How important is my first emotional reaction to a campus?
Your first emotional reaction is a useful clue about the campus atmosphere and whether you can imagine yourself there, but it should not be treated as decisive. Impressions can be affected by the weather, the circumstances of the visit, and your expectations. Compare the feeling with concrete information about the curriculum, classes, facilities, support, and commuting conditions, and, if possible, revisit or speak with current students.
Key points
- A first impression can help you consider how comfortable you might feel there.
- Check concrete factors such as what you will study, classes, facilities, student support, and commuting conditions.
- Revisit on another occasion or consult current students and multiple sources before deciding.
Things to check
- The relevant details and student experience vary by university, faculty, and program, so also verify them in official information.