Would you buy a house without stepping inside or seeing the neighborhood?  Would you sign a contract without reading it over? Would you buy a car without taking it for a test ride? If you answered no to any of these questions, then you should take a college campus tour before committing.  

Why should I tour a college campus? 

Are you wondering which college is for me? Colleges are not all the same. Each one has a different vibe, amenities, food, structure and location. All these things will heavily factor into your experience. Rankings and reviews matter but visiting campus and experiencing it firsthand is the best way to find out if a school is the right fit for you.  

What can I learn from a campus tour that I can’t find online? 

• The Food 

If you are living on campus, you will most likely be eating on campus. Stop for a meal at one of the dining halls during your campus tour. Are they serving foods you enjoy and fit into your diet? Do they have a variety of options, or will you eat the same thing every day? These are important things to consider when choosing what college is right for you. If you have questions about the meal plans, locations or hours, you can always ask questions during your tour.  

• The Terrain 

Terrain is more than picking the prettiest college. The layout of the school will impact your day-to-day life. It matters how close your classes are to each other when you only have fifteen minutes to get between each building. Campus maps are a good place to start, but it can be helpful to make the walk yourself, to know how long it’ll take you. The terrain also determines what time you will need to get up each morning. Figure out how close your dorm is to your classes, dining hall or the gym. Locate the shuttle stops for when it is too cold or hot for your trek to class. You will walk the campus during your tour and be able to determine these things for yourself.   

• The Surrounding City 

Googling the city you plan to live in will not do it justice. Visiting is the best way to feel the energy of where you will be living. Are there places where you would like to grab a coffee and study off-campus, go shopping for a new outfit, or see a film? Most of your time will be spent on campus, but it is important to like the city you live in.  

• Your Gut Instinct 

Is the atmosphere what you are looking for? Does campus feel like it could be your home away from home? Trust your instincts and commit to attending a school that you are excited about. Your gut feeling is more important than any list detailing the highest ranked schools. College is meant to be an educational and enjoyable experience. You’ll only know your gut instinct by showing up and experiencing campus for yourself.  

Ready to visit campus? Southeast Missouri State University hosts plenty of personalized campus tours at different times for you to see all that we have to offer when it’s convenient for you. Want a more immersive experience? Sign up for a Show Me Day for a full day of SEMOrowdiness.  

We cannot wait for you to arrive. 

 Apply to SEMO

Commonly asked questions:  

• Are college tours expensive? 

At Southeast Missouri State University, our campus tours are free. All you need to do is register online.  

• When should you start college campus tours? Do colleges do tours in the summer? 

Whenever you are ready! Most schools, like Southeast Missouri State University, offer tours year-round. 

• Who usually gives college tours? 

At Southeast Missouri State University, our student ambassadors give our campus tours, and our airport faculty give our pilot program airport tours.  

• How can I prepare for a college campus tour? 

Do your research before you arrive and have questions ready for your tour guide. This is your chance to find out any information you might want to know.  

• How long are campus tours? 

It depends. At Southeast Missouri State University, we offer a variety of different tours with varying hours. Our general campus tours are an hour and a half, and they are paired with a half hour presentation with an admissions counselor.