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15 Virtual College Campus Tours to Explore From Home

Tour Vanderbilt, Harvard, USC, and more!

Touring a college campus is an exciting rite of passage for many high school students as they explore their future stomping grounds. For a variety of reasons students and families might not be able to visit in person—but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out! Below, 15 of the many virtual college campus tours available online right now.

University of Southern California

Get a glimpse of USC’s beautiful campus and historic University Park with this video that showcases the school’s classic architecture, park-like grounds, museums, cafés, entertainment, and more.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Harvard University

Take a virtual tour of the oldest university in the United States. And even visit places you can’t even see during an in-person campus tour! Explore classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, and more.

Location: Cambridge, MA

This self-guided virtual tour of Penn State University Park gives students an insider’s view of classrooms, residence halls, athletic facilities, and much more. You’ll even learn about the school’s majors and vibrant student community along the way.

Location: State College, PA

College of William & Mary

The second-oldest school in the country invites you to a virtual engagement where you’ll learn about William & Mary’s academic programs, unique student research opportunities, study abroad programs, and supportive campus community of passionate students and faculty.

Location: Williamsburg, VA

Texas A&M

Get an up-close view of Texas A&M, the state’s first public institution of higher learning. This research-intensive flagship university is committed to sending leaders out into the world prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

Location: College Station, TX

University of Miami

The University of Miami offers one of the most extensive virtual college campus tours on this list. Choose from many different locations including the main campus, library, Campus Arena, residential college, and more!

Location: Coral Gables, FL

Howard University

Tour the historic main campus, situated upon a hilltop in Northwest Washington just a few blocks from the storied U Street and Howard Theatre. Howard University is also located just two miles from the U.S. Capitol building where many students have both interned and gone on to shape national and foreign policy.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Vanderbilt University

The 10 schools at Vanderbilt University reside on a parklike campus set in the urban heart of Nashville. To explore, move along the tour route and then click the “360,” “photo,” and “video” icons to see even more.

Location: Nashville, TN

University of Oxford

Visit the oldest university in the English-speaking world. This 360° virtual tour offers views of facilities such as the dining hall, library, and chapel. Also find an example of a student room, garden or quad, and the porters’ lodge.

Location: Oxford, England

Hampton University

You’ll feel just like you’re strolling through campus with this very extensive virtual college tour. Explore many areas of Hampton University including the dorm courtyard, student center, library, and even Armstrong Stadium.

Location: Hampton, VA

Northwestern University

Take Northwestern’s online guided tour which offers an interactive 360-degree view of the campus including academic and residential buildings, dining halls, athletic facilities, and more.

Location: Evanston, IL

Boise State University

Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. And this virtual college tour provides a view of the university’s state-of-the-art research labs, living and dining spaces, and brand new high-tech home for visual arts.

Location: Boise, ID

University of Nebraska

Enjoy an aerial view of the entire University of Nebraska (courtesy of drone footage)! Next, check out residence hall living spaces, the library, recreation, and wellness centers. There’s so much to see on this virtual college campus tour!

Location: Lincoln, NE

Duke University

There are several ways to enjoy this extensive online tour of Duke University. You can jump to recommended spots, click on the map to visit specific buildings, or simply “walk around” and take in the sights. Plus, you can click the interactive elements at each stop for more details!

Location: Durham, NC

Meredith College

Begin your tour of Meredith by the flagpole that marks the entrance to the school’s campus. From there, select any location by using the links on the page to see everything from the residence hall and courtyard to the Gaddy-Hamrick Art Center and athletic complex.

Location: Raleigh, NC

Did we miss a virtual college campus tour? Share them with us, and we might just add it to this list!

Also, view 15 Fascinating Aquarium Virtual Field Trips .

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Colleges and universities across the world offer virtual alternatives to on-campus tours and information sessions. 

Colleges and Universities That Offer Virtual Campus Tours

Below is a table of colleges and universities with virtual alternatives to on-campus tours sorted by state. If you don’t see your prospective school(s), check directly on school sites. Best of luck with your virtual tours in this moment of social distancing. Kudos to you for being resourceful!

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How to Make the Most of Virtual College Tours

Virtual college tours can be a useful tool for weighing options or previewing a campus.

Virtual College Tour Options

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Virtual reality is one way colleges offer students a glimpse of what to expect when they arrive on campus.

Virtual campus tours, which many schools implemented initially as a way to keep up with the technological times, proved a necessity once the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal flow of the college-seeking process.

Now, college admissions and marketing professionals say virtual campus tours are a vital component of the college search. Using 360-degree video and virtual reality, colleges are able to welcome students to campus from hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

"I think virtual tours can be a great pre-screen or preview for students who have maybe never seen campus," says Kristi Lafree, director of enrollment marketing at Butler University in Indiana, which offers a 360-degree video tour alongside supplemental videos. "They maybe want to get a gut check. They want to make sure that if they do come visit that it will be worth it.”

Hundreds of U.S. colleges now provide prospective students with web-based virtual tours, complete with interactive photos and videos designed to be compatible across all devices. Some schools are even using virtual reality, though VR headsets are required for those experiences.

University officials say they hope virtual tours give students a sense of what college life at the school looks like, from the architecture to the activities. Students can dive into exploring buildings and parts of the campus that might not be covered as deeply on a standard in-person campus tour, says Joffery Gaymon, vice president for enrollment management at Auburn University in Alabama, which has a 360-degree virtual tour on its website as well as a video of a student-led tour.

Through a virtual tour, students can hop from the business building to the student union, or from athletic facilities to residence halls. A general in-person tour might not include a visit to the student newspaper building, but an aspiring journalism major may be able to tour it online.

Virtual tours have become a critical tool for attracting international students who might not be able to visit the campus in person, Gaymon says. Auburn has about 2,500 international students, visiting scholars and employees from 100 different countries each year, according to the school.

“It’s a way for them to dive a little deeper and to have a greater sense of familiarity with the university while they’re exploring options,” she says.

The University of California—Berkeley also offers 360-degree virtual tours for prospective students. Previously, the school was posting YouTube videos and virtual question-and-answer sessions, but it has since moved to a platform called YouVisit, which is used by about 700 schools across the country. Virtual tours proved to be a game changer for admissions, says La Dawn Duvall, executive director of visitor and parent services at Berkeley.

Students visiting Berkeley can start in the center of campus with a virtual tour guide providing information about the school while they explore at their own pace. In the last year, Duvall says more than 22,000 unique visitors have taken a general virtual tour of the school with about 3,000 more touring specific locations around campus that are available on YouVisit, including residence halls and academic buildings.

Auburn averages nearly 30,000 virtual visitors, including students living in India, China, Canada and Brazil, and about 25,000 in-person visitors per school year, Gaymon says.

These numbers suggest how important virtual tours have become for schools across the board, Duvall says. In a matter of minutes, students and families can visit a school in California, then zip to one on the East Coast, saving hours in the car or thousands in airfare and hotel bills, which may allow families to plan other visits .

Lafree says she expects these trends to continue, even as in-person visits resume.

“The demand for that virtual admission visit has really hardly decreased at all, so there’s no going back to pre-COVID for college admissions,” she says.

Well-produced virtual college tours also offer pizzazz that experts say prospective students may not see in other marketing materials. For schools that use VR, it provides an immersive experience; users have the sense that they're in that environment.

Prospective college athletes don’t have to visit an actual campus to get a good idea of what the school and its athletic facilities look like, says Zvi Goffer, a co-founder of CampusVR, the platform a number of universities and college athletic departments use for VR tours. This has been especially beneficial for schools and athletes as National Collegiate Athletic Conference transfers have become more prevalent, since it allows athletes to take an unofficial visit of a school without having to leave their living room, he says.

“This is going to become the norm,” Goffer says. “Visualization, as much as some people want to fight that trend, there’s just no substitute for it.”

But universities are also aware that prospective students are craving authenticity, even through virtual experiences and in social media, says Alexa Heinrich, social media manager for St. Petersburg College in Florida.

Lafree says high school students are cognizant that virtual tours and other school-produced content are intended to be marketing tools, so they're also looking at a school's TikTok, Instagram and YouTube pages to find first-person, user-generated content from other students.

Many students have begun to use social media apps the same way they might use a search engine, Heinrich says, and experts say visiting social media channels is a good way for students to make the most of vetting a school virtually. With this in mind, Heinrich says some schools have started to do “student takeovers” on their social media pages, where students show what a typical day is like on campus for an average student.

Potential students are craving something "that feels a little less robotic," she says.

“Social media plays a huge part in showing what student life and campus life is going to be like for them,” Heinrich says. “We can put out emails and tell you about the affordability of our college, but social media is going to do its best work when we’re showing students enjoying their experience at our college.”

Prospective students are applying to more schools, according to a March 2022 Common Application report , which showed the number of submitted applications rose by 21.3% between 2019-2020 and 2021-2022. (That includes data from 853 member schools.) With shortlists now longer than ever, students can use virtual tours to weigh options.

Campus officials advise prospective students to use the virtual tour as a jumping-off point and then to weigh academic programs, admissions requirements and other factors that will shape student experiences at the school. If students have interest in a specific program or activity, they should follow up directly with the school to gather more information.

“I would recommend taking their time and not just using just the tour, but using the larger campus website, the websites of your department or academic area of interest – supplementing those together,” Duvall says. “Take information from all of those places, because there’s not one that’s going to give you everything you need to represent the experience."

While college officials praise virtual tours as an option, they also encourage students to visit campus if possible. Gaymon says the function of a virtual college tour is to get a look at campus life. Other questions are best reserved for the admissions office.

“The virtual tour does not replace the traditional visit,” she says. “For us, it truly enhances it.”

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Articles & Advice > Campus Visits > Articles

How to Have a Great Virtual Campus Visit Experience

If you're overwhelmed by all the virtual college visit options, have no fear. Here's a comprehensive guide to having your best virtual tour experience.

by Kelli Dolan Senior Assistant Editor, CollegeXpress

Last Updated: Mar 24, 2023

Originally Posted: Feb 23, 2022

With the onset of COVID-19, high school and college students alike lost in-person access to valuable resources for their education. For high school students going through the college search and admission process, one of the biggest losses was their ability to go on campus visits. Campus visits and colleges tours are an important part of the college admission process because they’re the best way to determine if a college feels like a good fit for you.  

But colleges and universities weren’t about to let the pandemic stand in the way of showcasing what their schools have to offer for prospective students—enter the virtual college tour! While some colleges were already utilizing this valuable online tool, many more jumped on the opportunity when in-person visits were no longer a viable option. Though many schools have opened their doors to visitors once again, virtual campus tours remain a great way to stay safe and save money while exploring colleges. Take advantage and make the most of these valuable tools in your college search with this comprehensive guide.

Types of virtual college tours

When it comes to virtual college tours, there are three distinct approaches colleges take to showcase their campus and amenities. Some schools will utilize one of these options, while some will mix and match methods to give students a more wholistic look at life at their school. Here’s what to look for when exploring a college or university’s website.

Live virtual visits

Live virtual visits are your best bet to really get to know a college. With these events, you typically register online and tune in at a certain date and time—much like you would for an in-person tour. A representative of the college will take you (or a group of prospective students) on a walking tour of campus via livestream. This virtual touring method is beneficial because it gives you the ability to communicate with your tour guide and ask questions, either by directly speaking to them or through a text chat feature.

Self-guided virtual tours and maps

Most schools offer some sort of self-guided virtual tour and campus map either on their own website or through the popular virtual tour website YouVisit.com . These types of tours allow you to learn about and explore a school’s campus at your own pace through photos, program and location write-ups, videos, maps, and more. How extensive a virtual tour is will vary from school to school, but that alone can be a good indication of the value a college places on making sure prospective students have an accessible and comprehensive view of campus. 

Pre-recorded video series

The last type of virtual tour you’ll come across are pre-recorded video series. These often fulfill a similar role to livestream guided tours. Students or admission representatives will be recorded going on a tour of the college’s campus to talk about features of the college, discuss popular programs, and show off certain buildings and locations. These pre-recorded tours make it easier to explore and learn because you can pause and play the videos at your own pace, but the major downside is the lack of chat feature and direct interaction with the person guiding the tour.

Related: COVID–19 and Virtual Campus Tours

Other virtual events to sign up for

The great thing about the various types of virtual tours is that most colleges offer multiple ways to learn more. If a school offers a pre-recorded video tour and you have questions to ask, they’ll also likely offer an information session or “open house.” Or if a college does offer a live guided tour for a large group of registrants, a follow-up Q&A may be offered so you can get answers to questions you didn’t have time to ask during the livestream. Here are the types of virtual events you should be looking for to supplement your research.

