Avoid the worst-case scenario. You know the one — where you’re halfway through your college tour, the sun is beating down, your shoes are blistering your feet, and your stomach is growling louder than your guide’s voice. You were too stressed to check the weather forecast that morning, and now you’re distracted, uncomfortable, and zoned out.
Before you know it, the rest of the hour passes in a flustered daze, and you don’t remember anything the guide has said. You end up asking a question that was just answered, and you can feel your cheeks flush. By the end of the day, you’re exhausted and unsure of what you even saw. This doesn’t feel like the beginning of your college dream… This feels like a stress-induced blur.
What went wrong?
You probably missed the prep stage — especially what to pack. Showing up to a college visit with the right mindset and materials can make the experience productive, memorable, and even (dare we say it?) enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting your college search or narrowing down your final choices, a little foresight goes a long way.
Thankfully, there’s still time for you. We can’t fix everything, but we can help make sure you’re better prepared. Below is your guide to what to bring, what to wear, and what to leave behind for your college visits — so you can walk towards your future with confidence and clarity.
Why college visits and college tours matter
College visits aren’t just a rite of passage. They’re one of the most powerful tools you have to evaluate campus culture, academic offerings, and student life firsthand — before you commit years of your life and thousands of dollars to the experience. Sure, brochures and online tours offer a glimpse (and are a solid option if you can’t travel), but nothing compares to asking your own questions and hearing unfiltered answers in real time.
Many schools even quietly track campus visits as a part of the demonstrated interest scale, which can subtly influence admissions decisions. Schools want to know that you’re genuinely interested in and considering them. Showing up in person if you can is a great start.
But the college visit isn’t just about impressing the admissions office. It’s also about you. Visiting gives you a chance to:
- Observe for yourself how students interact
- Sit in on classes or informational sessions and panels
- Ask meaningful questions
- Evaluate logistics like dorms, dining, transportation, and safety
- Test your gut reaction to the campus size, layout, location, and vibe
That said, to get the most out of this opportunity, you’ll want to come prepared with more than just your curiosity. Looking for a quick recap on how to succeed here? This counselor offers seven tips on how to make the most of your college visit experience, too:
Our advice:
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early, to find parking and avoid rushing to your meeting location.
- Plan to eat on campus at some point, so you can get a feel for your dining options.
- Ask a student (not just the tour guide) a few thoughtful questions — like their honest favorite/least favorite parts of the school.
College visit checklist: essentials you shouldn’t skip
What you bring can make or break your day. These essentials will absolutely make for a smoother and more productive tour.
Comfortable shoes:
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s wise to prioritize shoes that won’t cause blisters or foot pain. After all, many campuses span several acres, including steep hills or cobblestone streets. Wear shoes that are broken in, supportive, and weather-appropriate. This probably isn’t the time to test-drive new footwear or lean on fashion over function.
Note-taking materials:
Jot down notes about the campus, the tour, information from presentations, and questions you want to ask. When you have time, write down your impressions, things you liked, or standout moments.
Water bottle:
Staying hydrated — especially if you’re visiting in warmer weather or during long tours — is important. Not all buildings have accessible fountains, and some schools limit food and drink access to specific areas.
Small bag:
You’ll need something portable to carry your notebook, water, snacks, brochures, and any materials you acquire during the visit. A lightweight bag is ideal; something big enough to hold essentials but small enough to carry comfortably for hours.
Phone/camera and charger:
Capture photos and videos to help you remember details about the campus and its surrounding environments, like dorms, academic buildings, or the student center. Remember to switch it on silent or vibrate before the tour, too, so you don’t accidentally disrupt the library!
Additional items to consider
If you have time, these optional items can upgrade your comfort, clarity, and overall visit experience.
Weather-appropriate clothing:
Be prepared for potential weather changes with a light jacket, layers, or an umbrella. Many tours happen rain or shine, so don’t get caught off guard.
Snacks:
Campus tours can be long. Pack some light but protein-packed snacks like granola bars or trail mix to keep your energy steady, especially if dining halls are closed or your schedule or budget are tight. For students with dietary restrictions, this is always a smart move.
