College is your home for years. While it’s most important to choose one that matches your education and career goals, you also want to enjoy student life and culture. The best way to learn that is to see campus for yourself.
Campus tours are a great way to get a feel for a university. You can learn a lot from its website and brochures, but your tour guide can give you more in-depth information, talk about their experiences as a student and answer your questions.
“It allows you to have an experience you wouldn’t get elsewhere. You get to see campus, meet the people and actually see what it would be like if you were a student,” says University of the Pacific Director of Campus Tours Andrew Merenda.
Whether you’ve just gotten started or are deep in applications, now is a good time to schedule a campus tour. To get you started, here are some of Merenda’s tour tips.
When to start visiting colleges
The earlier you start, the better. You have more time to visit schools and learn about each one without the pressure of an impending college decision. But don’t fret if you’re already hard at work on your applications.
“Whatever point you are in your college search, it’s never too early or too late to take a campus tour,” Merenda says.
It’s always a good time to schedule a tour, but there are advantages to an early start. You have time to visit more campuses, which helps you understand the impact of a campus’ culture and location.
For example, you might visit a rural college and find a strong student life but few off-campus activities. After that, you go to an urban college where students do a lot in the city but aren’t very involved on campus. If you prefer one or the other, you can narrow your list of schools to apply to.
The other major benefit is that you have time for a repeat tour. Merenda recommends returning to campuses that you’re highly interested in. As you learn more about college, you’ll develop sharper questions to ask tour guides.
“That’s the best way to get your questions answered,” Merenda says. “In the moment, you’re on campus and think, ‘OK, I feel confident.’ But when you’re further along in the application process, you may realize you need to know more. We’d love to have you back as many times as you want to come.”
Questions to ask on a campus tour
A campus tour is your chance to see how a university stands out. They’re often designed to answer commonly asked questions, but you should still bring a list of your own. Think about things that are important to you, like on-campus jobs, internship opportunities or student life.
Keep in mind that tours are typically led by students who can give you great insight into the day-to-day life at that university.
“This is someone who is going to be your peer, someone who has the experience and who’s already done what you’re going through,” Merenda says. “Get their opinion on the food at the dining hall or what each dorm is like. You can’t really get that anywhere else.”
If you’re not sure what to ask about, here are some ideas:
- How did they find community on campus?
- What are some of their favorite things to eat in the dining hall?
- You can also ask about whether they have allergen-free options.
- What kinds of on-campus jobs are available?
- What off-campus places do they recommend visiting to get something to eat, have fun or just hang out?
- What is their major and what classes are they taking this semester/quarter?
- While your guide may not be an expert on all academic programs, they will know their own. Even if you aren’t interested in their field of study, you can learn about extracurricular classes and how they feel about their department.
- What do they do for fun on and off campus?
Open house vs. campus tour
A university open house is another great way to learn about a school. While campus tours give you a brief window into college life, these events dedicate the entire day to incoming or potential students like yourself.
Each university does open houses its own way. But they typically include a campus and dorm tour, a financial aid information session and other highlights. You may get a chance to speak with students or professors from majors you’re interested in.
“You get to do more in the same day,” Merenda says. “You get a little taste of Pacific. You get to try the food, the same food dining staff prepare for actual students. You get to meet other future Tigers, or at least people who are going through the same college search.”
Open houses introduce you to a lot, but schools only host them once or twice each application season. You need to plan ahead to make sure you can attend. Campus tours, on the other hand, are available whenever it’s convenient for you.
If you’re really interested in a school, there’s no reason that you can’t attend both! As you spend more time on college campuses, you develop a better sense of what’s important for your educational desires and goals.
What to wear on a college tour
You do a lot of walking when you visit a campus. Tours typically last about an hour, and some students like to stay and explore on their own afterward. So, when it comes to clothing, Merenda has one big rule.
“You’re going to get your steps in, so I do recommend comfortable walking shoes,” he says.
Dress appropriately for the weather and a long walk. Other than that, you don’t need to worry too much!
“Come as you are,” Merenda says. “You’re our guest.”
Wherever you are on your journey, it’s always a good time to schedule a tour at Pacific.