Written by Mona (she/her), student
I recently talked about some of the differences between high school and university. One thing that helped me see some of these differences was my first visit to campus.
Touring the university campus was also really helpful in the process of narrowing down my final university and program of choice. This is why I recommend that you consider and prioritize going on a campus tour if you’re thinking of applying to university.
For the past two years, I've worked on campus as a tour guide and I've seen the benefit that tours have for many prospective students. Reflecting back on my experiences, I came up with a quick list of some of the do’s and don’ts to help you make the most out of your campus tour.
1. Do your research and book your tour in advance
When getting ready for your tour, it helps to do some background research on the programs you’re interested in and the areas of campus you’d like to visit.
If you’re able to plan ahead and book your Waterloo tour in advance, you’ll get the chance of creating your own itinerary that helps you maximize your day by touring the faculties or programs that you’re interested in.
Be sure to ask questions!
Part of doing your research is coming up with questions to ask! As cliché as that sounds, this is your chance to ask all the questions that are on your mind.
As you do your research, jot down some questions that come to your mind on a notebook (or on your Notepad app!) and feel free to chat with your tour guide at the end if you still have further questions.
Every tour guide is trained to answer your questions and direct you to the appropriate resources. And as a tour guide myself, I love it when prospective students ask questions!
2. Dress for the weather and track your steps
You'll really surprise yourself at how much you'll walk by the end of your tour. So be sure to download an app or wear a pedometer to track your steps... it’s definitely a great brag factor! Also, you’ll spend a lot of your tour outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather!
Take care of your feet. Wear comfy shoes!
On your tour, you'll want to stay as comfortable as possible and be able to keep up with the rest of the group. You might not have the greatest experience if your shoes aren't supportive or comfortable.
3. Do bring a snack or grab a bite on campus
Even if you plan to attend multiple tours at a particular university, chances are good that all the walking will eventually make you hungry. There are many places on and around campus that you can quickly relax and grab a bite to eat. Or if you prefer, you can also pack snacks to bring with you.
Remember a water bottle!
It’s also important to not forget to pack a water bottle with you, especially on a warm day. You don’t want to risk getting dehydrated by the end of your visit.
4. Take pictures
Feel free to take pictures on your tour, especially if you’re visiting multiple campuses at once. Having a few pictures will help you remember the experiences that you had on your tour and some of the places you got to see. And don’t forget to take a selfie by the geese!
Don't pet the geese!
Speaking of geese... this one is important: at Waterloo, you'll find geese everywhere and I advise you do not pet the geese! I repeat, do not pet the geese... unless of course they're the toys ones at W Store!
5. Explore beyond the campus tour and even the city!
Tours are great for getting to know what’s offered on campus. But if you have extra time, I recommend staying on campus and doing some self-exploration by checking out some of the cool buildings you’ll be studying in or by grabbing lunch in the Student Life Centre.
If you’re travelling from outside the Waterloo region, I also recommend checking out some of the awesome things to do in the city including museums, restaurants or parks!
Remember your map!
Of course, if you are going to explore, don’t forget to pick up a Waterloo campus map or a self-guided tour pamphlet to help you easily get around campus!
Whether you're in Grade 10 or 11 or completing your university applications, I highly recommend that you visit a few campuses. It will really help you when it comes time to make your final decision about where to study.
Happy touring!
