Congratulations on being admitted to college! The dreadful wait for decision letters to come in the mail is over. Now, the ball is in your court and you get to decide what college you will attend from the list of colleges that accepted you.

One of the ways that colleges will try to get you to choose them is by putting on an impressive admitted student event. The whole reason the event exists is to impress you in the hope you’ll choose them. So, be prepared to see the college at its best. There will be fun events, great speakers and the food will probably be amazing! The college will not always look like this, but it still gives you great insight into what it will be like if you were a student there.

If the admitted student event is the first time stepping on the campus, take a campus tour. The Admissions Office will offer campus tours guided by current students.

Once you’ve toured the campus, take advantage of everything the event offers.

• Information Sessions – departments on campus, such as career services, housing, health services, etc. will share what they have to offer students. If you plan on taking advantages of any of these things, go to the sessions.
• Learn about Academic Departments – Many professors will be available to discuss the departments and your questions. You’ll probably also have the opportunity to talk to current students in the departments. Talk to the students to find out how they like the classes and professors and learn about the opportunities they have received by studying the major at the university.
• Club Fair – getting involved outside of the classroom is part of the college experience. The club fair is the perfect opportunity to start connecting with current students before you start school in the fall.
• Meet with Departments – if you have questions about financial aid, paying for what financial aid does not cover, student employment, the offices will be open to answer your questions. Because many students will have questions, make an appointment when you arrive on campus, or before you arrive on campus, to ensure you get face time with the departments you need to talk to.
• Have fun – besides all of the official business, there will be fun events such as scavenger hunts, concerts, comedy shows, and/or talent shows. Have fun; you deserve it! These events will also help you connect with other students that are trying to decide if they will be attending in the fall.

Mostly importantly, talk to the current and incoming students. They are your future classmates. You might even meet your future roommate. Meeting students and making a connection at the admitted student event will make attending the school in the fall so much easier. Instead of arriving on campus in the fall and not knowing anyone, you’ll already have friends! Stay in touch after the admitted student event – exchange phone numbers, emails, add each other on social media.

Lastly, have fun on campus! And, pay attention to your feelings while you are on campus. Listen to your gut and the way you feel. If you have a good feeling about the school, then it might just be the place for you. But, if something is not feeling right, that’s okay! You only want to commit to a college you will feel good attending.