Visit the college websites first for information on campus tours. Some colleges have virtual tours available. Take along a tape recorder or a note pad to jot down impressions of the school. Check to see if the library has open or closed stacks. Open stack allows you to browse.
Bulletin boards say a lot about campus life and the tone of the school.
People watching can be fun. Walk in groups or alone. Try to be realistic, they won t be palatial, but they should be pleasant. Try to eat a meal in a college-dining hall. It s a great place to talk to students also.