Guided tours

As previously discussed, guided virtual tours are the best version of a virtual campus visit. These offer a look at the college as close as you can get to visiting in person and allows you to chat and interact with the person giving the tour. But these tours aren’t just offered at all times. Be sure to research early so you can sign up for the virtual tours of the schools you’re most interested in, then create a schedule to keep on top of them all. You’ll be expected to tune in on a certain day at a certain time, so come prepared to ask questions and engage in the process!

Information sessions

Information sessions are helpful if you’ve just been exploring recorded video series and self-guided tours or maps. They allow you to sit down at an assigned time and talk to representatives from a college to ask questions and connect with someone who could help you in the admission process if you decide to apply to that school. Pay attention to the details, though, because some schools will offer individual sessions, groups sessions, or both. If you have the option, choose whichever feels more comfortable for you.

Current student Q&As

Q&A events with current students are something you should sign up for regardless of what type of touring you’ve been doing. A college’s students are the best representation of a school’s character, social life, and academic environment. If students seem enthusiastic and excited to talk with you and discuss their school, then it’s more likely to be a place you’ll thrive and want to be. So don’t skip out on these. It’s where you’ll get honest answers to your most important questions!

Related: How to Overcome Anxiety and Talk to College Students on Campus Tours

Explore virtual tours at your own pace

The beauty of virtual campus visits is the ability to go at your own pace and explore a lot more colleges than you could feasibly schedule in-person visits for—both time and money wise! Keep your research on track with these tips.

Make a research schedule

It’s easy to get lost in all the different offerings for virtual campus exploring, especially if you have a lot of colleges you’re interested in. As you’re signing up for events and figuring out what type of virtual tours each school offers, create a research schedule for yourself. Mark down any guided tours, information sessions, or Q&As you’ve registered for that require you to attend on a certain day. From there, you can fill in other blocks of time to sit down and explore self-guided tour or video series options.

Take notes as you go

Regardless of what type of touring you’re doing, you should be taking notes! Virtual campus visits can throw a lot of information at you all at once, and it can get overwhelming. Taking notes will keep you focused on the things that are most important to you —be it academic programs, athletics, campus organizations, or anything else. These notes will also guide your decision-making later when you’re narrowing down your list and making your final college decision.

Compare your likes and dislikes of each college

Using the notes you’ve taken, make a pros and cons list for each college you toured, then compare them to the pros and cons of other colleges. This will give you a better idea of which colleges most comprehensively adhere to all your wants and needs. From there, you can narrow down your larger list of schools to just the ones you’ll apply to. (Most students tend to apply to anywhere from four to 10 colleges on average.)

Related: 7 Ways to Narrow Down Your List of College Choices

Reach out to admission to ask questions

Whether you’ve been going on guided virtual sessions, exploring maps and interactive tours, or missed the opportunity to sign up for information sessions, the admission office is always there to help you and answer questions. Why? Because they want to support you and hope their college is a great fit for you! Here are some common things you should connect with admissions about.

Ask about things you feel were missing

Colleges and universities are always looking for feedback on ways they can improve how they showcase their school to prospective students. If you felt like there was a lack of information in the research and touring you’ve done for a certain school, reach out to them to ask about it and suggest they include that information in their virtual offerings if you think it’s something other students will benefit from.

Ask for more information on specific programs

Some colleges have a lot of programs, so it’s impossible to cover them all with a virtual tour. In fact, a lot of schools will either skip over program-specific information and cover only general features and amenities of their schools or highlight just their most popular programs. If the major you’re interested in isn’t covered, do some further research on their website, then reach out to the admission office with additional questions or ask them which faculty you should contact from that program’s department.

Ask about connecting with students and alumni

If a school you’re interested in doesn’t offer virtual Q&As with students, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have designated students (and even alumni) who are willing to talk to prospective students. If you’d like an idea of what current student or postgrad career life is like for people who attend a certain school, email an admission officer and see if they can connect you with someone you can have a conversation with.

Set up in-person tours for colleges you’re most interested in

Obviously, the purpose of virtual campus tours is to make college visits more attainable and safe for a larger pool of prospective students—but they still can’t replace the experience of physically visiting a school. And since we’ve been living through the pandemic for a while now, a lot of colleges and universities have modified their in-person campus visit options to ensure the safety of staff and students. If it’s possible for you, try to set up safe in-person visits for only the colleges you’re most interested in. Your previous research should give you an idea of which colleges these are. Attend masked-up and see if the campus is really as impressive as it seems online!

Related: 7 Smart Things You Should Do on Your Next Campus Visit

The pandemic has taken a lot away from students, but it has also presented the opportunity to find alternative ways to access important resources. Take advantage of these new opportunities to explore your colleges of interest and make the college search process a little more fun and less stressful. At the end of the road will be an amazing school that will set you up for a bright future.

Ready to start exploring online to find the best-fit school for you? We’ve made it easy with our brand-new list of CollegeXpress Featured Colleges With Virtual Tours !

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•   5 Important Conversations for Students of Color on Campus Tours
•   Make Campus Visits Fun With the CX Scavenger Hunt
•   Campus Visits: Places to Go and Questions to Ask
•   College Visits Should Be Fun, Not Stressful
•   Top 10 College Visit Tips for a Successful Campus Experience

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A guide to virtual college tours: exploring campuses from anywhere.

Picking the right college is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as you prepare to take the next step in your educational journey after completing high school. 

In the past, campus tours provided an invaluable firsthand experience, allowing prospective students to soak in the atmosphere and culture of each institution. However, with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and other constraints, traditional campus tours have been limited. 

Thankfully, the rise of virtual college tours, including Virtual Reality campus tours, has ushered in a new era of college exploration, opening up a world of possibilities for students from all corners of the globe.

Virtual college tours present a unique opportunity for exploration, as they enable students to delve into many campuses from the comfort of their own homes. With a simple click, you can stroll through historic halls, witness vibrant campus life, and even experience academic facilities as if you were physically present. 

These tours provide a rich array of content, including 360-degree videos, interactive maps, and live guides who offer valuable insights into college life.

In this guide, we will delve into the transformative power of virtual college tours, which have evolved into immersive and interactive experiences, offering a wealth of benefits for prospective students. So, Let’s begin.

What are Virtual College Tours?

Virtual college tours are not just a mere substitute for physical visits. Instead, they offer much more than just a glimpse of the campus!

Through online content and virtual experiences, you can immerse yourself in the college's culture, engage with tour guides, and connect with current students or alumni.

What are the benefits of a Virtual Campus Tour?

While the absence of in-person visits may seem disappointing, it's essential to recognize the numerous benefits that virtual tours bring to the table. Some of them are-

1. Accessibility

Imagine this! You don't have to travel far or worry about time constraints for exploring campuses. 

With virtual tours, you can do it from anywhere in the world! 

Virtual tours allow students to explore campuses from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for travel and reducing associated costs and time constraints. This level of accessibility is particularly advantageous for international or out-of-state students who may find it challenging to visit colleges in person due to distance, financial limitations, or visa restrictions. 

Not only this, but the virtual tours also break down geographical barriers, offering a unique opportunity for prospective students to gain insights into various colleges without leaving their homes. This convenience empowers students to explore a broader range of institutions, facilitating a more informed decision-making process. 

Moreover, virtual tours ensure inclusivity by catering to individuals with physical disabilities or mobility limitations, providing them with equal access for exploring campuses and making educational choices.

Also Read, The Future of Healthcare: Transforming the Patient Experience with Immersive Technologies

2. Cost-Effective

Speaking of costs, virtual tours are a fantastic money-saving option.

Virtual college campus tours save students and their families the expenses related to travel, accommodation, and other costs associated with in-person campus visits. 

This cost-effectiveness enables students to explore multiple colleges without breaking the bank. It is particularly advantageous for international or out-of-state students who might otherwise face substantial financial burdens to visit colleges in person. 

Additionally, the reduced costs associated with virtual tours empower students to allocate their resources more efficiently, focusing on other essential aspects of their college application process. 

Overall, being cost-effective, virtual college tours democratize the college exploration process, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can make informed decisions about their future without financial constraints.

3. Time Efficiency

Unlike traditional visits, where you need to plan everything and take time off, virtual tours can fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. 

You can access them at any time, pause, rewind, and revisit specific sections. 

With such options, virtual tours enable a more in-depth examination of campus facilities, academic programs, and extracurricular activities.

Additionally, virtual tours save students and their families the time spent on travel, accommodation arrangements, and navigating unfamiliar locations, freeing them to focus on discovering the colleges that align best with their academic and personal goals.

4. Comprehensive Insights

Virtual tours offer a treasure trove of information!

Through various resources like video tours, image galleries, 360-degree views, and in-depth written content, students gain access to a wealth of information about campus facilities, academic programs, extracurricular activities, immersive technology in college , and campus culture. 

This comprehensive approach enables prospective students to explore various aspects of the college from the comfort of their homes, ensuring that no essential details are missed.

By immersing themselves in these rich resources, students can assess whether the college aligns with their academic and personal preferences. They can gauge the campus environment, evaluate available resources, and understand the overall atmosphere, allowing for a more informed decision-making process.

Additionally, this level of information empowers students to make thoughtful comparisons between different colleges, ultimately leading to a more confident and suitable college choice. With virtual college tours providing a holistic view, students can efficiently explore multiple institutions and find the perfect fit for their higher education journey.

Also Read: 5 Mind-Blowing VR Educational Apps to Enhance Learning Through Immersion

5. Flexibility and Revisits

Flexibility is key here.

Students can take virtual tours multiple times, allowing them to revisit specific areas of interest or refresh their memory about different aspects of the college. The flexibility to revisit virtual tours multiple times empowers students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest and gain a comprehensive understanding of the institution. 

Whether it's revisiting campus facilities, academic programs, or campus culture, the ability to pause, rewind, and replay specific sections enhances the overall college exploration experience. 

6. Inclusive Experience

And guess what? Virtual tours are inclusive too!

Designed with accessibility in mind, VR tours accommodate students with physical disabilities or mobility limitations, ensuring they can fully participate in the college exploration process.

Through the virtual reality world , students can virtually navigate campuses, experience campus life, and access vital information regardless of their physical location or abilities.

The inclusive nature of VR tours eliminates geographical constraints, allowing international or remote students to explore colleges without the need for costly and time-consuming travel. Additionally, students with mobility challenges can explore campuses without facing physical obstacles, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.

By providing a platform that caters to diverse needs, VR tours democratize the college search, making it an equitable experience for all. Students with disabilities can engage with colleges on equal footing, making informed decisions about their future education, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and diverse higher education landscape.

7. Real-Time Interaction

The interactive nature of VR fosters a sense of connection with the college community, making the exploration more meaningful and impactful. Students can participate in Q&A sessions, receive authentic testimonials, and even attend virtual events, mirroring the experience of an on-campus visit. This level of engagement enables students to make more informed decisions about their college choices.

Real-time interaction in VR not only overcomes geographical barriers but also creates a sense of presence and belonging, empowering students to envision themselves as part of the college community. As a result, virtual college tours become a powerful and beneficial tool for prospective students to make confident and well-informed decisions about their educational journey.

Also Read:   The Power of Virtual Reality in Education Technology

8. Pandemic Adaptability

VR provides an essential alternative during times of crises when in-person visits are unsafe or unfeasible. As the world faced the challenges of the pandemic, virtual tours became a lifeline for students seeking to explore colleges without jeopardizing their health and safety.

Virtual college tours in VR not only offer a valuable solution during crises but also extend accessibility to a broader audience, transforming the college search experience into a convenient, inclusive, and pandemic-resilient process.

But what are the essential questions that you need to keep in mind when taking a virtual college tour?

Questions to Ask on a Virtual College Tour

When embarking on virtual college tours, it's crucial to keep some essential questions in mind and ask during the exploration process. These questions will help you gather valuable information and insights about each college, ensuring that you make an informed decision about your higher education journey. 

Here are some key questions to consider:

1. What academic programs are offered?

Explore the college's website and virtual tour materials to learn about the range of academic programs available. You can look for specific majors, minors, and concentrations that align with your interests and career goals.

2. How is the campus culture?

Discover the college's values, traditions, and overall campus atmosphere. You should consider whether it fosters an environment where you see yourself thriving academically and socially.

3. What are the campus facilities like?

Pay attention to virtual tours that showcase academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, recreational centers, and student housing. Assess whether the facilities meet your expectations and needs.

