virtual tour essay

An Updated Guide to Virtual College Tours

Where to start.

Without the option to visit colleges in-person, virtual tours and online content can provide a bridge and help you gain a sense of a school from the comfort of your home. While a virtual visit may not be what you hoped for, adjusting your mindset and remaining open and curious can go a long way toward making the process fun and informative. 

Even before Covid-19, many schools created virtual tours as a way to engage international and out-of-state students. School to school, the virtual offerings vary widely – some colleges have entire real-time tours posted on Youtube and 360-degree virtual tours , while others have short videos paired with image galleries and written content. 

Because navigating university websites can be frustrating, we suggest that if you know what school you want to start with, skip straight to a quick “[College Name] Virtual Tour” Google search.

You can also browse colleges that offer tours on websites, such as YouVisit , CampusTours , and CampusReel . (On CampusReel, students upload videos, tours of dorms, and more to share, but students or parents must register to join.)

Prepare to be a little overwhelmed

Virtual tours offer a flood of information in the form of hundreds of videos, articles, images, and aerial shots of sunny campus quads. There is a lot of information spread across sprawling pages. 

We recommend spacing out your virtual tours the same way you would in-person tours to give yourself time and space to judge each school on its own merits and to avoid missing out on key details because of fatigue. 

One of the surprising benefits of the virtual tour? It’s okay to stop! Give a virtual tour an honest try – but one of the advantages of this type of engagement is that you don’t have to stick it out to the end if you can tell early on that the school is not a good fit for you. 

Taking notes for research 

Just like for a “ real ” tour, you should keep a notebook handy to jot down details that stick out to you or any resources that pique your interest.

Unlike a real tour, don’t forget you can hit the pause button, go back to hear a detail again, skip over general descriptions of majors or programs that don’t apply to you, and make browser bookmarks of anything that excites you. 

Hopefully, you start every virtual tour with an open mind, but it’s still a good idea to start with a sense of what you hope to gain. Keep a running list of any specific degrees, programs, or opportunities mentioned by the tour guides that interest you so you can follow up with research.

It’s also a good idea to find out if the school you are touring will require you to write a Why College Essay should you decide to apply – if so, taking detailed notes now could help you write Why College Essays in the future.

Before the tour starts, create a list of headings in your notebook. The headings may include the names of majors you’re interested in exploring, a heading for campus life, another heading for school values, and a heading for special resources and opportunities. 

Lastly, leave a big space under the heading of RESEARCH where you can note anything you want to find out more about later. 

Questions to consider for further research:

• What special resources, like honors programs, are highlighted in the tour? 
• What do they say about research and undergraduate involvement? 
• Do they discuss internships or study abroad? 
• What students have access to resources like makerspaces and special collections? 
• What have alumni done with this major or degree program?
• What are the mentorship opportunities? What professors would you be excited to learn from and work with?
• How easy is it to study across disciplines?
• What career resources, student support services, and advising does the school offer?

Navigating buildings and tour stops  

In the world of virtual tours, just as in real-world tours, “stops” at specific locations or buildings on campus are what provide the tour guide the opportunity to discuss majors, programs, and resources. 

Some colleges are great about organizing tours by the majors and programs themselves, but for other schools, you have to look up what building houses your particular majors of interest, then navigate to that building/tour stop to hear about the majors and programs within it.

Again, enjoy the process of exploring and stay curious, but also feel free to skip any buildings/tour stops that have nothing to do with what draws you to that particular campus. 

Pay attention to the details

Apart from the descriptions of parts of campus, what do you get to learn about your tour guides in the virtual tours? 

Most schools will require guides to introduce themselves by sharing their names, where they are from, and their majors. Listen carefully: do any of the guides have surprising major combinations, like Chinese and art history, or math and sociology? Do the students mention they take part in any special degree or Honors programs within the college? 

These details can offer clues about aspects of the school that the school wants to highlight, like how easy it is to pursue interdisciplinary study.

Listen for values

To learn more about a school’s values, listen to the aspects of the curriculum and campus that the videos and tour guides emphasize. Is there a lot of talk about working in teams or groups, a focus on a diverse student body, or an emphasis on career resources? 

If a certain value is what draws you to a particular school, seek out specific examples of how the school engages with that value beyond its marketing materials. If service is important to you, for example, then do some research: how does the college actually demonstrate its commitment to service? Research the types of service opportunities offered and look to see whether the school integrates service initiatives into its academic offerings.   

Go beyond the virtual tour

It is possible to have a more authentic virtual experience of a college culture beyond the typical YouVisit 360 degree tours (though these can be pretty cool if you use a virtual reality headset!). 

Some colleges are finding creative ways to give you a glimpse of their campus. Villanova’s aerial campus tour or the current student blog posts under “Wish you were here” at William and Mary present an interesting new take on virtual tours. 

You can even take advantage of a 24-hour live stream through a campus webcam lik e Arizona State University if you felt the urge to check-in on your dream college at any time of the day or  night. 

YouTube also offers a multitude of options – but be sure to take any unofficial content or student reviews on YouTube with an extra grain of salt. You can also check out the college’s Campus Events Calendar, its Admissions Blog, or explore the campus and surrounding area with Google Maps.

Finally, we recommend that after you view specific tours on university websites, you have a little fun watching informal tours on youtube like The Campus Crawl by Hafu (he has “Campus Crawls” for such schools at Stanford, University of Washington, NYU, UCLA, Berkeley, MIT and Harvard).

Connect with people when you can

Just because you can’t visit in person doesn’t mean there aren’t people at that school who would be willing to connect with you.

Don’t forget that in addition to live tours and webcams, some campuses are encouraging prospective students to attend virtual information sessions and events. Tulane offers both of these and the opportunity to set up a virtual interview with an admissions officer. 

Some schools are offering online chats with admissions officers and virtual Zoom information sessions. Certain schools are even offering the opportunity to sit in on class lectures! 

If you have a specific question about an academic course, consider emailing the professor who teaches it. Or, if you’re excited about a major or program, reach out to the department chair or advisor. Make sure to ask thoughtful questions – questions that can’t be answered with a simple Google search! – and allow extra time for a response during this still-hectic period of adjustment for everyone. If you don’t hear back after a week or so, you can send a polite follow-up note. 

Reach out to your family and friends – could you get connected with any alumni who could provide valuable insights into the school? LinkedIn and alumni networks can also be useful tools for creating connections.

If you find an alum willing to chat, utilize him or her as a resource! Ask any questions you may have about how accessible their professors are, how they joined and engaged in the campus community, and whether they have school-specific tips or insights they wish they’d known while they were applying. 

A final thought

This is your process, so focus on finding ways to engage that keep you interested. Consider looking up the work of professors and alumni. Search for lectures that are available online. Read the school’s Twitter feed. Schedule a Zoom meeting to do a virtual tour with your friends who are also excited about that school – and then compare and share notes! 

Virtual tours offer a taste of what a college has to offer, but just like in-person tours, ultimately what you gain – the depth and range of insights you glean – is up to you. 

Share this Article

5 questions with lech harris.

Get to know our essay coaches! We sat down to interview Lech Harris, one of our College Admissions Specialists! What...

5 Questions with Kevin Trudel

Get to know our essay coaches! We sat down to interview Kevin Trudel, one of our College Admissions Specialists! What...

5 Questions with Jordan Holmes

Get to know our essay coaches! We sat down to interview Jordan Holmes, our Assistant Director of College Admissions! What...

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, are virtual college tours as important as on-campus.

College Admissions

Do you have colleges you're interested in but don't have the time or money to visit the campuses in person? Look into virtual college tours! More and more colleges are now offering them (we have the whole list!), and they're a great way to get a feel for what a particular school is like without leaving home. But how do virtual college visits work? What questions should you ask? And how do you know if they're the right choice for you? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Virtual College Tour? How Do They Work?

Virtual college tours are pretty much what they sound like: you watch from your computer as a student from the college you're interested in gives you a video tour of campus , tells stories about the school, and answers any questions you may have. Some are fully live, with the camera following the guide around as they go to different parts of campus, while others are partly prerecorded with the guide speaking over pre-shot video of the campus.

You'll sign up in advance for a virtual college tour. We recommend doing this well ahead of time (ideally several weeks) since the virtual tours are still kept fairly small to allow everyone the chance to ask questions. A day or so before the tour, you'll be given a link that you'll click on at the given time to start the tour. And that's it!

College tours have long been one of the best ways to learn if a school is right for you. On top of that, touring a school shows the admissions teams that you're seriously interested in attending. Some colleges use demonstrated interest as a part of their application review process, so even just attending a virtual college tour could give your application a boost.

Are college tours where you're not actually on campus still useful? They can be! Certainly there are benefits to actually being on campus and experiencing the vibe for yourself, but virtual college tours can be a surprisingly useful alternative. They're carefully put together to show students different parts of campus (classrooms, dorms, stadiums, etc.) and give them a feel for the entire school. Like an in-person college tour, you'll also be able to ask questions at the end.

What Questions Should You Ask During a Virtual College Visit?

We have a list of 118 questions to ask during a campus tour , but below are questions specifically for virtual college tours. Some of these are general questions, others are aimed at giving you a sense of what the school and campus life is like when you're not able to experience it in-person. Whatever questions you ask, be sure that you end the virtual tour feeling like you have a good sense of all aspects of the school, including academics, housing and dining options, extracurriculars, and campus life.

• How large are the classes?
• Are the classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
• How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses? Are there required classes for freshmen?
• Are students usually able to take their first choice courses?
• Is it easy to change your major?
• Can undergraduates work with professors on research?
• Where are the best places to study on campus?
• What are the hours for the library? Do these change during reading periods or exam weeks?
• Are study abroad programs popular? Any ones in particular?
• What kind of opportunities exist for undergraduates to work on research or academic projects with professors?
• What kind of internships are available? Do a lot of students get internships?

Residence Life

• What are the dorms like? Are there lounges, laundry, and kitchens? Shared or private restrooms?
• Do most students live in the dorms?
• What's the most popular dorm to live in? The least popular? How do they compare to the dorm we saw on the tour?
• What kind of food does the dining hall serve? Are there different options? How is it, really?

Extracurriculars

• What are some of the most popular extracurriculars and why?
• What clubs or other opportunities exist for community service?
• Do sports play a large role on campus? What about intramurals or exercise classes?

Campus and the Surrounding Area

• Where do students tend to hang out on and off campus?
• How would you describe the presence of Greek life? Do a lot of students belong to fraternities or sororities?
• What are some big campus events, like homecoming or alumni weekend?
• Is it easy to get around campus or get off campus without a car?
• What transportation options are there around campus?
• Is it a safe area to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?

Personal Questions

• What's your favorite class and why?
• What do you wish you had known going into freshman year?
• Is there anything you wish you had done differently to improve your experience here?
• What's your favorite spot you've discovered on campus since arriving?

4 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Virtual College Tours

If you've decided to do a virtual college tour, what's next? Follow the four tips below to get the most out of the experience.

#1: Prepare Ahead of Time

Before you sit down for any virtual tour of a college, you should do a bit of work beforehand. First, think about what you want to get from this tour. Of course you want to learn more about the school, but is there something specific you're hoping to get from it? A better understanding of what campus looks like? A chance to see an actual dorm room? A clearer explanation of what choosing freshman classes will be like? Having a goal in mind will help you get the most out of the tour. 

Next, come up with a short list of questions you'd like answered (use our suggestions above as a guideline). Finally, when it comes time to sit in on the virtual tour, take it seriously. Move distractions (like your phone) out of sight, and don't be tempted to spend the tour scrolling through other websites. If this is actually a college you're interested in attending, then it's worth an hour of your time to really pay attention to the tour.

#2: Know They're Showing You the Best Parts

This is true of all campus tours. When I visited Michigan State, they had a dorm room they kept vacant and had decorated to show touring students what their dorm room would look like. And…that dorm room was significantly nicer than mine ended up being. For a virtual tour, it's even easier to only show the nicest parts of campus. This doesn't mean that the school is deliberately trying to con you or that the parts of the school you don't see will be a disaster, but be aware that a virtual tour is a bit like looking at someone's Instagram: they're showing you their highlight reel.

#3: Research Other Ways to Learn About the School

College visits (both in-person and virtual) are a great way to learn about a school, but they're certainly not the only way, especially as colleges grow their online presence more and more. If you've done a virtual tour of a college and are interested in still learning more, check out other resources. The school's website is the obvious one, but you can also look into their social media accounts, see what's being written in the school newspaper (they're practically all available online now), what events are coming up on the school calendar, etc. You can also talk to other people affiliated with the school, such as an admissions counselor, and ask them questions you still have after the virtual tour. For example, if you did a Boston College virtual tour and want to know more about the school, you could check out its admissions webpage , its admissions Instagram page , and its student paper , as a start.

#4: Consider If You Want to Visit In-Person

Virtual campus tours are a great way to get a better sense of what a certain school offers and what the vibe is like. However, it's not a perfect replacement for an in-person visit where you can see the buildings for yourself, walk around campus, see students going to and from classes, etc. If you're really interested in a school after doing a virtual tour, and you have the time/money to travel there, an in-person visit can help you decide if it's actually the right school for you. Some students also wait until after they've been admitted and received financial aid packages to visit schools, so they're not wasting their time, but be aware this only gives you about a month to make the visit and decide where you want to go to college.

Colleges That Offer Virtual Campus Tours

Virtual college visits have become more and more popular in recent years, especially since the pandemic made it difficult or impossible to visit many college campuses. Below are all the colleges that currently offer virtual college tours, organized alphabetically by state. It's a long list, so use "ctrl +F" to search for a school name if you're interested to see if a specific school is a virtual tour college.

