Deciding on a university to attend is a big decision. That’s why campus tours can be so important. Participants are able to see firsthand what the experience may be like, and if the experience is right for them.
At StFX, tours are offered both in-person and virtually.
Heather Butler, Coordinator of Campus Tours and Special Events at StFX, says she believes a tour is an essential way to get a feel for each university and allows the participant to feel what life may be like if they attend the university.
“Brochures and presentations are great, but there is something about stepping foot on campus that brings it all together,” she says.
“Many people say, and I agree, that there is something in the air at StFX and it is hard to understand it until you get here and feel it for yourself. Many tour participants begin the tour unsure if StFX is the right fit, and when the tour is over, they’ve decided that X is where they want to be. If it is at all possible to take a tour, especially in person, I highly recommend it.
“Participants get to see campus in real life, ask as many questions as they can think of, and get a feel for if it will give them the university experience they are envisioning.”
IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL
StFX is currently offering both in-person and virtual tours.
“The in-person tours are ideal for those who are able to travel to StFX, but we wanted to keep the option of the virtual tour as we know some students are unable to travel easily at the moment,” Ms. Butler says.
She says booking a tour is quite easy.
“Interested participants can click here to book. You will be able to see all available times within a two month window to book. Once the participant decides on a date and time, they will be able to select whether they wish to have an in-person or virtual tour.”
In-person tours are available to up to five people, from one family or close social circle, Ms. Butler says. This allows the tour to be personalized to the individual, while keeping gathering numbers low.
Masks are currently required on the tour and participants sign a COVID screening.
“Currently, as long as you are able to travel freely within Nova Scotia, you are welcome on a tour.”
GOOD TO BOOK EARLY
Tours can be booked up to two months in advance, and Ms. Butler recommends booking as early as possible as some dates fill up quickly.
“Our tours are led by a current StFX student. This allows the participants to ask a lot of questions on what university is like and get answers from someone who is currently experiencing university life.”
A tour takes just under an hour and a half typically, and participants get to explore many academic buildings, including classrooms and labs, as well as a few residences and other buildings on campus. The tours are personalized to areas in which the participant is most interested—for example, participants interested in nursing can often see the Nursing Simulation lab.
“Participants get to see a wide array of what StFX has to offer, and often will get to stop and talk to a professor along the way!”
Participants wishing to do a virtual tour will also sign up via the Campus Tours website and select the virtual tour option, Ms. Butler says.
“The tour will take place with one of our student guides via zoom where they will get to view a slideshow of all the areas of campus that they would explore if they were here in person. The participants still get to ask all the questions they would like and see many areas of campus, just from the comfort of their own home. The virtual tours are great for those who can’t make the trip to Antigonish but still want to get a feel for what life is like at StFX.”