4. How is the campus community?

Seek information about the student body size, diversity, and student-to-faculty ratio. Understanding the campus community can help you determine if you'll find a sense of belonging and support during your college years.

5. What resources are available for students?

Inquire about academic support services, career counseling, mental health resources, and extracurricular opportunities. A robust support system can contribute significantly to your success and well-being as a student.

6. What is the college's approach to learning? 

Ask about the teaching methods, class sizes, and opportunities for research or internships. Understanding the learning environment can help you assess how well the college aligns with your preferred learning style. If they have an approach to experiential learning in college , it’s a plus point.

7. How is campus safety and security?

8. Can you connect with current students or alumni?

Many virtual tours offer opportunities to engage with current students or alumni through virtual events or Q&A sessions. Interacting with them can provide valuable insights into the college experience and campus life.

9. What financial aid and scholarship options are available? 

Inquire about the college's financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities, and work-study programs. Understanding the cost and available financial support will impact your decision-making process.

10. What are the internship and job placement rates? 

If available, inquire about the college's track record in helping students secure internships and job opportunities after graduation. Understanding the college's commitment to your future career can be essential.

Remember to keep an open mind and explore beyond the tour materials!

Engage with current students, ask questions, and seek out experiential learning opportunities. With careful research, active participation, and reflection, you can make the most of virtual college tours and find the perfect college that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

But, how to make the best of your Virtual College Tour? Let’s find out!

Also Read: Why Haptic Feedback is Crucial for VR Education?

How to make the most of your Virtual College Tour?

So, you're all set to take on the virtual college tour journey?

Awesome! Let's make sure you get the most out of this exciting adventure. Here are some nifty tips to guide you along the way:

Plan It Out: Before you dive into the virtual tours, whip up a little plan. Jot down the colleges you're itching to explore and the specific things you want to know more about. This nifty plan will keep you on track during your virtual college exploration.

Scribble Your Thoughts: As you hop from one virtual tour to another, don't forget to take notes! 

Scribble down your first impressions, any questions popping into your head, and the coolest stuff that stands out about each college. These notes will be your best pals when it's decision-making time.

Join the Virtual Party: Colleges love throwing virtual events for future students, like webinars, Q&A sessions, and campus tours guided by real-life students or admissions officers. These events are gold mines for real-time answers and getting a taste of the college community vibe.

Chat Up Current Students and Alumni: If the virtual tour offers a chance to connect with current students or alumni, don't miss out! Talking to these seasoned college pros gives you the inside scoop that goes beyond official materials.

VR Classroom Adventure: Feeling adventurous? 

Some virtual college tours offer VR classroom experiences ! You can virtually sit in on a lecture or join an educational activity. It's like teleporting into the college learning scene and checking if it matches your style.

Dive into Experiential Learning: Seek out the college's approach to experiential learning. Internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs can be game-changers. Virtual tours often highlight these gems, giving you a glimpse of hands-on learning possibilities.

Share with Your Team: Don't be a lone ranger: Share your virtual college tour experiences and insights with your support network—your parents, teachers, or mentors. Their wisdom and advice can be total lifesavers when it comes to making that big college decision.

Go Beyond the Tour: Virtual tours are just one slice of the college exploration pie. Venture into the world of reviews, chat with college counselors, and get in on online forums where other future collegians are sharing their thoughts.

Get that Schedule going: Flexibility is key with VR campus tours. Create a schedule that lets you explore multiple colleges without losing your cool. Set aside specific times for each tour and stick to your plan like a champ.

To wrap it up, virtual college tours have opened up a whole new world for students like you to explore potential colleges. From campus facilities to real-time college life connections, these tours are full of valuable insights. 

So, take that digital leap and embrace the endless opportunities in the world of virtual education. 

Happy virtual touring! 

The perfect college match is just a click away!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why college tours are important.

Virtual college tours present a unique opportunity for exploration, as they enable students to delve into many campuses from the comfort of their own homes.

How to make the most of your virtual college tour?

Plan it out, scribble your thoughts, join the virtual party, Chat up current students and alumni to make the most of your virtual college campus tour.

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Which Colleges Offer the Best Virtual Campus Visits?

Spring is on the way; the season when flowers bloom, the days get longer and warmer, and high school juniors and seniors traditionally flock to visit college campuses as they decide where to apply or attend. But for the last two years, the pandemic has caused colleges and universities to eliminate or scale back on-campus visits and move towards virtual visits for prospective students. This means some students won't get to see their first choice schools in person before applying or accepting. It also means fewer families will spend their spring breaks shuffling behind undergrads who seems preternaturally good at walking backwards, as they peek into dining halls and listen to stories about the history and traditions of yet another school.

The good news (in case that wasn't it for you) — colleges have now had a full year to build out their virtual visit resources, and many have come up with some pretty amazing offerings. We've highlighted the best virtual visit in each region of the country and why we loved it, so you can start planning your virtual college tour this spring.

Best Virtual Campus Visit on the East Coast: Williams College in Williamstown, MA

Students outside of a red brick building on the Williams' College campus

Williams College has been ranked one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation for decades, so it's not surprising that their virtual tour also ranks among the best. In an efficient nine minutes, their recorded campus tour hits on many of things students and their families really want to see, including a look inside the dorms and the food served in the dining hall, as well as the art gallery, dance studio, athletic facility, and the stunning library, which includes a 3-D printing room and recording studio. If you like what you see, you can sign up for a group chat with a real student or attend a virtual information session focused on topics like how to afford college, sustainability on campus, or resources for first generation students. If the times offered don't work for you, watch one of the many prerecorded videos with tips for parents and students on applying to Williams. And, if you want to see firsthand what academics are like at one of the nation's top liberal arts schools, you can watch a recording of a Williams class like Music in Film , or Why the Impacts of Climate Change are So Unfair .

Best Virtual Campus Tour in the South: Tulane University in New Orleans, LA

Stanley Thomas Hall at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA

Tulane 's 25-minute recorded campus tour features two real students and feels a lot like an actual campus walking tour, but with peppy music and faster walking. The tour not only highlights campus buildings and student life, but speaks to the traditions that make the school special, like Friday "Donuts with the Dean" on the porch of Cudd Hall, where students can grab free donuts and coffee and chat with a dean. They also how the famous Mardi Gras tree, where admitted students throw beaded necklaces into the branches, and if they stick, it's supposed to be good luck for your four years.

Tulane also offers a host of other virTUal resources , including an interactive campus map , opportunities to book live virtual tours, and webinars on many topics, including pre-recorded sessions relevant to people applying to other schools too, like tips for parents of prospective college students and tips and tricks for applying to selective colleges.

Best Virtual Campus Visit in the Midwest: University of Wisconsin - Madison in Madison, WI

Quad in front of Memorial Union on University of Wisconsin - Madison campus in Madison, WI

The University of Wisconsin - Madison's interactive map is one of the best we saw. It features a panoramic photo of the school's campus, which is flanked by water on both sides, and offers many clickable pinpoints to learn more about key spots on campus. Each pinpoint brings up a video of a real student talking about the campus spot and its history (for those history buffs missing the lesson) or a slideshow featuring photos taken at different times, so you can get a feel for what it's like to be there. They also offer an array of live and prerecorded virtual events , including information sessions for each school, and resources on topics prospective students typically want to know about, like the study abroad opportunities offered, and sessions on "Tuition and how to pay for it" and "How to submit a strong college application."

But what really sets apart the UW - Madison virtual visit is how easy it is for prospective students to connect with current students. UW - Madison offers special instagram live "Ask Me Anything" sessions with real UW students and staff tailored to specific student groups, like first generation students or transfer students. And it was the only school we saw where prospective students can schedule a 15 minute one-on-one phone call with an actual campus tour guide to ask your specific college questions in a private space.

​Best Virtual Campus Visit on the West Coast: Pepperdine University's Seaver College in Malibu, CA

A view from the Santa Monica mountains of Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA

Pepperdine University's virtual visit page opens with a sweeping bird's-eye view of the campus that may make you a little sorry you weren't able to visit Seaver College's Malibu campus in person. From up above, it's easy to see how close campus is to the Pacific Ocean. This not-terrible view is visible from the main part of campus, and can be glimpsed in the self-guided 365 virtual tour or one of the quick campus highlight videos . The virtual tour also highlights the school's signature cream-colored buildings with terracotta roofs, the impressive Eddy D. Field Baseball Stadium, and the outdoor pool, which shines like a cyan jewel in the center of campus.

Pepperdine also offers a virtual application workshop for prospective students on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the option to sign-up for a live student-led virtual tour .

But our favorite part and the thing that really sets Pepperdine apart as one the very best virtual college visits is the impressive docuseries Rising Tide . Grab some popcorn and watch all four seasons as it follows five real Pepperine students through their four years at the school.

Explore more schools' virtual offerings

The four schools mentioned above stood out, but many schools throughout the country are offering in-depth and creative online resources for prospective students who won't be able to visit campus in person. One upside of online visits is that, with no travel time or hotel costs to factor in, you can virtually-visit more schools, and you may even find that some new colleges rise to the top of your list. Be sure to visit the websites of any schools you're even a little interested in to see what the virtual events and tools are being offered this spring, and sign up now for the sessions you want to attend.

Joy Bullen is College Confidential's Senior Editor and Head of Content. She is a graduate of Kenyon College , where she majored in English and Creative Writing. She also earned a master’s in Psychology from The New School for Social Research in NYC.

Before becoming a full-time writer and editor, Joy coached thousands of prospective and enrolled college students on admissions and academic and career success. She also managed a team of academic and career coaches and consulted with universities on how to create programs that have better outcomes for students.

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How to Choose Colleges With Virtual Tours

A guide to some of the tour sites that aim to help students feel as if they are walking around campuses without leaving home.

By Donna De La Cruz

With college campuses closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, free virtual tours have grown in popularity . High school juniors hoping to begin college in the fall of 2021 are not able to visit campuses in person, but they and their families have many ways to explore their options while staying safe at home.

Here is a guide to some of the tour sites that aim to help students feel as if they are walking around campuses. They can visit as many colleges as they like, without the cost of a road trip or the aching feet.

If you are just getting started on the college admissions process:

The National Association for College Admission Counseling provides information from more than 1,000 colleges and universities on changes to admissions processes resulting from the pandemic. The tool lets students get an overview of resources available at each institution, including links to virtual tours offered, said the association’s president, Jayne Caflin Fonash. “If someone only wants to know about schools in a certain state, or is only interested in finding out about standardized testing policies for the fall, they can drill down to get that information,” Dr. Fonash said.

StriveScan is offering the Strive Virtual College Exploration program through May 8 to take the place of in-person college fairs. Students get advice on how to write a college essay, apply for financial aid, and the chance to ask questions to officials from more than 450 colleges from 45 states and 13 countries — Canada, Britain, Ireland, Italy, France, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Australia and Mexico. All sessions are taped, allowing students to download them. StriveScan’s president, Dan Saavedra, said more presentations will be held in the coming weeks, including one focusing on STEM schools and another on small, private liberal arts schools.

If you are ready to start touring:

There are several websites that allow students to tour and compare schools. These sites offer interactive maps, photos, videos and testimonials.

CampusTours offers tours of more than 1,800 schools in the United States as well as tours of schools in the United Kingdom, Canada, China and France. Its advanced search feature allows students to fine-tune details they are searching for, such as how much tuition they want to pay. About 100 schools offer insights from enrolled students during parts of the tour on campus life, the company’s president, Christopher Carson, said. CampusTours is also working on a feature to allow students to ask questions while they are on the tour that are sent to college officials, he added.

YouVisit offers tours of more than 600 U.S. schools. The tours offer prompts that pop up asking students for input that is sent to college officials to respond, an attempt to replicate the questions and answers that come up during in-person tours. YouVisit also offers students to tour using “virtual reality” tools. “There is nothing that replaces that in-person experience that makes a student fall in love with a campus, but the goal of a virtual tour is to do as much as it can to replace those moments,” said Emily Bauer, vice president for agency services for EAB, the education research and technology company that owns YouVisit.

If you want to attend a Historically Black College or University:

The Chicago HBCU Alumni Alliance is offering virtual fairs in which nearly 50 H.B.C.U.s give students information on admissions, programs and scholarships. Videotapes of the events will be available on the alliance’s website in the coming weeks. The alliance’s president, Danielle James, said more virtual fairs are planned for the summer.

StriveScan also featured presentations from several H.B.C.U.s.

Other virtual tour sites include:

YoUniversity : Students can click on tabs such as “safest campuses,” “most diverse campuses” and “top academic colleges,” as well as “best campus food” and “coolest dorms.”