• Auburn University
• Birmingham-Southern College
• Huntingdon College
• Samford University
• Troy University
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa
• University of Mobile
• University of Montevallo
• University of South Alabama
• University of West Alabama
• Alaska Pacific University
• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Southwestern College
• Arizona State University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Northern Arizona University
• University of Advancing Technology
• University of Arizona
• Arkansas Tech University
• Harding University
• Hendrix College
• John Brown University
• University of Arkansas--Fayetteville
• University of the Ozarks
• Academy of Art University
• ArtCenter College of Design
• Azusa Pacific University
• Biola University
• California Baptist University
• California College of the Arts
• California Institute of Technology
• California Institute of the Arts
• California Lutheran University
• California Polytechnic State University
• CSU Channel Islands
• CSU East Bay
• CSU Humboldt
• CSU Long Beach
• CSU Los Angeles
• CSU Northridge
• CSU Sacramento
• CSU San Bernardino
• CSU San Diego
• CSU San Francisco
• CSU San Jose
• CSU San Luis Obispo
• CSU San Marcos
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Cogswell College
• Humboldt State University
• Humphreys College
• Loyola Marymount University
• Marymount California University
• The Master's University
• Mills College
• Mount Saint Mary's University
• Notre Dame de Namur University
• Occidental College
• Otis College of Art and Design
• Pacific Union College
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Point Loma Nazarene University
• Pomona College
• Saint Mary's College of California
• San Diego State University
• San Francisco State University
• Santa Clara University
• Simpson University
• Soka University of America
• Sonoma State University
• Stanford University
• Thomas Aquinas College
• University of California--Berkeley
• University of California--Davis
• University of California-Irvine
• University of California--Los Angeles
• University of California - Merced
• University of California--Riverside
• University of California--San Diego
• University of California--Santa Barbara
• University of California--Santa Cruz
• University of La Verne
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California
• Westmont College
• Whittier College
• Colorado Mesa University
• Colorado School of Mines
• Colorado State University
• Colorado State University-Pueblo
• Fort Lewis College
• Naropa University
• Regis University
• United States Air Force Academy
• University of Colorado--Boulder
• University of Denver
• University of Northern Colorado

Connecticut

• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Fairfield University
• Mitchell College
• Quinnipiac University
• Sacred Heart University
• Trinity College
• University of Bridgeport
• University of New Haven
• University of Saint Joseph
• Wesleyan University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Yale University
• University of Delaware
• Barry University
• Clearwater Christian College
• Eckerd College
• Flagler College
• Florida A&M University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Florida International University
• Florida Southern College
• Florida State University
• Lynn University
• New College of Florida
• Nova Southeastern University
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• Ringling College of Art + Design
• Rollins College
• Saint Leo University
• Stetson University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• University of North Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of Tampa
• University of West Florida
• Webber International University
• Agnes Scott College
• Albany State University
• The Art Institute of Atlanta
• Augusta University
• Berry College
• Brenau University
• Covenant College
• Emory University
• Georgia College & State University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• Kennesaw State University
• Life University
• Mercer University
• Piedmont College
• Point University
• Reinhardt University
• Savannah College of Art and Design
• Shorter College
• University of Georgia
• University of North Georgia
• Valdosta State University
• Wesleyan College
• Chaminade University of Honolulu
• University of Hawaii-Manoa
• Boise State University
• Lewis-Clark State College
• University of Idaho
• Augustana College
• Aurora University
• Bradley University
• Columbia College 
• DePaul University
• Dominican University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Elmhurst College
• Greenville University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois State University
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Knox College
• Lake Forest College
• Lewis University
• Loyola University of Chicago
• Millikin University
• Monmouth College
• North Central College
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Northern Illinois University
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Quincy University
• Rockford University
• Roosevelt University
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
• Trinity Christian College
• The University of Chicago
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• University of Illinois at Springfield
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of St. Francis
• Western Illinois University
• Wheaton College
• Anderson University
• Ball State University
• Bethel University
• Butler University
• DePauw University
• Grace College and Seminary
• Hanover College
• Huntington University
• Indiana State University
• Indiana University--Bloomington
• Indiana University East
• Indiana University-Kokomo
• Indiana University Northwest
• Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
• Indiana University South Bend
• Indiana University Southeast
• Indiana Wesleyan University
• Manchester University
• Marian University
• Purdue University--West Lafayette
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Saint Mary's College
• Taylor University
• University of Evansville
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Southern Indiana
• Valparaiso University
• Wabash College
• Briar Cliff University
• Buena Vista University
• Central College
• Cornell College
• Drake University
• Graceland University
• Grinnell College
• Luther College
• Mount Mercy University
• Northwestern College
• St. Ambrose University
• University of Dubuque
• University of Iowa
• Upper Iowa University
• Wartburg College
• William Penn University
• Baker University
• Bethel College
• Fort Hays State University
• Friends University
• Kansas State University
• MidAmerica Nazarene University
• Sterling College
• University of Kansas
• Wichita State University
• Bellarmine University
• Centre College
• Georgetown College
• Murray State University
• Northern Kentucky University
• Transylvania University
• University of Louisville
• University of Pikeville
• University of the Cumberlands
• Western Kentucky University
• Louisiana College
• Louisiana State University--Baton Rouge
• Loyola University New Orleans
• Nicholls State University
• Southeastern Louisiana University
• Southern University and A & M College
• Tulane University
• University of New Orleans
• Bates College
• Bowdoin College
• Colby College
• Husson University
• Unity College
• University of Maine
• University of Maine-Augusta
• University of New England
• Frostburg State University
• Goucher College
• Hood College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Loyola University Maryland
• Maryland Institute College of Art
• Mount St. Mary's University
• St. John's College
• St. Mary's College of Maryland
• Salisbury University
• Stevenson University
• Towson University
• United States Naval Academy
• University of Maryland--Baltimore County
• University of Maryland--College Park

Massachusetts

• Amherst College
• Assumption College
• Babson College
• Bard College at Simon's Rock
• Bay Path University
• Bentley University
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Brandeis University
• Cambridge College
• Clark University
• College of the Holy Cross
• Emerson College
• Emmanuel College
• Endicott College
• Fitchburg State College
• Framingham State University
• Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
• Gordon College
• Hampshire College
• Harvard College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Merrimack College
• Mount Holyoke College
• Nichols College
• Regis College
• School of the Museum of Fine Arts
• Simmons University
• Suffolk University
• Tufts University
• University of Massachusetts-Amherst
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell
• Wellesley College
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Western New England University
• Westfield State University
• Williams College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Worcester State University
• Adrian College
• Albion College
• Aquinas College
• Calvin University
• Central Michigan University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Ferris State University
• Hope College
• Kalamazoo College
• Kettering University
• Lawrence Technological University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University
• Northern Michigan University
• Northwood University
• Oakland University
• Saginaw Valley State University
• Siena Heights University
• Spring Arbor University
• University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University
• Augsburg University
• Bemidji State University
• Carleton College
• College of St. Benedict/Saint John's University
• The College of Saint Scholastica
• Concordia College
• Concordia University - St Paul
• Gustavus Adolphus College
• Hamline University
• Macalester College
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design
• Minnesota State University--Mankato
• Minnesota State University--Moorhead
• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
• St. Olaf College
• University of Minnesota--Crookston
• University of Minnesota--Duluth
• University of Minnesota--Morris
• University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
• University of Saint Thomas

Mississippi

• Belhaven College
• Jackson State University
• Millsaps College
• Mississippi State University
• University of Mississippi
• Columbia College
• Drury University
• Maryville University of Saint Louis
• Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Missouri Valley College
• Saint Louis University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Southwest Baptist University
• Stephens College
• Truman State University
• University of Central Missouri
• University of Missouri
• University of Missouri--Kansas City
• University of Missouri--Saint Louis
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Webster University
• Westminster College
• William Jewell College
• Montana State University
• Montana State University--Billings
• Rocky Mountain College
• University of Montana
• The University of Montana--Western
• College of Saint Mary
• Creighton University
• Doane University
• Hastings College
• Nebraska Wesleyan University
• University of Nebraska--Omaha
• University of Nebraska--Lincoln
• Wayne State College
• Sierra Nevada College

New Hampshire

• Colby-Sawyer College
• Dartmouth College
• Franklin Pierce University
• Keene State College
• Plymouth State University
• Rivier University
• Saint Anselm College
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of New Hampshire
• Caldwell University
• The College of New Jersey
• College of Saint Elizabeth
• Drew University
• Georgian Court University
• Kean University
• Monmouth University
• Montclair State University
• New Jersey City University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Princeton University
• Ramapo College of New Jersey
• Rider University
• Rowan University
• Rutgers University-Camden
• Rutgers University-Newark
• Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stockton University
• Thomas Edison State University
• William Paterson University
• Eastern New Mexico University
• New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology
• New Mexico State University
• University of New Mexico
• Adelphi University
• Alfred University
• Barnard College
• Canisius College
• City University of New York--Baruch College
• City University of New York--Brooklyn College
• Queens College of the City University of New York
• City University of New York - The College of Staten Island
• Clarkson University
• Colgate University
• The College of Saint Rose
• Columbia University
• The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
• Cornell University
• Daemen College
• Elmira College
• Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
• Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York
• Five Towns College
• Fordham University
• Hamilton College
• Hartwick College
• Hilbert College
• Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• Hofstra University
• Houghton College
• Iona College
• Ithaca College
• The Juilliard School
• Le Moyne College
• Long Island University Post
• Manhattan College
• Manhattanville College
• Marist College
• Marymount Manhattan College
• Mercy College
• Molloy College
• Mount Saint Mary College
• Nazareth College
• New York Institute of Technology
• New York School of Interior Design
• New York University
• Niagara University
• Pace University
• Parsons The New School for Design
• Pratt Institute
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Roberts Wesleyan College
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• St. Bonaventure University
• St. John Fisher College
• St. John's University
• St. Joseph's College
• St. Lawrence University
• St. Thomas Aquinas College
• Siena College
• Skidmore College
• SUNY at Albany
• SUNY--Binghamton University SUNY--The College at Brockport
• SUNY--University at Buffalo
• SUNY Canton
• SUNY Cobleskill
• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
• SUNY Cortland
• SUNY Empire State College
• SUNY Fredonia
• SUNY Geneseo
• SUNY Maritime College
• SUNY Morrisville
• SUNY New Paltz
• SUNY Old Westbury
• SUNY Oneonta
• SUNY Oswego
• SUNY Plattsburgh
• SUNY Potsdam
• SUNY--Stony Brook University
• Syracuse University
• Union College
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• United States Military Academy
• University of Rochester
• Utica College
• Vassar College
• Wagner College
• Webb Institute
• Wells College

North Carolina

• Appalachian State University
• Barton College
• Belmont Abbey College
• Brevard College
• Catawba College
• Duke University
• East Carolina University
• Elon University
• Gardner-Webb University
• Guilford College
• High Point University
• Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Meredith College
• Methodist University
• North Carolina State University
• Salem College
• University of North Carolina--Asheville
• University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
• University of North Carolina--Charlotte
• University of North Carolina--Greensboro
• University of North Carolina--Pembroke
• University of North Carolina--Wilmington
• Wake Forest University
• Warren Wilson College
• Western Carolina University
• William Peace University
• Wingate University

North Dakota

• Mayville State University
• University of North Dakota
• Ashland University
• Baldwin Wallace University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Cedarville University
• Cleveland State University
• College of Wooster
• Columbus College of Art & Design
• Denison University
• Hiram College
• John Carroll University
• Kent State University
• Kenyon College
• Malone University
• Miami University
• Mount Vernon Nazarene University
• Muskingum University
• Oberlin College
• Ohio Dominican University
• The Ohio State University--Columbus
• The Ohio State University--Newark
• Ohio University--Athens
• Shawnee State University
• Tiffin University
• Union Institute & University
• University of Akron
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Dayton
• University of Findlay
• University of Mount Union
• University of Toledo
• Wittenberg University
• Wright State University
• Xavier University 
• Youngstown State University
• Northeastern State University
• Oklahoma Baptist University
• Oklahoma Christian University
• Oklahoma City University
• Oklahoma State University
• Oral Roberts University
• University of Central Oklahoma
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
• University of Tulsa
• Eastern Oregon University
• George Fox University
• Lewis & Clark College
• Linfield College
• Multnomah University
• Oregon State University
• Pacific Northwest College of Art
• Portland State University
• Southern Oregon University
• University of Portland
• Warner Pacific College
• Western Oregon University

Pennsylvania

• Albright College
• Allegheny College
• Alvernia University
• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Cairn University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Chatham University
• Chestnut Hill College
• Clarks Summit University
• Delaware Valley University
• DeSales University
• Dickinson College
• Drexel University
• Duquesne University
• Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Franklin & Marshall College
• Gannon University
• Grove City College
• Gwynedd Mercy University
• Haverford College
• Holy Family University
• Juniata College
• Keystone College
• King's College
• Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
• Lafayette College
• Lancaster Bible College
• La Roche University
• La Salle University
• Lebanon Valley College
• Lehigh University
• Lincoln University
• Lycoming College
• Mansfield University
• Marywood University
• Messiah College
• Misericordia University
• Moravian College
• Muhlenberg College
• Neumann University
• Penn State University Park
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Robert Morris University
• Rosemont College
• Saint Joseph's University
• Saint Vincent College
• Susquehanna University
• Swarthmore College
• Thiel College
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh--Bradford
• University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
• University of Pittsburgh--Pittsburgh
• University of Scranton
• University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
• Ursinus College
• Villanova University
• Washington & Jefferson College
• Waynesburg University
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Widener University
• Wilkes University
• Wilson College
• York College of Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

• Brown University
• Bryant University
• Providence College
• Roger Williams University
• Salve Regina University
• University of Rhode Island

South Carolina

• Bob Jones University
• The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
• Clemson University
• Coastal Carolina University
• College of Charleston
• Converse College
• Erskine College
• Francis Marion University
• Limestone College
• Southern Wesleyan University
• University of South Carolina 
• Winthrop University
• Wofford College

South Dakota

• Augustana University
• Dakota State University
• South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
• Belmont University
• Bryan College
• King University
• Lee University
• Lincoln Memorial University
• Lipscomb University
• Maryville College
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Milligan College
• Rhodes College
• Southern Adventist University
• Tennessee Technological University
• Tusculum College
• Union University
• University of Memphis
• The University of the South
• University of Tennessee--Chattanooga
• University of Tennessee--Knoxville
• University of Tennessee--Martin
• Vanderbilt University
• Abilene Christian University
• Angelo State University
• Austin College
• Baylor University
• Dallas Baptist University
• Hardin-Simmons University
• Houston Baptist University
• Huston-Tillotson University
• McMurry University
• Midwestern State University
• Rice University
• St. Edward's University
• Schreiner University
• Southern Methodist University
• Southwestern University
• Tarleton State University
• Texas A&M University--College Station
• Texas Christian University
• Texas Lutheran University
• Texas State University
• Texas Tech University
• Trinity University
• University of Houston
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas--Arlington
• University of Texas--Austin
• University of Texas--San Antonio
• Wayland Baptist University
• Brigham Young University 
• Neumont College
• University of Utah
• Utah State University
• Weber State University
• Bennington College
• Champlain College
• Marlboro College
• Middlebury College
• Saint Michael's College
• Vermont Technical College
• Bridgewater College
• Christendom College
• Christopher Newport University
• Eastern Mennonite University
• George Mason University
• Hampden-Sydney College
• Hampton University
• Hollins University
• James Madison University
• Liberty University
• Longwood University
• Mary Baldwin University
• Old Dominion University
• Patrick Henry College
• Radford University
• Randolph College
• Randolph-Macon College
• Regent University
• Roanoke College
• Shenandoah University
• Sweet Briar College
• University of Lynchburg
• University of Mary Washington
• University of Richmond
• University of Virginia
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Tech
• Virginia Wesleyan University
• Washington and Lee University
• William & Mary
• Bastyr University
• Central Washington University
• DigiPen Institute of Technology
• Eastern Washington University
• Evergreen State College
• Gonzaga University
• Heritage University
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Seattle Pacific University
• Seattle University
• University of Puget Sound
• University of Washington
• University of Washington--Tacoma
• Washington State University
• Western Washington University
• Whitman College
• Whitworth University

Washington DC

• American University
• Catholic University of America
• Gallaudet University
• Georgetown University
• Howard University

West Virginia

• Bethany College
• Concord University
• Marshall University
• University of Charleston
• West Virginia University
• West Virginia Wesleyan College
• Wheeling Jesuit University
• Beloit College
• Carthage College
• Lawrence University
• Marquette University
• Milwaukee School of Engineering
• Mount Mary University
• Northland College
• Ripon College
• St. Norbert College
• University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire
• University of Wisconsin--Green Bay
• University of Wisconsin--La Crosse
• University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin--Platteville
• University of Wisconsin--River Falls
• University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point
• University of Wisconsin--Stout
• University of Wisconsin--Superior
• University of Wisconsin--Whitewater
• Viterbo University
• Central Wyoming College
• University of Wyoming

Summary: College Virtual Tours

A Virtual college tour is a tour that you can watch from your phone or computer. The tour is generally an hour long, and will be led by a tour guide who will talk to you about the school and their experience there, as well as answer questions you or others may have. Seeing a school in-person is always the best way to get a feel for it, but virtual tours are still a great way to get a sense of what the college and study body are like, without the time and expense of traveling to the school itself. Virtual campus tours have become more and more popular in recent years, and many schools offer them. To get the most out of a virtual campus tour, be sure to:

•  Prepare ahead of time
• Remember that you're being shown the best parts of the school
• Research other ways to learn about the school
• Consider an in-person visit

What's Next?

