What's better: official tour or self-guided tour?

Official campus tours offer significant advantages over self-guided tours when visiting schools like Clemson University and FSU. These structured visits give you exclusive access to buildings and facilities that might be locked or restricted to the general public. Your tour guide, typically a current student, can share authentic experiences about campus life, academic programs, and student activities that you wouldn't discover on your own.

During official tours, you'll have opportunities to ask specific questions about admissions requirements, financial aid, and housing options. Tour guides are trained to provide accurate, up-to-date information about application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and program-specific requirements. You might also get to meet faculty members or sit in on classes, experiences that aren't typically available during self-guided tours.

However, scheduling a self-guided tour after the official one can give you the complete picture of campus life. This additional walk-through allows you to revisit areas of particular interest, observe students in their natural environment, and get a feel for the campus atmosphere without the structured format. You can explore dining halls during peak hours, visit the library when students are studying, or check out the recreational facilities when they're busy.

The ideal approach combines both types of tours. Start with the official tour to gather essential information and access restricted areas, then follow up with your own exploration. This combination helps you experience both the polished presentation of the university and the authentic day-to-day campus atmosphere. Consider scheduling your visit during a regular school day rather than during breaks or weekends to get the most accurate impression of campus life.