Here’s how I make university visits more exciting for my children

It is a rite of passage for most high school students. Smack in the midst of their busiest university and social years, juniors and seniors spend a vacation and weekends on tour.

With my first child, we visited many schools from top to bottom of the east coast. Finally, we entered the groove and even learned to love these mini-adventures, but it was not always easy. Slowly, university campuses have started to mix. Travels also started to feel less in a vacation and more to a SLOG.

It was at this moment that I knew that I had to rethink these university visits and find ways to make them more fun. Here are some of my best advice.

Ask your child to make a video newspaper

It is so difficult to remember the nuances of each school when you go. To help, as soon as you leave, I recommend that your teenager shooting a quick video newspaper of their thoughts.

In the video, be sure to talk about what they liked, what they did not do and how the campus compares to some of the other schools on their list.

The campuses are blurring after being a few, so these videos will make sure you remember every detail.

Treat your university trips as mini holidays

Jump the boring marriott from the courtyard and stay in a fun place (budgetary in office, of course).

I recommend that you find a VRBO with a fresh convenience – like a whirlpool or a condo that allows dogs – and treats your university trip as honest holidays.

To give up so many weekends is worth it if your downtime is relaxing and fun.

Create a tour tradition

Give your family a funny task every turn, creating something like a tradition.

For example, we made sure to find the statue of the college mascot for each school and take a photo with it. It’s simple, fast and free.

It is also fun and makes nice social content for your adolescent.

Make lunch an event

Rather than sliding a tray in the campus cafeteria, use lunch to find out the university city. I recommend doing a little research in advance, then heading to the place where everyone in the city is dragging.

Discover the best sandwich or pizza with a view of the quad. Live like the inhabitants. Having food adventures while you visit is much more fun.

Let the children drive and have them

If they are adults, I recommend let your children take the wheel. It may not be fun for each child, but going from the steering wheel and the speakers of your high school gives them an overview of their upcoming autonomy.

Long stretching behind the steering wheel also mean that they are not looking at their phones – and this could lead to a great conversation (rare!), Especially since they tell you about what they have made up for your listening pleasure.

Bonding on rainy days

If your child is about to visit one of his best colleges and the rain is in forecasts, reprogrammed. Seriously.

It may seem dramatic, but you only have a few hours per campus, so everything you meet during this tour will leave an impression. The guide, students you see and weather can all affect your school understanding.

Give the highest school on your list the best chances of succeeding by visiting the sun. In addition, everyone will be much better.