College tours are where your search starts to feel real. As you decide when to start touring colleges, you’re no longer just scrolling through websites or comparing lists of majors. You’re walking through residence halls, seeing classrooms, checking out dining options and imagining what your day could look like as a college student.
Planning ahead helps you get more from each visit. Start by making a list of colleges you’re interested in, then think about what you want to learn while you’re there. You may care most about your major, campus size, student life, athletics, housing or the overall atmosphere. Visiting several schools can help you compare those details and figure out where you feel most comfortable.
You don’t need to have your entire future planned before scheduling a tour. A visit is part of the decision-making process, and it may even introduce you to options you hadn’t considered yet.
When Should You Start Touring Colleges?
You should start touring colleges during your junior year of high school. You can visit earlier, especially if your family is already traveling near a school you’re considering, but junior year is usually the best time to begin taking tours seriously.
By junior year, you may have a better idea of the subjects you enjoy and the type of college experience you want. You’ll also have enough time to explore several campuses before senior-year deadlines start filling your calendar.
An early tour doesn’t need to be complicated. During sophomore year or the summer before junior year, you might visit a nearby college to see how a campus feels. Pay attention to the size, location and layout. Do you like a busy campus with a lot happening at once, or would you rather attend a smaller school where you’re more than a number?
Once junior year begins, schedule visits at the colleges near the top of your list. You’ll be able to ask more specific questions about majors, scholarships, admissions requirements, housing and campus activities. Visiting before senior year can also give you time to attend a second event later, such as an open house or a program focused on your intended major.
A weekday tour during the school year often gives you the clearest picture of campus life. You’ll see students heading to class, meeting with professors and spending time in shared spaces. Summer visits are still valuable, though the campus may be quieter when fewer students are around.
Try not to save every visit until the last minute. Touring too many schools in a short period can make them blend together. Give yourself time after each visit to write down what you liked, what you didn’t and what questions you still have.
What to Wear to a College Tour
Wear something comfortable, neat and appropriate for the weather. You don’t usually need a suit, dress shoes or a fancy outfit for a standard campus tour. However, if you’re meeting with a faculty member for an interview or want to make a good first impression, consider dressing up.
A tour may take you through classrooms, residence halls and other indoor spaces, but you’ll also spend time outside. Bring a jacket, an umbrella, sunscreen, or a water bottle as needed. You’ll probably spend a lot of time walking, so comfortable shoes are one of the most important things you can wear.
Plan to arrive early. Getting to campus before your scheduled time gives you a chance to park, find the admissions office and check in without rushing. Tiffin University asks guests to arrive five to 10 minutes early because arriving late may shorten or cancel part of the visit.
What to Bring to a College Tour
You don’t usually need to bring a full application packet to a college tour. Still, it’s a good idea to review your confirmation email and bring anything the admissions office requests. You may also want to have a few basic details ready, including your expected graduation year, intended major and approximate GPA.
Let the college know ahead of time if you or one of your guests needs accessibility accommodations. TU asks visitors to contact the admissions office at least 48 hours in advance. Students who want to meet with a coach, faculty member or TiffinArts representative should schedule at least five business days ahead when possible.
Take notes about the things that stand out, and write down your first impression before you leave campus. After visiting several colleges, those details will help you remember what made each one different. You can also take photos to help you compare residence halls, classrooms and campus spaces. Just ask before photographing people, classes or areas with restricted access.
Questions to Ask on a College Tour
A good college tour shouldn’t feel like a one-way presentation. It’s your chance to learn what daily life is really like and whether the school matches your goals.
Think about your priorities before the visit. You may care about internships, athletics, a specific major, campus traditions, class sizes or finding the right academic support. Preparing a few questions in advance can help you leave with information you’ll actually use.
Consider asking:
- What makes this college different from other colleges?
- What are the average class sizes for first-year students?
- How easy is it to meet with professors outside class?
- What happens if I’m undecided about my major?
- How difficult is it to change majors?
- What internships or hands-on learning opportunities are available?
- Are there labs, studios or other spaces for my intended major?
- What tutoring or academic support can students use?
- What services help first-year students adjust to college?
- What scholarships should I apply for?
- How does the financial aid process work?
- What are the residence halls like?
- Can first-year students have cars on campus?
- What dining options are available?
- What clubs, sports and activities can students join?
- What do students usually do on weekends?
- How does the school help students prepare for careers?
- What should I do next if I decide to apply?
Your tour guide may also be a current student, so ask about their experience. What surprised them during their first semester? Why did they choose this college? What’s their favorite campus event? Their answers can give you a more personal view of the college. And remember that choosing a college is a major decision, so you deserve enough information to make it confidently.
Tour Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio
A Tiffin University visit gives you the chance to explore our 153-acre campus, meet people who may be part of your college experience and learn how TU can help you work toward your goals. You’ll get a closer look at academics, student life, housing and the resources available from your first year through graduation.
TU offers Individual Visits Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Summer weekday visits are available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Select Saturday visits are also offered from 9 a.m. to noon and include academic tours.
During an individual visit, you’ll meet with a member of the admissions team for about 30 minutes. You can discuss admissions requirements, scholarships, costs, campus life and classroom experiences. Your campus tour will usually last one to two hours, and meetings with faculty members, coaches or TiffinArts representatives may be available when scheduled ahead.
You can also attend an Open House for a broader introduction to TU. Open houses include admissions and financial aid presentations, a campus tour, lunch and opportunities to connect with faculty and campus departments.
If you want a closer look at a specific field, you can attend an Experience Your Major event. These visits may include a faculty presentation or demonstration, an admissions session, a campus tour and an optional lunch. They’re a helpful way to see what your college classes could involve before you apply.
Tour TU for Yourself
A campus visit gives you the chance to walk through academic spaces, explore student resources and get a better feel for the community you could join. You’ll also have time to ask questions about admissions, scholarships, things to do in Tiffin, housing, campus life and the programs that interest you most.
While you’re here, picture yourself going to class, meeting friends and getting involved in activities that match your interests. You can also learn more about TU’s bachelor’s programs and the hands-on experiences that help students prepare for life after graduation.
Schedule your campus tour, explore the degree that fits your goals and apply when you’re ready to begin your college experience at TU.