A KU campus tour turns college research into something real. It helps you see the place, meet the people and imagine your future as a Jayhawk.

Choosing a four-year university is a big decision, and it can feel like a lot to take in. With so many options and so much information available online, it’s easy to get stuck in research mode. A campus visit can change that. It gives you the chance to picture yourself at KU, to feel the energy of campus life, and to experience what being a Jayhawk is all about.

A visit is more than just a walk around campus. It is a chance to connect, to ask real questions, and to find out if KU feels like the right fit for you. Here's how a campus tour can help bring your college search into focus — and how you can make the most of your time at KU.

Beyond the brochure with a KU campus tour

You can watch videos and join webinars, but being here is different. When you visit KU in person, you get to experience the rhythm of campus. You can walk through bustling academic buildings, feel the energy of campus life, and take in the views.

You notice things that don’t always show up in an email, a virtual tour or a brochure — the way students greet each other, the conversations happening between classes and the little details that bring the campus to life.

We spoke with student ambassador Jackson Fries to get a feel for the true impact of a campus tour. Jackson is from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and he knows exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes. As an out-of-state student, his own campus tour was so impactful that it inspired him to help lead tours for future Jayhawks. He shared that while there are many moments that might stand out to students touring KU, it’s the history of Watson Library and the lunch crowd at the DeBruce Center that tend to show them a true piece of campus life.

“Typically, there are two places where I see students light up and envision themselves here. The first is walking into Watson library. I think they can see themselves in this cool place to study and see how it's a very collaborative space,” Jackson shared. 

“Walking into DeBruce, you can see Allen Fieldhouse and out to Robinson and Capital Federal Hall. Especially during lunchtime when we give tours, that's where you can see a ton of students. It’s a good example of what student life looks like, with just things like picking up lunch between classes. You see all the students sitting in their friend groups outside or eating in the lunchroom and talking. That’s when I see the most ‘aha’ moments for students and their families.” 

— Jackson Fries, KU Student Ambassador

On a campus tour, you are not just listening to a presentation. You are part of the conversation. Our student ambassadors are current KU students who love sharing their stories and answering your questions. They have been through the same decision process, and they know what it is like to wonder about things like class sizes, making friends and balancing school with everything else.

Personalize your KU campus visit

A tour can help you move from imagining college life to actually planning it. Maybe you discover a major you had not considered before. Maybe you visit a resource center that feels like home. Maybe something just clicks, and you realize this is where you want to be.

Visiting campus helps you see how your goals and interests could grow at KU. It is a step toward turning those dreams into a real plan.

Your tour will give you a great overview, but there are ways to take it further. When you sign up, let us know what you’re interested in so we can tailor your visit. You might want to attend an academic info session, visit a specific department or chat with someone from offices like Study Abroad & Global Engagement (SAGE) or Sorority & Fraternity Life (SFL).

According to Jackson, it’s also a good idea to continue exploring on your own after your tour. 

“After your tour, whether it's at KU or any university, just walk around and go into the buildings. You’re allowed to do that! You can go into buildings if you want and just see things for yourself with your family. See what students are like. After my own high school tour, my family stopped a student on the street and asked him, ‘How do you like it? What are the pros and cons? What would you do differently?’ The tours are great, but you can really get a feel for the entire university just walking around, exploring and talking to students.”

Come ready with questions. Want to know what it’s like to live in the residence halls? Curious about finding a job on campus or getting involved in student organizations? Ask away. This is your chance to get honest answers from someone who gets it.

Jackson shared that the most common questions he receives from students are often about class schedules, student housing, extracurricular options like sports and clubs, move-in day and transportation. They also ask about life in Lawrence as a college town, and of course, the big one: the food! 

“A big question I always get is food! They want to know about meal plans and dining on campus. ‘Is the food good here? What options are there?’ Jackson said. 

“Another major question they tend to ask is about the city of Lawrence and what it has to offer. I always tell students that it's a big-time college with a smaller town vibe. KU is not in a major metropolitan city, so heading to Mass Street is great after your tour. You and your family can walk down it and see all the shops and get a feel for the town.”

Insider traditions and KU visit day tips

A campus tour is your chance to connect with Jayhawks — both current students and future ones just like you.

Jackson shared that KU student ambassadors work hard to give students and their families a memorable experience on every tour. They’ll try to strike the right balance of history, facts and insider info. They’ll also explain the traditions that set KU apart from other schools, like waving the wheat or walking through the Campanile on graduation day.  

Your guide might also share personal stories that evoke the real spirit of the campus. According to Jackson, students and their families love hearing about seasonal college fun on the Hill. “One of my favorite things to talk about is when it snows, we do anything but a sled and we sled down The Campanile Hill. That's one that always cracks all the families up.”

Dress comfortably for the season and come ready to explore. Slow down, take some deep breaths and take it all in. There’s a lot to see, and this is your moment to imagine yourself here.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions! 

“The best piece of advice I could give a student is to ask as many questions as possible. It can be a little scary to ask in front of a tour group, but you will feel better in the long run if you ask as many questions as you can. It'll help you get a feel for the campus and see if the university fits your specific needs. Our job is to answer your questions, and if we can't answer it, there's somebody who can!”

Explore all our KU campus visit opportunities

Campus tours are important, and we’re here to help you see the best of what KU has to offer. “A campus tour gives you a first-hand experience of the university's atmosphere. It helps you visualize that student life piece, and it just allows you to explore all the resources that will help shape your college experience,” Jackson shared. 

KU’s flagship campus in Lawrence offers tours most weekdays and select Saturdays, along with special visit days designed for juniors, admitted students, transfers and students exploring specific programs. You can also find virtual info sessions from various academic units across campuses.

If you’re interested in KU’s Edwards Campus in Overland Park, you can join a Final Fridays campus tour to explore classrooms, meet staff and learn more about programs offered in the Kansas City area.