If you want to know what life might be like at a particular college, a campus tour should be on your to-do list.
You’ll get to standing in a classroom, meet staff who will become your support system, and pass through the spots where you’ll study, have lunch or hang out with friends.
Whether you’ve already accepted and want a feel for the community, or you’re still weighing which college you’ll attend, a tour is an invaluable window into the future.
“A website or brochure can tell you facts, but it can’t tell you how it feels to be there,” said Amadou Bah, an admission counselor at The University of Baltimore and a double alum, B.S. ’21, M.S. ’24. “Visiting helps students determine whether they can picture themselves learning, growing and succeeding on that campus. Finding the right college isn't just about being accepted. It's about finding the place that feels like the right fit.”
Aria Baker was already an admitted student when she took her first tour of UBalt. Leading the way was her sister, Keimanni Parks, one of three family members who already came to the University.
She keeps her own tour in mind now as a student ambassador working with the Office of Admission. Baker offers tours weekly, sometimes more often.
“I try not to make my campus tours too stiff. I try to add some feeling into them,” said Baker, a B.A. in Digital Communication student.
Baker likes to share personal stories during the tours, based on her own experiences.
“When I go over to the Student Center and I talk about the Career and Internship Center, I talk about how when I first started, I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I went and talked to the Career and Internship Center. They were able to help give me steps of what I could do, and that's exactly how I ended up where I am. We have these resources for a reason, and we just need to know about them.”
Both Bah and Baker agreed even online students can find merit in an on-campus tour if they can make it work. It could open their eyes to services, benefits and connections that elevate the overall experience.
Bah said his favorite stops on his tour include the John and Frances Angelos Law Center, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Inclusion Alley.
The center, located inside the William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center, could be easily overlooked but is a key incubator for students looking to develop business ideas, network, and find mentors in successful entrepreneurs, including alumni, he said.
Sharing the history of Inclusion Alley is an opportunity to showcase UBalt's commitment to diversity, belonging and creating a welcoming environment for all students, Bah said. “These stops showcase both the academic and community aspects of the University.”
Baker echoed her love of visiting the law center, particularly its 12th floor balcony overlooking midtown Baltimore. She added the Liberal Arts and Policy Building as another favorite stop; that’s where she spends most of her class time.
But Baker will tell you the best parts of a tour aren’t necessarily the places you visit, but the people you see along the way. It helps showcase UBalt as the close community it is.
“Imagine you've already made your decision, you pick the university, and then you get there, and you're just like, ‘Oh, maybe I don't like it here.’ Taking a campus tour allows you to get a feel for the campus, especially the staff. … You just have to know the right people. So, a tour like this can help you know who's who and who you can come talk to.”
A tour is also a great time for students to ask questions and get answers that might not exist elsewhere, Bah said.
“If they're interested in a specific program, for example, we may connect them with a program director or arrange a visit to specialized spaces, such as the Game Lab or the forensic lab, so they can explore their academic interests in more depth,” he said.
Bah has been able to connect students on tours with faculty when they’re available. Dr. Nelu Marginean, program director for the B.S. in Forensic Studies, has even offered hands-on demonstrations in the lab where he teaches for interested visitors.
“Those experiences leave a lasting impression and help students see what learning at UBalt is really like,” Bah said.
University staff also enjoy welcoming students to campus. Dr. Eleftherios Michael, director of Diversity and International Services, enjoys offering prospective students some coffee and treats while sharing how the office supports diversity, inclusion and cultural engagement on campus.
Students who have already been admitted can gain a lot from a tour, too, Baker said. She’ll help new students find where their classes will be, get their Bee Card that unlocks access across campus, and help students otherwise get their footing before their first day.
“I love that aspect, because that's what my sister did for me,” she said.