Visiting colleges
Learn how to get the most out of a college visit
Come visit!
When college students are asked what made them choose the college they enrolled in, a top ranking factor consistently is the campus tour.
Colleges do their best to bring the campus experience to life through email, brochures, videos and websites, but physically being on campus provides a real preview of what it’s like to attend.
What happens on a college visit?
While you can certainly show up on a college campus for a tour, it's recommended that you schedule a tour in advance. Doing so will allow you to customize your schedule and ensure you're assigned to a tour.
Normally, a student leader will be your guide, providing you the chance to learn from and ask questions of a student about their personal experience. You will likely be in a group of students and have behind the scenes access to classrooms, health facilities, residence halls and student centers.
When registering for a tour (or upon arrival) ask to see specific locations that interest you. You can often arrange additional tours of academic programs, and meet with students and faculty if you ask in advance.
And, please ask questions. While it can be nerve-wracking to ask questions in front of strangers, college tours provide a great opportunity to hear directly from university officials and students. Making your college decision is a big one and having as much information as possible is important.
How to visit Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona
With multiple campuses across Arizona, thousands of majors and nationally ranked academic programs, Arizona’s public universities offer access to a transformative, world-class college experience in our home state.
ASU, NAU and Arizona offer in-person and virtual visit opportunities to help determine the best fit for your college years.
Visit NAU
Visit Flagstaff to tour NAU or take an online self-guided tour anytime if you want a quick taste of what it’s like on NAU’s campuses.
Visit Arizona
Experience life as a Wildcat by taking an in-person or virtual tour of campus and discover the opportunities that await you.
When should you visit the colleges you are considering?
The short answer is anytime – whether you’re in middle school and want to visit your hometown college or if you’re in high school.
If you are able, visiting in your junior year or summer before your senior year of high school gives you the chance to refine your list of colleges where you apply. Some students also choose to visit colleges after they are admitted and receive scholarship and financial aid awards.
It’s never too late to visit the colleges you are considering. And, a virtual tour can show you campus if you can’t visit in person.