CampusReel : Students enrolled at colleges can upload their videos to this site for sharing, after being vetted. Students or parents must register to join.

If you want to take a gap year:

The Gap Year Association offers videos on what it means to take a gap year and is building a new student membership platform — a nominal fee will be required to join — that will give students access to weekly calls to learn about gap year opportunities, said the association’s executive director, Ethan Knight. The website also offers information on accredited gap year programs and counselors.

If you want to play sports in college:

Virtual tours, like the ones at YouVisit , can put students in the stands or on the playing field to get a simulated experience of being an athlete there. CampusTours has a feature that lets students find sports offered at various schools.

After you’ve narrowed down your list:

This is the time to start making personal outreach to schools, Mr. Carson of CampusTours said. “You can’t rely on virtual tours to tell you everything about the institution, you need to reach out to the schools themselves.” Traditionally, students have been told that some colleges rank in-person visits as a show of “demonstrated interest.” This year that could take different forms, like emailing professors and admissions officers or attending Zoom meetings. “Demonstrated interest is very valuable,” Mr. Carson said. “Make personalized phone calls and write emails.”

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Virtual Experiences

The Columbia community hails from every corner of the world—and while we’d love to see you all here for a campus visit , we know that a trip to New York City can be quite an undertaking. That’s why we’ve created this suite of virtual visit experiences: to provide an insider’s look at what it’s like to be here in person, no matter what corner of the world you’re in! Talk directly with current students for answers to all your questions, experience the energy of our campus and get a feel for the community that one day you may call home.

Virtual programming options

Join Admissions Officers, current Columbia students and Financial Aid & Educational Financing staff at our virtual programming and events. Events are offered on a regular basis weekly.

Register for a virtual event

Information sessions

Learn more about Columbia College and  Columbia Engineering from an Admissions Officer and current undergraduate student.  T ake advantage of this opportunity to dive deeper into the academic and student life experiences at Columbia. 

Live Q&A chats

Virtual Student Q&A Chats are offered on most Fridays. Join us for casual conversations with current Columbia students as they discuss a different topic each week.

Financial aid sessions

Join members of Columbia Financial Aid & Educational Financing for a walk-through of the financial aid application process. Students and families will learn more about Columbia's commitment to affordability and our need-based, need-blind and full need financial aid program. 

Explore at your own pace

With our self-guided virtual tour , you can enjoy 360° panoramic views of Columbia’s beautiful Morningside Heights campus from anywhere. This interactive online walking tour includes stops inside iconic locations such as Butler Library and Low Rotunda, as well as our residence halls, academic spaces and dining facilities. Optional narration is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

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Reach out to a student now

Want to get your burning Columbia questions answered? You can reach out to current Columbia College and Columbia Engineering undergrads and get their take on all the best parts of their college experience.

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Dive deeper into our transformative curriculum and renowned faculty, beloved community traditions, day-in-the-life student stories, dynamic location in Morningside Heights and in New York City, and our admissions and financial aid processes through our curated videos or through an information session, conducted by members of the admissions team and student leaders.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, are virtual college tours as important as on-campus.

College Admissions

Do you have colleges you're interested in but don't have the time or money to visit the campuses in person? Look into virtual college tours! More and more colleges are now offering them (we have the whole list!), and they're a great way to get a feel for what a particular school is like without leaving home. But how do virtual college visits work? What questions should you ask? And how do you know if they're the right choice for you? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Virtual College Tour? How Do They Work?

Virtual college tours are pretty much what they sound like: you watch from your computer as a student from the college you're interested in gives you a video tour of campus , tells stories about the school, and answers any questions you may have. Some are fully live, with the camera following the guide around as they go to different parts of campus, while others are partly prerecorded with the guide speaking over pre-shot video of the campus.

You'll sign up in advance for a virtual college tour. We recommend doing this well ahead of time (ideally several weeks) since the virtual tours are still kept fairly small to allow everyone the chance to ask questions. A day or so before the tour, you'll be given a link that you'll click on at the given time to start the tour. And that's it!

College tours have long been one of the best ways to learn if a school is right for you. On top of that, touring a school shows the admissions teams that you're seriously interested in attending. Some colleges use demonstrated interest as a part of their application review process, so even just attending a virtual college tour could give your application a boost.

Are college tours where you're not actually on campus still useful? They can be! Certainly there are benefits to actually being on campus and experiencing the vibe for yourself, but virtual college tours can be a surprisingly useful alternative. They're carefully put together to show students different parts of campus (classrooms, dorms, stadiums, etc.) and give them a feel for the entire school. Like an in-person college tour, you'll also be able to ask questions at the end.

What Questions Should You Ask During a Virtual College Visit?

We have a list of 118 questions to ask during a campus tour , but below are questions specifically for virtual college tours. Some of these are general questions, others are aimed at giving you a sense of what the school and campus life is like when you're not able to experience it in-person. Whatever questions you ask, be sure that you end the virtual tour feeling like you have a good sense of all aspects of the school, including academics, housing and dining options, extracurriculars, and campus life.

• How large are the classes?
• Are the classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
• How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses? Are there required classes for freshmen?
• Are students usually able to take their first choice courses?
• Is it easy to change your major?
• Can undergraduates work with professors on research?
• Where are the best places to study on campus?
• What are the hours for the library? Do these change during reading periods or exam weeks?
• Are study abroad programs popular? Any ones in particular?
• What kind of opportunities exist for undergraduates to work on research or academic projects with professors?
• What kind of internships are available? Do a lot of students get internships?

Residence Life

• What are the dorms like? Are there lounges, laundry, and kitchens? Shared or private restrooms?
• Do most students live in the dorms?
• What's the most popular dorm to live in? The least popular? How do they compare to the dorm we saw on the tour?
• What kind of food does the dining hall serve? Are there different options? How is it, really?

Extracurriculars

• What are some of the most popular extracurriculars and why?
• What clubs or other opportunities exist for community service?
• Do sports play a large role on campus? What about intramurals or exercise classes?

Campus and the Surrounding Area

• Where do students tend to hang out on and off campus?
• How would you describe the presence of Greek life? Do a lot of students belong to fraternities or sororities?
• What are some big campus events, like homecoming or alumni weekend?
• Is it easy to get around campus or get off campus without a car?
• What transportation options are there around campus?
• Is it a safe area to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?

Personal Questions

• What's your favorite class and why?
• What do you wish you had known going into freshman year?
• Is there anything you wish you had done differently to improve your experience here?
• What's your favorite spot you've discovered on campus since arriving?

4 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Virtual College Tours

If you've decided to do a virtual college tour, what's next? Follow the four tips below to get the most out of the experience.

#1: Prepare Ahead of Time

Before you sit down for any virtual tour of a college, you should do a bit of work beforehand. First, think about what you want to get from this tour. Of course you want to learn more about the school, but is there something specific you're hoping to get from it? A better understanding of what campus looks like? A chance to see an actual dorm room? A clearer explanation of what choosing freshman classes will be like? Having a goal in mind will help you get the most out of the tour. 

Next, come up with a short list of questions you'd like answered (use our suggestions above as a guideline). Finally, when it comes time to sit in on the virtual tour, take it seriously. Move distractions (like your phone) out of sight, and don't be tempted to spend the tour scrolling through other websites. If this is actually a college you're interested in attending, then it's worth an hour of your time to really pay attention to the tour.

#2: Know They're Showing You the Best Parts

This is true of all campus tours. When I visited Michigan State, they had a dorm room they kept vacant and had decorated to show touring students what their dorm room would look like. And…that dorm room was significantly nicer than mine ended up being. For a virtual tour, it's even easier to only show the nicest parts of campus. This doesn't mean that the school is deliberately trying to con you or that the parts of the school you don't see will be a disaster, but be aware that a virtual tour is a bit like looking at someone's Instagram: they're showing you their highlight reel.

#3: Research Other Ways to Learn About the School

College visits (both in-person and virtual) are a great way to learn about a school, but they're certainly not the only way, especially as colleges grow their online presence more and more. If you've done a virtual tour of a college and are interested in still learning more, check out other resources. The school's website is the obvious one, but you can also look into their social media accounts, see what's being written in the school newspaper (they're practically all available online now), what events are coming up on the school calendar, etc. You can also talk to other people affiliated with the school, such as an admissions counselor, and ask them questions you still have after the virtual tour. For example, if you did a Boston College virtual tour and want to know more about the school, you could check out its admissions webpage , its admissions Instagram page , and its student paper , as a start.

#4: Consider If You Want to Visit In-Person

Virtual campus tours are a great way to get a better sense of what a certain school offers and what the vibe is like. However, it's not a perfect replacement for an in-person visit where you can see the buildings for yourself, walk around campus, see students going to and from classes, etc. If you're really interested in a school after doing a virtual tour, and you have the time/money to travel there, an in-person visit can help you decide if it's actually the right school for you. Some students also wait until after they've been admitted and received financial aid packages to visit schools, so they're not wasting their time, but be aware this only gives you about a month to make the visit and decide where you want to go to college.

Colleges That Offer Virtual Campus Tours

Virtual college visits have become more and more popular in recent years, especially since the pandemic made it difficult or impossible to visit many college campuses. Below are all the colleges that currently offer virtual college tours, organized alphabetically by state. It's a long list, so use "ctrl +F" to search for a school name if you're interested to see if a specific school is a virtual tour college.

• Auburn University
• Birmingham-Southern College
• Huntingdon College
• Samford University
• Troy University
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa
• University of Mobile
• University of Montevallo
• University of South Alabama
• University of West Alabama
• Alaska Pacific University
• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Southwestern College
• Arizona State University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Northern Arizona University
• University of Advancing Technology
• University of Arizona
• Arkansas Tech University
• Harding University
• Hendrix College
• John Brown University
• University of Arkansas--Fayetteville
• University of the Ozarks
• Academy of Art University
• ArtCenter College of Design
• Azusa Pacific University
• Biola University
• California Baptist University
• California College of the Arts
• California Institute of Technology
• California Institute of the Arts
• California Lutheran University
• California Polytechnic State University
• CSU Channel Islands
• CSU East Bay
• CSU Humboldt
• CSU Long Beach
• CSU Los Angeles
• CSU Northridge
• CSU Sacramento
• CSU San Bernardino
• CSU San Diego
• CSU San Francisco
• CSU San Jose
• CSU San Luis Obispo
• CSU San Marcos
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Cogswell College
• Humboldt State University
• Humphreys College
• Loyola Marymount University
• Marymount California University
• The Master's University
• Mills College
• Mount Saint Mary's University
• Notre Dame de Namur University
• Occidental College
• Otis College of Art and Design
• Pacific Union College
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Point Loma Nazarene University
• Pomona College
• Saint Mary's College of California
• San Diego State University
• San Francisco State University
• Santa Clara University
• Simpson University
• Soka University of America
• Sonoma State University
• Stanford University
• Thomas Aquinas College
• University of California--Berkeley
• University of California--Davis
• University of California-Irvine
• University of California--Los Angeles
• University of California - Merced
• University of California--Riverside
• University of California--San Diego
• University of California--Santa Barbara
• University of California--Santa Cruz
• University of La Verne
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California
• Westmont College
• Whittier College
• Colorado Mesa University
• Colorado School of Mines
• Colorado State University
• Colorado State University-Pueblo
• Fort Lewis College
• Naropa University
• Regis University
• United States Air Force Academy
• University of Colorado--Boulder
• University of Denver
• University of Northern Colorado

