On-campus interviews provide a good opportunity to view the campus. While you're there, be sure to take a campus tour. Most schools feature regularly scheduled tours organized by their admissions offices. Some schools also have overnight programs in which you can stay with a freshman. This is a great way to get a feel for the school by observing campus life first hand. Don't let a campus tour be your only view of the campus, though. Walk around on your own and explore, especially places that the tour didn't go.
Look around a variety of dorms. Walk through the libraries. See if you can arrange to eat in one of the dining halls. Observe the students -- are they doing what you'd want to be doing? Talk to students and hang out at the student union, if there is one. Look at flyers and notices to get an idea of what activities are going on at the campus. Read the school newspaper and a local newspaper to get more information about what sorts of things are happening and important in the community. In short, try to get a feel for what stores and services are readily available.
The more you do and ask on your campus visit, the more accurate an impression you'll get. Remember, though, that the campus might not always have the same feel it did when you visited, especially if you are there during a special time, e.g., spring weekend, Octoberfest, parents' weekend, the one week of good weather...
