is there a student lounge?
- Is it easy to get around campus? Can first-year students have cars on campus?
- Where do students live?
- Is the campus wireless?
- Does the university offer a laptop program?
- What percentage of class time is spent in lecture versus activities and group projects?
- What clubs and organizations are offered on campus?
