It’s university tour time! How to make the most of campus visits

University open days and campus tours are an exciting milestone for students and their families. After months of researching courses and narrowing down options, visiting a university in person can help bring those choices to life and give you and your teenager a clearer sense of where the next few years might be spent.

But while impressive facilities and vibrant campuses can make a strong impression, choosing the right university is about far more than atmosphere. Academic quality, career prospects and student support all play a crucial role in determining whether a course will set your teenager up for success.

Here, Becky Ward, education specialist at Tutor Doctor, shares key tips for parents on how to support their child during university visits – from asking the right questions to ensuring the final choice feels both exciting and reassuring.

Look beyond first impressions

It’s easy to be wowed on a campus tour – and that’s completely understandable. Universities are great at showing off their best bits, from shiny new buildings to buzzing social spaces.

That said, it’s worth gently encouraging your teenager to look past the surface. What will studying there actually look like day to day? Will they be able to access lecturers and other key staff? Do the teaching spaces feel like somewhere they could genuinely focus and learn?

A place can feel exciting and still not be the right academic fit – the goal is to find somewhere that offers both.

Ask detailed questions

When you’re visiting, it’s really helpful to keep bringing the focus back to the course itself. After all, that’s the reason why your child is going to university.

You don’t need to ask everything at once, but having a few important questions up your sleeve can make a big difference. A quick checklist of things you could ask includes:

·       What modules are compulsory and which ones can the students choose?

·       How is the course assessed – mostly exams or a mix of exams and coursework?

·       Does the course offer work placements or internships?

·       How often is the learning content updated?

·       What is the employability rate upon course completion?

If you get the chance, chatting to current students is often one of the most useful parts of the day – they’ll usually give you a much more honest feel for what the university is really like.

Think about long-term career prospects

It’s completely normal for parents to be thinking a few steps ahead. You want to feel confident that the degree your teenager chooses will open doors and lead to meaningful opportunities after they graduate.

While no course can guarantee a job, a university’s approach to employability can make a big difference. It’s a good idea to ask what graduates typically go on to do and how actively the university supports students getting there. Do they offer careers advice from the start or only towards the end of the course?

You might also want to explore links with employers. Are there opportunities for placements or internships? Do guest speakers or networking events feature as part of the course?

It’s also encouraging to know whether the university helps students with things like CV writing, interview preparation and job applications. Sometimes it’s these extra layers of support that make the biggest difference when it comes to taking the next step after university.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a course that interests your child but also helps them feel prepared and excited about what comes next.

Explore academic and wellbeing support

Starting university can be a big change, even for the most independent students. Knowing there’s support in place can be really comforting – for both of you.

It’s valuable to find out what’s available academically (like extra tutoring or study skills help), as well as what wellbeing support looks like. Sometimes just knowing there’s someone to turn to – whether for academic help or personal support – can make settling in much smoother.

Practical living factors

Alongside everything academic, don’t underestimate the importance of how it actually feels to live there. It’s where your child will be spending most of their time day to day, so that sense of comfort really matters.

You’ll probably find yourself naturally thinking about things like safety, accommodation and getting around – and that’s a good thing. These practical details often end up shaping the overall experience more than you might expect. A few practical things to keep an eye on:

·       Does the campus feel safe and well-supported?

·       What are the accommodation options like?

·       Is it easy to travel around and get home if needed?

·       Are there shops, cafes and things to do nearby?

·       Does the overall environment feel comfortable?

Some students love the energy of a city, while others prefer something quieter and more contained. There’s no right answer – it’s about what feels right for them.

A university tour goes beyond the campus itself – it’s an opportunity to walk the area, assess the level of support available and imagine what day-to-day life could look like.

By asking the right questions and looking beyond the surface, you can feel more confident that the final decision is the right one for the years ahead.