Connecticut

• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Fairfield University
• Mitchell College
• Quinnipiac University
• Sacred Heart University
• Trinity College
• University of Bridgeport
• University of New Haven
• University of Saint Joseph
• Wesleyan University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Yale University
• University of Delaware
• Barry University
• Clearwater Christian College
• Eckerd College
• Flagler College
• Florida A&M University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Florida International University
• Florida Southern College
• Florida State University
• Lynn University
• New College of Florida
• Nova Southeastern University
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• Ringling College of Art + Design
• Rollins College
• Saint Leo University
• Stetson University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• University of North Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of Tampa
• University of West Florida
• Webber International University
• Agnes Scott College
• Albany State University
• The Art Institute of Atlanta
• Augusta University
• Berry College
• Brenau University
• Covenant College
• Emory University
• Georgia College & State University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• Kennesaw State University
• Life University
• Mercer University
• Piedmont College
• Point University
• Reinhardt University
• Savannah College of Art and Design
• Shorter College
• University of Georgia
• University of North Georgia
• Valdosta State University
• Wesleyan College
• Chaminade University of Honolulu
• University of Hawaii-Manoa
• Boise State University
• Lewis-Clark State College
• University of Idaho
• Augustana College
• Aurora University
• Bradley University
• Columbia College 
• DePaul University
• Dominican University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Elmhurst College
• Greenville University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois State University
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Knox College
• Lake Forest College
• Lewis University
• Loyola University of Chicago
• Millikin University
• Monmouth College
• North Central College
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Northern Illinois University
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Quincy University
• Rockford University
• Roosevelt University
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
• Trinity Christian College
• The University of Chicago
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• University of Illinois at Springfield
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of St. Francis
• Western Illinois University
• Wheaton College
• Anderson University
• Ball State University
• Bethel University
• Butler University
• DePauw University
• Grace College and Seminary
• Hanover College
• Huntington University
• Indiana State University
• Indiana University--Bloomington
• Indiana University East
• Indiana University-Kokomo
• Indiana University Northwest
• Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
• Indiana University South Bend
• Indiana University Southeast
• Indiana Wesleyan University
• Manchester University
• Marian University
• Purdue University--West Lafayette
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Saint Mary's College
• Taylor University
• University of Evansville
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Southern Indiana
• Valparaiso University
• Wabash College
• Briar Cliff University
• Buena Vista University
• Central College
• Cornell College
• Drake University
• Graceland University
• Grinnell College
• Luther College
• Mount Mercy University
• Northwestern College
• St. Ambrose University
• University of Dubuque
• University of Iowa
• Upper Iowa University
• Wartburg College
• William Penn University
• Baker University
• Bethel College
• Fort Hays State University
• Friends University
• Kansas State University
• MidAmerica Nazarene University
• Sterling College
• University of Kansas
• Wichita State University
• Bellarmine University
• Centre College
• Georgetown College
• Murray State University
• Northern Kentucky University
• Transylvania University
• University of Louisville
• University of Pikeville
• University of the Cumberlands
• Western Kentucky University
• Louisiana College
• Louisiana State University--Baton Rouge
• Loyola University New Orleans
• Nicholls State University
• Southeastern Louisiana University
• Southern University and A & M College
• Tulane University
• University of New Orleans
• Bates College
• Bowdoin College
• Colby College
• Husson University
• Unity College
• University of Maine
• University of Maine-Augusta
• University of New England
• Frostburg State University
• Goucher College
• Hood College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Loyola University Maryland
• Maryland Institute College of Art
• Mount St. Mary's University
• St. John's College
• St. Mary's College of Maryland
• Salisbury University
• Stevenson University
• Towson University
• United States Naval Academy
• University of Maryland--Baltimore County
• University of Maryland--College Park

Massachusetts

• Amherst College
• Assumption College
• Babson College
• Bard College at Simon's Rock
• Bay Path University
• Bentley University
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Brandeis University
• Cambridge College
• Clark University
• College of the Holy Cross
• Emerson College
• Emmanuel College
• Endicott College
• Fitchburg State College
• Framingham State University
• Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
• Gordon College
• Hampshire College
• Harvard College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Merrimack College
• Mount Holyoke College
• Nichols College
• Regis College
• School of the Museum of Fine Arts
• Simmons University
• Suffolk University
• Tufts University
• University of Massachusetts-Amherst
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell
• Wellesley College
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Western New England University
• Westfield State University
• Williams College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Worcester State University
• Adrian College
• Albion College
• Aquinas College
• Calvin University
• Central Michigan University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Ferris State University
• Hope College
• Kalamazoo College
• Kettering University
• Lawrence Technological University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University
• Northern Michigan University
• Northwood University
• Oakland University
• Saginaw Valley State University
• Siena Heights University
• Spring Arbor University
• University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University
• Augsburg University
• Bemidji State University
• Carleton College
• College of St. Benedict/Saint John's University
• The College of Saint Scholastica
• Concordia College
• Concordia University - St Paul
• Gustavus Adolphus College
• Hamline University
• Macalester College
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design
• Minnesota State University--Mankato
• Minnesota State University--Moorhead
• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
• St. Olaf College
• University of Minnesota--Crookston
• University of Minnesota--Duluth
• University of Minnesota--Morris
• University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
• University of Saint Thomas

Mississippi

• Belhaven College
• Jackson State University
• Millsaps College
• Mississippi State University
• University of Mississippi
• Columbia College
• Drury University
• Maryville University of Saint Louis
• Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Missouri Valley College
• Saint Louis University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Southwest Baptist University
• Stephens College
• Truman State University
• University of Central Missouri
• University of Missouri
• University of Missouri--Kansas City
• University of Missouri--Saint Louis
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Webster University
• Westminster College
• William Jewell College
• Montana State University
• Montana State University--Billings
• Rocky Mountain College
• University of Montana
• The University of Montana--Western
• College of Saint Mary
• Creighton University
• Doane University
• Hastings College
• Nebraska Wesleyan University
• University of Nebraska--Omaha
• University of Nebraska--Lincoln
• Wayne State College
• Sierra Nevada College

New Hampshire

• Colby-Sawyer College
• Dartmouth College
• Franklin Pierce University
• Keene State College
• Plymouth State University
• Rivier University
• Saint Anselm College
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of New Hampshire
• Caldwell University
• The College of New Jersey
• College of Saint Elizabeth
• Drew University
• Georgian Court University
• Kean University
• Monmouth University
• Montclair State University
• New Jersey City University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Princeton University
• Ramapo College of New Jersey
• Rider University
• Rowan University
• Rutgers University-Camden
• Rutgers University-Newark
• Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stockton University
• Thomas Edison State University
• William Paterson University
• Eastern New Mexico University
• New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology
• New Mexico State University
• University of New Mexico
• Adelphi University
• Alfred University
• Barnard College
• Canisius College
• City University of New York--Baruch College
• City University of New York--Brooklyn College
• Queens College of the City University of New York
• City University of New York - The College of Staten Island
• Clarkson University
• Colgate University
• The College of Saint Rose
• Columbia University
• The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
• Cornell University
• Daemen College
• Elmira College
• Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
• Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York
• Five Towns College
• Fordham University
• Hamilton College
• Hartwick College
• Hilbert College
• Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• Hofstra University
• Houghton College
• Iona College
• Ithaca College
• The Juilliard School
• Le Moyne College
• Long Island University Post
• Manhattan College
• Manhattanville College
• Marist College
• Marymount Manhattan College
• Mercy College
• Molloy College
• Mount Saint Mary College
• Nazareth College
• New York Institute of Technology
• New York School of Interior Design
• New York University
• Niagara University
• Pace University
• Parsons The New School for Design
• Pratt Institute
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Roberts Wesleyan College
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• St. Bonaventure University
• St. John Fisher College
• St. John's University
• St. Joseph's College
• St. Lawrence University
• St. Thomas Aquinas College
• Siena College
• Skidmore College
• SUNY at Albany
• SUNY--Binghamton University SUNY--The College at Brockport
• SUNY--University at Buffalo
• SUNY Canton
• SUNY Cobleskill
• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
• SUNY Cortland
• SUNY Empire State College
• SUNY Fredonia
• SUNY Geneseo
• SUNY Maritime College
• SUNY Morrisville
• SUNY New Paltz
• SUNY Old Westbury
• SUNY Oneonta
• SUNY Oswego
• SUNY Plattsburgh
• SUNY Potsdam
• SUNY--Stony Brook University
• Syracuse University
• Union College
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• United States Military Academy
• University of Rochester
• Utica College
• Vassar College
• Wagner College
• Webb Institute
• Wells College

North Carolina

• Appalachian State University
• Barton College
• Belmont Abbey College
• Brevard College
• Catawba College
• Duke University
• East Carolina University
• Elon University
• Gardner-Webb University
• Guilford College
• High Point University
• Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Meredith College
• Methodist University
• North Carolina State University
• Salem College
• University of North Carolina--Asheville
• University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
• University of North Carolina--Charlotte
• University of North Carolina--Greensboro
• University of North Carolina--Pembroke
• University of North Carolina--Wilmington
• Wake Forest University
• Warren Wilson College
• Western Carolina University
• William Peace University
• Wingate University

North Dakota

• Mayville State University
• University of North Dakota
• Ashland University
• Baldwin Wallace University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Cedarville University
• Cleveland State University
• College of Wooster
• Columbus College of Art & Design
• Denison University
• Hiram College
• John Carroll University
• Kent State University
• Kenyon College
• Malone University
• Miami University
• Mount Vernon Nazarene University
• Muskingum University
• Oberlin College
• Ohio Dominican University
• The Ohio State University--Columbus
• The Ohio State University--Newark
• Ohio University--Athens
• Shawnee State University
• Tiffin University
• Union Institute & University
• University of Akron
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Dayton
• University of Findlay
• University of Mount Union
• University of Toledo
• Wittenberg University
• Wright State University
• Xavier University 
• Youngstown State University
• Northeastern State University
• Oklahoma Baptist University
• Oklahoma Christian University
• Oklahoma City University
• Oklahoma State University
• Oral Roberts University
• University of Central Oklahoma
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
• University of Tulsa
• Eastern Oregon University
• George Fox University
• Lewis & Clark College
• Linfield College
• Multnomah University
• Oregon State University
• Pacific Northwest College of Art
• Portland State University
• Southern Oregon University
• University of Portland
• Warner Pacific College
• Western Oregon University

Pennsylvania

• Albright College
• Allegheny College
• Alvernia University
• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Cairn University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Chatham University
• Chestnut Hill College
• Clarks Summit University
• Delaware Valley University
• DeSales University
• Dickinson College
• Drexel University
• Duquesne University
• Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Franklin & Marshall College
• Gannon University
• Grove City College
• Gwynedd Mercy University
• Haverford College
• Holy Family University
• Juniata College
• Keystone College
• King's College
• Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
• Lafayette College
• Lancaster Bible College
• La Roche University
• La Salle University
• Lebanon Valley College
• Lehigh University
• Lincoln University
• Lycoming College
• Mansfield University
• Marywood University
• Messiah College
• Misericordia University
• Moravian College
• Muhlenberg College
• Neumann University
• Penn State University Park
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Robert Morris University
• Rosemont College
• Saint Joseph's University
• Saint Vincent College
• Susquehanna University
• Swarthmore College
• Thiel College
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh--Bradford
• University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
• University of Pittsburgh--Pittsburgh
• University of Scranton
• University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
• Ursinus College
• Villanova University
• Washington & Jefferson College
• Waynesburg University
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Widener University
• Wilkes University
• Wilson College
• York College of Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

• Brown University
• Bryant University
• Providence College
• Roger Williams University
• Salve Regina University
• University of Rhode Island

South Carolina

• Bob Jones University
• The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
• Clemson University
• Coastal Carolina University
• College of Charleston
• Converse College
• Erskine College
• Francis Marion University
• Limestone College
• Southern Wesleyan University
• University of South Carolina 
• Winthrop University
• Wofford College

South Dakota

• Augustana University
• Dakota State University
• South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
• Belmont University
• Bryan College
• King University
• Lee University
• Lincoln Memorial University
• Lipscomb University
• Maryville College
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Milligan College
• Rhodes College
• Southern Adventist University
• Tennessee Technological University
• Tusculum College
• Union University
• University of Memphis
• The University of the South
• University of Tennessee--Chattanooga
• University of Tennessee--Knoxville
• University of Tennessee--Martin
• Vanderbilt University
• Abilene Christian University
• Angelo State University
• Austin College
• Baylor University
• Dallas Baptist University
• Hardin-Simmons University
• Houston Baptist University
• Huston-Tillotson University
• McMurry University
• Midwestern State University
• Rice University
• St. Edward's University
• Schreiner University
• Southern Methodist University
• Southwestern University
• Tarleton State University
• Texas A&M University--College Station
• Texas Christian University
• Texas Lutheran University
• Texas State University
• Texas Tech University
• Trinity University
• University of Houston
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas--Arlington
• University of Texas--Austin
• University of Texas--San Antonio
• Wayland Baptist University
• Brigham Young University 
• Neumont College
• University of Utah
• Utah State University
• Weber State University
• Bennington College
• Champlain College
• Marlboro College
• Middlebury College
• Saint Michael's College
• Vermont Technical College
• Bridgewater College
• Christendom College
• Christopher Newport University
• Eastern Mennonite University
• George Mason University
• Hampden-Sydney College
• Hampton University
• Hollins University
• James Madison University
• Liberty University
• Longwood University
• Mary Baldwin University
• Old Dominion University
• Patrick Henry College
• Radford University
• Randolph College
• Randolph-Macon College
• Regent University
• Roanoke College
• Shenandoah University
• Sweet Briar College
• University of Lynchburg
• University of Mary Washington
• University of Richmond
• University of Virginia
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Tech
• Virginia Wesleyan University
• Washington and Lee University
• William & Mary
• Bastyr University
• Central Washington University
• DigiPen Institute of Technology
• Eastern Washington University
• Evergreen State College
• Gonzaga University
• Heritage University
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Seattle Pacific University
• Seattle University
• University of Puget Sound
• University of Washington
• University of Washington--Tacoma
• Washington State University
• Western Washington University
• Whitman College
• Whitworth University

