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Boston College Virtual Tour

Are you considering boston college take a virtual tour of the campus below..

A visit to Boston College is ideal, but virtual tours can act to refresh your memory or as a preview for your on-site tour.

Do I Really Need to Take a Tour?

Inevitably, on-campus tours of classrooms, libraries, dorms, and dining halls will start to blend. Jog your memory using the virtual tour and even explore the area surrounding the campus using the interactive mapping tool. If you're just beginning your college search, a virtual tour can be a great way to get a feel for a campus before your visit. Remember, when you do go, be sure to ask current students about their college life. A student perspective can be the most helpful way to gauge your future experience at Boston College.

Use the resources below to start your virtual tour.

Using the Map

Click and drag the little orange person to a location on the map. Locations with panoramas appear as blue lines or blue dots when moving the orange person. The blue dots are panoramic views that you may swivel. The blue lines are paths that you can navigate along.

Panoramic View

You can "pan" or "swivel" the camera around by clicking on the image and dragging your mouse or finger. If you see a white arrow on the picture, you can click or tap on it to move in the direction of the arrow. This will also update the location of the little orange person on the map so you can get a better sense of where you are and what direction you are facing.

Continue Your Research on Boston College

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Boston College

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Boston College (BC) Transfers: 2024 Requirements, Dates, GPAs & More

When is the best time to visit boston college (bc).

Visiting Boston College (BC) depends on a number of factors, including the season, your schedule, and a lot of uncontrollable variables. We recommend you visit Boston College (BC) twice if you’re serious about enrolling – at least one visit should be when students are on campus and school is in session. Be sure to take note of the town of Chestnut Hill as well. Remember that Chestnut Hill is also catering to 9491 students, so think critically about whether the community would feel too big or too small for your personal liking.

Where do families stay when they visit Boston College (BC)?

The Boston College (BC) admissions office likely has a list of accommodations they recommend. In addition to that list, consult the CampusReel VR feature to explore hotels nearby in Chestnut Hill. For your convenience, below is a list of hotels to consider and that you can also preview in CampusReel VR.

• The Bertram Inn at Boston College (BC)
• AC Hotel by Marriott Boston Cleveland Circle at Boston College (BC)
• Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline at Boston College (BC)
• Longwood Inn at Boston College (BC)
• The Farrington Inn at Boston College (BC)
• Longwood Luxury Apartments in Medical District at Boston College (BC)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Brookline-Longwood Medical at Boston College (BC)
• Hotel Veritas in Harvard Square at Boston College (BC)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Needham at Boston College (BC)
• Sheraton Needham Hotel at Boston College (BC)
• Beacon Inn at Boston College (BC)
• Studio Allston Hotel at Boston College (BC)
• In The Center at Boston College (BC)
• Perkins Inn at Boston College (BC)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Needham Boston at Boston College (BC)
• The Charles Hotel at Boston College (BC)
• The Inn at Brookline at Boston College (BC)
• Samuel Sewall Inn at Boston College (BC)
• Holiday Inn Boston-Brookline at Boston College (BC)
• The Beech Tree Inn at Boston College (BC)
• Irving House at Harvard at Boston College (BC)
• Kitty's House near Harvard Square at Boston College (BC)
• Hotel Boston at Boston College (BC)
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge at Boston College (BC)
• Cambridge Bed & Muffin at Boston College (BC)
• Harding House at Boston College (BC)
• Wyman Bed & Breakfast in Boston at Boston College (BC)
• Anthony's Town House at Boston College (BC)
• Charles River Inn at Boston College (BC)
• The Inn At Longwood Medical at Boston College (BC)
• Harvard Square Hotel at Boston College (BC)
• Royal Street Studio at Boston College (BC)
• Taylor House Bed And Breakfast at Boston College (BC)
• Hotel Veritas at Boston College (BC)
• Crowne Plaza Boston - Newton at Boston College (BC)
• A Village Bed & Breakfast at Boston College (BC)
• Parkside Bed and Breakfast at Boston College (BC)
• Sheraton Commander Hotel at Boston College (BC)
• A Friendly Inn At Harvard Square at Boston College (BC)
• Bluebird Suites at Boston College (BC)
• Hyatt Regency Cambridge at Boston College (BC)
• Natalie House at Boston College (BC)
• Coolidge Corner Guest House at Boston College (BC)
• Tatin House at Boston College (BC)
• Park Lane B & B at Boston College (BC)
• Chesley Road Bed and Breakfast at Boston College (BC)
• Super 8 by Wyndham Watertown/Cambridge/Boston Area at Boston College (BC)
• Courtyard by Marriott Boston Cambridge at Boston College (BC)
• Global Luxury Suites at Longwood at Boston College (BC)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Watertown at Boston College (BC)
• Packard's Corner Apartments at Boston College (BC)
• Yun's Place, a Boston B&B near HBS at Boston College (BC)

What do families do in Chestnut Hill when they visit Boston College (BC)?

