How to Make the Most of a Virtual Campus Tour
It is true that visiting colleges in person can be super helpful, but let’s be real, it’s not always possible. Between travel costs, packed schedules, and long distances, hopping from campus to campus just isn’t doable for everyone. The good news? Colleges know this, and since Covid, they’ve stepped up their virtual tour game in a big way.
So if you can’t make it there in person, do not fret. You can still get a solid feel for what a school is really like—you just have to know where (and how) to look. Here are some smart ways to go beyond the polished videos and get the inside scoop on campus life, even from the comfort of your couch.
1. Take the Tour—and Keep Going
Start with the official virtual tour as it’s usually a great intro to the campus.
Look up dorms, libraries, and dining halls individually—many schools share additional photos that give you a closer look at these spaces.
Explore further with other online resources such as CampusReel for student-made videos and CampusTours for additional virtual views of campus.
Use Google Maps or Google Earth to “walk” around campus and nearby neighborhoods.
2. Social Media Is Your Insider Pass
Want to know what campus really looks like on a rainy Tuesday? Social media can give you a very good feel for the personality of the place.
Search the school’s name on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram.
Look at tagged posts and student-run accounts.
Pay attention to the vibe—are students excited, stressed, sarcastic, supportive?
3. Speak to Real Students
Check if the school offers a virtual info session or Q&A with current students—those live interactions are gold. Even better—if you know someone already attending, reach out! Current students are one of the best ways to get honest, firsthand insight into campus life.
Ask questions you won’t find in the brochure: What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about campus? What surprised you the most? What’s the campus food really like?
If possible, find a student who’s studying something you’re interested in. Their perspective will be way more helpful than a general overview.
4. Read Between the Lines
Since you’re not physically there, pay extra attention to what’s being said—and what’s not. Across all virtual resources, the tone often gives you better insight than the numbers alone.
Do students and staff seem excited and honest, or overly rehearsed?
Are tough topics (like housing, mental health, or campus diversity) addressed directly?
Does the energy feel welcoming? Competitive? Inclusive?
5. Picture Your Life There
It’s easy to get lost in drone footage and stats. But ask yourself:
Can I see myself walking this campus in between classes?
Do the students seem like people I’d want to be friends with?
Does this place feel like it could be mine?
Final Thoughts
Trust your gut—even from a distance, it’s one of the best tools you’ve got. With a little curiosity (and some internet sleuthing), you can still get a real sense of whether a college fits you. And if you ever do get the chance to visit in person later, you’ll be way ahead of the game.