Washington DC

• American University
• Catholic University of America
• Gallaudet University
• Georgetown University
• Howard University

West Virginia

• Bethany College
• Concord University
• Marshall University
• University of Charleston
• West Virginia University
• West Virginia Wesleyan College
• Wheeling Jesuit University
• Beloit College
• Carthage College
• Lawrence University
• Marquette University
• Milwaukee School of Engineering
• Mount Mary University
• Northland College
• Ripon College
• St. Norbert College
• University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire
• University of Wisconsin--Green Bay
• University of Wisconsin--La Crosse
• University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin--Platteville
• University of Wisconsin--River Falls
• University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point
• University of Wisconsin--Stout
• University of Wisconsin--Superior
• University of Wisconsin--Whitewater
• Viterbo University
• Central Wyoming College
• University of Wyoming

Summary: College Virtual Tours

A Virtual college tour is a tour that you can watch from your phone or computer. The tour is generally an hour long, and will be led by a tour guide who will talk to you about the school and their experience there, as well as answer questions you or others may have. Seeing a school in-person is always the best way to get a feel for it, but virtual tours are still a great way to get a sense of what the college and study body are like, without the time and expense of traveling to the school itself. Virtual campus tours have become more and more popular in recent years, and many schools offer them. To get the most out of a virtual campus tour, be sure to:

•  Prepare ahead of time
• Remember that you're being shown the best parts of the school
• Research other ways to learn about the school
• Consider an in-person visit

What's Next?

Are you in the midst of researching colleges and narrowing down your college list? This guide has some seriously helpful suggestions for figuring out what you want and choosing the colleges that best match your goals.

Touring a school is just one part of the college application process . This complete guide to college applications will help you plan your application step by step!

Another concern when making your college list may be financial aid. If this is important to you, check out these 27 colleges with the best financial aid!

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Higher Education

Virtual campus tours are catching on in higher education.

By Emily Bamforth

May 26, 2021

Virtual college tours became a staple during the coronavirus pandemic, with a jump of 258% in participation among high school seniors, according to April statistics from the educational technology company EAB.

Universities invested in tools to build out virtual tours when campuses shut down and student tour guides were no longer on campus to form connections with prospective students. As students and faculty head back to campus, universities are continuing to develop those offerings to stand out to students who want an individualized experience, tour companies say.

“Every college visit you go on they tell you about how crazy their squirrels are, or this really wacky tradition — there’s a formula to it all,” said Raya Ward, co-founder of Adora, a virtual campus tour provider. “Maybe when you’re so deep in it, you don’t realize it, but for students who are visiting multiple schools a month, it’s actually the details of the program they’re going to be in, the student group they’re going to be in that are going to hook them.”

Chris Carson, the president of Campus Tours, which has been providing virtual tours since 1997, said authenticity is key to engaging students. Because prospective university students grew up with rampant internet and media advertising, they’re “very aware of when they’re being sold to,” he said.

“What you’ll notice is [college campus tours are] very heavily marketed,” Carson said. “It’s the institution’s perspective being reinforced by a tour guide.”

But with virtual tours, companies like Carson’s are trying to do things differently.

Building connections

Virtual tours are typically conducted through two approaches: a map-based interface, where users click on buildings to get information, or virtual walk-throughs that guide students through the perspective of touring campus in-person, often using panoramas.

Adora, which was started by a team of Princeton undergraduates, uses a map interface, with a heavy emphasis on personalizing the experience. A student can use filters like “study abroad,” “dining,” “athletics” or “first-generation students” to curate the stops on their tour for a customized route. Universities, meanwhile, provide information, photos and video for each stop, which users can also filter, depending on their interests.

“Because [Adora’s staff members] are students first, we’re able to really tell our schools, ‘Hey, drop all the fancy language. Just tell the students that just want to hear about it,'” Ward said. “We really encourage them to get their students involved in the content process. If we can have students writing this, that’s really interesting for prospective families.”

Getting students involved in panoramic, 360-degree tours means incorporating video. YouVisit, a company EAB acquired in 2019, incorporates student-recorded videos to buildings and landmarks in its walk-through tours. P.J. Morreale, a managing director at EAB, said virtual touring isn’t about mimicking what guides would do on an in-person walking tour.

“Instead of specifically walking into a physical building, like an engineering building or a science building, and making the messaging be a little bit more about ‘this is where you walk in, and this is where you sit,’ it’s more about, here’s the people, here’s the spirit, here’s how we tell our story,” he said. “Here’s more about what you might expect to learn or take away at the end of the program with this particular professor, or in this particular college.”

In a tour YouVisit made for the U.S. Air Force Academy, a tour guide explains each stop from the corner of the screen. Clicking on a picture of a student in front of the academy’s prep school stops the narrator and the website plays a video in which the student explains her experience and what she learned at the prep school before entering the academy. Virtual tours are an opportunity for institutions to approach storytelling differently, Morreale said.

“While it is important to the student who visits these tours that they see the physical spaces, they really want to know how how they’re going to feel, how are they going to fit in,” he said. “I think that that’s something that the virtual tours just historically have done very well, regardless of the global situation.”

A standard practice

As students around the country return to their campuses, college officials still are looking to grow their use of virtual tours. That’s in part because virtual tours boost accessibility for students who don’t have the resources to travel for a campus tour. The staying power also comes from this kind of technology becoming a standard offering that students expect. When nuCloud, an interactive maps and virtual tours provider that was acquired by Modern Campus earlier this year, started in 2008, its technology was viewed as a luxury.

“When the student is trying to find a school, they have maybe a list of 10 schools,” said Nick Catto, a nuCloud product specialist at Modern Campus. “If they look at five of those schools that have interactive maps and then yours doesn’t, that speaks poorly to you.”

Virtual campus tours can also be a supplement for existing tours, said Carson, the Campus Tours president, with guides walking students through general tours using a virtual platform and then later guiding them to buildings they want to see in-person.

Adora was acquired last month by Full Measure Education, which for the product means additional resources to continue redefining the admissions process. Ward, the Adora co-founder who’s now a design manager at Full Measure, said her team is working on how to follow-up with students on tour interests, like by sending out information on financial aid or extracurricular activities students signaled interest in.

“We wanted to go a step further, other than just digitizing tours, and what the next step of campus visits is in a world where technology is widespread,” she said. “Part of that is saying that a visit is just step one of an entire lifecycle we want to track.”

This story is part of EdScoop’s Special Report on Emerging Edtech.

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We offer on-campus tours and online webinars hosted by UCLA students. 

A tour narrated by current UCLA student tour guides is offered online and on-campus. These tours are designed for students in 9th grade and above.

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25 Virtual College Tours Worth Taking

Virtual college tours are considered one of the easiest, most accessible ways to learn about a school. While a more typical college tour may still be conducted in-person, the reality of that is changing. With the technological advances of the last 10-15 years, virtual tours have become a new, affordable possibility. Indeed, a virtual college tour can be an excellent way to learn about a school’s campus, programs, student life, clubs and activities, and much more.

You might be curious, how exactly do virtual college tours work? The answer depends on the school. Some virtual tours are live streams or recordings of in-person campus tours. Others are interactive maps where you can click on buildings and see what happens inside. Some will even include Q&A sessions with students. These are just some of the many ways schools show prospective students what life is like on campus. However, not all virtual college tours are created equal.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of virtual college visits, including:

• Benefits of engaging in college tours
• Similarities and differences between in-person and virtual college tours
• Different formats of virtual tours
• Top 25 virtual tours worth taking
• How to plan and make the most of your college visits
• What comes next after a college tour 

Without a doubt, college visits will play an integral role in your college journey. So, let’s dive into why college visits are so important to the application process. 

Why College Visits?

Before we explore virtual college tours in greater detail, let’s discuss why college visits are important to begin with. First and foremost, college tours are a way to learn about schools before you apply or even attend. Attending college is a big commitment. Therefore, taking the time to learn more about each school will allow you to feel more confident in deciding where to attend. 

Secondly, the college admissions process is a time of self-exploration. By engaging in college tours, you can learn more about yourself just as you do about colleges. Maybe you will notice you like smaller campuses that aren’t in bustling cities. Or perhaps you will realize that having a lot of cultural diversity on campus is important. By learning these facts about yourself, you will contribute to your overall personal development as well as create a holistic college list.

Lastly, college visits for juniors help to put together a strong application. Many colleges request that you write a supplemental essay about why you want to attend their school. Through a visit, you can gain knowledge about the school and be able to speak passionately and specifically about why you wish to attend in your essays. This is more critical than ever since the number of applications has skyrocketed at many schools. As such, you’ll need to make sure your application demonstrates why you are a clear fit.

College visits and the admissions process

As you may have already gathered, there are two times when you might find it most valuable to visit colleges:

Before applying

Virtual college tours and in-person campus tours can help you narrow down your college list. In doing so, you will only spend money and time applying to colleges that you would really love to attend. College visits for juniors can also help them write stronger essays.

After admission to make a final matriculation decision

If you are admitted to multiple schools, a campus visit can help you feel more confident in your final decision. As a senior, you also might have more specific questions about certain activities or campus life. Getting to know the campus more can also help ease the transition into your first year. Since you’ll already know where important buildings and resources are located, your first day may not be as overwhelming!

Now that you understand the importance of college visits, let’s explore what goes into planning a college visit.

Planning your college visit

As we shared, college visits are an important part of the admissions process. However, planning in-person campus tours can be time-consuming and expensive. To begin, you and your family will need to explore what times of year are best to travel. Some common times to visit schools are during school breaks or summer vacations. However, if you hope to see more activity on campus, then try to plan your visit when classes are in session. 

Next, we recommend setting up a visit with the admissions office. While you can, in most cases, visit a campus without an appointment, the appointment helps you gain access to a tour. It may even allow you to speak with an admissions officer. Ideally, you will book this appointment a few months before the visit. If you find yourself running short on time, you can also show up on campus and take a self-guided tour. Occidental College , Haverford College , and Claremont McKenna College all offer self-guided tours, whether using a printed map or a downloadable app. 

The cost of college visits

Regardless of whether you pre-schedule your visit, you will need to pay for your travel including transportation, hotels, and meals. Many students try to see multiple schools in one visit to save money and time.

For some students, setting up in-person visits is difficult. Beyond the expensive nature of travel, parents or guardians may not be able to take off work or find childcare. Some high schools organize college visits for juniors, or even sophomores, where adult chaperones take large groups of students to visit schools. However, this may not be an option at your school.

If the cost and logistics required to attend in-person college tours is prohibitive, don’t worry! In the next sections, we’ll discuss the many similarities, as well as the unique benefits, of virtual college tours.

COVID-19’s Impact on College Visits

While virtual tours existed pre-pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic made them a necessity as college campus tours were canceled. Since then, virtual tours have become more advanced and more widely available. In some cases, college virtual tours can offer as much, or more, than an in-person campus visit.

While many students still prefer in-person visits, virtual tours can be used as a tool to explore colleges earlier in the application journey. Virtual tours can also be useful to prepare for an in-person visit. If a student can spend 15 minutes taking a virtual tour and noting what buildings or parts of campus interest them most, then they can focus their in-person tour on those aspects. 

Overall, virtual tours are an excellent way to visit schools that are completely inaccessible, such as ones that are too far away. Many international students use virtual college tours to explore campuses they wish to attend. Indeed, the fact that virtual tours exploded during the pandemic has raised several questions about accessibility, including the need to make more tours available in multiple languages or geared towards low-income families.

Coming up, we will explore more about the similarities and differences between in-person and virtual college tours. 

In-person vs Virtual College Tours

Luckily, visiting colleges today does not require you to go to a campus. Indeed, the number and quality of virtual campus tours for students have skyrocketed in recent years. Undoubtedly, there are similarities and differences between in-person college campus tours and virtual college tours.

