Campus Tours: Should You Do an In-Person or Virtual Tour?
Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual campus tours, offering a solution when in-person visits were not possible. These virtual experiences vary in format, from 360-degree videos and interactive maps to live guided tours, providing prospective students with a way to explore campuses from the comfort of their homes. Even during the pandemic, college orientations showcased virtual tours, giving prospective students a glimpse of campus life behind the screen. The question now, four years since the start of the pandemic, is: will virtual tours be here to stay?
The Benefits of Virtual Tours
Virtual tours offer several benefits for prospective students and families, ranging from accessibility to safety. Here are three key benefits of virtual tours:
Increased Accessibility: For students who live out-of-state or internationally, virtual tours provide a great way to experience campus life without traveling. Additionally, students and families who may not feel safe visiting in person can tour virtually.
Cost-Effective: Traveling can be very expensive, including airfares, transportation, and hotel accommodations. Virtual tours are completely free, allowing students and families to explore campuses via the university website, either synchronously or asynchronously.
Convenience and Flexibility: Virtual tours offer the convenience of exploring campuses from home, regardless of weather or other circumstances. This flexibility allows students to take multiple virtual tours in one day, gaining insights from current students and admissions teams at their own pace.
The Limitations of Virtual Tours
However, virtual tours have limitations, such as the lack of personal interaction and difficulty in capturing the true campus experience. Here are three key limitations of virtual tours:
Technical Issues and the Digital Divide: Technological problems, such as high CPU usage and unreliable internet connections, can hinder the virtual tour experience. Prospective students from areas with limited internet access may struggle to participate effectively. Additionally, shortened attention spans and the culture of instant gratification can make it challenging to stay engaged during virtual tours.
Lack of Physical Presence: Virtual tours cannot replicate the physical experience of being on campus, including the campus vibe, climate, and the feel of sitting in a classroom. In-person visits allow for spontaneous interactions with current students, faculty, and staff, providing authentic insights that virtual tours can’t match.
Limited Scope: Virtual tours may not cover every aspect of campus life, such as lesser-known study spots, off-campus housing, and the surrounding community. Campus facilities can change, new buildings can arise, and amenities can be updated, making virtual tours outdated unless they are frequently updated.
Looking Ahead: Will Virtual Tours Be Going Away?
The answer is no. Innovations in virtual tour technology, such as AI and virtual reality, will continue to make virtual tours more immersive and effective. As these technologies evolve, virtual tours are likely to play a significant role in the future of college admissions, complementing traditional visits and providing students with comprehensive and accessible ways to explore potential campuses. Regardless of the tour method chosen, colleges will be excited to welcome students and families in the fall when they commit to a college, as the ultimate college experience will (in most cases) still be in-person.
