Exploring a College From Afar

Visiting colleges in person is a great way to get a feel of campus culture but it’s not always realistic. And that is okay! There are so many great ways to tour a college and get a feel of campus, culture, and academics from the comfort of your own home. Here are some ways you can learn more about prospective colleges to help you make a decision about where to attend.

Virtual tours

If you’re interested in learning more about the layout of your campus, virtual tours are a solid option. Most universities now offer them. Virtual tours are videos, slideshows, and sometimes even interactive 3D experiences walking you through the entire campus.

• Check out NACAC's list of virtual college tours happening in the US!
• YouVisit offers 360 degree virtual tours of many campuses.
• CampusReel.org has short student-made clips of their campuses.
• CampusTours has interactive campus maps.
• You can also visit a prospective college's YouTube page or admissions page for additional resources.

Visit admissions office hours or info sessions

Curious about programs or want to get connected to alumni or current undergrads at a college you’re considering attending? At many colleges, the admissions office schedules virtual “office hours” to answer prospective students' questions. Check your college’s admissions page to learn more.

Use social media

Most colleges have active Facebook groups for prospective classes. Search “[The college you’re interested in] class of 2024” and you’ll find them! Students are candid, informative, and supportive in these groups. As an added bonus, they’re usually moderated by alumni or current upperclassmen!

TikTok is another great tool to explore colleges! You can use the search tool and hashtags to view videos from your college. Many students now post “day in the life” videos where you can get an idea of what it’s like to be a student on campus. Keep in mind that these videos only show a particular view and their experience might not be yours, but it will help you see the campus & student culture a bit more!

Watch vlogs made by college students

Go to YouTube and do a search for the college you are interested in, "[college name] + vlog". Many students are documenting their college experiences online and showing what a typical day is for them. Some answer questions in the comments section or have created an FAQ video to address popular questions they get.

Don’t forget!

Financial aid packages are a huge part of the decision process. As you’re considering colleges and gathering information, check out this guide on how to compare and understand financial aid packages. Need someone to talk to about your college decision? Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to get 1:1 help from one of our advisors!