Similarities between In-Person College Campus Tours and Virtual College Tours

• They provide a layout of the campus.
• They allow students to get a sense of the campus architecture, including the inside of academic buildings and dorms. For example, UT San Antonio offers special housing tours for students to see where they might be living.
• Students can learn about specific academic programs. For instance, Harvard offers a specialized in-person tour for engineering and applied sciences students in addition to the Harvard virtual tour.
• They offer insight into student life on campus. Emerson College , for example, offers videos of students talking about their transition to life in Boston and co-curricular activities.
• Tours allow students to explore the available clubs and activities on campus.
• They are opportunities to hear directly from actual students about their experiences. Colgate , Princeton , and Barnard all offer virtual conversations with students.
• Students can get some of their doubts answered. Many tours offer a live Q&A with current students. Pomona ’s live virtual sessions include this offering.

Differences between In-Person College Campus Tours and Virtual College Tours

Note that depending on the school, you may or may not receive information about that school’s admissions process during a tour, whether in-person or virtual. Several schools, like Spelman , encourage students to schedule separate webinars to learn more about the admissions process, as this is not a topic covered in their campus tours. 

Now that we have explored the similarities and differences between in-person college campus tours and virtual college visits, let’s look more deeply into when and how to use virtual college tours.

Understanding Virtual College Tours

When first hearing about virtual college visits, many students and families are skeptical about how useful they can be. However, college virtual tours have advanced so much in recent years that many offer a similar, if not enhanced, experience to an in-person visit. 

As we discussed, there are several obvious reasons why college virtual tours are easier than in-person, including the fact that they are free and require little to no planning. In the following sections, we will discover more of the benefits and uses of virtual college tours. We will also discuss how they work and explore some of the best virtual college tours that exist today.

Are Virtual College Tours Worth It?

Yes—college virtual tours are absolutely worth your time! Indeed, virtual college tours can be a very good investment of time depending on where you are in your college admissions process. Let’s explore some ways that you can use virtual college visits to aid you in your college decision-making process:

Initial exploration of schools

As a freshman or sophomore in high school, you might not know how to prepare for the college process. Using virtual college tours, you can begin to explore schools and learn about what you like and don’t like in a college. This process can help you stay motivated to work hard as you will visualize your goals with greater clarity. You will also begin to learn what types of schools you are drawn to, which can help you build a college list faster in your junior year.

Exploring more and different schools

In the past, many students were limited to only visiting schools they could travel to. In some cases, leaving their state or country was impossible. Virtual college tours offer much more accessibility for students who cannot travel large distances. Also, since they can be completed in much less time than in-person college campus tours, virtual college visits may allow you to explore schools you had never considered. Perhaps you were only considering applying to big public schools. With virtual college visits, you can branch out and easily explore small, liberal arts colleges as well.

Narrowing down the list of schools you might want to visit in person

You might have a long college list. Ideally, you’ll want to cut it down when considering which schools to visit. This is where virtual college visits offer a unique opportunity to make the most of your time and resources. Before you get on the road, you can do a virtual tour to see if you like the campus enough to visit. Or perhaps the virtual tour helps you see which parts of campus you want to explore further, or which buildings you want to enter.

Alternatively, maybe your virtual college visits give you the confidence to know you like the school enough that you don’t need to spend lots of money on a flight in your junior year. Perhaps you will wait and see if you are admitted and visit the school afterward to decide if you want to attend.

Certainly, we can agree there are many benefits to virtual college visits. However, some virtual college tours are more interactive, engaging, and informative than others. Later, we will explore some of the virtual college tours that are worth taking.

While the quality of the tour may depend on the schools you’re interested in, how much you get out of them ultimately depends on you. We will explore how to make the most of your college virtual tours later. 

What Are Virtual College Tours Like?

Now that we have convinced you that college virtual tours are beneficial, let’s look at what you can expect from them. Most virtual college tours for students have some combination of the following offerings:

Guided tour of campus

This can include a combination of interactive maps and pictures, embedded videos, informational text, and voiceovers describing what you are seeing. Some college virtual tours offer 360-degree views that allow you to click around and move through campus as if you were there, such as the University of Tampa ’s tour. Even more advanced tours offer immersive virtual reality (VR) technology which allows you to put on a headset and bring the campus to life in front of your eyes. However, VR campus tours typically require you to have your own equipment at home.

Campus highlights

Most virtual college tours for students will highlight important buildings or landmarks. These can include academic buildings, monuments, libraries, dining halls, residence halls, and the student union. By showing you these buildings, schools hope to give you a sense of what your day-to-day life may look like as a student there.

Student testimonials

Another helpful part of college virtual tours is student testimonials. Sometimes, this looks like students leading a campus tour while sharing their own experiences. Other times, schools will offer webinars for prospective students to ask questions of others. More common these days is the use of social media to share student experiences. Some schools will allow students to “take over” their social media accounts and post about their day so that prospective students can see what a day on campus is like. Consider following schools of interest on social media so you can get an insider’s perspective.

Now that you know what you can generally expect from college virtual tours, let’s explore the differences between college campus tours across schools.

How Do Virtual College Tours Work?

As the name suggests, virtual tours happen via a computer, phone, or other piece of technology. However, that can look very different depending on the school you are investigating. As we shared above, many virtual college tours for students include some kind of guided tour of campus, a list of highlights, and student testimonials. However, these items can come in very different formats.

Here are some of the formats you can expect:

Pre-recorded videos.

These can look like videos of a student giving a tour or a video of activities happening around campus. Since these are the simplest version of virtual college tours for students, they are the most common. Schools like Dartmouth , CalPoly , and Vassar all offer pre-recorded tours. 

Interactive videos

Some videos let you click on buildings or landmarks as you watch to learn more. In some cases, you can even enter buildings. For example, the Harvard virtual tour lets you click through photos of the athletic center, dorms, libraries, labs, and quads. The Harvard virtual tour also includes a voiceover that provides additional information as you scroll through images. 

Interactive map s

Here you’ll have a map of campus, whether flat or 360 degrees, that lets you click on landmarks to gather more information. Cornell , Bucknell , Wesleyan , and Pace all have online maps you can explore.

Live streams

This is a video that is being filmed at the same time you are watching it. Live streams sometimes offer a chance for Q&A with the student hosting. To take advantage of this, you will need to be present at the exact time the live stream is being shared. In some cases, you may need to register ahead of time to receive the link. An example of a live tour is at the University of Pennsylvania , where students register ahead of time for a one-hour, live, student-led virtual campus tour.

Live Virtual Tour vs. Pre-Recorded Tour

Take special note of the distinction between live virtual tours and pre-recorded virtual tours. Live virtual tours are being streamed as you watch them, which means you will get a better sense of what is happening right then and there on campus. Sometimes, live virtual tours include a Q&A section where you can ask questions. Meanwhile, pre-recorded virtual tours are less interactive but offer the flexibility of watching them whenever you can.

A common platform for many of these virtual college tours is YouVisit . YouVisit specializes in making virtual experiences as interactive as possible. For that reason, you may notice that many of the online virtual college tours you discover are similar in format. YouVisit’s tours tend to include interactive 360-degree maps, voiceovers, videos, and photos.

As you can tell, there are many formats and options for virtual tours. Indeed, the menu of options has exploded in recent years, in part due to the necessity created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, we will look more closely at when to take a virtual tour and explore some of the most helpful virtual tours worth taking.

When is the right time to take a Virtual Tour?

Virtual college tours can be useful at any stage, whether you’re already working on applications or just starting to build your college list.  No matter where you are in the college admissions process, remember: it’s never too early to take a virtual tour! However, before you start exploring virtually, it’s useful to know how virtual college tours can benefit you.

Tours for sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Virtual college tours will look different for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a sophomore, a virtual tour might be a way to dip your toes into the world of college admissions. Since you can take virtual college tours from the comfort of your own home, this is a low-stakes way to get a feel for which colleges you’re interested in applying to. 

College visits for juniors are a bit more meaningful. You may be starting to create a college list, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the different parts of the virtual tour. Consider taking notes as you go, so that when you start applying to schools you have observations from your virtual tour to look back on. 

If you’re a senior, there’s another important aspect of virtual college tours to keep in mind: demonstrated interest. When colleges read your application, they often look for “demonstrated interest,” which is a way that you demonstrate that you care about the school. Colleges want to admit students who will ultimately choose that college, and one way to show that you care about a school is to attend a tour. 

What Colleges Offer Virtual Tours?

In general, virtual college tours make tours accessible for people who can’t travel to the school for whatever reason. Most schools understand that not all students can visit in person and will offer some type of virtual tour—whether it’s a recorded tour, a video of the campus, or another interactive option. 

So, how do you decide which ones to take? Up next, you’ll find our list of the best virtual college tours that we think are worth your time.

25 Virtual College Tours Worth Taking!

As we’ve discussed, virtual tours are a great way to get a feel for a school’s campus without having to make the trip to visit. You can take a virtual tour at almost any time—you can even take one more than once!

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 25 great virtual college tours that you can embark on in lieu of a traditional college visit. 

Top 25 Virtual College Tours

1. princeton university.

First on our list of virtual college tours worth taking is Princeton University. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton is ranked #1 in National Universities. Princeton’s virtual tour consists of a live-streamed Zoom webinar, where one of their tour guides will take you along with them on their campus tour. You can even ask your guide questions in the Zoom chat!

2. Harvard University

Next on our list of best virtual college tours is Harvard University, located in Cambridge, MA. The Harvard virtual tour is self-guided, meaning that you can click around the Harvard virtual tour to see panoramic views of Harvard’s classic New England campus at your own pace. Plus, if you’re interested in Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, there’s a separate Harvard virtual tour that goes into even more detail on that school’s offerings.

3. University of Pennsylvania

If you’re interested in UPenn but can’t make it out to Philadelphia, you can explore UPenn’s campus with virtual college visits. You have to sign up online to take one of Upenn’s virtual college tours since they’re led live by Penn’s student tour guides. With these live tours, every tour is different. Since different students give them each time, if you decide to take the tour more than once, you’ll likely learn something new! 

4. Cornell University

The virtual college tours at Cornell are self-guided. This means that you can take yourself around Cornell’s beautiful campus in Ithaca, NY, at your own pace. At each location, Cornell supplies fun facts and details about the campus that can help you get to know the school better. 

5. Dartmouth College

With Dartmouth’s virtual college tours, you can get the best of both worlds: a live-streamed campus tour and a self-guided tour. If you’re just beginning to think about Dartmouth as an option, watch their video of a pre-recorded tour to get a feel. If Dartmouth is your dream school, get to know their campus in bucolic Hanover, NH, by taking a live virtual tour led by a student—that way, you can ask all of your questions and feel more like you’re really there!

6. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) – San Luis Obispo

If you want to know more about Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, they provide a wealth of virtual college tours that you can take. Not only does Cal Poly offer the classic student-led virtual tours and prerecorded tours. They also have virtual tours of their housing and of each academic college. Even if you can’t make it out to this coastal California city, you’ll have a great feel for the Cal Poly campus. 

7. Barnard College

Curious about college in the Big Apple? Take one of Barnard’s virtual college tours. Once you register for Barnard’s virtual tour, you gain access to spaces in Barnard that aren’t even available on the in-person tour. Barnard also offers an audio tour, where you can listen along to a live tour guide.

8. Pomona College

At Pomona, a college located in Pomona, California, you can explore in a multitude of ways. Pomona offers a pre-recorded virtual tour, as well as info sessions and webinars that you can attend from home. 

9. University of Texas – San Antonio

Located in San Antonio, TX, the University of Texas campus at San Antonio offers a self-guided virtual tour. At each location on the virtual tour, UT offers a video accompanied by written information to help you get to know the campus better.

10. Wesleyan University

If you’re looking for an idyllic New England campus, you’ll find one with Wesleyan’s virtual college tours. Wesleyan is a small liberal arts school located in Middletown, Connecticut, and you can follow along with a current student as they “walk” you through different locations on campus. 

11. Colgate University

Located in Hamilton, ME, Colgate’s beautiful campus is just a few clicks away. Colgate’s college virtual tours let students make their way through the campus on their own time, and you can supplement your virtual college visit with webinars and online info sessions. 

12. Washington State University

Though Pullman, Washington would be beautiful to see in person, WSU’s college virtual tours will make you feel like you’re right there without ever leaving your house. WSU offers a personal tour, where you can direct yourself around the Washington State campus. 

13. Bucknell University

At Bucknell University, you can take college virtual tours by navigating through their virtual campus map. Though you might not get a feel of Bucknell’s location in Lewisburg, PA, you’ll come away with a great understanding of their campus—they even have a specialized map for prospective engineering students. 

