We're going to an incoming college student thing this weekend, what questions should we ask?

What courses are required? How is grading done? Are laptops used in the classroom for taking notes? How are roommates assigned and when will she hear who it is? Are there different optional meal plans or is everyone on the same plan? Are part time student jobs available (if this is something you care about)? What clubs are there on-campus?

Thanks @janbb. You may actually be more in tune here on this as she’s looking to major in History with eyes on a career as a librarian. Minor in English and/or literature, or any combination of those three. I never finished high school, didn’t need it, but she’s chasing dreams here. Hope it’s worth it in end end.

@Acrylic I know you’re thinking in practical terms and I get that but education that broadens your world and makes you a better critical thinker is important too. And I do think there will still be a place for librarians in the world to come! (I hope so.)

@janbb I want her to be a librarian, am encouraging it. I may not be educated in the formal sense, but am an avid reader and library supporter. She volunteers there on weekends. There will always be a need for libraries, she wants to eventually work in a maximum security prison helping inmates in their reform, those looking to be reformed, anyway.

What is their policy on carrying guns on campus?
This is a bill being passed in my state right now. They are going to allow concealed carry on all college campuses. I don’t think all college age kids are mature enough to carry weapons on campus. Can you imagine an immature kid getting a bad grade and shooting the professor? Or a bad break up and a kid going after the other kid? Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s okay to have a gun for protection. But this may be something that would concern you.

Ask about campus security and student escort services.
And, yes, librarians a basically information specialists. There will always be a need for those skills in libraries and elsewhere. I have former student who works for a military legal library. So many interesting ways to specialize.

Exciting! A little daunting too probably.

Incoming, so she is already accepted and going to be starting school?

When my dad first took me to visit Michigan State University, we walked through campus, and it was so beautiful. Later we went to eat at one of the local restaurants across from campus and he struck up a conversation with a waitress, it wasn’t very busy in the restaurant luckily. He asked her if there were bars to go dancing. LOL. He knew I loved to go out and dance. I was embarrassed he asked such a question, but it turned out while I was a student at State I went out dancing a lot at the bar she mentioned that day. My point is, finding out about fun things she likes to do can be part of your exploration of what is available on campus.

The school will tell her what is required for her studies. Hopefully, the school requires some electives not related to her major. I would encourage her to explore new subjects. My dad did this, and I wish I had listened more. Luckily, my school required some unrelated coursework, but I wish I had tried more classes in more majors, I might have changed majors or double majored. In a smaller school there might be less opportunity, I don’t know how small the school is that she will be attending.

She should come ready to listen and take notes. I would assume the school will be providing a lot of information to help her get oriented.

Make sure she knows how to sign up for classes; when, how, where, etc. Popular classes might fill up fast. Let her know all new students are in the same boat and it’s common to feel a little lost. My mom stayed in town over night, I was out of state, so it wasn’t like she dropped me off and an hour later she was gone. I still felt uneasy though.

She might need to learn some lingo. Like the word syllabus is used in college, but I don’t think it is used in most K-12. She will be given a syllabus for each class with everything that will be required during the semester. She can get a head start on the reading if she wants to. She will need to show up the first day of class with all the text books required. If she hears terms she is unfamiliar with she can google or ask, but she should not feel bad or intimidated, most new students have a learning curve as they get adjusted to college life.

I think @janbb gave a great list in her first answer. Hopefully, the school tells you a lot of those things without having to ask. She maybe can get a job in the school library, but I would hold off assuming it is not necessary for her to make money right away. Plus, working in another place might be interesting to learn other skills too.

Protocol for a live shooting event.
Exits of all buildings you will spend time.
Who to call and how to report problems on campus and in school housing.

Most things you will find out in order to survive.