How to Tour a Large College Campus

Before getting married and having kids, going to college can be one of the scariest transitions in a person’s life. And getting ready to attend a large college or university is even more nerve-wracking. No matter what size town a student is coming from, attending a campus with tens to hundreds of acres of land is intimidating. Whether you are preparing to attend the college or you just want a closer look at the campus, being prepared to tour large college campuses will allow you to get the most out of your visit. Before enrolling in a large post-secondary school—or at least before starting your first day of classes—take a day or two to visit the college campus at least once, so you can reduce your nerves and be more prepared once school actually begins.

Things You'll Need

• Map
• Bus schedule (if available)
• Good walking shoes
• Camera
• Notebook
• Class schedule (if available)

Instructions

Taking the Tour

1. Plan your visit before you step onto the college campus. Schedule a formal tour, get a map and a bus schedule if it’s available and research the campus and surrounding areas, so you know where you’d like to visit once you arrive at your destination.

2. Get there. Whether you're hopping on a bus or taking a plane, the travel cost will be well worth it. It's better to regret a single trip to a college than an entire year or more there. You may have to kiss a few frogs before finding your campus!

3. Try the buses out. Most large college campuses have several buses and bus routes. Many students most likely will have to ride one at some point during their college career, so try it out on your campus visit. Grab a bus schedule or route map if it’s available, and ride around for at least an hour or more, if you have time.

4. Take a walking tour. Some areas on large college campuses are open only to pedestrian traffic, and some of your classes will be easier to get to on foot, so be prepared to walk a lot during your college years. Plus, it’ll help work off or prevent you from gaining the infamous and dreaded Freshman 15. Wear your good walking shoes, so you can walk through some of the campus during your trip.

5. Visit your classes. If you have your class schedule on your tour, try to find some of the buildings and rooms on your visit so you won’t spend most of your first day of school looking for the right place. If you don't have your schedule yet, check out a couple of buildings that you make take classes in once you enroll. Make sure you stop at the dining halls, dorms, student center and other important buildings on campus too.

6. Get lost. The best way to find your way around a large campus is to get lost. Sure, you may get lost on your first—or 50th—day of classes, but getting lost on purpose during a campus visit brings you one step closer to not looking like a freshman on the first day of classes. If you actually get lost when school begins, then you may have an easier time re-orienting yourself.

7. Talk to people while on your tour. Ask questions to bus drivers, students and professors if you see them on your visit. You might learn something you never would know by talking to those who already know the campus. And you may just get the "real skinny" about the college.

8. Explore the outlining areas. A college campus may only be defined as a certain area, but don’t forget to check out surrounding areas. If you have the time, you may want to visit the downtown area (try some restaurants and bars if you can), off-campus housing and other areas you may encounter when you attend the school.

Tips & Warnings

• Most colleges have open campuses, where guests can roam freely if they wish, and many large schools also have tour schedules or tour guides available if you schedule an appointment. Call the visitor center or main campus phone number to arrange and formal visit, where you can get a chance to ask questions and possibly attend some information sessions.

• On your tours, take notes and/or take pictures so you can look back on your visit later to remember or prepare for attending the school.

• Bring a friend or parent for extra support.