There comes a time in NK when the buzz of the holidays begins, and so does the buzz of college talk among seniors. Even if you are not a senior, every student has always been asked the dreaded college questions when relatives come to visit for the holidays. “Where are you applying? Have you toured schools? In-state or out-of-state? Your cousin loved this school!”

To help reduce the stress of choosing the right school, many students tour or stay overnight at a school. This can help students get a better understanding of where they might be staying for the next four years. “The tour guides are trained to assist interested future freshmen (and their parents) with any questions/concerns that they have regarding the college,” said Mrs. Cindy Normand, guidance department chair. “This is their job and they know what they are talking about. Don’t hold back; there is no such thing as dumb questions!”

Academics play the biggest role in a college decision, but many factors can interest in a student, including location, food options, student life, Greek life, weather, clubs and activities, and cost of living.

I recently stayed overnight at school with a host player to gain more knowledge about one of my top schools, Emerson College. Located right in the middle of Boston, I noted the difference between an inner city school feeling versus a more suburban one that I had recently toured. Being in the middle of Boston, the college students there told me there was an endless amount of things to do, which added excitement to the school. Popular tourist destinations were just a walk or short subway ride away, and students could go see a Red Sox game or concert whenever they wanted.

The downside I personally saw was the lack of a campus feel, since the school was in the middle of city. I noticed a big change in my opinion of the school, because after staying there, I realized I wanted a school with more outdoor activities and nature. Therefore, I concluded that a college with an urban campus probably was not right for me. Spending the night at a school gave me an experience of actually attending that school.

For some students, such as seniors McKenna Horner and Kaya Horlbogen, touring a school can make the difference between applying or not.

Horner stayed at Syracuse University overnight with her older sister, and it helped her in deciding to apply. “Since I went during the school year when all of the students were there, I felt like I had a much better understanding of what the student life is like there,” said Horner. “I ended up really liking Syracuse more after staying there because all of the students were friendly and I liked the upbeat campus atmosphere.”

On the other hand, Horlbogen toured one of her top schools and found that her opinion of that school changed negatively after she visited it. “I toured a school in Boston and I found out I did not like schools in the middle of big cities because I feel anxious,” said Horlbogen. “Also I felt the campus atmosphere to be snobby and did not like the large size.” Horlbogen then toured more colleges, and found she liked ones she originally did not think she would like until she toured them.

With the number of opportunities colleges offer, incoming students don’t need to travel far to get a feel of the life at colleges. North Kingstown offers students the opportunity of attending a college visit every month, with representatives from different schools presenting specific information about the college. Students with college questions can ask any of the guidance counselors or schedule a tour with a college of interest.