14. Vassar College

Next on the list of college virtual tours worth doing is Vassar. Vassar is located in scenic upstate New York, but if you don’t want to make the trip, you can easily get a feeling for the campus with their many options for college virtual tours. Vassar offers an interactive campus tour, a 30-minute preview video of the campus, and even sample classes and recordings of past events. 

15. Claremont McKenna College

The second of the Claremont Colleges after Pomona, Claremont McKenna offers recorded video tours and self-guided college virtual tours. Claremont McKenna is also located in Pomona, CA. So, if you’re virtually touring Pomona, you might as well give Claremont McKenna a look as well!

16. Haverford College

If you’re interested in living in Pennsylvania, you can give this lovely campus located just outside of Philly a look. Haverford offers live virtual tours where two students will take you on a “stroll” across campus, giving you advice and answering questions along the way. 

17. Harvey Mudd College

If you love Pomona, CA, but Claremont McKenna and Pomona weren’t your vibe, give Harvey Mudd a try. Harvey Mudd’s college virtual tours consist of separate videos for each stop along the tour that take you through all of the most important buildings on Harvey Mudd’s campus. 

18. Middlebury College

For your Middlebury College virtual tours, you get all the benefits of variety. Middlebury College, located in Middlebury, VT, has a wealth of options for students who don’t choose to do college campus tours in person. This includes virtual tours in English and Spanish, self-guided interactive maps, recorded information sessions, and more. 

19. Pace University

If you want to get to know Pace University, the college offers interactive maps for both of its campuses—one in NYC and one in Westchester, NY. Using Pace’s maps, you can make the most of New York City college campus tours without ever having to navigate the subway. 

20. Occidental College

Next on our list of virtual college campus tours worth taking is Occidental College. Located in sunny Los Angeles, CA, Occidental offers a self-guided virtual tour, where you can click through 360 views of the campus and hear from Occidental’s student tour guides along the way. 

21. Furman University

Located in Greenville, South Carolina, Furman University also offers stellar options for their virtual college campus tours. Furman gives you the option to explore individual campus buildings with interactive and immersive technology, which includes videos from their tour guides to give you insider knowledge about each location. 

22. Spelman College

If you want to tour Spelman, you don’t have to go all the way to Atlanta, Georgia. You can take one of their virtual college campus tours, where you can take your time looking at each of their buildings. Spelman’s virtual map lets you see inside and outside of many different campus locations, and get a better feel for the vibe of the campus as a whole.

23. Emerson College

Located in Boston, MA, Emerson offers lots of options for students who want to take college virtual tours. Using an interactive map , prospective students can make their way around Emerson’s campus to explore different buildings and facilities. The Emerson campus map also includes some city landmarks, like Boston Common, that are close to campus and part of the Emerson experience.

24. University of Tampa

At the University of Tampa, students can take college virtual tours to get a feel for the beautiful Tampa, FL campus. The University of Tampa offers tour videos, 360 interactive campus tours, as well as virtual visits. If you register for a virtual visit, you’ll also be able to attend a 30-minute info session hosted by an admissions counselor. 

25. Texas State University

For the last school on our list of college virtual tours worth taking, we visit (or more accurately, don’t visit) Texas State. Texas State offers a virtual interactive map, a video tour led by student tour guides, and also provides a presentation where you can learn more about the academics and admissions policies at the school. You can tour both of Texas State’s locations, one in San Marcos and one just north of Austin.

As you can see, not all virtual college visits follow the exact same format. However, there are certainly many opportunities to “visit” a school without ever stepping foot on campus. Next, let’s talk about scheduling and making the most of your college visits.

How To Schedule Virtual College Visits

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best virtual college tours that you can take, let’s talk about some logistics. 

For most virtual college tours, you can take them whenever you want—that’s part of why they’re so great! Whatever your schedule is, you can slide in a college visit on your own time. You could even do a bit of a virtual college visit, take a break, and come back and finish later. It’s totally up to you. 

Schools may ask you for your name and email when you click on their virtual college visits. This is totally fine, and also can work to your advantage. Remember demonstrated interest? You want the college to know that you’ve taken their college campus tours, whether it’s a virtual college visit or in-person. This is especially meaningful in college visits for juniors or seniors.

Even though many virtual college visits can be done on your own schedule, some schools offer live virtual tours. If you want to take one of these college campus tours, you’ll need to sign up in advance. Even though these virtual college tours for students require a little bit more planning, it can be helpful to be in a Zoom with other prospective students and tour guides so that you can ask questions in real time. 

Making the Most of a Virtual College Visit

Even though you might be taking your virtual college tours from your bed, it’s important to still make the most of it. While a virtual tour might not feel the same as in-person college campus tours, there are some things you can do to make the most of the experience. 

Block out dedicated time

At first, virtual college tours for students might not seem very outwardly engaging. However, you should try and make the most of your experience. Don’t multitask, or do college campus tours while you’re watching TV. This is still a college visit, and you want to treat it as such. Immerse yourself in your virtual college visit—you want to get as close as you can to experiencing it in person! 

Consider your priorities

Virtual college visits can serve different purposes for different students. Some students have no idea what they’re looking for from their college campus, and others are already set on what they want their college experience to look like. On the virtual tour, make sure to look at the school’s housing, academic facilities, recreational facilities, and transportation. If there’s a must on your list—for example, if you want a school with a main quad, or a school that’s integrated into a city—see if the school has it! 

Ask questions

If you’re taking a tour on your own, think about the questions you’d have for a tour guide if there was one present. What can you learn from virtual college tours for students, and what do you still have questions about? These are the kinds of things you could ask in an information session or research after your tour.

Next Steps after your Virtual Tour

Once you’ve finished your virtual tour, there are some next steps you can take to make the most of it. 

If you’re just starting to build out your college list, think about what stood out most from your campus tours. Write down some big takeaways from the school, or a list of pros and cons, so you can start comparing schools that you want to put on your college list. These can be informal—something like “huge library,” or “weird vibe” is totally fine—just make sure you write down enough to remember how you felt about the school so you don’t have to take the virtual tour a second time.

If you’re ready to apply, reach out to admissions with any questions you have after the virtual college tours. Explore the application requirements at the schools you’re most excited about. See if the school has any supplemental essays that ask you why you’re interested in the school—these virtual tours can give you great talking points about the school that you might want to include in an essay.

Sometimes after a virtual tour, you might still not know how you feel about a school—that’s okay! Virtual tours are just one way to get to know a college. You can keep doing research, and take advantage of other virtual resources offered by the school. 

Even More Virtual Opportunities

So what are the other ways to learn more about a school from the comfort of your own home?

Along with the virtual campus tour, many schools also offer virtual information sessions. These are Zoom calls with admissions officers who are there to provide information on the school and answer applicants’ questions. Attending information sessions can also be a way to show demonstrated interest to a school that you want to attend. 

Some schools also have student testimonials, or other videos with students who can answer questions about the school. These are a great way to see what actual students think about attending the school. Many colleges also provide a way to reach students at the school with questions—email the admissions office and ask if there are students you can talk to about their experience. 

Virtual College Tours – Final Takeaway

College visits for juniors, seniors, and sophomores are an important part of the college admissions process. Since the pandemic, you can go on amazing virtual college visits from the comfort of your own home. On a virtual college tour, you can get to know the campus, and see what kinds of resources the school has to offer.

There are a few different types of virtual college tours for students. Some are interactive maps, where you can click on different buildings and explore. Others provide a 360 view of various parts of campus. Some are live Zoom meetings led by student tour guides, and some schools provide pre-recorded videos that you can watch. All of these virtual tours are great options to learn more about the school, and if a school provides more than one, they’re all worth doing!

When you’re taking a virtual college tour, make sure to make the most of it. Set aside some time to really focus on the tour, keep your priorities in mind, and take notes on things that stick out to you and questions you have during the tour. 

If at the end of your virtual tour, you’re sure that you’ve found your dream school, don’t hesitate to reach out to CollegeAdvisor for application guidance. Our team of experts is always here to support students in navigating the admissions process. Happy (virtual) exploring!

This article was written by senior advisor Courtney Ng and advisor Rachel Kahn . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Why Visit Colleges?

Find the right college for you..

A key part of deciding which college to go to is finding a good fit. And a great way to get more information is to visit the colleges in person.

Virtual tours are also a great way to learn more about a campus. It can help you determine whether a college is the right place for you and prepare you for a campus visit at your convenience.

A Firsthand View

Why are college visits important? A campus visit is your opportunity to get a firsthand view of a college. A college catalog, brochure, or website can only show you so much. To really get a feel for the college , you need to walk around the quad, sit in on a class, and visit the dorms.

Get Answers to Your Questions.

A visit also lets you talk to students, faculty, financial aid staff, and admissions officers. You can get answers to important questions like these:

• What’s the campus meal plan like? How is the food? What are the options?
• What's the social scene like? What kinds of activities are available?
• Is there plenty of dorm space or a housing crunch?
• How many students are commuters? How many are campus residents?
• Is there a health center? What mental health resources are available?
• What career development resources are available? What student employment opportunities are available?

Use this checklist for a campus visit to remind yourself of everything you want to do once you reach your destination.

Your family members can also participate in the visit and any information sessions. They can help you decide which colleges to apply to and which one to attend.

Benefits of a Campus Visit.

Visiting a college is a great starting point. Pick up any official college material you see on the campus tour, such as brochures and financial aid forms.

Don't forget to get business cards, too, so you'll have a real, live contact if you have a question about admissions or financial aid. Do college visits help with admissions? Yes, these visits allow you to speak to the admissions officer handling your application.

Student newspapers and activity calendars give you a sense of what campus life is really like. Check out bulletin boards to see what bands are coming to the campus, what parties are advertised, what internships are posted, and what the day-to-day energy of the place is like.

Get Ready to Decide.

It’s your decision. Heed your intuition. Do you feel comfortable walking around campus? Do you feel at home? Do you click with the students and faculty? Is this what you imagined college to be like? Spending time on campus helps you determine whether a college is a good fit.

Adapted from  Campus Visits and College Interviews  by Zola Dincin Schneider. 

Related Articles

VCU In-Person Campus Tours and Virtual Information Sessions

We are excited to offer multiple options to visit and learn more about our dynamic university.

In-person campus tours are held Monday through Saturday at various times for prospective students and their families; select from the dates below to proceed with registering. Tours are primarily outdoors, are 100% walking, and will last about an hour in total. V irtual information sessions will be held Monday through Saturday for prospective students and their families. These information sessions will be formal presentations providing overviews of the university and the steps of the application process for prospective and admitted students. 

Also, take our virtual tour of campus and our residence halls. To stay informed about VCU’s response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and return to campus visit  together.vcu.edu .  

Additional information for in-person tours:

• Tours will be held rain or shine -- please come prepared with umbrellas, jackets, or more in case of inclement weather.
• Summer Tour Weather Advisory: The Richmond area often experiences periods of high temperatures throughout the summer months. Campus tours are primarily outdoors, are 100% walking, and will last about an hour in total. It is encouraged to review the  local forecast  before arriving on campus. Please come prepared with comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and anything else you may need to be comfortable on your tour.
• Should VCU close due to inclement weather, tours will be canceled, and registrants will be notified via email about rescheduling options. You can also visit the VCU Alert website for the university's current operating status.
• Masking is voluntary indoors and outdoors on campus, with the exception of  clinical settings and health system facilities.  VCU’s Public Health Response Team continues to strongly encourage masking for individuals at risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Community members who wish to wear masks are also encouraged to do so — we must all continue to treat one another with kindness and respect.

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Virtual Tour Photography on Campus – April 23-25

• April 19, 2024 April 19, 2024
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Marketing Communications will be working with our virtual tour provider to shoot 360 degree photo resources on Tuesday, April 23 through Thursday, April 25. We encourage you to wear your favorite Wilkes gear or blue and gold should you be captured in the background of any images!

The virtual tour photography crew and members of Marketing Communication will be visiting campus locations throughout those days to capture photo resources. If you have any questions, please contact Mandy Pennington at [email protected] .

University of Minnesota Morris

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Toward a Positive Rural Vision: Climate Action with Pete Wycoff

Celebrate Earth Day with Dr. Pete Wyckoff, Assistant Commissioner in the Energy Division at the Minnesota Department of Commerce (and former UMN Morris biology professor!). Delve into the latest Federal, state, and local opportunities available for communities committed to environmental sustainability. Former Minnesota State Senator Dan Skogen will moderate this culminating event. Registration required, use link below. 

Event Types

Event audience, virtual tour.

Give our virtual tour a try. You can discover the beauty of campus right from your computer, phone, or tablet.

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