October 25, 2024

Choosing the right college is one of the most significant decisions you will make, and a campus tour can help bring that choice into focus. Each American college has its own unique vibe, academic focus, and community atmosphere. Since you will spend four years in college, it is crucial to make sure the environment is a good fit for you. A campus visit allows you to experience the campus culture, see the facilities, and explore the surrounding area firsthand. Whether you are visiting in person, taking a virtual tour, or watching online video clips, experiencing the campus helps you make an informed decision and feel confident in your choice.

An in-person campus tour is one of the best ways to get a feel for a college. Many schools offer daily tours led by current students ('tour guides'), allowing you to see key areas such as academic buildings, dormitories, student centers, libraries, and athletic facilities. These tours allow you to experience the campus atmosphere, interact with students, and observe daily life.

However, it is essential to plan ahead. In-person tours can book up quickly, especially during busy times of the year. If you plan to visit multiple nearby schools in a short period, coordinating tours into a "college tour" can save time, but you need to schedule well in advance.

In addition to the general tour, consider contacting specific departments or admissions officers to arrange meetings with faculty or attend informational sessions about programs you're interested in.

Not everyone can visit a campus in person, whether due to geographic, financial, or time constraints. Fortunately, many colleges now offer virtual tours on their websites, providing an alternative for those who can't make the trip. These virtual experiences often include 360-degree views of key campus areas and narrated videos to give you a comprehensive feel for the school.

YouTube and other online platforms can also be a great resource. Many current students upload video tours or vlogs about their campus life, providing an unfiltered look at what it is like to attend the school. However, remember that these unofficial videos reflect only one student's perspective and may not capture everyone's experience. In contrast, official campus tours often aim to market the school in the best light, so it is best to consider both perspectives.

When touring a campus, whether in-person or virtually, it is a great opportunity to ask questions. Here are some ideas:

Academics

• What are the most popular majors? 

• What support systems are available for academic advising? 

• How easy is it to switch majors?

• What is your favorite class?

• How approachable are the professors?

• Do professors or teaching assistants teach the classes?

Student Life

• What clubs, activities, and events are offered? 

• Is there a strong sense of community on campus? 

• Do students stay on campus during the weekend, or do many students commute?

Housing

• Where do most students live? 

• How are roommates selected? 

• What is the quality of dorm life? 

• Is housing guaranteed? If so, for how many years?

• How many students share a room?

Dining

• What are the food options on campus? 

• Are there meal plans, and can students accommodate specific dietary needs?

Safety

• What are the security measures on campus? 

• How safe is the surrounding neighborhood?

Transportation

• Is public transportation readily available? 

• How close is the nearest airport for trips back home or visits?

Many students tour campuses before they apply to help narrow down their choices, while others wait until after they have been admitted to make their final decision. Both approaches have advantages.

A pre-application tour allows you to compare various colleges and see which ones fit best. Visiting multiple campuses can help you refine your college list and get a sense of the general campus culture at different types of schools (large vs. small, urban vs. rural, etc.).

On the other hand, admitted student days are an opportunity to experience the school as a potential future student. These events often include specialized tours, faculty interactions, and opportunities to meet current students and future classmates. By this point, you are no longer comparing options — you want to find out whether you can see yourself spending four years at that particular school.

As mentioned earlier, in-person tours can fill up quickly, so book them well in advance, especially if you are scheduling multiple visits as part of a larger college tour. Make sure you know how much time to allocate for each visit, and plan your travel and accommodations accordingly. Plan for some downtime to simply hang out on campus, relax, and observe other students in their daily routines.

It is also helpful to make the most of virtual tours and online resources in your early stages of research, even if you are planning to visit the campus later. This will help you prioritize which schools to see in person and which ones you can cross off your list.

Whether attending an in-person tour, relying on a virtual tour, or simply watching student-made videos on YouTube, familiarizing yourself with the different college campuses is a valuable part of the college decision process. Campus visits help you assess the academic environment, the campus culture, and the overall experience each school offers. Remember, you are choosing not just a place to study but a place to live and grow for the next four years — so make sure it is the right fit for you.

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