Visiting the campuses of universities or colleges you are considering applying to is a great way to get a feel of the school and what it has to offer! However, with COVID-19’s relentless ravaging of Canada’s public health, this experience is no longer the same as it was in previous years. With that being said, here are some tips to ensure that you keep yourself and others around you safe when visiting and learning about the atmosphere of a post-secondary institution.
Written by Afreen Deen
Virtual Tours
Like most things nowadays, campus tours have been made virtual, meaning that you can explore facilities and student life from the comfort of your own home! These tours can come in different forms, ranging from videos and recorded information sessions to even live Instagram or Youtube tours. If this tour is in this live format, it is likely that there will be a Q&A portion. This means that preparing your own list of questions and considering different factors in your decision is highly recommended. As someone who attended one of McMaster University’s live campus tours, hosted via Youtube Live, doing this really made the experience more effective and encouraged others to ask similar questions I had not thought of.
Social Distancing Tours
As convenient as the virtual tour is, it’s not for everyone! For those who like to experience things first-hand, socially-distanced tours may be a better option. As the name suggests, these tours allow you to visit the institution in-person; making it easier to ask questions and get a realistic feel of the environment. Although the opportunity will have some limitations in order to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, it is definitely a step closer to what a “normal” tour experience would be like. It is also important to note that not all institutions have this option, so if you do get the chance to experience this type of tour, make sure to reserve it ASAP as there will be limited spots available.
Asking Alumni or Current Students
If you think that the first two options may not provide the information you are looking for, perhaps consider connecting with current students and alumni of the institution to learn about their experiences. Sometimes, not all the information about a university or college is shared during these tours, so this is a great way to grasp what the school system is like for different students with various learning styles, accessibilities, and preferences. To connect with post-secondary students, a great place to start is LinkedIn and Instagram, as these platforms are common places where students share their day-to-day life 一 may that be through their personal accounts, or under an organization.
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