How can I research and get relatively familiar with a college's campus without going there in person?

College Search & Selection
1

Basically what the title says, I haven’t really started researching colleges but this once piece of the puzzle feels daunting. If I’m thinking of a college, I want to really be sure that if I were to go there I’ll be fine with the campus and the surrounding area.
I’ll use Tufts as an example (not that I’m actually thinking about the school, I want advice for how to research any college campus, don’t explain to me Tufts’ campus unless as an example). One thing I could do is google a college’s campus maps and then look at them on Google Maps (if the college website doesn’t have it embedded, in this case, Tufts does):

This way, I can see where certain places are, where I might spend my time, and how far each area is depending on which I dorm I’d end up living in. I could also do some googling about the towns or cities the college is located in for things to do, and if the college is considered urban, suburban, or rural (personally I prefer urban).
It might sound like I have a good idea about how to go about this but I’m not confident, I feel like even if I do the things I just described that I still wouldn’t have good enough ideas, and I could end up on a campus and not like the way it is. Anyway, what do you think? Do you have ideas for how to go about this?

2

You’ve pretty much covered all the bases.

3

Many schools have good virtual visits now. Not just for touring but also student panels for Q&A.

I’d also recommending reading the student newspapers , watching candid you tube videos (especially dorm tours).

I’d also read through sites like Reddit, niche, and here in CC.

Be sure to register for virtual visits (some schools track demonstrated interest) and request an alumni interview if possible.

3 Likes
4

Nothing wrong with a bit of mystery as it makes life interesting.

College is a time to grow & to explore.

1 Like
5

@oneechan69 Youtube videos are really helpful - most colleges will produce their own, many have student vloggers (either endorsed by the college or independent), and VOA has really good campus tours - mostly in Korean but with English subtitles. You can also ask the admissions office at schools of interest to connect you with a current student to ask questions like these.

Because of COVID, my kid did no campus tours at all and the first time she visited the school she attended was move-in. Through online info sessions, interview, student contacts, and videos, she was pretty confident in her choice and it has worked out great.

6

Sign up for virtual visits. I know I won’t get to visit most campuses because I will be applying to schools on the other side of the country so virtual visits definitely help. Also I feel like YouTube is really helpful, especially watching videos posted by current students describing their typical day. Don’t forget to follow the schools and hashtags on instagram and tiktok.