Taking the Campus Tour at FAU

A Tour Can Help You Make Your College Decision

Taking the campus tour is an essential step to help your students decide where they will make their home for the next 4 years. Some students like to tour before they apply, while others tour schools after they have been accepted. When my daughter was applying to schools, we did both; however, the tours after the acceptance letters were received were very different from the initial visits. Taking the tour after being accepted helps to pinpoint the pertinent things that will help your student make their final decision as to which school to attend. Of course, my daughter loves being an Owl, but your student may have specific things that will help them weigh out the pros and cons of each college.

Go with a list of questions, but not the kind of questions that you can just google an answer to. Don’t be shy about asking your tour guide, financial advisor, a specific department, or even students hanging out at the Student Union. They can be your greatest resources.

Some of the more common questions our interns found important to prospective students are:

• What is the size of the overall campus?
• What is the size of the dorm rooms and how many people live in each room?
• What food options are available to a freshman? What does the meal plan cover and will it fit your diet?
• What are the locations of your “majors” classes?
• What type of technology is used or available in the classrooms/libraries?
• How many printing locations are available? Is it free to print or does it cost money?
• How clean is the campus/restrooms?
• How many gyms are on campus and where are they located?
• How safe are the campus and surrounding neighborhoods?
• What is the transportation system like? Are there frequent bus stops? Available parking spaces?
• What safety precautions are on campus?

Perhaps Greek life is important to your students. FAU does not have Sorority or Fraternity Housing, but you can often spot a member around campus (look out for Greek letters on shirts). Perhaps you have a friend who’s son or daughter is a member of a Fraternity or Sorority Life, reach out to them before going.  You can also stop into the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, here the Greek Life advisors or the Interns (Fraternity or Sorority members) will be happy to answer any and all questions. If your student has a health condition that makes having specific health center capabilities nearby of great importance; go check it out. Call in advance to tour the facility. PS. There is a pharmacy there as well. Learn more about their Student Health Services.

During an FAU campus tour, the student ambassadors will take you to the most popular spots on campus. Your tour will begin in the office of undergraduate admissions. From there you will spend the day like an FAU Owl, visiting the Atlantic Dining Hall and the S.E. Wimberly Library. The tour will showcase a multitude of Buildings and Classrooms. No tour would be complete without a visit to the FAU Stadium and Recreation Center. FAU campus tours do not include a visit to the residence halls. Residence halls can be toured virtually. Take a peek into student life at FAU.

If your student has an interest in a specific field of study, we recommend taking a tour of that college as well. Ask your tour guide if they have time to show you or you can pick up a self-guided tour map in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. FAU campus tours are offered Monday – Friday and select Saturdays. Every tour will start with a 15-minute info session and then a 60- 90-minute walking tour. Sign up for a campus tour led by an FAU student ambassador. Group tours are also available. You may also take a Virtual Tour of many experiences that FAU offers. If you’re religious and that is important to your student, be sure to check out the student organizations around campus. We have information on the on and off-campus religious organizations.

You may want to visit the registrar’s office to be sure that your credits would transfer from any AP, AICE, or dual enrollment classes too. Perhaps the honors program is more your student’s interest, definitely be sure to ask about this at FAU. The Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College is slightly more rigorous so be sure it will be a good fit. This program is offered at the Jupiter Campus. To Visit the Harriet L. Wilkes honor college, you can book a tour of the Jupiter Campus.

The FAU Athletics department is a huge part of campus life. From football to basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, track, volleyball, swimming, and more, FAU has it all.  And, if your student is interested in competing but at the club level, there are over 20 clubs to compete in. For more information about Club Sports. Overall, there really is no better way to get a sense of how you truly feel about a college until you step foot on campus.

Finally, while I loved FAU as did my daughter, it is important that your student love FAU. Have them make the most out of their campus tour by asking the necessary questions, visiting places you’re going to be, and getting a feel for your life as a future Owl!

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