Help your student navigate choosing a college with tips for campus tours and questions to ask as you explore options around the state.

1. The Bill

This is going to vary from student to student depending on course load, financial aid, meal plans, etc., but there are prices for your review. Can your student afford a four-year degree at this school? Is living on campus in your budget? What does it cost to go Greek? These are the first and most important things to figure out.

While you’re scoping out the bill, be sure to nail down where you’ll need to go to pay it.

2. Your Student's New Daily

Locate the places your student will use every single day. They need to actually feel comfortable there, as they’ll spend a lot of time in these facilities over the next two, four or more years.

Look at classrooms and resources in department buildings for whatever major they're considering, the library, the student union, dining halls and computer labs.

What do you think of these key spots?

3. The Dorms

Get ready for a reality check. Dorm rooms are tiny.

During the obligatory residence hall tour and model dorm sneak peek, take note of the items that utilize the space best or that you think your student will need. Most schools have premium accommodations and suite-style dorms available, too (although housing options are often restricted freshman year).

Ask for info on all the options, including Greek housing.

Next tip: Take a Sneak Peek at Real Arkansas College Dorm Rooms!

4. The Amenities

Part of what makes college special are the many free amenities schools provide to their students. Ask to see the health center (where students can generally go for free if they’re sick),the gym, the career services center, the intramural fields, any arts venues, etc.

Your tour guide is likely a current student, so ask them about the amenities they love and use most.

5. The Town

Remember that your student won’t just be living at the college choose; they’ll be living in the city in which the college resides. So check out the town! Whether you’re looking for a big-city feel, proximity to nature or something in between, there’s a place for everyone in Arkansas.

Consider an overnight trip instead of just driving up for a tour in order to have more time to experience the surrounding community.

10 Questions to Have Ready for Your Campus Guide

1. What percentage of students live on campus?

2. What did you do to find your place and make friends on campus?

This article was originally published in Arkansas Next: A Guide to Life After High School.

3. What percentage of the student body belongs to a sorority or fraternity?

4. How can students get involved in campus organizations?

5. Do students need to have a car to get around?

6. What’s there to do on the weekends?

7. What percentage of graduates find a job quickly?

8. What technology is available to students?

9. What type of career services do you have?

10. Why did you choose to attend this college?