Colleges are located in all kinds of towns and cities, from very small to very large. It's important to understand what type of town the college is located in. Until you see it, you can't decide what town works best for you. As well, it's important to check out the nearby stores, restaurants, hangouts, parks and other places. Consider what traffic is like, how people travel around, if the town feels safe and what other things are located in the town that could benefit you.
A college visit lets you meet students and other people living in the town. These are people you could potentially be spending several years with, so it's valuable to decide whether this is your type of crowd. Is it a friendly crowd or are people mostly antisocial? Does the college have a party atmosphere or does it more heavily favor academics? Understanding the culture ensures you find a college you fit best in.
You'll spend a lot of time watching professors lecture, taking their tests and meeting with them in their offices, so it's important to find a college that has professors you like. Also, if you have particular academic goals in mind already, visiting with professors can help you learn whether this college has the type of professors that could help you best succeed in your area of interest.
As you tour buildings around the college campus, check out the facilities and what they have to offer. After all, if you attend the college you will be spending a lot of time in these buildings. Check out the dorms and see if they're in good shape and would be a pleasant place to live. Look at the classrooms. See whether the desks are splintered and falling apart or if the classrooms are full of state-of-the-art furniture and media options. See what dining options, libraries and recreation centers are available. These things factor into how enjoyable your education and living experience would be at the college.
College campuses often have a variety of activities going on, such as additional lectures, sororities and fraternities, concerts, sporting events, parties and political rallies. These things add to the college experience, and while you can read about them on the college's website or in a brochure, you can't truly understand them without seeing them take place. Though you might not be able to see some activities if you're not a student at the college or a member of the organization, you can likely talk to someone affiliated with the organization.