Planning a college visit takes more effort than just showing up on campus. With today’s digital resources, you can (and should!) maximize your in-person experience by coming prepared and armed with information you found online beforehand. Here’s how to leverage online tools to enhance your campus visits.
1. Online information sessions and events
One of the simplest ways to prepare for an official in-person visit is to just go on a college or university’s website! Schools usually offer detailed virtual information sessions that can serve as a fantastic and enlightening precursor to on-campus tours and information sessions. These online events typically feature admission officers presenting key information about academics, campus culture, the application process, and more.
As you go through the meeting, you might find it helpful to write down questions you can ask during the interactive Q&A portion of the meeting. Any questions left unanswered are good to ask during the in-person tour when you get some face-to-face time with a guide!
Related: How to Have a Great Virtual Campus Visit Experience
2. Virtual campus tours
With all the online tools at your disposal, virtual campus tours are a great resource to get a sense of what a college looks like before you get there. And all you have to do is open your computer! Many universities offer sophisticated 360-degree campus tours, detailed video walkthroughs, and interactive maps that let you explore academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities right from the comfort of your home.
These virtual experiences will help you familiarize yourself with the campus layout and could potentially help you identify specific areas that you might want to visit in person while you’re there. With this information, you can maximize your campus tour experience to make it as efficient and focused as possible.
3. Social media platforms
Ever find yourself doom-scrolling on Instagram Reels? (Who hasn’t!) While you’re there, try searching for any colleges or universities that you’re interested in touring. School and student social media accounts offer authentic glimpses into daily life and popular events on campus that you might not get a sense of during a formal tour. Here’s what to look for on each platform:
- Follow a school’s Instagram accounts for current student activities.
- Check out their YouTube channels for in-depth videos about campus life and academics.
- Follow them on Twitter for real-time updates.
- Join their Facebook pages and groups for community events and discussions.
Related: 6 Simple Ways to Connect With Colleges on Social Media
Remember that the more college tour preparation you do in advance, the more meaningful your in-person campus visits will be. These digital tools and resources will help you be more prepared, ask informed questions, and make the most of your time on campus. Good luck in your college search, and don’t forget to have fun with it!
Start exploring colleges virtually right here on CollegeXpress! We’ve conveniently compiled 250+ online tours for you on our list of Featured Colleges With Virtual Campus Tours.
