The college you’re considering offers your major, a variety of extracurricular activities and the ideal social mix. You’ve done your research and checked out the school’s location, class size, teacher/student ratio and dozens of other factors. You’re ready to accept their offer to attend.
However, before you mail the deposit, make sure you ask some questions that are frequently overlooked in the decision-making process.
1. Is the office of residential life accessible to students? Can students switch if they get a terrible roommate, and how long does that process take?
You’re going to eat, hang out and study in your room. It needs to be a place where you feel comfortable. If you face tension or arguments in your room, it may cause your grades and social life to suffer.
2. Does the school provide student escorts to accompany students walking home late at night?
You may occasionally have evening classes or study sessions. Make sure the college or university offers some way for students to get home safely after a long night at the library. If not, the school might not have other security measures that ensure students’ safety and welfare.
3. What is the average increase in tuition, and when are tuition increases next expected?
By asking this, you can plan your finances appropriately and not be hit by unexpected tuition hikes.
4. What are the hours at the student health clinic? What about 24-hour emergency care? What does the college’s health insurance cover, and are pre-existing conditions included in the coverage?
Get these answers before your parents take you off their insurance.
5. How does the college handle leaves of absence?
If you should need personal time off for a week, month or semester, will you be penalized academically for the time missed? Will you be able to obtain a tuition refund if you’re gone for longer than a term?
6. Can you pick your academic advisor? How do current students feel about the advising system?
Students often change majors several times. A good advisor can help a student plan their classes, make career-planning decisions and graduate on time.
7. Does the school offer storage facilities? How much does it cost?
If you accumulate a lot of furniture, books and personal items, it's a big hassle to transport it all home, only to haul it back in the fall. Ask your college if they have secure storage facilities for use during the summer or winter months.
8. What is the crime rate on campus?
The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 requires all colleges and universities to produce an annual report of their safety and security procedures, as well as statistics relating to criminal offenses reported to the police. Request a copy and read it.
9. What is a school’s policy on dorm room wear and tear? Are you responsible for compensating the school?
A lot of things in a dorm room can break - chairs, desks, dressers, etc. And don’t forget about the walls and floor - holes from hanging pictures, coffee stains and scuff marks. If damage occurs - and it will - what expenses are you responsible for?
10. What kind of food does the cafeteria offer? What are the options when the cafeteria is closed?
At home, available food might be something you take for granted. However, it can become an issue when you’re living at college. Will the cafeteria fit your dietary needs? How late does it stay open? Get the answers so you can budget for food outside your meal plan.
Choosing a college is an important decision. It’s where you will spend four years of your life and it can set the foundation for post-graduate success. Make an informed decision that will lead to an enjoyable, fulfilling college experience.
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