It depends but there are a variety of activities and things to do in and around Chestnut Hill. We recommend using the virtual immersion tab on CampusReel to take a tour at Boston College (BC) and see for yourself how the student make use of Chestnut Hill.

What buildings should I look at when I visit Boston College (BC)?

For your convenience, below is a list of all buildings that you can visit from CampusReel. We encourage you to compare you experience of the buildings on CampusReel with your in-person visit if you decide to take one.

• O'Neill Plaza at Boston College (BC)
• Bapst Library at Boston College (BC)
• William J. Flynn Student Recreation Complex at Boston College (BC)
• Alumni Stadium at Boston College (BC)
• Rubenstein Hall at Boston College (BC)
• Mod Lot at Boston College (BC)
• Higgins Hall at Boston College (BC)
• Chestnut Hill Reservoir at Boston College (BC)
• Gasson Hall at Boston College (BC)
• Gabelli Hall at Boston College (BC)
• Thomas P. O'Neill Jr. Library at Boston College (BC)
• Boston College at Boston College (BC)
• Higgins Stairs at Boston College (BC)
• Stokes Hall - North at Boston College (BC)
• Boston College Office of Undergraduate Admission at Boston College (BC)

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• Visit to Tufts University

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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.

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Touring Colleges in Boston: A College Tour Itinerary

Exploring top colleges in the boston area: a college tour itinerary.

Starting the college search journey is an exciting and transformative time in any high student’s life. One of the most crucial steps in this process is visiting campuses to get a feel for the environment, academics, and overall culture of the institutions you’re considering.

By ALEX LOVELESS

In this article, we’ll introduce you to a diverse selection of Boston colleges, each with a unique appeal. We’ve also provided a well-thought-out itinerary, including the order of visits, airport suggestions, and fun excursions to make your college tour efficient and enjoyable.

Tufts University

Located in the charming Medford/Somerville area of Boston, Tufts University offers a diverse and intellectually vibrant campus. Known for its rigorous academic programs, emphasis on civic engagement , and picturesque surroundings, Tufts provides an excellent environment for learning and growth. By visiting Tufts, you’ll experience its commitment to interdisciplinary education and its welcoming community firsthand.

• Campus Highlights : Begin your tour by exploring Tufts’ beautiful Medford/Somerville campus. Don’t miss the iconic Tisch Library and the university’s academic heart.
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Discover local eateries near Tufts, like Dave’s Fresh Pasta or Semolina Kitchen & Bar , and explore nearby Davis Square .

Babson College

Babson College should certainly be on your list if you’re interested in entrepreneurship and business education. Nestled in Wellesley, Massachusetts, this institution is a global leader in entrepreneurship education . Explore its innovative campus, engage with faculty and students, and see why Babson could be the perfect place to launch your entrepreneurial journey.

• Campus Highlights : Explore the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship and the Horn Library .
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Dine at the Roger’s Pub & Grille and visit The Garden at Elm Bank .

Brandeis University

Brandeis University , situated in Waltham, Massachusetts, is renowned for its liberal arts programs and commitment to social justice . You’ll discover a vibrant campus with a diverse student body and a thriving arts scene when you visit. Explore the Rose Art Museum , engage with faculty, and learn about Brandeis’ dedication to academic excellence and social impact.

• Campus Highlights : Grab coffee at the striking Usen Castle and the Rose Art Museum.
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Enjoy elevated American cuisine at Tessie’s Bar & Kitchen and explore the Museum of Fine Arts Boston .

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Boston University

As a major research institution in the heart of Boston, Boston University offers a bustling urban campus experience. Visiting BU allows you to explore its state-of-the-art facilities, rich cultural offerings, and diverse academic programs. Discover why BU is a hub for innovation, research, and a vibrant student life.

• Campus Highlights : Tour the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering and visit the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground .
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Indulge in Italian cuisine at Grotto and explore the historic Freedom Trail .

Boston College

Boston College , located in the serene Chestnut Hill area of Boston, is known for its strong sense of community and academic excellence. During your visit, you’ll experience BC’s beautiful campus, attend a football game at the iconic Alumni Stadium , and see how this institution fosters intellectual and personal growth.

• Campus Highlights : Stroll through the beautiful Gasson Hall and the McMullen Museum of Art .
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Savor Irish cuisine at The Corrib Pub and visit the Chestnut Hill Reservoir for a relaxing walk.

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Northeastern University

If co-op experiences and strong ties to Boston’s job market intrigue you, Northeastern University is a must-visit. Situated in the Fenway area, Northeastern offers a dynamic urban campus and a focus on experiential learning. Explore its innovative programs, renowned faculty, and a robust network of industry connections.

