The best way to know a new school I think the best way to know a new school is to spend a weekend on the campus play field. Because there are many students in the play field during weekend, more than other places. I mean you can have more chances to watch them playing, observing their daily life, communicating with them and if you are lucky enough you can have a dinner with them and know more about the school. For example, i used to go to the play field of Peking University in a weekend, and I came across with some students playing gymnastics. we had a great talk and I learned more about the courses and club activities of the school.