10 Tips to Make the Most of Your Campus Tour

Campus tours are a big part of every new student’s journey and while they are an important way to get to know the school you’re planning on/thinking of attending, they can be a little overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you leave with the information you need and how to find out more.

Show up on time!

Campus tours are only for a short amount of time, and we wouldn’t want you to miss any opportunity to see our lovely campus or get your questions answered.

Take lots of pictures.

Pictures are a great way to help you remember where buildings are. They also are excellent reminders of how you felt and what you experienced on your tour.

Take notes.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember all the information given to you, and we don’t want you leaving feeling overwhelmed. Having a notepad handy means you can write down some of the vital information shared, which may be valuable later in your VIU journey.

Refer to a campus map.

Using a campus map can help you better understand where different landmarks and buildings are around campus. Using the campus map will help you become a master of knowing where everything is at on campus! Print maps are available for free at the Welcome Centre at VIU’s Nanaimo campus.

Ask questions.

During your tour is the perfect opportunity to get all of your questions answered. We know it may be your first time here, so please do not hesitate to ask a question at any time. Your inquiry could even help us as much as it helps you.

Talk to as many people as possible.

Sometimes it can be hard coming to a brand-new school where you don’t know anyone. A campus tour is a great starting point for you to make new friends and hear their opinions of the campus.

Keep an open mind.

Every university is different. Keeping an open mind will help you get the most out of your tour. You never know, you may be surprised by what you like best.

Bring water and snacks.

Walking around campus can be exhausting! It’s essential to make sure you are hydrated and have plenty of fuel to see all of the fantastic qualities the campus has to offer.

Make sure to check the university’s COVID-19 protocols.

We want to make sure that all of our students, employees and guests are as safe as they can be. Please check the health protocols before you arrive on campus. For more information on VIU’s health protocols, visit our COVID-19 Info and Updates page.

Try out as many of the university's amenities as you can.

We have a wide range of places you can try out on campus. For example, our Campus Store is a great place to buy swag like hoodies and T-Shirts, a snack or even a grab and go lunch item. Find out more when you come on tour with us!

We look forward to seeing you on your campus tour!

Amber Lease and Taps Shoko are VIU’s Lead Student Ambassadors and the hosts of Summer Warm-ups - campus tours - at VIU this August. Students can choose from an in-person or virtual tour option.