Beni Kawakita
BA in Psychology
MS.Ed - Higher Education Administration
Admissions Counselor/Western Illinois University

It is five degrees below zero and the wind is whipping by my stinging ears. I have another 10 minutes to walk to get to my 8am class on time. Since I live over a mile from campus and parking spots are scarce this time of day, I have to bring everything with me for the day and my backpack weighs about 30 pounds. Sure I like my school and it could be worse, but why didn’t I think of these things when I made my college decision? Would I have made the same choice?

I found myself in this very scenario while earning my bachelor’s degree. I thought I had considered all of the big things but I hadn’t really thought about day-to-day life on a campus. I had no idea that the cost of living in the town I went to college could be high and that I would have to live over a mile from campus just to afford rent for an apartment my junior year. I also hadn’t considered how much easier it would have been to stay in the residence halls an extra year. No utility bills to divide with my roommates, or meals to cook!

If you are currently involved in a college search you no doubt have certain criteria that your school needs to meet; maybe a certain major you want to study or particular sports team that you want to be involved with. Have you thought about the details of every day life at the campuses you are considering? Based on my personal college experience and working as a college admissions counselor, I enjoy sharing these thoughts with future students so that you might consider some of the “not so obvious things” in your college search.

Let me make it clear that I do not recommend that you eliminate an otherwise wonderful school because of a few minor things. No school can be absolutely perfect. I do truly believe your college experience is what you make of it. There are going to be excellent opportunities at any school and YOU need to take advantage of these opportunities to get the most of your time there.

There are some questions you may want to ask when you have your list narrowed down and you are making your final decision. If something is important to you don’t be afraid to ask about it or do your own research. Browsing the school’s website, reading the local newspapers and talking with current students can provide loads of information that may not listed in the college brochures.

Here are some ideas to get you started on your personal list:

Cost/Affordability

1. What are the other fees I can expect as a student? Printing fees, athletic center use, parking, student programming, health insurance and lab costs. Some fees may not included in the up-front cost.

2. How much does a parking sticker cost? Where are the parking garages and lots? What is the current cost of a parking tickets?

3. If I don’t have a car what kind of transportation is available and how much will it cost me to get home? Will this limit how often I can make the trip home?

4. What happens to my financial aid and/or scholarship after my freshman year?

5. Is a computer necessary? What is the availability and convenience of the computer labs?

6. Are their apartments and houses rent for? What is average cost for rent?

Community and Cultural Life

1. How do the local residents feel about the college students? Is it a positive relationship?

2. How politically active are the students here?

3. How often do students actually leave campus to take advantage of the town?

4. Can I get around town without a car?

5. How active are the multicultural student groups on the campus?

6. Where will I get my hair cut, grocery shop, or clothes shop?

7. Is there a place of worship that I am comfortable with in this town?

Academic

1. Are there any special or unique requirements as part of your general education curriculum? If I barely got through a semester of Spanish and my school has a language requirement, I would want to know this.

2. What is the availability of courses? Could my graduation be delayed by not getting the classes I need? Am I guaranteed certain classes based on my major?

3. What is the process for registering for classes? Who gets first priority?

4. What options do I have for extra help if I am struggling in a class?

5. What are some quiet study spots on campus and off campus?

Please be easy on your admissions counselor if he/she does not have all answer to all off the top of her head (okay, maybe this is a personal plea). There may be some investigation required and she may need to get you in touch with others who can help with your questions. She will be thrilled that you are completing such a thorough search of the college she represents, because that means when you show up in the fall you will be happy and know just what to expect. You did your homework!