Are you in the midst of researching colleges and narrowing down your college list? This guide has some seriously helpful suggestions for figuring out what you want and choosing the colleges that best match your goals.

Touring a school is just one part of the college application process . This complete guide to college applications will help you plan your application step by step!

Another concern when making your college list may be financial aid. If this is important to you, check out these 27 colleges with the best financial aid!

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

25 Virtual College Tours Worth Taking

Virtual college tours are considered one of the easiest, most accessible ways to learn about a school. While a more typical college tour may still be conducted in-person, the reality of that is changing. With the technological advances of the last 10-15 years, virtual tours have become a new, affordable possibility. Indeed, a virtual college tour can be an excellent way to learn about a school’s campus, programs, student life, clubs and activities, and much more.

You might be curious, how exactly do virtual college tours work? The answer depends on the school. Some virtual tours are live streams or recordings of in-person campus tours. Others are interactive maps where you can click on buildings and see what happens inside. Some will even include Q&A sessions with students. These are just some of the many ways schools show prospective students what life is like on campus. However, not all virtual college tours are created equal.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of virtual college visits, including:

• Benefits of engaging in college tours
• Similarities and differences between in-person and virtual college tours
• Different formats of virtual tours
• Top 25 virtual tours worth taking
• How to plan and make the most of your college visits
• What comes next after a college tour 

Without a doubt, college visits will play an integral role in your college journey. So, let’s dive into why college visits are so important to the application process. 

Why College Visits?

Before we explore virtual college tours in greater detail, let’s discuss why college visits are important to begin with. First and foremost, college tours are a way to learn about schools before you apply or even attend. Attending college is a big commitment. Therefore, taking the time to learn more about each school will allow you to feel more confident in deciding where to attend. 

Secondly, the college admissions process is a time of self-exploration. By engaging in college tours, you can learn more about yourself just as you do about colleges. Maybe you will notice you like smaller campuses that aren’t in bustling cities. Or perhaps you will realize that having a lot of cultural diversity on campus is important. By learning these facts about yourself, you will contribute to your overall personal development as well as create a holistic college list.

Lastly, college visits for juniors help to put together a strong application. Many colleges request that you write a supplemental essay about why you want to attend their school. Through a visit, you can gain knowledge about the school and be able to speak passionately and specifically about why you wish to attend in your essays. This is more critical than ever since the number of applications has skyrocketed at many schools. As such, you’ll need to make sure your application demonstrates why you are a clear fit.

College visits and the admissions process

As you may have already gathered, there are two times when you might find it most valuable to visit colleges:

Before applying

Virtual college tours and in-person campus tours can help you narrow down your college list. In doing so, you will only spend money and time applying to colleges that you would really love to attend. College visits for juniors can also help them write stronger essays.

After admission to make a final matriculation decision

If you are admitted to multiple schools, a campus visit can help you feel more confident in your final decision. As a senior, you also might have more specific questions about certain activities or campus life. Getting to know the campus more can also help ease the transition into your first year. Since you’ll already know where important buildings and resources are located, your first day may not be as overwhelming!

Now that you understand the importance of college visits, let’s explore what goes into planning a college visit.

Planning your college visit

As we shared, college visits are an important part of the admissions process. However, planning in-person campus tours can be time-consuming and expensive. To begin, you and your family will need to explore what times of year are best to travel. Some common times to visit schools are during school breaks or summer vacations. However, if you hope to see more activity on campus, then try to plan your visit when classes are in session. 

Next, we recommend setting up a visit with the admissions office. While you can, in most cases, visit a campus without an appointment, the appointment helps you gain access to a tour. It may even allow you to speak with an admissions officer. Ideally, you will book this appointment a few months before the visit. If you find yourself running short on time, you can also show up on campus and take a self-guided tour. Occidental College , Haverford College , and Claremont McKenna College all offer self-guided tours, whether using a printed map or a downloadable app. 

The cost of college visits

Regardless of whether you pre-schedule your visit, you will need to pay for your travel including transportation, hotels, and meals. Many students try to see multiple schools in one visit to save money and time.

For some students, setting up in-person visits is difficult. Beyond the expensive nature of travel, parents or guardians may not be able to take off work or find childcare. Some high schools organize college visits for juniors, or even sophomores, where adult chaperones take large groups of students to visit schools. However, this may not be an option at your school.

If the cost and logistics required to attend in-person college tours is prohibitive, don’t worry! In the next sections, we’ll discuss the many similarities, as well as the unique benefits, of virtual college tours.

COVID-19’s Impact on College Visits

While virtual tours existed pre-pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic made them a necessity as college campus tours were canceled. Since then, virtual tours have become more advanced and more widely available. In some cases, college virtual tours can offer as much, or more, than an in-person campus visit.

While many students still prefer in-person visits, virtual tours can be used as a tool to explore colleges earlier in the application journey. Virtual tours can also be useful to prepare for an in-person visit. If a student can spend 15 minutes taking a virtual tour and noting what buildings or parts of campus interest them most, then they can focus their in-person tour on those aspects. 

Overall, virtual tours are an excellent way to visit schools that are completely inaccessible, such as ones that are too far away. Many international students use virtual college tours to explore campuses they wish to attend. Indeed, the fact that virtual tours exploded during the pandemic has raised several questions about accessibility, including the need to make more tours available in multiple languages or geared towards low-income families.

Coming up, we will explore more about the similarities and differences between in-person and virtual college tours. 

In-person vs Virtual College Tours

Luckily, visiting colleges today does not require you to go to a campus. Indeed, the number and quality of virtual campus tours for students have skyrocketed in recent years. Undoubtedly, there are similarities and differences between in-person college campus tours and virtual college tours.

Similarities between In-Person College Campus Tours and Virtual College Tours

• They provide a layout of the campus.
• They allow students to get a sense of the campus architecture, including the inside of academic buildings and dorms. For example, UT San Antonio offers special housing tours for students to see where they might be living.
• Students can learn about specific academic programs. For instance, Harvard offers a specialized in-person tour for engineering and applied sciences students in addition to the Harvard virtual tour.
• They offer insight into student life on campus. Emerson College , for example, offers videos of students talking about their transition to life in Boston and co-curricular activities.
• Tours allow students to explore the available clubs and activities on campus.
• They are opportunities to hear directly from actual students about their experiences. Colgate , Princeton , and Barnard all offer virtual conversations with students.
• Students can get some of their doubts answered. Many tours offer a live Q&A with current students. Pomona ’s live virtual sessions include this offering.

Differences between In-Person College Campus Tours and Virtual College Tours

Note that depending on the school, you may or may not receive information about that school’s admissions process during a tour, whether in-person or virtual. Several schools, like Spelman , encourage students to schedule separate webinars to learn more about the admissions process, as this is not a topic covered in their campus tours. 

Now that we have explored the similarities and differences between in-person college campus tours and virtual college visits, let’s look more deeply into when and how to use virtual college tours.

Understanding Virtual College Tours

When first hearing about virtual college visits, many students and families are skeptical about how useful they can be. However, college virtual tours have advanced so much in recent years that many offer a similar, if not enhanced, experience to an in-person visit. 

As we discussed, there are several obvious reasons why college virtual tours are easier than in-person, including the fact that they are free and require little to no planning. In the following sections, we will discover more of the benefits and uses of virtual college tours. We will also discuss how they work and explore some of the best virtual college tours that exist today.

Are Virtual College Tours Worth It?

Yes—college virtual tours are absolutely worth your time! Indeed, virtual college tours can be a very good investment of time depending on where you are in your college admissions process. Let’s explore some ways that you can use virtual college visits to aid you in your college decision-making process:

Initial exploration of schools

As a freshman or sophomore in high school, you might not know how to prepare for the college process. Using virtual college tours, you can begin to explore schools and learn about what you like and don’t like in a college. This process can help you stay motivated to work hard as you will visualize your goals with greater clarity. You will also begin to learn what types of schools you are drawn to, which can help you build a college list faster in your junior year.

Exploring more and different schools

In the past, many students were limited to only visiting schools they could travel to. In some cases, leaving their state or country was impossible. Virtual college tours offer much more accessibility for students who cannot travel large distances. Also, since they can be completed in much less time than in-person college campus tours, virtual college visits may allow you to explore schools you had never considered. Perhaps you were only considering applying to big public schools. With virtual college visits, you can branch out and easily explore small, liberal arts colleges as well.

Narrowing down the list of schools you might want to visit in person

You might have a long college list. Ideally, you’ll want to cut it down when considering which schools to visit. This is where virtual college visits offer a unique opportunity to make the most of your time and resources. Before you get on the road, you can do a virtual tour to see if you like the campus enough to visit. Or perhaps the virtual tour helps you see which parts of campus you want to explore further, or which buildings you want to enter.

Alternatively, maybe your virtual college visits give you the confidence to know you like the school enough that you don’t need to spend lots of money on a flight in your junior year. Perhaps you will wait and see if you are admitted and visit the school afterward to decide if you want to attend.

Certainly, we can agree there are many benefits to virtual college visits. However, some virtual college tours are more interactive, engaging, and informative than others. Later, we will explore some of the virtual college tours that are worth taking.

While the quality of the tour may depend on the schools you’re interested in, how much you get out of them ultimately depends on you. We will explore how to make the most of your college virtual tours later. 

What Are Virtual College Tours Like?

Now that we have convinced you that college virtual tours are beneficial, let’s look at what you can expect from them. Most virtual college tours for students have some combination of the following offerings:

Guided tour of campus

This can include a combination of interactive maps and pictures, embedded videos, informational text, and voiceovers describing what you are seeing. Some college virtual tours offer 360-degree views that allow you to click around and move through campus as if you were there, such as the University of Tampa ’s tour. Even more advanced tours offer immersive virtual reality (VR) technology which allows you to put on a headset and bring the campus to life in front of your eyes. However, VR campus tours typically require you to have your own equipment at home.

Campus highlights

Most virtual college tours for students will highlight important buildings or landmarks. These can include academic buildings, monuments, libraries, dining halls, residence halls, and the student union. By showing you these buildings, schools hope to give you a sense of what your day-to-day life may look like as a student there.

Student testimonials

Another helpful part of college virtual tours is student testimonials. Sometimes, this looks like students leading a campus tour while sharing their own experiences. Other times, schools will offer webinars for prospective students to ask questions of others. More common these days is the use of social media to share student experiences. Some schools will allow students to “take over” their social media accounts and post about their day so that prospective students can see what a day on campus is like. Consider following schools of interest on social media so you can get an insider’s perspective.

Now that you know what you can generally expect from college virtual tours, let’s explore the differences between college campus tours across schools.

How Do Virtual College Tours Work?

As the name suggests, virtual tours happen via a computer, phone, or other piece of technology. However, that can look very different depending on the school you are investigating. As we shared above, many virtual college tours for students include some kind of guided tour of campus, a list of highlights, and student testimonials. However, these items can come in very different formats.

Here are some of the formats you can expect:

Pre-recorded videos.

These can look like videos of a student giving a tour or a video of activities happening around campus. Since these are the simplest version of virtual college tours for students, they are the most common. Schools like Dartmouth , CalPoly , and Vassar all offer pre-recorded tours. 

Interactive videos

Some videos let you click on buildings or landmarks as you watch to learn more. In some cases, you can even enter buildings. For example, the Harvard virtual tour lets you click through photos of the athletic center, dorms, libraries, labs, and quads. The Harvard virtual tour also includes a voiceover that provides additional information as you scroll through images. 

Interactive map s

Here you’ll have a map of campus, whether flat or 360 degrees, that lets you click on landmarks to gather more information. Cornell , Bucknell , Wesleyan , and Pace all have online maps you can explore.

Live streams

This is a video that is being filmed at the same time you are watching it. Live streams sometimes offer a chance for Q&A with the student hosting. To take advantage of this, you will need to be present at the exact time the live stream is being shared. In some cases, you may need to register ahead of time to receive the link. An example of a live tour is at the University of Pennsylvania , where students register ahead of time for a one-hour, live, student-led virtual campus tour.

Live Virtual Tour vs. Pre-Recorded Tour

Take special note of the distinction between live virtual tours and pre-recorded virtual tours. Live virtual tours are being streamed as you watch them, which means you will get a better sense of what is happening right then and there on campus. Sometimes, live virtual tours include a Q&A section where you can ask questions. Meanwhile, pre-recorded virtual tours are less interactive but offer the flexibility of watching them whenever you can.

A common platform for many of these virtual college tours is YouVisit . YouVisit specializes in making virtual experiences as interactive as possible. For that reason, you may notice that many of the online virtual college tours you discover are similar in format. YouVisit’s tours tend to include interactive 360-degree maps, voiceovers, videos, and photos.

As you can tell, there are many formats and options for virtual tours. Indeed, the menu of options has exploded in recent years, in part due to the necessity created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, we will look more closely at when to take a virtual tour and explore some of the most helpful virtual tours worth taking.

When is the right time to take a Virtual Tour?

