Benefitting from Self-Guided College Tours

Because of the current situation, I might be doing some self-guided college tours. Has anyone done them before and have some advice on what to focus on to make it worthwhile?

Going on self-guided college tours can be very informative and eye-opening when done right. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Campus Layout and Facilities: Start with the basics - get a feel of the campus layout and the facilities offered. This includes academic buildings, libraries, sports facilities, dining halls and the like. Pay attention to whether the facilities match your preferences and needs. For instance, if you're considering studying science, check out the science labs and facilities.

2. Housing and Residential Life: Make sure to walk around the residential areas. Check out both first-year dorms as well as upperclassmen housing options. It’s great to get a sense of the dorm setup as that's where you'll be living.

3. Student Life: Take time to observe student life. Watch for the interactions between students and their environment. What are students doing? Studying? Socializing? Playing sports? This can give you a sense of the campus culture.

4. Surrounding Area: Explore the area surrounding the campus. What's within walking distance? Is there a town or city? What kind of activities does it offer?

5. Talk to Current students: If you're comfortable doing so, try striking up a conversation with current students you see around campus. They can offer valuable insights and perspectives that you might not get from printed materials or official tours.

Remember, a self-guided tour may not give you all the info that a guided tour might provide, but it's a great way to see the things that are most important to you. Lastly, take lots of pictures and notes. After visiting a few colleges, they can start to blend together in your memory so it's helpful to have a record of your impressions.

Enjoy the process and take your time with each visit – it’s an exciting time to imagine your future!