Best Destinations for College Campus Visits

We understand and recognize that there is an uncertainty in the future of college life.  Students across the country are groomed to prepare for acceptance into the best colleges to suit their career endeavors. There can be countless factors to consider when selecting a college to attend, including location, size of the school, opportunity, and safety. Sometimes, university photos or virtual visits don’t satisfy the way an in-person tour does. Here are 3 of the best destinations to visit for a devoted college campus class trip!

• Boston, Massachusetts

• Washington, District of Columbia

• New York, New York 

Boston, Massachusetts 

We are a little biased considering GO is situated right outside the city but Boston has served as a pioneer of education since the 1600s. The first public school, Boston Latin School, was founded in 1635, and the first university, the prestigious Harvard University, was founded a year later. Boston has one of the largest college student populations in the nation and for good reason! There are so many colleges situated very close to one another; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tufts University, Boston University, Boston College, Berklee College of Music, Emerson Colleges, and so many more. 

Boston is a great commuter hub, too. The northeastern states are pretty small in relation to the rest of the country. This allows for easier commutes to neighboring states, such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and other areas listed in this blog! Whether you seek access to out-of-state internships or convenient return trips home for the holidays, this ranks as a major benefit. 

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington D.C. is often coined in relation to the term “DC-metro area”, meaning a certain mile radius of Maryland and Virginia territory, from D.C. The city itself is a little less than 600 square miles, so it’s not unusual for employees and students to commute in and out of the city from outside of Washington D.C. 

There are quite a few colleges to visit in the D.C.-metro area. They are all highly accredited institutions with tremendous exposure and opportunity, especially if interested in governmental, international or political affairs. Choose from George Washington University, American University, Georgetown University, or universities in Maryland or Virginia, such as John Hopkins University or George Mason University.. Class trips to Washington D.C. are relatively affordable, too, as many of the activities to do in the city after a day of campus visits are free. 

New York, New York

Are we surprised that New York made the list? The Big Apple is the epicenter of everything, it seems. We emphasize the importance of those interested in attending a university in the city to visit beforehand. It can be sensationally overwhelming with how busy and chaotic the city can be, but there are a number of renowned institutions scattered all around the city. Campus visits right in your home state are great for New York schools interested in a budget-friendly trip, which can include from SUNY schools upstate, too!

Attending college in a city differs from attending college in a rural or suburban region. It forces your student to mature quicker, and become more independent. They are better able to adapt to transformative lifestyle decisions and changes. It can also make internship and job opportunities more plentiful and accessible when the student is already situated in the center of it all. Student life on campus can be more engaging and inviting on a larger campus. A traditional campus environment with a solidified property may be more comforting for those worried about safety. Would it be beneficial for your students to apply to a private or public university?

There is a lot to consider when guiding your students through campus visits. There is no doubt that the college planning process can be stressful. Sometimes, students are unsure of how to narrow down their top schools. Some don’t know what to look for in a dream school. Class trips designated for college campus visits make college a little more accessible for all. It provides a tangible experience for students to resonate with. A good place to start is with an area of the country that offers a variety of different types of schools. We can help plan the rest!

By: Sarah Hessasta, Travel Specialist