Virtual college tours can be useful at any stage, whether you’re already working on applications or just starting to build your college list.  No matter where you are in the college admissions process, remember: it’s never too early to take a virtual tour! However, before you start exploring virtually, it’s useful to know how virtual college tours can benefit you.

Tours for sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Virtual college tours will look different for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a sophomore, a virtual tour might be a way to dip your toes into the world of college admissions. Since you can take virtual college tours from the comfort of your own home, this is a low-stakes way to get a feel for which colleges you’re interested in applying to. 

College visits for juniors are a bit more meaningful. You may be starting to create a college list, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the different parts of the virtual tour. Consider taking notes as you go, so that when you start applying to schools you have observations from your virtual tour to look back on. 

If you’re a senior, there’s another important aspect of virtual college tours to keep in mind: demonstrated interest. When colleges read your application, they often look for “demonstrated interest,” which is a way that you demonstrate that you care about the school. Colleges want to admit students who will ultimately choose that college, and one way to show that you care about a school is to attend a tour. 

What Colleges Offer Virtual Tours?

In general, virtual college tours make tours accessible for people who can’t travel to the school for whatever reason. Most schools understand that not all students can visit in person and will offer some type of virtual tour—whether it’s a recorded tour, a video of the campus, or another interactive option. 

So, how do you decide which ones to take? Up next, you’ll find our list of the best virtual college tours that we think are worth your time.

25 Virtual College Tours Worth Taking!

As we’ve discussed, virtual tours are a great way to get a feel for a school’s campus without having to make the trip to visit. You can take a virtual tour at almost any time—you can even take one more than once!

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 25 great virtual college tours that you can embark on in lieu of a traditional college visit. 

Top 25 Virtual College Tours

1. princeton university.

First on our list of virtual college tours worth taking is Princeton University. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton is ranked #1 in National Universities. Princeton’s virtual tour consists of a live-streamed Zoom webinar, where one of their tour guides will take you along with them on their campus tour. You can even ask your guide questions in the Zoom chat!

2. Harvard University

Next on our list of best virtual college tours is Harvard University, located in Cambridge, MA. The Harvard virtual tour is self-guided, meaning that you can click around the Harvard virtual tour to see panoramic views of Harvard’s classic New England campus at your own pace. Plus, if you’re interested in Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, there’s a separate Harvard virtual tour that goes into even more detail on that school’s offerings.

3. University of Pennsylvania

If you’re interested in UPenn but can’t make it out to Philadelphia, you can explore UPenn’s campus with virtual college visits. You have to sign up online to take one of Upenn’s virtual college tours since they’re led live by Penn’s student tour guides. With these live tours, every tour is different. Since different students give them each time, if you decide to take the tour more than once, you’ll likely learn something new! 

4. Cornell University

The virtual college tours at Cornell are self-guided. This means that you can take yourself around Cornell’s beautiful campus in Ithaca, NY, at your own pace. At each location, Cornell supplies fun facts and details about the campus that can help you get to know the school better. 

5. Dartmouth College

With Dartmouth’s virtual college tours, you can get the best of both worlds: a live-streamed campus tour and a self-guided tour. If you’re just beginning to think about Dartmouth as an option, watch their video of a pre-recorded tour to get a feel. If Dartmouth is your dream school, get to know their campus in bucolic Hanover, NH, by taking a live virtual tour led by a student—that way, you can ask all of your questions and feel more like you’re really there!

6. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) – San Luis Obispo

If you want to know more about Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, they provide a wealth of virtual college tours that you can take. Not only does Cal Poly offer the classic student-led virtual tours and prerecorded tours. They also have virtual tours of their housing and of each academic college. Even if you can’t make it out to this coastal California city, you’ll have a great feel for the Cal Poly campus. 

7. Barnard College

Curious about college in the Big Apple? Take one of Barnard’s virtual college tours. Once you register for Barnard’s virtual tour, you gain access to spaces in Barnard that aren’t even available on the in-person tour. Barnard also offers an audio tour, where you can listen along to a live tour guide.

8. Pomona College

At Pomona, a college located in Pomona, California, you can explore in a multitude of ways. Pomona offers a pre-recorded virtual tour, as well as info sessions and webinars that you can attend from home. 

9. University of Texas – San Antonio

Located in San Antonio, TX, the University of Texas campus at San Antonio offers a self-guided virtual tour. At each location on the virtual tour, UT offers a video accompanied by written information to help you get to know the campus better.

10. Wesleyan University

If you’re looking for an idyllic New England campus, you’ll find one with Wesleyan’s virtual college tours. Wesleyan is a small liberal arts school located in Middletown, Connecticut, and you can follow along with a current student as they “walk” you through different locations on campus. 

11. Colgate University

Located in Hamilton, ME, Colgate’s beautiful campus is just a few clicks away. Colgate’s college virtual tours let students make their way through the campus on their own time, and you can supplement your virtual college visit with webinars and online info sessions. 

12. Washington State University

Though Pullman, Washington would be beautiful to see in person, WSU’s college virtual tours will make you feel like you’re right there without ever leaving your house. WSU offers a personal tour, where you can direct yourself around the Washington State campus. 

13. Bucknell University

At Bucknell University, you can take college virtual tours by navigating through their virtual campus map. Though you might not get a feel of Bucknell’s location in Lewisburg, PA, you’ll come away with a great understanding of their campus—they even have a specialized map for prospective engineering students. 

14. Vassar College

Next on the list of college virtual tours worth doing is Vassar. Vassar is located in scenic upstate New York, but if you don’t want to make the trip, you can easily get a feeling for the campus with their many options for college virtual tours. Vassar offers an interactive campus tour, a 30-minute preview video of the campus, and even sample classes and recordings of past events. 

15. Claremont McKenna College

The second of the Claremont Colleges after Pomona, Claremont McKenna offers recorded video tours and self-guided college virtual tours. Claremont McKenna is also located in Pomona, CA. So, if you’re virtually touring Pomona, you might as well give Claremont McKenna a look as well!

16. Haverford College

If you’re interested in living in Pennsylvania, you can give this lovely campus located just outside of Philly a look. Haverford offers live virtual tours where two students will take you on a “stroll” across campus, giving you advice and answering questions along the way. 

17. Harvey Mudd College

If you love Pomona, CA, but Claremont McKenna and Pomona weren’t your vibe, give Harvey Mudd a try. Harvey Mudd’s college virtual tours consist of separate videos for each stop along the tour that take you through all of the most important buildings on Harvey Mudd’s campus. 

18. Middlebury College

For your Middlebury College virtual tours, you get all the benefits of variety. Middlebury College, located in Middlebury, VT, has a wealth of options for students who don’t choose to do college campus tours in person. This includes virtual tours in English and Spanish, self-guided interactive maps, recorded information sessions, and more. 

19. Pace University

If you want to get to know Pace University, the college offers interactive maps for both of its campuses—one in NYC and one in Westchester, NY. Using Pace’s maps, you can make the most of New York City college campus tours without ever having to navigate the subway. 

20. Occidental College

Next on our list of virtual college campus tours worth taking is Occidental College. Located in sunny Los Angeles, CA, Occidental offers a self-guided virtual tour, where you can click through 360 views of the campus and hear from Occidental’s student tour guides along the way. 

21. Furman University

Located in Greenville, South Carolina, Furman University also offers stellar options for their virtual college campus tours. Furman gives you the option to explore individual campus buildings with interactive and immersive technology, which includes videos from their tour guides to give you insider knowledge about each location. 

22. Spelman College

If you want to tour Spelman, you don’t have to go all the way to Atlanta, Georgia. You can take one of their virtual college campus tours, where you can take your time looking at each of their buildings. Spelman’s virtual map lets you see inside and outside of many different campus locations, and get a better feel for the vibe of the campus as a whole.

23. Emerson College

Located in Boston, MA, Emerson offers lots of options for students who want to take college virtual tours. Using an interactive map , prospective students can make their way around Emerson’s campus to explore different buildings and facilities. The Emerson campus map also includes some city landmarks, like Boston Common, that are close to campus and part of the Emerson experience.

24. University of Tampa

At the University of Tampa, students can take college virtual tours to get a feel for the beautiful Tampa, FL campus. The University of Tampa offers tour videos, 360 interactive campus tours, as well as virtual visits. If you register for a virtual visit, you’ll also be able to attend a 30-minute info session hosted by an admissions counselor. 

25. Texas State University

For the last school on our list of college virtual tours worth taking, we visit (or more accurately, don’t visit) Texas State. Texas State offers a virtual interactive map, a video tour led by student tour guides, and also provides a presentation where you can learn more about the academics and admissions policies at the school. You can tour both of Texas State’s locations, one in San Marcos and one just north of Austin.

As you can see, not all virtual college visits follow the exact same format. However, there are certainly many opportunities to “visit” a school without ever stepping foot on campus. Next, let’s talk about scheduling and making the most of your college visits.

How To Schedule Virtual College Visits

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best virtual college tours that you can take, let’s talk about some logistics. 

For most virtual college tours, you can take them whenever you want—that’s part of why they’re so great! Whatever your schedule is, you can slide in a college visit on your own time. You could even do a bit of a virtual college visit, take a break, and come back and finish later. It’s totally up to you. 

Schools may ask you for your name and email when you click on their virtual college visits. This is totally fine, and also can work to your advantage. Remember demonstrated interest? You want the college to know that you’ve taken their college campus tours, whether it’s a virtual college visit or in-person. This is especially meaningful in college visits for juniors or seniors.

Even though many virtual college visits can be done on your own schedule, some schools offer live virtual tours. If you want to take one of these college campus tours, you’ll need to sign up in advance. Even though these virtual college tours for students require a little bit more planning, it can be helpful to be in a Zoom with other prospective students and tour guides so that you can ask questions in real time. 

Making the Most of a Virtual College Visit

Even though you might be taking your virtual college tours from your bed, it’s important to still make the most of it. While a virtual tour might not feel the same as in-person college campus tours, there are some things you can do to make the most of the experience. 

Block out dedicated time

At first, virtual college tours for students might not seem very outwardly engaging. However, you should try and make the most of your experience. Don’t multitask, or do college campus tours while you’re watching TV. This is still a college visit, and you want to treat it as such. Immerse yourself in your virtual college visit—you want to get as close as you can to experiencing it in person! 

Consider your priorities

Virtual college visits can serve different purposes for different students. Some students have no idea what they’re looking for from their college campus, and others are already set on what they want their college experience to look like. On the virtual tour, make sure to look at the school’s housing, academic facilities, recreational facilities, and transportation. If there’s a must on your list—for example, if you want a school with a main quad, or a school that’s integrated into a city—see if the school has it! 

Ask questions

If you’re taking a tour on your own, think about the questions you’d have for a tour guide if there was one present. What can you learn from virtual college tours for students, and what do you still have questions about? These are the kinds of things you could ask in an information session or research after your tour.

Next Steps after your Virtual Tour

Once you’ve finished your virtual tour, there are some next steps you can take to make the most of it. 

If you’re just starting to build out your college list, think about what stood out most from your campus tours. Write down some big takeaways from the school, or a list of pros and cons, so you can start comparing schools that you want to put on your college list. These can be informal—something like “huge library,” or “weird vibe” is totally fine—just make sure you write down enough to remember how you felt about the school so you don’t have to take the virtual tour a second time.

If you’re ready to apply, reach out to admissions with any questions you have after the virtual college tours. Explore the application requirements at the schools you’re most excited about. See if the school has any supplemental essays that ask you why you’re interested in the school—these virtual tours can give you great talking points about the school that you might want to include in an essay.

Sometimes after a virtual tour, you might still not know how you feel about a school—that’s okay! Virtual tours are just one way to get to know a college. You can keep doing research, and take advantage of other virtual resources offered by the school. 

Even More Virtual Opportunities

So what are the other ways to learn more about a school from the comfort of your own home?

Along with the virtual campus tour, many schools also offer virtual information sessions. These are Zoom calls with admissions officers who are there to provide information on the school and answer applicants’ questions. Attending information sessions can also be a way to show demonstrated interest to a school that you want to attend. 

Some schools also have student testimonials, or other videos with students who can answer questions about the school. These are a great way to see what actual students think about attending the school. Many colleges also provide a way to reach students at the school with questions—email the admissions office and ask if there are students you can talk to about their experience. 

Virtual College Tours – Final Takeaway

College visits for juniors, seniors, and sophomores are an important part of the college admissions process. Since the pandemic, you can go on amazing virtual college visits from the comfort of your own home. On a virtual college tour, you can get to know the campus, and see what kinds of resources the school has to offer.

There are a few different types of virtual college tours for students. Some are interactive maps, where you can click on different buildings and explore. Others provide a 360 view of various parts of campus. Some are live Zoom meetings led by student tour guides, and some schools provide pre-recorded videos that you can watch. All of these virtual tours are great options to learn more about the school, and if a school provides more than one, they’re all worth doing!

When you’re taking a virtual college tour, make sure to make the most of it. Set aside some time to really focus on the tour, keep your priorities in mind, and take notes on things that stick out to you and questions you have during the tour. 

If at the end of your virtual tour, you’re sure that you’ve found your dream school, don’t hesitate to reach out to CollegeAdvisor for application guidance. Our team of experts is always here to support students in navigating the admissions process. Happy (virtual) exploring!

This article was written by senior advisor Courtney Ng and advisor Rachel Kahn . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

Just one more step to start saving colleges!

Sign up for an account or login to start your college list.

How to Get the Most Out of Virtual College Tours

Xavi Casanovas/Unsplash

Whether you've been talking to your school counselor, your parents, friends, parents' friends, friends' parents, or any other combination thereof, you've probably been told that it's a good idea to visit the campuses of the colleges you're strongly considering before committing to go there. After all, what seems like a dream college on paper to other students can sometimes feel like a nightmare to others. Trust me — any time you might save now is going right out the window if you have to transfer to another school later on!

 Take Notes and Screenshots

The one advantage to an online tour is that it's much easier to record your thoughts than when you're trying to keep pace with a group of other people. Feel free to take a screenshot of any image that catches your fancy, or bookmark the page if it has a direct URL. Also make sure you interact with images as much as you can. Some may be static photos, but you may encounter some panoramic views that you can rotate around.

• Tip 1: Write down your first impressions and then, later on, revisit them and see if you still feel the same way.
• Tip 2: Always come up with at least one question to ask. This ensures that you're more actively looking at these images than you would be otherwise.

Maintain the Big Picture

Many online tours will show you both a street-level view and a bird's-eye map of the location. This helps you to get perspective that is missing from a remote tour, where you're not physically walking between locations.

• Tip 3: Record the distance between common places on campus and replicate that walk in your own neighborhood. It's important that you know what that distance feels like — small things like the hike from your prospective dorm to the dining hall can add up when you have to do them multiple times each day.
• Tip 4: For extra credit here, check the weather listings for that campus, or try to find the average highs and lows over each semester. If at all possible, try to take your walks at different times of the year. If you're not normally a cold-weather person but you're set on a northern college, you might be looking for a smaller, more centrally located campus.

