The Importance of College Visits: Giving Our Students the Dream

After high school, while paying my dues to my country as a male Singapore citizen, I thought hard about my university education. My ideal college experience was not shaped by glossy brochures or official websites. It was inspired by the magical world of JK Rowling’s Hogwarts. I imagined myself walking through grand stone corridors, beneath towering spires, and into libraries filled with ancient books. I pictured myself huddled by a roaring fireplace, sipping hot chocolate as cold winds howled outside and snowflakes drifted past the windows, all the while studying for exams or racing to finish essays before midnight. That dream, steeped in mystery, adventure, and the promise of lifelong friendships, was my personal “Hogwarts”. It was to be a place where every corner of campus held the possibility of discovery and every day was a chance to learn something new.

As the founder of Ryse Education, I have come to realize that while dreams like these are essential, they must be anchored in reality for students to truly believe in their own potential. This is where college visits become so important. They are not just a practical step in the admissions process, but a powerful tool for inspiring and empowering students to dream bigger and aim higher.

College visits offer something that no brochure or website can fully capture: the chance to step onto a real campus, breathe in its atmosphere, and imagine yourself as part of its community. Each university has its own unique architecture, from the ancient, castle-like buildings of older institutions to the sleek, modern designs of newer campuses. Walking through these spaces, students get a sense of history, tradition, and possibility, be it the rich resources and grandeur of a university library, the lively energy of a student union, or the quiet corners of a campus quad where ideas are exchanged and friendships are formed.

Beyond the physical environment, college visits allow students to experience the heart of campus culture. They can see students debating in the classrooms, playing frisbee on the lawn, or lounging by the riverbank or lakefront on lazy summer afternoons. These moments are more than just snapshots of student life. They are invitations to join a community where academic and intellectual sparring is encouraged, where mastery of a subject is honed through collaboration and challenge, and where personal growth is as important as academic achievement.

Some students may be fortunate enough to be selected by their schools for overseas college experiential learning programs, where they get to visit renowned campuses and experience student life firsthand. For these students, the dream of attending a prestigious university becomes tangible and real. But for others, the hope of stepping onto a campus and feeling its energy may depend on enlightened parents who recognize the value of such experiences and are willing to support these aspirations whether by arranging independent visits or encouraging their child’s curiosity about higher education.

College visits also provide students with practical insights. They can talk to current students and faculty, ask questions about academic programs, and get a firsthand look at campus resources. These can range from state-of-the-art laboratories to cozy study nooks. These experiences help demystify the college experience, making it feel attainable and real for the student. For many students, especially those from families with little college-going tradition, a campus visit can be transformational. It’s not just about seeing where they might study; it’s about realizing that they belong there, that their dreams are valid, and that the world is full of opportunities waiting to be seized.

In the end, college visits are about more than just choosing a school. They are about giving students the permission to dream: to see themselves not just as visitors, but as future scholars, leaders, and changemakers. I believe that every student deserves the chance to step onto a campus, feel its energy, and imagine the possibilities. Because sometimes, all it takes is one visit to turn a dream into a plan, and a plan into a future.