Sometimes visiting a college in person just isn’t possible. Fortunately, universities now offer a range of virtual resources that can give you a strong sense of campus life and help you feel more connected to potential schools. Here’s how to make virtual college tours work best for you.

1. Navigate Through 360° Virtual Tours

Many universities have launched immersive 360° virtual tours to help prospective students explore campus spaces without being there in person. Larger universities may offer interactive, self-guided tours, while smaller ones might have video tours or slideshows.

With 360° tours, you can often “move” around campus and check out buildings, classrooms, and popular spots, simulating what you’d see on a standard campus tour. Take advantage of this flexibility to navigate areas that interest you, and make note of questions that come to mind for later discussions.

One benefit of the virtual tour? It’s always a nice day, no matter the weather outside!

2. Attend Virtual Info Sessions and Panels

Most colleges pair their virtual tours with live Zoom information sessions. These are typically hosted by admissions staff, and they offer a chance to learn more about the school and ask questions you may have noted during the tour.

Some sessions allow attendees to interact directly with university representatives or join Q&A panels, while others are more structured presentations. If you’re unable to ask questions during the session, try to get the contact information of the speakers or student representatives, which will allow you to follow up later on LinkedIn or by email.

3. Connect with Students for Insider Advice

Reaching out to current students is one of the best ways to get an authentic look at campus life. If you know someone who attends the college, don’t hesitate to ask for their honest opinions. Many colleges also have student ambassadors or offer student contact info through info sessions, making it easy to reach out. SchoolScoops allows you to book students for a virtual chat. A SchoolScoops virtual chat can help you hear first-hand about experiences at the college, and these conversations often reveal details you wouldn’t hear in an official tour.

4. Research Campus Housing and Facilities

While virtual tours often highlight dorms and student housing, you may need to do some extra research to get a full picture of living arrangements. Campus housing websites often have photo galleries, room dimensions, and lists of amenities.

If you want to explore campus surroundings further, Google Maps can be a useful tool. Using the “Street View” feature, you can “walk” around the campus neighborhood and view buildings from the outside. It’s not as detailed as an in-person tour, but it’s a helpful way to orient yourself to the area.

5. Consider Visiting a Branch Campus

If the university you’re interested in has branch campuses, visiting one nearby might be an option. Many colleges have smaller campuses scattered around the state. Even if you can’t visit the main campus, checking out a nearby location can give you a feel for the school’s atmosphere and values.

6. Get a Feel for Campus Life on Social Media

Social media is a valuable resource for discovering campus culture. Searching for “day in the life” videos on YouTube or TikTok, for example, can provide an authentic glimpse into student routines and activities. These accounts often capture the unique atmosphere of campus life in a way that official tours don’t.

You can also check out Reddit, where most colleges have their own student communities. There, current students discuss everything from academics to social events to campus policies, offering an unfiltered perspective. Just keep in mind that these are individual opinions and might not reflect the broader student experience.

7. Pull Together Resources for a Comprehensive View

A virtual tour can’t fully replace a physical visit, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly informative. Combining a 360° tour, live info sessions, and one-on-one conversations with students can give you a well-rounded view of campus life.

Even without stepping foot on campus, you can get a clear sense of whether a college feels like the right fit for you. Don’t hesitate to explore these digital resources to make an informed choice about your future. A well-researched virtual visit might just lead you to your dream college!

Written by the SchoolScoops Team

SchoolScoops connects college applicants with current college students for private campus tours, personalized for you. Choose a tour guide you can relate to and trust, and get the inside scoop to find the school that fits you best.