Get a Second Opinion

When you're on an actual tour, you don't have to assume that everything you're being told is accurate. That's because you can ask other students on the campus what they think and ask follow-up questions of your in-person tour guide (as opposed to a virtual host). But guess what? You can still do that with these online, remote tours. It just means that you're going to have to reach out to students, alumni, and admissions officers through email.

• Tip 5: Always reach out to an admissions officer with specific questions. Not only will this get you some much needed clarity on the things that the virtual tour cannot show you, but will also help you make an impression with the school. It may seem like nothing to send an email, but that one little action can go a long way in helping to set you apart from other students, especially if you ask specific questions that can't simply be answered on their website.
• Tip 6: Though it may be a little more difficult, try to reach out directly to current students or, barring that, alumni. (This is what we've done with our book The Best 385 Colleges , which is filled with insider observations from current students.) While this sort of outreach won't win you any points with the admissions officials, it will provide you with the sort of firsthand knowledge about the unseen pros and cons of the school and the curriculum that you can't get from simply browsing pictures online.

College Admissions and Test Prep Expert

More on Applying to College

Authentic Voice in College Essays

That’s why you want to use your authentic voice when writing any college essay .

So what’s the problem? A student has shared an ess…

College Interview Prep Tips: Brainstorm, Research, Analyze, Generalize

I recently visited Washington University in Saint Louis and was lucky enough to set up an interview. By speaking with peers of mi…

Academic Index Scores: Why They Matter and How They're Calculated

Note: Click here for 10 Summer Programs You Can Still Apply For or keep reading to learn more about academic index scores.

7 Podcasts for Students Going Through the Admissions Process

Podcasts can offer a wealth of information to busy students, particularly when it comes to the college admissions process. We…

Avoid College Application Regrets: Tips For Getting It Right the First Time

Decision Day occurs each year on May 1st and is the deadline for students to inform the college of their choice of their intent t…

Get a student loan that goes beyond tuition.

Ascent offers cosigned and non-cosigned student loans with exclusive benefits that set students up for success.

Find Your Scholarship

Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!

11 Virtual Campus Tours You Can Take Right Now

We don’t have to tell you that this year things are different. Most, if not all, college campuses are closed for the remainder of the semester. Students won’t have the opportunity to attend in-person information sessions, meet their dream professors or interact with students in the dining hall. Luckily, many schools have been investing in the creation of virtual tours for years and there has been a swift movement to expand upon these resources since the COVID-19 crisis hit. Below, we highlight some schools whose tours will allow you to get a real feel for their surroundings, spirit and student body, all from the comfort of your couch. 

Duke University

Offering the perfect combination of rah-rah spirit and high-level academics, Duke University also features a sprawling, scenic campus that spans over 8,500 acres. It’s home to over 250 buildings, along with more than 7,000 acres of forest (studying under a shady tree > studying in your dorm room). The school’s virtual tour allows students to explore the iconic Duke Chapel, take a peek inside the Perkins/Bostock libraries (which feature incredible gothic-style architecture), and tour a freshman dorm. You can even “walk” the quad!

University of Maryland

Go big or go home: The University of Maryland, College Park is home to over 40,000 students, and its campus has everything you could ever need (or want!). Case in point: There’s a McDonald’s *and* a seasonal farmer’s market, because #balance. Take a virtual tour to get a taste of what on-campus life is like. Explore one of the dining halls, view photographs of a lecture hall or a research lab, and end your virtual tour at McKeldin Mall, the center of campus. 

University of Southern California

Transport yourself to sunny SoCal without even leaving your house! While USC’s virtual tour is informative on its own, those who want to learn more about USC housing and residential life can watch these videos . The university is also currently offering several online events and information sessions during which students will have the opportunity to speak with current student ambassadors and ask questions. 

University of Pennsylvania

Get a glimpse of this Ivy League institution’s state-of-the-art classrooms and resources. Penn’s virtual tour gives prospective students a 360-degree view of the iconic Philadelphia campus. Scroll through to explore The College of Arts and Sciences, peek inside a dorm room, grab a virtual bite at one of the dining halls, and admire the view from prestigious Wharton School. Take a virtual tour now.  

Georgetown University 

Experience all that Georgetown University has to offer from the comfort of your couch. This esteemed institution’s virtual reality “walking” tour takes you all around the expansive 104-acre campus. You’ll also find several photos and videos of Georgetown students as they make their way around campus. Tip: When you get to the Student Living + Housing part of the tour, head to the video section, which features clips of four students giving tours of their dorm rooms.

University of Michigan 

Go Blue! The University of Michigan campus is full of camaraderie — both in real life, and virtually! The virtual tour, which was posted on YouTube on March 11, chronicles several UM students as they video record themselves going about their day-to-day. For more information on campus life, check out one of the University of Michigan student vlogs . Prospective students also have the option to register for a virtual information session . 

New York University 

While you may not be able to experience NYU’s bustling Big Apple campus in-person, the university’s easy-to-navigate virtual tour gives you an inside look at academic buildings, student center, dining halls and dorm rooms. Still have questions? Consider watching this pre-recorded virtual information session ; the 44-minute video is led by Chelsea Duncan, NYU’s Associate Director of Admissions.

Lehigh University 

Lehigh’s virtual campus tour consists of 360-degree panoramic photos and videos. Make your way through the University Center (which is home to the Student Engagement Office, as well as a dining hall, a food court, and several other departments), the quad, and Rathbone Hall (known for their signature “chicken finger Fridays” — genius!). The tour also explores Farrington Square, which is located on the border of campus. Here, you’ll find several signature eateries (including a bagel store!), the university bookstore, a farmer’s market, and upperclassmen housing. 

Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s virtual tour is led by two alumns who take you all around the expansive campus, from the iconic Hall of Languages and castle-like Crouse College, to the popular Bird Library, which current students have affectionately dubbed “Club Bird”. Prospective students will also get an inside look at one of the university’s several residence halls and dining halls.  

Boston University

Learn everything there is to know about BU through the school’s compact (and incredibly detailed!) website . For example, if you’re interested in learning more about the College of Communication , simply click on the “Schools & Colleges” tab and research away. Additionally, each residence hall also has its own video, which provides a more holistic view of on-campus housing options. The virtual map is also incredibly helpful when it comes to getting a feel for how expansive the 169-acre campus actually is in real life. 

University of Miami 

University of Miami’s virtual tour starts at the Instagram-worthy “U” statue and takes you through the institution’s various schools and colleges. Take a few minutes to explore the University Center (two words: nap pods!) and the scenic Lakeside Patio. Prospective students also have the chance to peek inside a dorm room. After the tour, you may find it helpful to watch the information session video, which is led by a student ambassador. 

While virtual tours are incredibly useful, they aren’t the only factor you should take into consideration before committing to a school. We recommend contacting an alum or current student so you can get a better feel for what campus life is actually like. If you don’t know an alum, you can also reach out to the school’s alumni relations department to see if they can connect you with someone who can help. Additionally, if you have any follow-up questions after completing the virtual tour, contact the school’s admissions office via phone or email. We guarantee they’ll be more than happy to assist and help you get to know the place at which you may very well spend your next four years.

About CEA HQ

View all posts by CEA HQ »

We've got you covered!

Written by CEA HQ

Category: Uncategorized

Tags: 2020-21 college admissions , campus visit , college tours

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

Login or sign up to be automatically entered into our next $10,000 scholarship giveaway

Get Started

• College Search
• College Search Map
• Graduate Programs
• Featured Colleges
• Scholarship Search
• Lists & Rankings
• User Resources

Articles & Advice

• All Categories
• Ask the Experts
• Campus Visits
• Catholic Colleges and Universities
• Christian Colleges and Universities
• College Admission
• College Athletics
• College Diversity
• Counselors and Consultants
• Education and Teaching
• Financial Aid
• Graduate School
• Health and Medicine
• International Students
• Internships and Careers
• Majors and Academics
• Performing and Visual Arts
• Public Colleges and Universities
• Science and Engineering
• Student Life
• Transfer Students
• Why CollegeXpress
• $10,000 Scholarship
• CollegeXpress Store
• Corporate Website
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• CA and EU Privacy Policy

Articles & Advice > Campus Visits > Blog

5 Helpful Things to Look for on a Virtual Campus Tour

Virtual tours are a great alternative if you can't physically visit campus. Here's what to look for and questions to ask to make the most of your experience.

by Maggie Chiappetta-Uberti CollegeXpress Student Writer

Last Updated: May 22, 2024

Originally Posted: May 22, 2021

Virtual campus tours are undoubtedly a unique experience for prospective college students. They offer a great opportunity to learn more about a school if you can’t physically visit, but unfortunately, beautiful, sensorial moments—like the smell of lemon poppyseed muffins wafting from the cafeteria, the sight of academic buildings soaring into the sky, or the sound of laughter as students walk across campus—can’t be experienced through a computer screen. With this new way of learning about colleges, it’s important to understand what to look for when evaluating whether a college is the right fit for you. Here are a few things to look for and questions to prepare for your next virtual campus experience or information session.

1. A feel for the campus environment

A campus’s environment is one of the most important factors in deciding whether to attend a particular college. If you don’t see yourself fitting in on the campus that the virtual tour is presenting to the public, that may be a sign that this college does not meet your needs. But how can you decide whether you see yourself there if you can only see the grounds on a screen? It’s important to place yourself in the shoes of a student already attending that college. As the virtual tour takes you around campus, do you see the surroundings as a welcoming environment? As the student ambassadors speak about their school, do they sound genuine? What are some specific things they enjoy about this college? Every college is different, and the students on the virtual tour should relay the feel of the school since you can’t experience it for yourself at the moment.

There are many different aspects of campus life—like sororities and fraternities, special-interest clubs, and other student organizations—that add to a school’s environment. If you’re able to have a question-and-answer session with a real student, ask them how they get involved at this school: What weekend activities are there? What campus events do students participate in? What’s the school spirit like? Dive deep into these meaningful questions, because they allow you to get a broader perspective of the campus environment and everything that makes up the community. 

Related: College Organizations and Activities Worth Getting Excited Over

2. Classes and academic life

Although every adult says that college is for the experience—to meet new people, join clubs, make new friends, and just have fun—most importantly, you’re there to receive a good education. When evaluating a college’s academics, you should look at everything from class size to unique programs and internships available at a school. In terms of class size, do you want a more one-on-one learning setting that gives you increased attention? Or do you see yourself at a big university with hundreds of people in each class? In addition to class size, you should also ask student representatives about professor availability. Are the professors easily accessible at the college after class or during office hours ? Lastly, in terms of the course load, ask yourself what type of challenge you’re looking to receive academically. What are the most rigorous courses like when you enroll in them, and is the coursework manageable? A student, professor, or department head may be available to connect with to answer these questions, so be sure to inquire as you explore a college’s website.

3. Campus services and resources

Pay attention to the facilities highlighted by each student ambassador on your virtual tour. There are many different questions you can ask that won’t have obvious answers on a school’s website. In terms of academics, are there writing and math centers to help you with essays and homework? Are there nice, quiet study spots? Beyond academics, what other services does the school offer? Does the school have counselors if you need one? What are the health facilities like to those injured or sick on campus? You’ll be living at this college for four or more years, so it’s important to check off all these boxes, even if it may seem like an insignificant factor in your final decision.  

Related: 4 Ways to Stay in the Know About Campus Student Services

4. Location and climate

Outside of the actual campus, it’s vital to consider the location of the college itself. There may be a myriad of opportunities offered on campus, but beyond these, you want to look at what there is off campus as well. Researching the local area can help you narrow down whether you want to attend that school. Take into consideration whether there are nearby cities or towns, or if the school is located in a more rural area. Do you want a quiet place that’s more remote, or do you want to be smack-dab in the middle of a bustling city with new sights and sounds around every corner? Ask students where they like to go off campus to help place yourself in their shoes and see if this is an environment that interests you.

The weather is a component as well: if you’re from sunny SoCal looking at East Coast schools, you want to consider the vastly different climates. Do you like the snow? Rain? Sunshine? Consider each season and ask students what they really experience. The virtual tour may show a beautiful campus green and fall foliage, but the campus might be covered in two feet of snow for most of the year!

5. Above everything else: Food! 

I’m partly kidding when I say this, but food is a big factor when considering a college. Although you may not be able to physically taste those lemon poppyseed muffins on a virtual tour,  Brown University students will make it known that they have the best muffins there are to offer. In addition, some campuses may be located further from cities with endless restaurant options, so the on-campus food may be your only choice. It’s worth asking what dining is like during your virtual tour—inquire about cafeteria options, campus specialties, dietary accommodations, and more.

Related: What You Need to Know About College Meal Plans  

While virtual campus visits are certainly helpful, they can’t outline the entire experience at a college. These questions and considerations will help you get a broader sense of a school, but it’s important to not base your opinion solely on these tours. Use them to learn more about your options and narrow down your college list, and hopefully, you’ll be able to visit before you make your final college decision. Good luck!

Looking for more questions and advice to help you navigate your virtual or in-person college tours? Explore our Campus Visits section! 

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Tags: campus visits college campuses college tours virtual campus tours virtual tours

← Previous Post

Next Post →

About Maggie Chiappetta-Uberti

Although she's been able to embrace her love of writing as an editor of her school newspaper, Maggie Chiappetta-Uberti still jumps at every opportunity to write and is thrilled to share valuable information about the college process on CollegeXpress. Aside from her passion for writing, Maggie is a movie fanatic and loves the beach, listening to music, attempting to learn new languages , and baking with her sister (although she does more taste-testing than baking). Maggie is interested in going pre-med in college with hopes to work in the medical field someday.

Join our community of over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Bri'Yana Brown-Dunn

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress helped me gain interest in many colleges/universities and many scholarships. I would say the most helpful thing CollegeXpress has done for me is sending me emails that tell me certain types of colleges are interested in me as well as emails about scholarships that I can look at and possibly apply for.

Student, Campbell University; CollegeXpress Student Writer

I discovered CollegeXpress while embarking on my college search journey as an excited—but scared and way confused—high schooler without a counselor or college-bound sibling to give me advice. Let me tell you, I’m so glad that I stumbled on this community! CollegeXpress helped me find potential colleges and keep application deadlines straight. It gave me a great list of scholarships, and the blogs and emails made me feel like I wasn’t going it alone. Almost three years later and with freshman year of college down, I still love the CollegeXpress vibe so much that I’m writing for them. I’d recommend this site to anyone!