Sun protection:
If visiting during a sunny time of year, bring sunglasses and sunscreen; maybe even a hat. It’s easy to forget sun exposure when you’re focused on absorbing information, but discomfort from sunburn can seriously derail your day.
Resume/transcripts (if applicable):
If you have scheduled interviews or are visiting during special admissions events, bring copies of your resume, transcripts, and test scores. Keep them in a folder so they don’t crumple. Even if they’re not required, having them shows organization and preparation.
List of questions:
Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask tour guides, professors, or admissions staff. Asking specific questions shows maturing and interest (and you’ll get better answers).
Check out our full guide on college tour tips and questions to ask here.
What NOT to bring on a college visit
Packing smart isn’t just about what to include; it’s also about what to leave at home. A few missteps can distract from your goals or cause unnecessary complications. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t bring it to the airport, don’t bring it to a college visit.
Weapons or sharp objects:
Different states, counties, and individual campuses have their own rules about what weapons are allowed. Some campuses follow strict no-weapons policies, even for pepper spray. Double-check local and school-specific regulations before you go. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution (leaving it at home) rather than create a scene, get barred from the tour, or risk your chance to make a good impression.
Controlled substances (especially without a prescription):
This hardly needs to be said, but it bears repeating: you’ll want to avoid disciplinary action, legal trouble, and misdemeanors before, during, and after the tour. As a high schooler (and a minor) that goes for controlled substances, and everything else. Represent your best self, and save the celebrations for after you receive your acceptance letter.
Inappropriate or offensive clothing:
Universities are meccas of free expression and unconventional thought. That said, they are also places of intellectual cooperation and harmony. First impressions matter. Clothing with graphic images, political slogans, or offensive language can undermine the mature image you want to project. Think carefully about what message (intended or not) your choice of clothing is sending.
Oversized or bulky luggage:
If you’re touring between stops or using public transportation, stick with a carry-on or duffel. If you pack more, you don’t need to bring everything you have when you go crisscrossing town. Rolling a large suitcase through academic buildings is disruptive — and exhausting. A small or medium-sized day bag should be more than sufficient for what you need.
Pets or young children with limited tolerance for long waits:
This is pretty self-explanatory. Consider leaving little ones and furry friends at home, and make sure your entire party is ready and willing to participate in all the activities you sign up for. You’ll be better able to focus without distractions.
You’ll also want to steer clear of these beginner mistakes leading up to your college visit:
- Not checking the weather.
- Not preparing questions.
- Spending the whole time trying to get a good selfie instead of paying attention to the information (you look great, promise).
Tips for touring multiple colleges
Visiting several schools in one trip? Smart strategy — but it requires a bit of extra planning.
Organize in advance:
Print out or save confirmations for each tour and info session. Going above and beyond? Build a digital folder or use a color-coded binder with one section per school.
Pack versatile clothing:
Rewear basics. Neutral shoes and weather-appropriate layers go further when you’re short on packing space. Keep comfort and cleanliness in mind.
Track your personal impressions:
After each visit, record a voice memo or jot a few notes immediately while your memory is fresh. Pressed for time? Try a quick rating system (like 1-5) for academics, dorms, vibe, and so on as a shortcut. Later, revisit these notes when comparing schools.
Build downtime into your schedule:
Back-to-back tours can be overwhelming. Pencil in time to rest, explore the town, or grab a meal and reflect. You’ll absorb more when you’re not rushing and can decompress between events.
Stay flexible:
Expect delays, weather changes, or unexpected closures. Having a backup plan and a good attitude will help you adapt.
Here’s one student’s approach to packing for a college visit and figuring out her next steps:
Ready to pack like a pro?
College visits are a unique chance to experience campus life, ask key questions, and evaluate your future in a hands-on way. But to make the most of that experience, preparation is everything.
With the right college visit checklist, you’ll be able to focus on what matters — getting a true sense of whether a school fits your goals, values, and lifestyle. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and maybe even a favorite. But don’t stress if every visit feels overwhelming; the goal isn’t to pick your school on the spot, but to gather impressions so you can make an informed decision later.
Want your application to pack a punch?
If you want expert help preparing for your next visit or planning your college list, Empowerly’s college counselors are here to guide you at every step. Book a free consultation today to turn your college visits into college victories.
