Tour Colleges from Home Virtually

Oct 29

Some families are still leery of touring campus during Covid times. Fortunately, there are a myriad of online choices literally at a student’s fingertips.

Many universities and colleges now offer thorough virtual tours, augmented with interactive information sessions and chats with admissions representatives or current students. It’s not like being there in person, but it is certainly useful in helping students familiarize themselves with institutions that might be able to visit.

And it’s so easy to do! Curious applicants merely log onto a school’s admissions page and follow the prompts to register for a campus tour, interview (this offering varies by college) or chat.

Virtual Options...

Look at the university’s admissions website to ascertain whether or not virtual tours are offered. Many, many do offer them!
Chat rooms are innovative ways that allow prospective students to communicate with current students and tour guides.
Utilize online “question boxes” or “contact boxes” on admissions websites to submit questions.

If you join a chat room…

Do your homework ahead of time and prepare a list of smart questions that are not found on the college website
Ask questions that pertain to an area study or activity about which you want to learn more
Do you have housing questions?
If you have questions about financial aid, contacting the Financial Aid office might be best instead of the Chat format

Follow the university or college social media postings

Look for social media accounts pertaining to specific majors, sports information - either team or club, or study abroad updates, for example.
How about student-led publications like newsletter or blogs?
Explore specific interests such as religious centers, counseling and health centers, career centers, and academic support offices
Online course catalogs offer detailed information regarding academic majors and minors
- Learn more about the requirements about specific majors and minors
- Read about specific professors and their research
- What electives are accepted in your field of study?
- Are there internships associated with your potential major?
Where will you live and eat?
- Review housing options for incoming students
- Different dormitory types are available at each university such as honors college, upperclassmen, and interest-specific housing
- Are freshmen required to live on campus? How about sophomores? Maybe living on campus is a requirement for all four years?
- Are dining choices included with housing options?
- Examine food options and locations - Cafeterias, cafes, snack shops
- Is there accommodation for special food requests or dietary restrictions?

It doesn't take much effort to “test drive” a college or university from the comfort of a computer and probing college websites makes students more savvy applicants.