Asia Stockdale

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress helped me overcome a huge hurdle. Because of the small town I live in, I felt like I would never achieve more. I felt like I could never go beyond because of costs. I feared I wouldn’t be able to find scholarships. I had no idea of where to start. With CollegeXpress, I easily found scholarships—they came to me. It was a helper, and I was instantly matched with opportunities to go above and beyond educationally.

Samantha Fils-Aime

High School Class of 2019

I love that CollegeXpress has helped me find some scholarships to apply for but also helped me succeed in school with lots of tips. I also really like how they consistently email me about webinars that teach me a lot of things from the comfort of my home!

Laura Wallace

My favorite part of CollegeXpress is that it features student writers so I get an inside perspective from students slightly older and farther along than me. I realize that other college websites also utilize student writers; however, I relate the most to the college writers that I read articles from on CollegeXpress.

Colleges You May Be Interested In

SUNY Cortland

Cortland, NY

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Baldwin Wallace University

Quinnipiac University

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Personalize your experience on CollegeXpress.

With this information, we'll display content relevant to your interests. By subscribing, you agree to receive CollegeXpress emails and to make your information available to colleges, scholarship programs, and other companies that have relevant/related offers.

Already have an account?

Log in to be directly connected to

Not a CollegeXpress user?

Don't want to register.

Provide your information below to connect with

Our Services

College Admissions Counseling

UK University Admissions Counseling

EU University Admissions Counseling

College Athletic Recruitment

Crimson Rise: College Prep for Middle Schoolers

Indigo Research: Online Research Opportunities for High Schoolers

Delta Institute: Work Experience Programs For High Schoolers

Graduate School Admissions Counseling

Private Boarding & Day School Admissions

Online Tutoring

Essay Review

Financial Aid & Merit Scholarships

Our Leaders and Counselors

Our Student Success

Crimson Student Alumni

Our Reviews

Our Scholarships

Careers at Crimson

University Profiles

US College Admissions Calculator

GPA Calculator

Practice Standardized Tests

SAT Practice Test

ACT Practice Tests

Personal Essay Topic Generator

eBooks and Infographics

Crimson YouTube Channel

Summer Apply - Best Summer Programs

Top of the Class Podcast

ACCEPTED! Book by Jamie Beaton

Crimson Global Academy

+1 (646) 419-3178

Go back to all articles

Mastering Virtual College Tours: A Student's Guide to Success

Choosing the right college is a big decision, and like any important choice, it's worth exploring thoroughly. In this digital age, the world of higher education has opened up to you in exciting new ways, thanks to virtual college tours.

In this blog, we’ll learn about virtual college tours, what they are, how they work, and how to make the most out of them!

The Rise of Virtual College Visits

Picture this: You, sitting in your comfy chair, maybe with a cup of tea in hand, and a world of colleges and universities right at your fingertips.

Virtual college tours have emerged as a fantastic resource, especially considering the changing circumstances we've all faced.

In the past, visiting campuses in person was the norm. And while there's something undeniably magical about walking through the hallowed halls of a college, feeling the vibes of the campus, and chatting with students, it's not always feasible.

Distance, time, and, let's not forget, global events, can make physical visits challenging.

That's where virtual college tours come in. These digital journeys allow you to explore campuses and get a feel for the college environment from the comfort of your home.

Interested in learning more? Attend one of our free events

Secrets to getting into the ivy league.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 12:00 AM CUT

Hear from a Former Cornell Admissions Officer about how to get into Cornell and other Ivy League schools!

REGISTER NOW

Are Virtual College Tours Worth It?

There's something uniquely valuable about seeing and experiencing a place, even if it's through a screen.

Virtual college tours help you get a sense of the campus culture, the facilities, and the overall vibe. You can virtually meet faculty members, see where you might be living, and visualize where you'll spend a significant part of your academic journey.

Here are them main reasons as to why a virtual college tour is absolutely worth it:

1. Accessibility for All Students, Regardless of Location

Imagine you're a high school student in a small town, far away from major universities.

In the past, visiting colleges might have meant a long road trip or expensive flights, not to mention taking time off school or work. Thankfully, virtual college tours leveled the playing field.

No matter where you are in the world, as long as you have an internet connection, you can embark on a virtual journey to explore campuses near and far. It's like teleporting to different universities without the hassle and expense of travel.

2. Time and Cost Savings Compared to In-Person Visits

Physical college visits often require meticulous planning and can be quite expensive.

From travel expenses to accommodation and meals, it all adds up. Plus, there's the matter of time – visiting multiple campuses can eat into your busy schedule.

With virtual tours, you save both time and money. You can squeeze in a tour during a lunch break or even while lounging in your pajamas at home. No need to book flights, hotels, or meals. Your wallet and your schedule will thank you!

3. Availability of a Wide Range of Resources and Information

Virtual college tours aren't just about pretty pictures and 360-degree views. They're treasure troves of information. You can explore academic programs, watch faculty interviews , and chat with current students or admission counselors through virtual open houses.

And the best part? You're not limited by time or location. You can revisit these resources whenever you want, delve deep into specific majors , and compare colleges side by side.

How Do Virtual College Tours Work?

1. starting your tour.

Most colleges and universities host their virtual tours on their official websites or specialized tour platforms.

Once you've arrived at the college's virtual tour hub, you're often presented with choices. Some institutions offer comprehensive tours that cover the entire campus, while others break it down into specific sections like dormitories, classrooms, or athletic facilities. It's a bit like choosing your own adventure!

2. Getting Around

You're transported into the heart of the college through a series of panoramic photos or interactive 360-degree videos.

Using your mouse or touchscreen, you can click and drag to explore your surroundings - just as if you were strolling through the campus in person.

3. Interactive Elements

As you explore, you'll discover interactive elements that provide additional information.

These can include clickable hotspots, which, when selected, offer insights into campus facilities, academic programs, and student life. It's like having your own personal tour guide right in your device!

4. Videos and Photos

Virtual tours often incorporate multimedia features like videos, photos, and student testimonials.

This adds depth to your exploration, allowing you to see classrooms in action, witness campus events, and hear directly from students and faculty members about their experiences.

4. Live Events

Many colleges take virtual engagement a step further by hosting live or recorded virtual events. These can include information sessions, Q&A sessions with admissions staff, and even virtual open houses.

It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with the college community in real time and get your burning questions answered.

5. Interact and Engage

Many virtual tours have chat or comment features where you can ask questions, share your thoughts, or engage with other prospective students. It's a dynamic way to make the most of your virtual tour experience.

Tips to Make the Most Out of Virtual College Tours

1. register for live virtual information sessions.

Imagine attending an information session about your dream college without leaving your room. That's the magic of live virtual sessions.

You'll get the inside scoop on academic programs, admissions processes, and campus culture. These sessions often feature college representatives who can provide firsthand information and answer your questions. So, keep an eye out for these events and register in advance.

2. Interact with Admissions Officers, Faculty, and Current Students

Don't be a passive observer; be an active participant! Virtual tours often include opportunities to interact with college representatives, faculty members, and current students.

Take advantage of these chances to gain deeper insights into the college's culture, programs, and campus life. Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during Q&A sessions.

It's your chance to get the inside track and connect with the people who can provide valuable information.

3. Engage with Social Media

Colleges are social creatures too! Follow them on various social media platforms to stay updated on the latest news, events, and campus happenings.

You might stumble upon Instagram takeovers, virtual campus tours, and get a glimpse of student life from different perspectives.

Social media is a window into the dynamic world of college culture, so don't miss out on this opportunity to connect.

4. Connect with Current Students and Alumni

Want the real scoop on what it's like to study there? Many colleges have student ambassadors eager to chat with prospective students. Look out for virtual meet-and-greets with alumni networks too.

These connections can provide invaluable insights into the student experience, academic challenges, and career opportunities. Hearing from those who have walked the same path can help you make a more informed decision.

5. Attend Virtual Workshops and Classes

Ever wondered what a college class feels like? Some institutions offer opportunities to participate in online workshops or sample classes. These experiences allow you to immerse yourself in the college's academic environment.

You can interact with professors, engage with fellow prospective students, and gain firsthand experience of teaching methods and class dynamics. It's a fantastic way to understand the educational culture of the college.

6. Explore Campus Resources Remotely

Libraries, research centers, and labs – colleges have it all! Thanks to virtual access, you can explore these resources from the comfort of your own space.

Dive deep into academic departments' websites and faculty profiles to understand the depth of academic opportunities available.

This exploration can help you gauge the resources and support available for your specific field of study.

7. Stay Organized

With so much information, it's crucial to stay organized. Create a spreadsheet or note-taking system to track your virtual visits.

Document your impressions, pros, cons, and important details. Having a structured approach will make it easier to compare and contrast different colleges later on in your decision-making process.

8. Post-Virtual Visit Follow-Up

Here's a pro-tip: after a virtual visit, send follow-up emails to admissions officers or student ambassadors.

Ask for additional information or clarifications about specific programs, financial aid options, or any other questions you may have.

It shows your genuine interest and can open the door to more personalized guidance. Remember, the more you engage, the better your understanding of the college will be.

9. Compare and Make Informed Decisions

Don't stop at one virtual visit. Compare the experiences of different colleges . Take note of the unique features, strengths, and opportunities each one offers.

Consider factors like location, campus culture, academic programs, and extracurricular activities. Incorporate these insights into your decision-making process.

Virtual visits can be instrumental in shaping your college journey and helping you make a well-informed choice that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

10. Plan for In-Person Visits (If Possible)

Virtual visits are fantastic, but if circumstances allow, plan for in-person visits to your top choices. Your virtual explorations will help you narrow down your list and focus on the ones that resonate with you.

In-person visits provide a tactile experience that goes beyond what can be captured in virtual tours. You'll have the opportunity to step onto the campus, meet people face-to-face, and truly immerse yourself in the college environment.

Virtual college tours are your golden ticket to exploring the higher education landscape in ways that were once unimaginable. Use them wisely, engage actively, and make informed decisions that will shape your academic journey. Your dream college may be just a click away!

Need help finding and applying for the perfect college? Our expert strategists guide you through the selection and admissions process from A to Z, increasing your chances of admission by up to 7 times!  

More Articles

Ucas: what are the application deadlines in 2024.

How to Get into NYU: Tips from a Former Admissions Advisor

Coalition App: Everything You Need to Know

Start Your Journey To A Top University Today!

Crimson students are up to 7x more likely to gain admission into their dream university. book a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

Add Project Key Words

A Guide to Virtual College Tours

Padya Paramita

June 17, 2020

The college visit road trip: a longtime rite of passage where rising sophomores and juniors pile in the car with their parents  and visit prospective college campuses. This year, with the outbreak of COVID-19, that tradition is now in jeopardy. So how do future college students  get a feel for college campuses, and know where to apply? The answer is virtual college tours , which help you understand the campus  culture while maintaining social distancing standards. 

Virtual college tours help you decide which universities you want to apply to when it’s time. They also allow you to eliminate schools which might not be as good of a fit. To guide you through the journey, we’ve  provided more information on where to find campus e-visits,, and how to make the most of your online tour.

Why Are Virtual College Tours Important?

It’s crucial to attend an online tour because deciding where you’ll spend the next four years is a big deal. To make sure you don’t make a rash decision and apply to a college that won’t support your interests and goals, you need to get a sense of a campus’ setting, its resources, faculty, major offerings and more. Through a virtual visit, you can not only see the different parts of campus and its academic and recreational facilities, you can also learn from a virtual tour guide — usually a current student — about what makes each of the resources unique, and why their school might be the one for you.

Virtual college tours are not new to COVID-19. Students who are unable to travel due to distance or financial constraints have long used virtual college tours to get a sense of what campuses offer. Now, with the Coronavirus putting a halt to travel as well as campus visits, more and more students are turning to sites that allow them to e-visit so that they can get a sense of what a school provides. 

Websites That Offer Virtual College Tours

If you’ve decided that you do want to attend virtual college tours but you aren’t familiar with how to get started with attending a campus visit, don’t panic. You don’t have to contact every single school’s admissions office and ask them how to arrange for one. There are several websites that allow you to tour and compare multiple schools, including almost every top college and university in the United States. These tour sites provide you with interactive maps, photos, videos, and testimonials so that you don’t miss out on any of the experience of a real life tour. Some of the most effective and popular places for virtual college tours are :

• YouVisit: Arguably the most popular virtual tour site, YouVisit is easy on the eyes, user friendly, as well as stacked with 600 possible campuses for you to visit. Each campus has a current student as your online guide, talking you through what makes the different parts of campus special, and unique to that particular college. YouVisit tours also offer prompts that pop up asking students for any input or questions that are then sent to college officials as feedback. This helps the website improve and add more information on what students would like to know or be added to the tours. 
• CampusTours: CampusTours is one of the most popular sites for visiting a campus from the comfort of your home as its advanced search feature allows students to specify exactly what they’re looking for out of the college experience, such as their desired tuition amount or location. About 100 of the 1,800 campuses you can visit through this sight also give you access to insights from current undergraduates. Due to the rise in prominence of virtual campus tours , the website is currently developing a feature that enables visitors to ask questions while they are on the tour that directly go to college officials.
• eCampusTours: eCampusTours is not just a website for virtual college tours. Alongside 360 degree views of over 1300 campuses, this website contains a lot of informational sections highlighting questions that come to students’ and parents’ minds when visiting a campus. Once you’ve toured campuses you want, you can visit their sections such as “extracurricular activity” or “choosing a major” to further understand how different schools can help you reach your aspirations.
• YoUniversity: If you have a list of specific criteria that you want the schools on your list to match, YoUniversity offers a useful tool. The site allows you to narrow your searches according to different categories that students look for out of their college experience such as “most beautiful campuses,” “safest campuses,” “most active Greek life,” or “in-state tuition.” The entries for each category have been compiled with past and present student feedback so you can count on it to be accurate and up-to-date!
• CampusReel: Although not exactly a virtual tour site, CampusReel is a good place to check out for insights on campuses as its database contains over 15,000 student-generated videos offering you multiple perspectives on college campuses. Each college’s page is divided into different categories, such as “dorms” or “campus.” While you won’t be controlling the visit with the click of your own mouse, these students will take you on  personal tours of their residence halls and academic buildings in order to give you a picture of what campus life is like. 

