Maybe you're just starting to look at places where you'll spend the next four to five years. Colleges and universities may be showering you with offers to "come visit us!" But how important are these campus visits, and what should you do if you decide to take one? Here are some tips from the experts at Hobsons:

• Do them. You can only find out so much about a university from reading its publications or checking out its Web site. If you're interested in spending four (or more) years of your life somewhere, shouldn't you see it for yourself?
• Do the campus tour that the university provides and don't be afraid to ask questions-that is why tour leaders are there. If you have a question, you probably aren't the only one. Ask about anything-the tour leaders are usually students. Who would be better to ask about anything, from academics to campus life, than a student that already goes there?
• Get information from the printed materials all around campus. Pick up the brochures and financial aid forms that the school provides, which are usually in the admissions office. Business cards are also valuable tools-you'll have a real, live contact if you have questions about admissions or financial aid. Look around for student-produced material as well-such as newspapers, signs, and activity calendars. Bulletin boards are a great way to see the day-to-day energy of the campus-look for what kind of jobs are available, events coming soon, and concerts that could be hitting a town nearby.
• If you know someone at a college you are considering, take advantage of his or her insights. Have your friend give you a personal tour and possibly give you some "insider" information that the tour guide couldn't provide.
• Talk to the professors in your intended major if at all possible. Set up appointments during their office hours, and talk to them about major requirements, classes, and the campus in general. And when you're applying to the school, it's always good to have made an impression on the faculty.
• Go to the financial aid office. Calling them is great, but if you can sit down with a financial aid official, that is better. You can get more personal attention and feedback about your financial situation.
• You may wonder if there is a key time to visit a college. There really is no "perfect" time to visit- the best time is when you can relax and enjoy your trip. You may want to check with each college for hours of operation, tour schedules, interviews, and group sessions. Otherwise, visit when you are most comfortable.
• If at all possible, spend a night on a college campus and see what college life is truly like outside the campus tour. Go to a campus event, sleep in a dorm, and get a feel for campus life on a regular basis.
• If you go on multiple college visits, make a list of pros and cons for each school. The campus visits will likely "wow" you and you will be left to decide which college worked best for you. So when you're doing campus visits, think critically and analyze all the things you see and hear.