YOUR GUIDE TO TOURING A UNIVERSITY

Touring universities can be an exciting and overwhelming experience that is different for each student. Having toured schools from British Columbia to Ontario, I realize that this challenge is no easy feat. Considering that university students typically spend four years at school, I found deciding where I am about to spend the next chapter of my life to be incredibly difficult. That being said, the experience at each school was a lesson in what type of lifestyle I hope to live and opened my eyes to a variety of unique programs. I hope that these tips are informative and will help to make visiting and choosing a post-secondary school much easier.

Before the Tour
Researching prospective schools is crucial when choosing a university. If you are still unsure about what specific field of work to go into, start by looking at key interests. This will help to narrow down what type of program you wish to attend and can make researching unique classes very interesting. Keep in mind that you usually do not have to declare a major until your third year of university and that it is very common to switch majors or to have a double major. However, it is a good idea to have prospective careers in mind as some programs have prerequisites. Research universities based on your interests, different programs that the school offers and financial needs.

Touring
The best way to make decisions concerning post secondary is to be informed. High schools often set up field trips to local post secondary institutions which provide an excellent opportunity to tour schools in a comfortable environment. To get the most out of these tours, ask as many questions as possible. As university tour guides are often students, they provide an insider perspective about student life and are your best resource when touring post secondary. Ask about what it really takes to get into the school, where the best places to eat around the campus are located and most importantly, ask them about their overall experience at the university. Tours are typically around an hour-and-a-half long and can also include other options. These options can include anything from weekend-long prospective student visits to trying out the food in the cafeteria. While touring post secondary, experiencing as much as possible is beneficial in the decision process.

For your Consideration
While student life can be seen as standard, various styles of living are key components when choosing a university. Whether your desire is to live at home to minimize expenses or live in residence, housing is a factor that needs to be recognized when deliberating post secondary. Living on campus for your first year of university provides a good transition from living at home and is a great way to meet other students. Also, most universities require students living on campus to purchase a meal plan which forces students to maintain healthy eating habits. While residence is common, other options are available and many universities offer links to affordable student housing off campus through their websites.

Finances
Another aspect of student life is financing. A discussion with your parents is necessary whether you have registered education savings or plan on working your way through school. Other options include student loans, bursaries and scholarships. Look into what scholarships are available through the government, post-secondary institutions and in your community and be sure to apply for as many as possible!

When choosing a university, information is the key to making the right decision. As there are many factors to consider when making this decision, be sure to know all of your options. Areas to consider include what lifestyle you hope to attain (and can afford), different programs that each school offers and where you feel you fit best. Overall, the experience of touring and choosing a university can be overwhelming but by being informed the right choice can be made easier.
Good luck!