How to Take Advantage of Your Online Visit

• Make the most of technology at hand: E -visits come with technological benefits that are not available during in-person tours. . So, be sure to use these resources to your advantage, and screenshot, bookmark, and screen record different parts of the tour. Doing so can help keep your memory fresh, especially if you’re attending multiple virtual tours. Instead of trying to jog your memory during interview prep, you can easily revisit a screenshot and remember a campus building that stood out.
• Take notes: As you attend virtual college tours, it’s extremely important that you take notes. Not only will knowing what stood out about different colleges help you during your selection process, admissions officers will appreciate concrete details about what appeals to you about their school when reading your supplemental essays. For example, the sentence “I was excited to learn about NYU Stern’s Program for Undergraduate Research on my campus tour as it can help me reach my goal of XYZ” gives the reader a far clearer picture of who you are and why you’re interested rather than just saying “I want to attend a business school in New York.” Taking notes can help you achieve this!
• Remember what you’d notice on a physical tour: There are many things that you can get a better sense of on an in-person tour that you can’t on virtual college tours such as the weather or the distance between certain buildings. However, most campus visit websites have both a street-view as well as a bird’s eye view. You can play with these settings to figure out the distance between different parts of campus and try walking the same number of miles from your own home to get an idea of how much you might have to walk. As for weather, you can always check your phone for the temperature at any place on a given day. These factors can make a difference in your decision of where to attend, so don’t forget to take them into account. 
• Write down questions that come to mind: As admissions officers might take time to get back to you on a site such as YouVisit, you might not get all your questions answered in real time. So, it’s extra important that jot down any points or questions that arise while you’re attending virtual college tours so that you can bring them up when you’re contacting a representative of the university.
• Reach out with the questions: Going off of the points above, once you’ve finished touring a campus, you’re going to have questions. Whether it’s about course selection, or on-campus facilities, you’ll want to reach out to someone. Emailing the admissions offices can be beneficial as they can guide you towards student representatives who can answer these for you. Or, if you meet up or video chat with an alum of the college, you can refer to your notes and ask them different questions about their experience. 

While it’s undoubtedly disheartening that you can’t travel to actual campuses, virtual college tours are a unique opportunity. They provide you with highly useful methods of understanding what a campus has to offer you while still maintaining social distance. As you build your college list, make sure you take notes of what stands out to you, as well as ask questions to campus representatives so that you can gain a better understanding of whether the school is right for you. Happy touring!

Tags : campus visits , college tours , virtual college tours , online college tours , campus visit sites

Schedule a free consultation

to find out how we can help you get accepted.

24/7 writing help on your phone

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

My Experience with Virtual Museum Visiting

Save to my list

Remove from my list

My Experience with Virtual Museum Visiting. (2021, Oct 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/my-experience-with-virtual-museum-visiting-essay

"My Experience with Virtual Museum Visiting." StudyMoose , 5 Oct 2021, https://studymoose.com/my-experience-with-virtual-museum-visiting-essay

StudyMoose. (2021). My Experience with Virtual Museum Visiting . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/my-experience-with-virtual-museum-visiting-essay [Accessed: 14 Jun. 2024]

"My Experience with Virtual Museum Visiting." StudyMoose, Oct 05, 2021. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://studymoose.com/my-experience-with-virtual-museum-visiting-essay

"My Experience with Virtual Museum Visiting," StudyMoose , 05-Oct-2021. [Online]. Available: https://studymoose.com/my-experience-with-virtual-museum-visiting-essay. [Accessed: 14-Jun-2024]

StudyMoose. (2021). My Experience with Virtual Museum Visiting . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/my-experience-with-virtual-museum-visiting-essay [Accessed: 14-Jun-2024]

• Visiting Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum Pages: 3 (617 words)
• Reflection On Visiting The Museum Of Modern Art Pages: 2 (492 words)
• Visiting the San Antonio Museum of Art Pages: 2 (541 words)
• Visiting The National Gallery Museum  Pages: 3 (607 words)
• Visitors Experience On Visiting Jantar Mantar Cultural Studies Essay Pages: 6 (1727 words)
• Visiting an Orphanage: A Heartwarming Experience Pages: 2 (554 words)
• Holocaust Museum Experience Pages: 7 (1858 words)
• Aesthetic Experience: Salvador Dali Museum Pages: 3 (875 words)
• Visiting Niagara Falls: Everything You Need to Know Pages: 2 (566 words)
• My hometown is worth visiting Pages: 8 (2352 words)

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

• Acalanes High School
• Campolindo High School
• Las Lomas High School
• Miramonte High School
• Acalanes Center for Independent Study
• Acalanes Adult Education

We educate every student to excel and contribute in a global society.

• Administrative Documents
• About Miramonte
• Accountability & Test Statistics
• Administration, Office, Support Staff, Department Directory
• Community Websites & Contacts
• Exemplary Arts Programs
• Miramonte Equity
• Model Programs and Practices
• School Profile
• Student Academic Support
• What to expect from AP classes at Miramonte
• Classes at Miramonte
• Academic Honesty
• Air Quality Protocols
• Athletic Budgets and Participation
• Athletic PE
• Athletics Registration
• Calendar Athletics/Cocurricular
• Coaching and Team Parent Information
• COVID Guidelines and Restrictions
• GoFan Tickets
• Miramonte Athletics
• Miramonte Sports Budgets 2023-2024
• College and Career Center

College & Career

• AUHSD Courses of Study
• Course Catalog (District)
• Course Catalog (Miramonte)
• Registration
• About the Library
• Parents - Welcome to Miramonte
• Aries Parent Log In
• Attendance Procedure
• Canvas Parent Log In
• Miramonte Booster Club
• Miramonte Parents Club
• Orinda Network for Education
• Registration 2024-2025
• Staff Pages Container
• Staff Directory
• Staff Plaza De Toros
• Staff Technology Support
• Department Directory
• Bring Your Own Device
• Incoming 9th Graders
• Senior Class Information (Class of 2023)
• Students - Welcome to Miramonte! (Information and LInks)
• Canvas Student Log In
• Clever Log In
• Clubs at Miramonte 2023-2024
• Community Service
• Illuminate Log In
• Peer Tutor Student Request Form
• Teachmore Student Log In
• School Nurse

Page Navigation

• C&CC Calendar
• MHS College Timeline
• Application 101
• Brainstorming Workbook
• Class of 2024 Handbook
• Communications
• Essay Workbook
• Final Application Checklist
• Honors/Awards Cheatsheet
• List of Epic Verbs
• Teacher Brag Sheet

Virtual Tours

• Class of 2025 Handbook
• Course Planner
• Getting to Know Yourself Workbook
• Junior Intake Form
• List Building
• Local Scholaships FAQ
• First-Gen & Limited Income
• Newsletter Archive
• Job Postings
• Latest News
• Career Resources
• Major Resources
• College Athletics
• Learning Differences
• Specialty Institutions
• 2-Year Colleges
• Military and ROTC
• Trade Schools
• Stephanie's Blog
• Summer Opportunities
• Stephanie Brady
• Shannon Freeborn
• Ariele Taylor

It is not always easy or affordable to travel to all of the colleges students are considering.  Thankfully, there are many online opportunities to gain a deeper insight into campus life, culture, surrounding town, and more.  Listed below are some great tools that bring an insider's perspective.

YouVisit : You can search by college name or by fun rankings such as best campus food or coolest dorms. The videos are a nice complement to the tours found on college admissions websites.

CampusReel : For virtual campus tours. Not only shows what campus looks like but gives you a sense of what the college campus feels like. 

College Tours : Offers videos and campus maps as well as general information about the colleges. It also provides videos by category of interest.  

Giant List of College Tours : SpreadSheet with a comprehensive list of colleges and links to their virtual tour options. Compiled by Rebecca Chabrow from World Class College Consulting and posted by the College Essay Guy for student use.

UC Virtual Tours : Links to each UCs virtual college tour. 

Address 750 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA 94563

Phone 925-280-3930

• Questions or Feedback? |
• Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated) |

See how Cvent can solve your biggest event challenges. Watch a 30-minute demo.

The Complete Guide to Virtual Tourism

With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting where people have been able to go over the past couple of years, hotels, destinations, and travelers alike have felt the effects.

However, creative marketing and new virtual offerings can make a big difference in the years to come. Virtual tourism and travel are taking off, and hotels and destinations that know how to capitalize on the trend will set themselves up for success as the world returns to normal and more and more travelers once again pack their bags.

Take a look at our expert advice below to learn all about virtual tourism and the benefits it can offer. Plus, explore examples from some of the top virtual tourism campaigns across the world.

What is virtual tourism?

Virtual tourism presents viewers with an immersive experience of an activity, location, or destination through the use of technology. There are tons of different types of virtual tourism offerings, but there's usually a combination of virtual reality, still images, video, audio, narration, interactivity, and other multimedia formats to provide an experience of a destination that a user cannot get through images or websites alone.

Viewers can access virtual tourism content using a virtual reality headset for the most immersive experience, but they can also usually view the content on a normal computer or even a mobile device.

What are the benefits of virtual tourism?

Because viewers can experience activities, locations, and destinations from the comfort of their own homes, there are many clear benefits to virtual tourism. The most obvious of these benefits is that viewers can see and experience a destination without traveling to it, which means they aren’t limited by available flights, travel logistics, safety concerns, and whether destinations are open. They don’t even have to think about time zones or weather conditions.

The other huge benefit for viewers is cost. Virtual tourism makes destinations accessible to millions of people who may otherwise not be able to afford to travel to them. Viewers are embracing the rise in virtual tourism destinations and the increasing quality and availability of virtual reality technology to see and experience things they never thought possible.

For hotels and destinations, the clear benefit is the ability to stay top-of-mind with potential customers and to highlight a location, amenities , and offerings. Viewers who have experienced a hotel or location through virtual tourism are more likely to book a future stay, and will eagerly anticipate experiencing the activity in the “real world.”

There are also great marketing opportunities offered by virtual tourism technology. Potential guests can see a 360-degree view of a property and its amenities, rather than the flat images on a brochure or website. Experiencing a property this way increases the chances that viewers will want to visit in the future, and means that they can easily share the virtual offerings with their friends and family.

And that’s not all. Virtual tourism has a handful of other benefits:

• The immersive experience allows the viewer to imagine themselves at a travel destination.
• The viewer can control what they see of a destination, experiencing 360 degrees of a location.
• All aspects of a destination can be showcased in high resolution.
• Hotels, Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) , and travel agencies can stand out from the crowd.
• The impact of tourism on vulnerable destinations is reduced.

How is virtual tourism used?

There are lots of great ways for hotels and destinations to take advantage of this technology and the demand for virtual tourism, and it goes well beyond COVID-19.

CVBs have been using virtual tourism for years to highlight the unique aspects of a location, including everything from history and culture to exciting activities, local attractions, and fun trivia.

Hotels, CVBs, and local governments use 360-degree VR video to capture everything about a destination in an immersive way. This lets viewers experience a remote mountaintop, an idyllic beach, a network of hiking trails, or a buzzing city with the press of a button.

VR photography, on the other hand, captures still images and pieces them together using specialized software, creating an immersive image where a user can look in any direction. This technology is great for showing hotel interiors, artwork, museum exhibits, and anything that can be fully experienced without motion or sound.

Finally, fully immersive VR experiences let users get in on the action, interacting with the environment and discovering more through their actions. This is often a curated experience focusing on one aspect of the location, like the food scene, music, history, or art. Virtual reality yoga classes, nature walks, stargazing, and bird watching have all become popular ways for a location to show off everything it has to offer.

What are some examples of virtual tourism?

Below are a handful of our favorite virtual tourism campaigns from across the world. While each campaign offers something different, the common theme is that each one was created to give users easy, safe, and interactive access to a location.

The Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands created a virtual tourism campaign once COVID-19 began to give people an alternative option to traveling to the location.

"Early on in this global crisis, we sat and wondered how we could recreate a Faroe Islands’ experience for those who had to cancel or postpone their trip to the Faroe Islands – and for everyone else stuck in insolation around the world," reads the virtual tourism segment on Faroe Islands' website . "We had an idea. What if we could allow people anywhere in the world to explore the islands as virtual tourists through the eyes of a local? Or even better; what if the virtual tourists could control the movements of the local in real time?"

Bristol From Home

Similar to the Faroe Islands, Visit Bristol (England) created an immersive experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bristol From Home features a collection of travelers' favorite ideas, inspirations, and resources "so that you can continue to enjoy Bristol, during social distancing measures, from the comfort of your own home." 

The website features a myriad of virtual options, including tours of a luxury Victorian ship, hot-air balloon rides, gin tastings, and much more, all in one place. 

Tour the awe-inspiring architecture of Dubai with Dubai 360 — an immersive virtual tourism experience that allows users to travel the city through a bird's-eye view and learn all about the locations scattered throughout. 

"Our services help increase online presence, which is crucial to marketing anything in the present," reads Dubai360's website. "We aim to raise you above your competition by presenting a professional and high quality look, and improving your customers' first impressions. This service is equally useful for Hotels, Restaurants, Malls, Real Estate, or anything that can be presented visually."

Great Barrier Reef

Yes, even the Great Barrier Reef has virtual tourism offerings. The interactive journey is headlined by legendary broadcaster and historian, David Attenborough, who takes viewers throughout the world's largest coral reef system. This is much more than simply a replacement for Great Barrier Reef tours — it's an experience in and of itself, and it showcases just how versatile virtual tourism can be. 

What does virtual tourism mean for the hospitality industry?

Virtual tourism is one of the many keys to the travel industry’s resilience and ability to bounce back from an unprecedented time. Showcasing everything that a property or destination has to offer is a great way to build excitement for “normal” travel and keep the destination top of mind once travelers are able to vacation again. 

Virtual tourism has been lauded as a way for hotels and destinations to highlight the intangibles of their location, capturing the special feel of the place and drawing interest from travelers who might not otherwise consider it.

"A true gift of virtual travel is that we can safely and efficiently access experiences we've always wanted to access," Dennis Watkins, owner of The Magic Parlour in Chicago, said in an article for marthastewart.com. "People separated by oceans can look each other in the eyes and share stories, cultures, and ideas. When I do a show for a single family who logs in from London, Leeds, Norway, or Chicago, I start to see the power of the virtual space ... and I think we're just now starting to understand and leverage that power."

How can hotels capitalize on the virtual tourism trend?

To strategize how best to use virtual tourism, hotels should go back to the basics of their  hotel marketing plan . What audience are you trying to reach? What amenities, offerings, or features make your hotel and its location unique and interesting? What aspects of your property or destination do you want to highlight? The answers to these questions will form the foundation of your virtual tourism offerings.

If you have a few experiences that guests return for time and time again, these are a great place to start with your virtual tourism experience. Give viewers a tour of your on-site vineyard, sandy beach, art deco decor, or spectacular views. 

Because you can create many different virtual reality experiences, you can craft custom offerings for all of the different types of guests who stay at your property. A street art tour may be a perfect fit for young adult travelers, while an immersive symphony orchestra performance may be perfect for older guests. Try creating three or four experiences targeting guests who you would like to see at your hotel in the future, and follow through on the virtual experiences with custom packages, content marketing , and targeted informational emails.

As you craft your unique virtual tourism offerings, keep in mind that this medium isn’t limited to the traditional perspective with which your guests normally see your destination. With virtual tourism, guests could fly over your property in a hot air balloon, swim in your lake without getting wet, ski down to sit by a roaring fire in your lobby, or zip-line through the trees. By adding experiences that guests may not be able to get in person, you’ll move beyond the idea of replacing "real" travel.

