If you’re looking for colleges in Georgia, a campus visit is an essential part of the selection process. It’s a chance for you to get a feel for the culture, the facilities, the faculty, and the overall vibe of the schools you’re considering. To help you plan your tour schedule, we’ve put together a list of our favorite college tours in Georgia.
The University of Georgia (Athens)
The University of Georgia (UGA) is the oldest and largest public university in Georgia. The campus is located in Athens, a vibrant college town with a pedestrian-friendly downtown area. The UGA tour takes visitors through the heart of campus, including the iconic Arch, historic North Campus, and Memorial Hall.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta)
Georgia Tech, as it’s commonly known, is a top-ranked public research university located in Atlanta. Their campus tour includes a look at the Tree Walk, the Living Building, and the Clough Commons, which houses the Library and Learning Commons.
Emory University (Atlanta)
Emory is a private research university located in Atlanta. Their campus tour takes visitors through the picturesque Quadrangle and highlights the Michael C. Carlos Museum and the Robert W. Woodruff Library.
Agnes Scott College (Decatur)
Agnes Scott is a highly-ranked women’s college located in Decatur, just outside of Atlanta. Their campus tour includes a look at the historic Presser Hall, the Bradley Observatory, and the beautiful campus arboretum.
Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah)
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private university with campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and Hong Kong. The Savannah campus features historic buildings and beautiful urban squares. The tour takes visitors through the academic buildings and dorms, as well as the school’s unique cultural landmarks, like the Museum of Art and the SCAD Cinema.
Mercer University (Macon)
Mercer is a private university located in Macon, in central Georgia. The campus tour includes the Main Quad, the historic Administration Building, and the beautiful Mercer Village retail area.
Brenau University (Gainesville)
Brenau is a private women’s college located in Gainesville, in northeast Georgia. The campus tour includes a look at the historic Gainesville campus, as well as the school’s satellite campus in Atlanta.
Berry College (Mount Berry)
Berry is a private liberal arts college located near Rome, in northwest Georgia. The campus tour highlights the historic Berry College buildings, including the Ford Buildings and the Old Mill. Visitors can also explore the beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls on campus.
Columbus State University (Columbus)
Columbus State is a public university located in Columbus, in west-central Georgia. The campus tour includes a look at the gorgeous Riverpark Campus, the beautiful Lumpkin Center, and the iconic Yarbrough Tennis Center.
Planning Your College Tour
When planning your college tours, keep in mind that most schools offer a variety of options, including daily tours, special open houses, and virtual tours. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend scheduling your tour in advance, arriving early to allow time for parking and check-in, and dressing comfortably (you’ll be walking a lot!). Finally, don’t forget to take notes and pictures, so you can remember the important details and compare schools later.
Guided vs. Self-Guided Tours
Most schools offer both guided and self-guided tours. Guided tours are led by trained tour guides who provide detailed information and answer questions along the way. Self-guided tours give you more freedom to explore campus on your own, but may not cover as much ground or provide as much information. Some schools also offer audio tours, which allow you to listen to a recorded tour while walking around campus.
Virtual Tours
In addition to on-campus tours, many schools also offer virtual tours, which can be helpful if you are unable to visit in person. Virtual tours typically include photos, videos, and interactive maps, and allow you to explore campus from the comfort of your own home. While virtual tours can’t replace the experience of an in-person visit, they can help you get a sense of the campus and facilities before you make a decision.
Open Houses
Many schools also offer special open house events throughout the year, which provide a more in-depth look at campus life and allow you to meet faculty and staff, as well as current students. Open house events typically include campus tours, information sessions, and opportunities to attend classes and meet with professors. If you’re able to attend an open house, it can be a great way to get a feel for the school and determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right college is a big decision, and it’s important to gather as much information as possible before making a choice. Visiting colleges in person can be a valuable tool in this process, as it allows you to get a sense of what life on campus is really like. Whether you’re interested in large public universities or small private colleges, Georgia has a great selection of schools to choose from. By taking advantage of campus tours, virtual tours, and open houses, you can make an informed decision about your future.