For rising juniors, college is closer than expected. For rising seniors, it’s practically waiting to jump out from behind the corner, either waiting to frighten or excite its future minions. Regardless, it is always helpful to get a head start on planning for college. There’s more to this winding path than merely choosing a college to plan a visit. Location, tuition, housing, textbooks, courses, and projected majors are only a handful of tasks involved in the hefty world of college. Worry not, ‘Noles, for bracing this expedition is not as difficult as it seems, so long as the proper methods are utilized in the process. Take a deep breath, and use as many tips as humanly possible.

Road trip!
Colleges in this country come in all shapes and sizes, so why not visit multiple campuses via automobile? Road trips are convenient voyages for accomplishing large tasks, including visiting colleges. Travel plans along the road are also lenient and tailored to the college-bound adventurer’s liking. Always remember to have a map and a game plan for the visits, and drive responsibly with appropriate supervision. Don’t fret if every single campus wasn’t visited; as long as efficiency is present, the decision making process will become much easier.

Mom knows best
As surprising as this may seem, parents can be very helpful with making important decisions, including those pertaining to college. They aren’t always pestilent adults that nag teenagers about curfew or homework. In times of need, they become superheroes to save the day. When visiting a college, bringing an adult along can be beneficial. Parents know their way around the ropes and always have the futures of their children in mind. They can tell what interests their kids’ educational styles and provide plenty of support during this process. Remember that they were also students once upon a time, so they won’t add any unnecessary pressure or stress. An anonymous senior says, “My parents are helpful in helping me make decisions about college, so I like to include them in my choices.”

Two is better than one
If parental direction doesn’t sound like a cup of tea, a close friend or family member can compensate for that. Responsible best friends, siblings, or cousins can help assist college visits. Much like parents, they provide constructive criticism on the colleges of choice, and they help choose the best path to take.

Know what’s best
Visiting every single college in the continental U.S. isn’t necessary for one who chooses to remain mentally stable. John Li, a junior, advises that “While visiting colleges it’s a good idea to have an open mind, to accept a variety of different things.” It’s important to know which college has the appropriate academic studies and leisure activities that are desired. Create a specific criterion that includes location, majors of interest, personal tuition range, and the cost of living for any college of choice. This will help eliminate any stray options that don’t fit this particular standard, and will lead to a decision much quicker.

Breathe in, breathe out
Above all, it is important to keep calm and relax. Visiting colleges can be absolutely maddening, not only because it is a thorough process, but because it symbolizes the movement into adulthood. Stressing out is not a requirement in the college decision process. Fun is very much allowed when visiting campuses and making these important decisions. Vanessa Lopez, a senior, says, “You know which college is right for you if when you walk on campus you feel at home, because it will become your home.” Make the experience as comforting as possible, so that the future college years will be tolerable and, most importantly, memorable.