Knowing which aspects of other student cooperatives make sense to the group is useful during the process of creating a collective vision and system of operations. Members can learn about student cooperatives via fellow organizers, road trips, and educational conferences. There may be a student co-op alumni in the group, who can provide valuable information but should not be relied upon as the only source of knowledge. Group road trips to student cooperatives are fun and provide an opportunity for members to get to know each other better. Most co-ops, in the spirit of the movement, are quite willing to house guests overnight, but plans should be made in advance.
Road trips provide a organizers with flavor for what others have done.