4 Ways to Tour a College without Stepping Foot on Campus

One of the best ways for your students to learn about a school is to visit its campus. However, there are numerous reasons that sometimes checking out every school isn’t feasible from budget to distance away.

There are some things that students can do to research and learn about a school without ever stepping foot on campus. Her Campus put together a list of 4 things students can do to really check out a school even if they are unable to visit in person.

1: Browse the schools’ website:

This one sounds very cliché but it is the first step a student should take to see if they would like the campus or not. The photos taken for your students desired school’s website are top-notch and will show all the splendid things a campus offers. Explore the tab for prospective students, search for sports event photos and even visit any Twitter or Facebook page the university may have. When you’re looking through their website, notice any links to student blogs about the campus or extracurricular clubs that might also have Social Networks. That way, your student can read up about what’s going on at campus from their perspectives.

Instagram is also your students best friend! Most campuses have their own hashtags that students use to upload photos. Another way to get to know that campus is through the eyes of someone who’s actually going there and Instagram is the best place to do that! Write #ThatSchoolsAcronym and I’m pretty sure you’ll be blown away with the photography and/or videos you’ll find.

2: Reach out to alumni:

An amazing thing that most websites have is an Alumni tab, and if your student gets really lucky, they might even find testimonials. Before choosing the right university, they should always know what past students think about their campus, the academics and the student life at that school. It’s important to contact those that have been in the same place as them just a couple years ago. There are a lot of ways to get in touch with an alumni. Just remember to be calm, cool, collected and a professional. That is why, the top recommendations are always LinkedIn or writing them an e-mail. As long as you treat them with respect, any of them will be happy to help!

3: Find out from the inside:

Sometimes, school websites and alumni are going to talk amazingly about campus. Want to know the inside scoop? There’s an amazing way to do so! School blogs and newspapers are quite truthful about the issues going on around campus. Most universities have newspapers and student council pages that are constantly sharing what scholars are involved in. Magazines such as Her Campus or newspapers such as Boston University’s, Penn State’s or The Michigan Daily will give you a perspective on what goes on at the dorms, academically and other events (such as sports, lifestyle and/or social) on campus. What better way to learn than to read it from the own students?

4: Take advantage of Google Maps:

Did you know that this is your best friend? If not, get acquainted! Google Maps will not only show you how to get to campus (from the airport, your house, grandma’s house or any other place) but it can actually show you places nearby. It’s important to know where the nearest Target or Walmart is, if your favorite restaurant is walking distance, if there is a mall nearby, etc.

By using Street View you can get to know how things will look if you decide to go to that campus. Knowing these things and being able to peruse the neighborhood you are considering is extremely important to help come to your decision. Why? Since you’re going to live there for at least four years you have to know whether your neighborhood or college town is safe or not. That’s an important thing to acknowledge, especially to keep your family and friends at ease.

Before planning a trip to visit a college campus, your students should save time (and money) by maximizing their computer use. They should sit down one day and do all the research they feel they might need to reach their decision. There’s no rush, but it might be good to get a head start before admissions comes rolling by.

Here is a link to the original article on Her Campus: http://www.hercampus.com/high-school/4-ways-tour-college-without-stepping-foot-campus