• Campus Highlights : Stroll through the picturesque Krentzman Quad and explore the Snell Library .
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Enjoy a meal at Tasty Burger or Mei Mei and visit Fenway Park .

Emerson College

Emerson College , nestled in the heart of Boston’s Theater District, is a haven for aspiring creatives. Visit to immerse yourself in a vibrant arts scene, explore the newly renovated Little Building, and see how Emerson’s commitment to communication and the arts can shape your future.

• Campus Highlights : Explore the Paramount Center and the Little Building .
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Enjoy a meal and the ambiance at Buttermilk & Bourbon and immerse yourself in the Boston Theater District .

Bucknell University

Venturing outside of Boston, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, offers a different college experience. Known for its beautiful campus, Bucknell provides a close-knit community and opportunities for personal and academic exploration. Visit to see if Bucknell’s distinctive blend of tradition and innovation aligns with your goals.

• Campus Highlights : Take a walk around the scenic Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium .
• Local Eateries and Points of Interest : Grab a bite at the cozy Brasserie Louis and explore the Lewisburg Historic District .

Our Proposed Five-Day, Jam-Packed Campus Visit, Itinerary

Now that you know a bit about the colleges and some campus offerings, we have prepared a proposed agenda if you want to make the most of a five-day trip. Please note that this condensed itinerary allows for brief visits to each college, so checking the tour schedules, booking accommodations in advance, and being prepared for a busy schedule is essential. If you have specific colleges you prioritize, consider adjusting the itinerary accordingly.

Day 1: Arrival in Boston

• Arrive at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
• Check-in to your accommodation near Tufts University.
• Evening: Explore the local area around Tufts and have dinner.

Day 2: Tufts University & Babson College

• Morning: Take a campus tour of Tufts.
• Early Afternoon: Check out of your Tufts accommodation.
• Travel by car to Babson College (Wellesley, MA).
• Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Babson College.
• Evening: Explore the Wellesley area and have dinner.

Day 3: Brandeis University & Boston University

• Morning: Check out of your Babson accommodation.
• Travel by car to Brandeis University (Waltham, MA).
• Early Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Brandeis University.
• Afternoon: Travel by car to Boston University (Boston, MA).
• Evening: Take a campus tour of Boston University, explore the BU area, dine, and consider visiting Fenway Park.

Day 4: Boston College & Northeastern University

• Morning: Check out of your Boston University accommodation.
• Travel by car to Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA).
• Early Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Boston College.
• Afternoon: Travel by car or public transportation to Northeastern University (Boston, MA).
• Evening: Take a campus tour of Northeastern University, explore the nearby area, and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Emerson College & Departure

• Morning: Check out of your Northeastern accommodation.
• Travel to Emerson College (located in downtown Boston).
• Early Afternoon: Take a campus tour of Emerson College.
• Afternoon/Evening: Explore the downtown area, have a final meal in the city, and then depart from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

As you embark on your college search journey, exploring alternatives to Tufts University can be an eye-opening experience. These institutions offer unique programs, vibrant campus cultures, and connections to exciting urban environments. To make the most of your visits, plan ahead and consider the local eateries and points of interest we’ve highlighted. Seeing and engaging with the city will help you learn more about the schools and give you a taste of life in these diverse and dynamic communities. 

And if you need assistance planning for the future (and we don’t mean amazing travel itineraries), we can help create a personalized roadmap to get you into these colleges or any on your dream list. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help. 

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Interested in a closer look at the student experience at Northeastern? Join one of our upcoming virtual sessions hosted by our Admissions team and representatives from across the university! These sessions are a great way to learn more about Northeastern's rigorous academics, expansive global network, experiential learning opportunities, and vibrant student life.

Interested in visiting our Boston or Oakland campus in person? Check out our Visit Campus page to register for an information session and campus tour.

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We invite you to watch a recorded prospective student information session, as well as info sessions for any of our colleges that interest you! Learn more about life as a Husky, including academics, student life, and more:

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Take a stroll through our Boston campus with our interactive virtual tour. Explore our academic facilities, student housing, and award-winning green spaces, guided by a Husky Ambassador.

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Experience a tour of the Boston campus hosted by two of Northeastern’s Husky Ambassadors. Learn about academic, research, and co-op opportunities available to our students. Hear about student experiences such as joining one of our 500+ student clubs and organizations in Boston, capturing photos of everyday life in Cuba, or living in Australia. During our residence hall tour, you will see an example of a student’s room, hear about our Living Learning Communities, and learn more about the various dining options on and off campus.

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Lander University Class of 2024 to Graduate on May 1

• 11 April 2024

Lander University will celebrate the academic achievements of the Class of 2024 during its 169th Commencement Exercises on Wednesday, May 1, in Finis Horne Arena.

