Why go to a college tour or open house? What to expect on a campus tour? Is a campus visit necessary?
If you look at a college website and virtual tour, but haven’t been there in person, do you really know what it’s like?
When I was searching for the right place to continue my education, I took a campus tour of Nazareth on my stepmother's advice. Even though I had looked online, she urged me to go in person. It was one of my top choices, so why not? There were plenty of times and dates offered. Signing up online was easy. There really was no reason not to go.
What I discovered: Being on campus gives you its vibes in a way videos, photos, and digital tours cannot. Getting a feel for what kind of place Nazareth was happened right away. The tour started at the Admissions House, where someone had made a sign with my name on it and reserved a great parking spot for me. It was a nice gesture. Inside the house, everyone was friendly. The Naz students seemed welcoming and happy to share their information. I couldn’t help but think that if this is what the student body is like, I will like it here. (Two years later, I’m happy to say that most people I’ve met through Naz have been lovely.)
We got free things in the lovely purple Nazareth color. It was just a few small things, but they were of nice quality. You can’t get that online. They also offered us snacks and water. Everyone and everything provided made Naz seem homey.
Our tour group was split into smaller groups for more customized tours, after a main presentation about the benefits of going to Naz. As an incoming English student, my tour included the home of my department and multiple classes, Golisano Academic Center, known as GAC. The chapel is in that building, and it’s beautiful. My tour included Shults Center, which has cafeteria dining and hosts many activities. I got a peek at places like Peckham, a beautiful newer building for science and math. Seeing it all in person, I noticed and liked how the newer Peckham architecture fits the style and character of older buildings like GAC and Smyth.
The tour guides were friendly and shared general information and their personal experiences. They spoke highly of the small class sizes and the attention they got from professors. They said the homework isn’t so bad as long as you stay on top of it. They said we will be challenged, but the professors are supportive. (They were right.) They spoke about the fun they had. They talked about how they met people and made friends. I got a good idea of what it was like to be a Naz student — and trusted the information, because I could see their body language and tone. What better way to find out what it’s like to be a student than from a student?
The tour showed me how manageable the campus is on foot. Places are closer than they might seem on a map or a virtual tour.
Walking around let me sense the energy of the place, feel the peace of the trees and the fountain, and see how beautiful the campus is. The grounds are kept picture-perfect all year round. One covered path between buildings feels like something from a Jane Austin novel set in England. Naz is 100 years old, but the look is timeless and classic.
The tour ended at the Admissions House, where the admissions people helped answer questions. It was such a lovely experience. I got a clear sense of what being a student on campus would feel like, which helped to seal the deal.
For more, see naz.edu/visit
You can never see everything in one visit. Check out the Tour Tuesday videos to learn about the campus therapy dogs, the career closet, the ESports gaming room, and more.
Elizabeth Demeis is a senior transfer student majoring in English and museums, archives, and public history. Her favorite place to hang out is the history, politics, and law lounge on the 4th floor of GAC.
