Visit FAQ
There’s no better way to picture yourself at Davenport than experiencing it for yourself. Whether you’re exploring colleges for the first time, narrowing down your choices or ready to take your next step, a visit gives you the opportunity to experience the Davenport community, connect with our team and get answers personalized to you. Explore some of our most frequently asked questions below, and start planning your Davenport experience.
Why should I visit Davenport?
A campus visit is about more than seeing where you could take classes. It’s your opportunity to experience what being a Panther could really look like.
Depending on your visit, you can explore campus, learn more about your academic interests, discover student resources and connect with the people who will support you throughout your Davenport journey. You don’t need to wait until you’ve applied or been admitted. Visiting earlier can help you determine whether Davenport feels like the right fit for you.
When should I visit Davenport?
Anytime! You don’t need to wait until you’ve applied or been accepted to start exploring Davenport. Visiting early in your college search can help you learn more about your options and determine what matters most to you. As you move closer to making your college decision, another visit can help you take a deeper look and get answers to more personalized questions.
What type of visit should I choose?
Davenport offers different ways to explore the university depending on where you are in your college journey.
A Campus Tour & Presentation is a great place to start if you want to experience campus and get an introduction to Davenport.
A one-on-one appointment with admissions provides a more personalized experience focused on your individual goals, academic interests and next steps.
Looking for an even bigger Davenport experience? Our signature events, including Open Houses, let you explore campus, connect with the Panther community and even experience the excitement of homecoming.
Can I bring family members or friends?
Yes! Family members and other supporters are welcome to join you. Choosing a college is an important decision, and bringing the people who are helping you through the process gives everyone an opportunity to experience Davenport and ask questions.
I’ve already visited Davenport with my school. Should I visit again?
Absolutely. A school or group visit can give you a great introduction to Davenport, but an individual visit with your family and friends provides an opportunity to explore the university through the lens of your college decision.
You can take a closer look at the areas that matter most to you, involve your family and supporters in the experience and ask questions specific to your goals.
What will I see on a campus tour?
Get ready to see Davenport in action. Your campus tour will take you inside the spaces, labs and where Panthers learn, connect and prepare for what’s next.
Based on your interests, you could explore business learning spaces, cutting-edge technology and computer labs, nursing and occupational therapy labs, and arts and sciences biology labs. You’ll also get a feel for life outside the classroom with stops at residence halls, the Student Activity Center, and spaces to study, connect with friends or simply recharge between classes.
Will I get to see the residence halls (dorms)?
Absolutely! Get a glimpse of what it’s like to live on campus and make Davenport home. Explore our residence halls, and picture your own space, your new community and all the moments that make college life memorable.
Will I see the Farmers Athletic Complex during my campus tour?
The Farmers Athletic Complex is not included as part of the standard admissions campus tour.
If you’re interested in Davenport Athletics or connecting with one of our athletic programs, explore our athletics landing page for additional information and opportunities to connect.
Can I meet with an athletic coach during my admissions visit?
Athletic recruiting and coach visits are coordinated separately from admissions visits. If you’re interested in becoming a Panther student-athlete, visit the Davenport athletics website to learn more about our teams and connect with the appropriate coach.
Why should I schedule a one-on-one appointment?
Because your college journey is personal — and your admissions experience should be too.
A one-on-one appointment gives you dedicated time with an admissions representative who can focus on what matters most to you. Depending on where you are in the process, your conversation may include:
- Your academic interests and program options
- Your admissions journey and next steps
- Scholarships and financial aid
- FAFSA information
- Campus life and student resources
- Questions from you or your family
It’s an opportunity to move beyond general information and start building a clearer picture of your path to Davenport.
Do I need to prepare questions before meeting with admissions?
Not at all.
Your admissions representative will guide the conversation, so you don’t need to arrive with a list of questions or know exactly what you want to discuss.
We’ll help you explore the information that matters based on where you are in your college journey. And if questions come up along the way, ask away — that’s what we’re here for.
I’m nervous about meeting one-on-one. What should I expect?
That’s OK. Meeting with an admissions representative isn’t an interview or a test. It’s a conversation designed to help you. Your admissions representative will lead the discussion, share helpful information and help you determine your next steps. You won’t be put on the spot or expected to have everything figured out.
Can I meet with admissions virtually?
Yes. Virtual appointments offer many of the same benefits as meeting in person. Your admissions representative can walk you through information, share websites and resources on screen and answer questions in real time.
And if you’re not comfortable turning your camera on, that’s OK. While video can help make the conversation more personal, you can still connect with your admissions representative and get the information you need.
What should I do before my campus visit?
You don’t need to do a lot of homework before visiting Davenport. Come ready to explore, experience campus and learn more about your options.
If there are things you already know you want to see or discuss — such as a particular academic program, residence halls, financial aid or student life — keep those in mind so you can make the most of your visit.
And remember: You don’t need to have all the questions prepared before you arrive. Sometimes the best questions come once you’re here.
What should I bring?
Bring anything that will help you feel comfortable and prepared for your visit. Comfortable walking shoes are always a good idea for a campus tour. If your visit includes a personalized meeting with admissions, your representative can let you know ahead of time if there is anything specific you should bring.
I’m traveling to Davenport from out of town. Where should I stay?
We’re excited to welcome you to Grand Rapids! If you’re traveling from outside the area, you can explore nearby hotel accommodations and make your campus visit part of a larger Grand Rapids experience. Need recommendations? Just ask your admissions representative or athletic coach.
What can my family and I do while we’re in Grand Rapids?
There’s plenty to explore beyond campus. From restaurants and shopping to entertainment, arts, outdoor recreation and more, Grand Rapids gives you another reason to make a trip out of your Davenport visit.
I’ve visited Davenport. What’s next?
Keep the momentum going! If you visited campus and are ready to take a deeper dive, schedule a one-on-one appointment with an admissions representative. It’s a great opportunity to talk about your academic interests, financial aid and scholarships, the application process and your personalized next steps.
Already met with admissions? Your representative can help you determine what comes next based on where you are in your Davenport journey.
Ready to experience Davenport?
Your college decision is a big one. Seeing Davenport for yourself can help make it feel a little easier. Come explore campus, meet the people who are ready to support you and picture what your future could look like as a Panther.
Your Davenport experience starts with a visit.