The University will conduct two ceremonies that day, with graduates participating in either the morning or afternoon exercises, according to their respective academic colleges:  

10 a.m. Ceremony

• College of Arts & Humanities
• College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
• College of Business

2 p.m. Ceremony

• College of Education
• College of Science & Mathematics
• School of Nursing
• Interdisciplinary Studies Majors

Keynote Speaker

Matthew Logan, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Self Regional Healthcare, will serve as keynote speaker for both ceremonies.

A native of Greenwood, S.C., Dr. Logan graduated from Greenwood High School and Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. He completed medical school at the University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine and an Emergency Medicine Residency at Palmetto Health/USC in Columbia, S.C. In 2018, he earned a master’s degree in healthcare management at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Mass.

Dr. Logan has dedicated his career to improving the health of his community. For the past 20 years, he has worked as an Emergency Physician with Self Regional, an advanced healthcare system serving a population of more than a quarter of a million people in South Carolina’s Lakelands region. During this time, he served as the Medical Director of the Emergency Department for 11 years, as Chief of Staff for two years, and as Vice President & Chief Medical Officer for over three years. He was named President and CEO in December 2021. 

In addition to an esteemed medical career, Dr. Logan is very active in the local community, serving on the boards of directors for a number of medical, nonprofit and educational foundations.  

Tickets are required to attend the commencement ceremony, and graduates will be allowed up to eight tickets for guest seating at their ceremony in Horne Arena. Guests without tickets will be directed to the overflow area, where a livestream broadcast of the ceremony will be playing. Please note that official graduation tickets are only available through the Lander University Registrar’s Office, and they are physical tickets. “Virtual” or “online” tickets are not valid and cannot be used for admittance to the arena.

Guest Arrival

The doors to Horne Arena will be open from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. for the morning ceremony, and from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is not reserved.

It is recommended that guests arrive early to ensure ample time for parking, security screening and to find seating. Guests who arrive late will be directed to the Abney Cultural Center, where the ceremony will be livestreamed inside the auditorium.

Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests with limited mobility or physical disabilities may be dropped off at the Willson Street entrance of Horne Arena.

The University’s clear bag policy will be enforced in Finis Horne Arena and the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Metal detectors will be used at all entrances and items are subject to search. Noisemakers, airhorns and similar items are not permitted inside Horne Arena. Additionally, balloons, banners and other items that obstruct guests’ views of the stage are prohibited. 

For those unable to attend in person, the University will broadcast both ceremonies via livestream on the Lander website at www.lander.edu . 

Additional Information

For more information about Lander’s commencement exercises, visit www.lander.edu/graduation .  

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• Remember How To Be

Ignatian Year Reflection: Remember How To Be

STM student reflects on her first year out of undergrad, in the height of the pandemic, through the lens of St. Ignatius' "cannonball moment."

If you’ve been following along with the Ignatian Year Blog, you’re likely familiar with Ignatius’ Cannonball Conversion. For any newbies to the blog, St. Ignatius was struck by a cannonball at the Battle of Pamplona. During his recovery, he spent his time reading about the lives of the saints and Jesus Christ. And for the Jesuits, the rest is history…

When I graduated (virtually) from undergrad in May of 2020, I realized I did not know what my next step would be. The world felt chaotic and unknown. I felt insecure in who I was and who I wanted to be. This cannonball moment felt like a period of desolation and uncertainty.

I know it’s cliche to say that God works in mysterious ways, but it’s the truth. My next step took the form of a smiley, joyful six-month old. My best friend’s niece had been born right at the start of the Pandemic, and the family was looking for a live-in nanny. I packed my bags and moved to Pennsylvania to spend my days watching a new life grow and develop. 

We don’t always recognize our present for what it is. We often need a retrospective lens to see where God has been actively working in our lives. Although the world seemed to halt on its axis, I saw firsthand how the world continued turning. I watched a baby learn to sit up, crawl, and take her first steps. Time was not standing still. 

There is a tension in my heart because I recognize the pain and the suffering caused by the Pandemic, the world’s cannonball. But I hold my time in Pennsylvania close to my heart. During a very uncertain time, for the world and for myself, I was able to remember to slow down and appreciate the little moments. I remember how the baby, who is now a not-so-little toddler, was fascinated by yellow dandelions. Where I saw a weed, the baby saw beauty. 

In some ways, conversion can look a lot like remembering. I did not need to change who I was for the baby to appreciate me. Instead, I needed to remember my authentic self, the self God loves unconditionally. I remembered how to see beauty in the ordinary. I remembered how to walk slowly. I remembered how trash collectors are rockstars. I remembered how to listen to the sounds of birds. I remembered how to be.