Life has shifted in ways that make it harder for many people to slip back into familiar routines, and activities that once felt simple have been reshaped or limited to match the current pace of society; for students, the college search process can feel especially challenging when virtual tours and online opportunities don’t always provide a full sense of what a campus is really like, but as more schools expand their visit options, self‑guided tours have become a cost‑effective, accessible, and comfortable way to explore at your own pace, offering a more personal connection to a college without the pressure of a large group setting, ultimately giving you the freedom to shape your experience and deepen your understanding of each campus you visit while discovering what matters most in your search.
Tailor your own experience
Self-guided tours are a great way for students to experience aspects on campus directly that may be removed or glossed over on an official tour led by a student representative. Walking through campus alone with no set schedule for exploration allows for a fuller understanding of the college environment and ambiance. It allows visitors to experience classroom settings, walkability, and a focused major environment at their own pace. Oftentimes on a guided visit or in a virtual setting, the tour encompasses all the big aspects of campus—but a singular tour led by yourself allows you to see exactly what it is that interests you. It also allows you to see more schools in a cost-effective way and interact with as many people as you want.
Interact on a deeper level
Another great aspect of self-guided college tours is the flexibility and lack of constraints. If the school has campus-led or volunteer activities going on that day, you can join them and have a more informal experience while on your own personal tour alone with no guidance. This can be especially helpful later in the process when you’re trying to make your final college decision. At the beginning of the college process, it’s valuable and almost necessary to attend the school-led information sessions, but as you progress and understand what suits your interests and needs, it’s best to interact with the college at a more personal level.
Related: What Should I Be Looking for During My Campus Visits?
Tour according to your lifestyle
Whether you have time to leisurely walk around campus or only have enough time to drive through, a self-guided tour is accommodating and insightful for both situations. The college process can be costly, timely, and demand a lot of attention, which can be difficult to manage for a lot of people, seeming almost incomprehensible. Adding self-guided tours to your college search process can allow you to see more universities and plan an easy and adaptable encounter.
Final tips for self-guided college tours
While self-guided tours prioritize being able to experience a school in an individualized manner, there are lots of ways to prepare and engage with campus opportunities. Try going into classrooms to experience a class firsthand or visit an academic and admission office to ask questions. To best prepare, be sure to research the campus before visiting, and choose a time that will allow you to experience the whole campus environment. Printing out a campus map beforehand will ensure you know exactly where to go; maps can also found in the admission office if you want to make that your first stop. Finally, visiting the student center is a great way to see active clubs and visualize student participation and interaction outside of academic hours. This is your tour, so take the time to plan and customize it to your interests!
Related: Smart Questions to Ask Before, During, and After College Visits
The pandemic stopped many facets of our lives, but the college visit experience doesn’t have to be negatively affected anymore. And remember: whether on campus or online, school-organized or self-guided, any type of college tour is a great way to understand what type of school will fit you best.
Find a lot more questions to ask and advice to take with you on your next college tour in our Campus Visits section.