Additionally, hotels can use the virtual tourism boom to appeal to planners and their event attendees as well. Not all offerings have to be limited to guests. Do you have a breathtaking ballroom with a state-of-the-art A/V system? What about extensive meeting space in your beachside bungalows? Utilize innovative 3D technology to create a virtual experience highlighting what sets you apart and creating demand.

In other words, the sky really is the limit when it comes to virtual tourism offerings. If you can think of an experience in the real world, you can likely recreate it in some fashion through virtual reality.

Now you know all about virtual tourism!

Bookmark our blog to stay up to date on all the trends and happenings from throughout the hospitality industry, as well as high-level overviews, industry-leading tips and advice, and much more. 

Learn more about virtual tourism, travel, and events

Laura Fredericks

Laura brings a decade of insight to improving marketing, as she has worked in technology since 2010. She has experience starting and scaling a business, driving customer marketing, and speaking at live events, including WeDC Fest 2018. She founded Describli and Paradigm Labs, and currently works with companies to improve their customer relationship management and content strategy.

LinkedIn | Website

More Reading

Congratulations to the 2024 excellence awards winners, puerto rico convention district, how to make your meeting boricua, montréal’s essential how-to for sustainable meetings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Virtual Reality Tourism Technology Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Virtual Reality Tourism has its roots in the vastly intricate and complex computer system that is more widely known as Virtual Reality. Virtual Reality is a computerized graphic image that represents an area of space that exists in reality. Such representations were originally used for military training purposes before it was adapted by airline industries for training of commercial pilots. Eventually, the program founds it way to video games, medical procedures, and more recently, the tourism industry. A virtual reality can be created not only on a computer screen but in rooms as well. These rooms are known as “immersive theatres” or “immersive walls” and use 8-24 feet long screens to fill the peripheral vision of the person. This is not to be confused with desktop reality that is used in computer games in 3D.

In order to understand what Virtual Reality Tourism is all about, we first need to understand what it means. Virtual Reality Tourism is a concept of a place and time that is based within a virtual world, or rather, a computer based simulated environment whose purpose is to promote interaction between users who interact via avatars. A Virtual Reality Tourism concept is something that is based upon 3 dimensional graphic representations and auditory and touch stimulants. In the world of virtual tourism, we can be transported to any country and have the ability to interact and manipulate the elements within the world we are touring in a way that would not be possible in reality. A Virtual Reality Tour will allow a person to tailor his surroundings and activities to his specific likes and dislikes. It is going to be highly similar to the real thing but with the difference of actual gravity, topography, locomotion and sometimes, delays in real time actions.

All of the aforementioned actions become possible through the use of an artificial computer based reality. In order to gain a Virtual Reality feeling on the tour, one must be equipped with stereoscopic goggles which will provide the 3-D images, a tracking device in order to monitor actions. Tracking devices usually come in the form of data gloves or the goggles themselves.

There is a direct link between the existence of the internet and Virtual Reality Tourism. A number of years back, virtual reality was only a dream. A concept of being able to visit various cultural and heritage sites without actually being there. It was a “Virtual Tour” of the place. Then the internet proved that it would be possible to display images of such sites on the web for everyone to see. This began the Virtual Reality Tourism exploration. These days, it is not uncommon to have 3D models of buildings, objects and sites that will allow us to “visit” the site and manipulate it on our computer screens. Lately, heritage buildings and sites have been added to the list thus giving rise to the term “Virtual Reality Tourism”.

I remember the first time I came across the concept of Virtual Reality Tourism. It was in the 1990 Film “Total Recall” starring Arnold Schawzenegger. In this movie, Virtual Reality Tourism had already left the concept of basic heritage sites and modern architecture and delved into Virtual Reality Tourism of other planets. Then there was the earlier exploration of virtual reality by Hollywood in the film Lawnmower Man starring Pierce Brosnan. I was fascinated by the ability of man to recreate actual locations of places existing across the world without having to leave the comfort of home. Virtual Reality Tourism, from what I saw, would be the answer to all the travel dilemma’s known to man.

Using Virtual Reality to travel means that man will no longer have to put up with various time consuming security measures and pre-departure nightmares that are known to everyday vacationers and travelers. It would eliminate the needs for visas and provide equal access to travel to all men. Such type of travel would mean that security risks and physical limitations would no longer exist because everything would be done from the safety of home or a controlled computer environment.

Although virtual reality tourism can be considered cost prihibitive at this time, due to the technology involved and the limited access that people have to it, I have read enough information pertaining to the area to understand that the cost of the technology, just like anything related to computers, can eventually go down and be enjoyed by many.

However, there are many concerns regarding the rise of Virtual Reality Tourism companies. This is because of the way Virtual Reality Tourism tends to cut into profits and employment opportunities normally offered by actual tourism. Since Virtual Reality does not exist in real time and space, there is no need for the traveler to purchase things like plane tickets, hotel accommodations, transportation, and other things normally associated with travel and touring because he never actually left his existing area and can choose to begin, resume, and end his “travel” experience anytime he feels like it. Basically, the income generated by virtual tourism is not something that can be shared by many as in the case of actual tourism and travel. As an income generating venture, Virtual Tourism only works for the people who own the proprietary technology and those who promote the industry.

When you consider everything, Virtual Tourism can be considered to be the most perfect way of travel known to man. But, it also raises some totally new questions regarding the safety of use and travel in “virtual worlds / countries”. Health concerns abound regarding the potential mental affects on the due to the way the technology involved in such an activity. Since such tours involve the use of highly specialized computer equipment such as Virtual Reality goggles and touch sensitive gloves, there is a tendency for the user to not be able to tell the difference between reality and a virtual environment. Although Virtual Tourism allows the user to safely engage in activities he normally would not undertake on a tour due to health concerns, he can try such activities

and not have any after effects. Or at least, that is what most people believe. After all, what the mind sees and what the body experiences is totally disconnected from whether a person is actually doing the activity or just engaged in it virtually.

So, do I think Virtual Reality Tourism will catch on? Does it have the potential to take over the way man takes vacations and does vacations in the future? My answer is yes. Virtual Tourism has the potential to change the way we view tourism today. It has the potential to also lessen all the security scares and concerns that seem to prevent people from traveling these days. But, it is going to take a very long time before such technologies become affordable to everyone. Until the technology is perfected, only Hollywood can portray potentially accurate scenes of virtual tourism.

Right now, I do not see any reason for Virtual Reality Tourism not to succeed as the computer software and hardware developers constantly innovate and develop more modern ways and means of perfecting the virtual activity. It is a tremendous money maker for the developers and promoters. As for the nature conservationists, this technology will be the perfect tool for them to promote their causes and preserve natural sites and historical areas that have come to decay but still make for good crowd drawers during tours.

Virtual Reality Tours still has its drawbacks however. Very few people will be able to afford the trips that the technology will allow and the technology seems to be proprietary for now. Also, the technology is still mostly used for video games and military or aviation training purposes. This is because these scenarios are easier to create and offer more to the developers in terms of investment rather than the recreation entailed in creating a virtual heritage site.

But the one thing that Virtual Reality Tourism will never do is take over as the main way man takes his vacations and does his business. Virtual Reality is great but there is still something different and unexplainable about actually going to a place and experiencing it in actuality. There is a tremendous satisfaction that can be had from actually touching an object and immersing in the culture, traditions, and ways of a particular country or place that cannot be replicated by Virtual Reality Tourism. Virtual Tours are nice and enjoyable to a certain degree. But the human interaction that is necessary to make the experience a memorable one will simply be missing from the equation. So maybe Virtual Reality Tourism will be a fad for a period of time. It may even be the travel method of choice for some people, but actual tourism is here to stay.

In order to give you a feel of what it is like to take a Virtual Reality Tour, at least on the desktop, please follow the links below to some of the more notable heritage sites on the net:

• British Tours: Virtual Tours
• Virtual Reality Tours of the Historical Scientific and Cultural Sites of Philadelphia
• The Metropolitan Museum or Art Virtual Reality Tour
• Hawaiian Islands VR 360 Tour
• Virtual Reality Tour of Edmonton

As you can see, there is a growing following for virtual reality tourism and I do not doubt that this area of tourism will remain little tapped for now. It has a tremendous future ahead of it just waiting to explode.

Letellier, Robin. N.A. Virtual Reality: A new tool for sustainable tourism and cultural heritage sites management. Web.

Stuer, J. (1992). Defining virtual reality: dimensions of determining telepresence. The Journal of Communication. Web.

PC Magazine. Definition: Virtual Reality. 2008. Web.

• Teacher`s Rights and Responsibilities
• 8 Mile-Working At North Detroit Stamping
• Al-Qahtani Pipe Coating Terminal: Visit Feedback
• The Black Forestin in Baden-Württemberg
• Business Trips Planning for Staff
• Holiday Trip to Puerto Rico
• “To Build Fire” in Nulato Village, Alaska
• Covington International Travel: Fall Vacation Tour
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, September 3). Virtual Reality Tourism Technology. https://ivypanda.com/essays/virtual-reality-tourism-technology/

"Virtual Reality Tourism Technology." IvyPanda , 3 Sept. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/virtual-reality-tourism-technology/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Virtual Reality Tourism Technology'. 3 September.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Virtual Reality Tourism Technology." September 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/virtual-reality-tourism-technology/.

1. IvyPanda . "Virtual Reality Tourism Technology." September 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/virtual-reality-tourism-technology/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Virtual Reality Tourism Technology." September 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/virtual-reality-tourism-technology/.

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

107 Virtual Reality Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering users a fully immersive and interactive experience in a digital environment. With the rise of VR applications in various industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, and entertainment, the possibilities for exploring this technology are endless. If you are looking for inspiration for your next essay on virtual reality, here are 107 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The history and evolution of virtual reality technology
• The impact of VR on the gaming industry
• Virtual reality as a tool for education and training
• The use of VR in healthcare for medical simulations and therapy
• Virtual reality and its potential for treating phobias and anxiety disorders
• The ethical implications of using VR in therapy and treatment
• Virtual reality and its role in shaping the future of remote work
• The benefits of using VR for virtual meetings and conferences
• Virtual reality as a tool for creating immersive art and experiences
• The use of VR in architecture and design for virtual walkthroughs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the tourism industry
• The potential of VR for creating virtual travel experiences
• The use of VR in sports training and performance analysis
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing the shopping experience
• The use of VR in marketing and advertising campaigns
• Virtual reality and its potential for storytelling and narrative experiences
• The impact of VR on social interactions and virtual communities
• Virtual reality and its role in preserving cultural heritage and history
• The use of VR in environmental conservation and awareness campaigns
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality theme parks
• The benefits of using VR in disaster response and emergency training
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing the learning experience for students
• The use of VR in virtual field trips and exploration
• Virtual reality and its impact on mental health and well-being
• The potential of VR for creating virtual reality concerts and music experiences
• The use of VR in virtual reality therapy for PTSD and trauma survivors
• Virtual reality and its role in creating virtual reality escape rooms
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality fitness and exercise programs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of entertainment and media
• The use of VR in virtual reality film production and storytelling
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality museums and exhibits
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality experiences
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality sports broadcasts
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality shopping and retail experiences
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality fashion and design
• The use of VR in virtual reality art installations and exhibitions
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality music festivals
• The impact of VR on virtual reality theater and live performances
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality travel experiences
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality culinary experiences
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality documentaries
• The use of VR in virtual reality wildlife conservation and awareness campaigns
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality amusement parks
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality horror experiences
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality fashion shows
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality sports training and analysis
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality education
• The use of VR in virtual reality language learning and immersion programs
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality historical reenactments
• The impact of VR on virtual reality meditation and mindfulness practices
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality team-building exercises
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality cooking and culinary classes
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality wellness and self-care
• The use of VR in virtual reality gardening and nature experiences
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality pet adoption events
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality animal encounters
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality painting and art classes
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality dance and fitness classes
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality social events
• The use of VR in virtual reality team-building and leadership training
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality networking events
• The impact of VR on virtual reality educational games and simulations
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality storytelling and narrative experiences
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality cultural exchange programs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality language learning
• The use of VR in virtual reality cooking and culinary experiences
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality wildlife conservation programs
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality empathy experiences
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality mindfulness and meditation practices
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality wellness and self-care programs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality mental health support
• The use of VR in virtual reality pet therapy and animal encounters
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality music therapy programs
• The impact of VR on virtual reality art therapy and creative expression
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality dance therapy programs
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality drama therapy and role-playing exercises
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality storytelling and narrative therapy
• The use of VR in virtual reality group therapy and support groups
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality trauma therapy programs
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality therapy experiences

Whether you are interested in exploring the potential of virtual reality in education, healthcare, entertainment, or other industries, there are plenty of exciting topics to delve into. With these 107 virtual reality essay topic ideas and examples, you can start brainstorming your next essay on this innovative technology and its impact on society.

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade

Rome Virtual Tour Essays

Sistine chapel, vatican museums, rome virtual tour, popular essay topics.

• American Dream
• Artificial Intelligence
• Black Lives Matter
• Bullying Essay
• Career Goals Essay
• Causes of the Civil War
• Child Abusing
• Civil Rights Movement
• Community Service
• Cultural Identity
• Cyber Bullying
• Death Penalty
• Depression Essay
• Domestic Violence
• Freedom of Speech
• Global Warming
• Gun Control
• Human Trafficking
• I Believe Essay
• Immigration
• Importance of Education
• Israel and Palestine Conflict
• Leadership Essay
• Legalizing Marijuanas
• Mental Health
• National Honor Society
• Police Brutality
• Pollution Essay
• Racism Essay
• Romeo and Juliet
• Same Sex Marriages
• Social Media
• The Great Gatsby
• The Yellow Wallpaper
• Time Management
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Violent Video Games
• What Makes You Unique
• Why I Want to Be a Nurse
• Send us an e-mail

Most scores from the June 1st SAT are now available. View your scores.

SAT Dates and Deadlines

Sign in and register for the sat..

At this time, registration is open for all students for the entire 2024–25 testing year.

All deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. ET, U.S.

June 2024 Test Dates

These test dates and deadlines apply to all students—U.S. and international—taking the digital SAT:

August 2024–June 2025 Test Dates

These test dates and deadlines apply to all students—U.S. and international—taking the SAT:

Anticipated 2025–26 Test Dates

Review the latest registration fees and other charges for taking the SAT.

Policies for International Testing

Learn about the different registration policies for students taking the SAT outside the United States and U.S. territories.

International Fees

Learn about SAT registration fees and other fees for students taking the test outside the United States.