taylor university virtual tour

Search Colleges

• Choose a Degree Level Diploma Certificate Associate Bachelor's Continuing Education Graduate Certificate Master's Doctoral Post-doctoral Certificate
• Choose a Category Art and Design Business Criminal Justice and Legal Education General Studies Healthcare Information Technology Psychology Science and Engineering Trade Skills
• Choose a Subject Animation / Game Design Architecture / Urban Planning Art and Illustration Audio / Visual Production Digital Design Drafting Fashion Design / Merchandising Fine Arts Graphic / Visual Arts Interior Design Performing Arts Photography / Film Studies Radio and Television Theater Web Design / Multimedia Accounting / Finance Administrative Professional Business Administration / Management Business Information Systems Communications / Public Relations Economics Entrepreneurship Hospitality / Tourism Human Resources International Business Marketing MBA Office Management Organizational Management Project Management Retail and Sales Supply Chain Management Corrections Court Reporting Criminal Investigation Criminal Justice Administration Emergency and Fire Management Fire Protection Forensics Homeland Security / Public Safety Law Degree Law Enforcement / Security Paralegal / Legal Studies Public Administration Adult Education Continuing Education Curriculum and Instruction Early Childhood Education Educational Leadership Elementary Education English as a Second Language Higher Education Instructional Technology Secondary Education Special Education Teacher Education Technology in Education English Foreign Language Geography History Humanities Liberal Arts Philosophy and Religious Studies Political and Social Sciences Religious Studies Alternative Therapy Athletic Training Dental Diet / Nutrition Emergency Medicine Health Information Systems Health Science Health Services Healthcare Administration / Management Massage Therapy Medical Assisting Medical Coding & Billing Medical Technologist Medical Technology Medicine Nursing Nutrition and Wellness Pharmacy Physical Therapy / Respiratory Therapy Public Health Veterinary Studies Computer Science / Programming Data Management Database Administration Information Systems Library Science Networking / Security Technical Support Web Development / Internet Aeronautics Agriculture Biology Engineering Environment / Natural Resources Industrial Technology Mathematics Physical Sciences Addiction Studies Child and Family Studies Child Development Counseling Psychology Social Science Social Work Automotive Technology / Mechanic Aviation Technology / Pilot Career Training CDL / Heavy Equipment Operation / Repair Conservation Construction Management Construction Trades Cosmetology Craftsman Trades Culinary Arts Electronic / Computer Technology Esthetics High School Diploma Life Skills / Hobbies Marine Technology / Captain Mechanics Military / ROTC Other Trades Real Estate Secondary Diplomas & Certificates Welding / Fabrication
• Sponsored Schools

• Taylor University /

Virtual Tour

• Student Life

Taylor University Virtual Tour

Are you applying to taylor u explore the campus using the virtual tour below..

Virtual tours are a great way to refresh your memory or to preview an on-site tour of Taylor University.

What's in it for me?

At the beginning of your college search, a virtual tour can be a beneficial tool to explore the campus before your visit. When you do visit the campus, be sure to talk to current students about their experiences. A student perspective is a helpful way to gauge your future experience when attending Taylor U. Already took an on-campus tour? It's inevitable. All of your college tours will blend, and you might forget the appearance of Taylor University's library, dorms, or cafeteria. Use the virtual tour to jog your memory! With the interactive mapping tool below you can even explore the area surrounding the campus.

Use the resources below to start your virtual tour.

Using the Map

Click and drag the little orange person to a location on the map. Locations with panoramas appear as blue lines or blue dots when moving the orange person. The blue dots are panoramic views that you may swivel. The blue lines are paths that you can navigate along.

Panoramic View

You can "pan" or "swivel" the camera around by clicking on the image and dragging your mouse or finger. If you see a white arrow on the picture, you can click or tap on it to move in the direction of the arrow. This will also update the location of the little orange person on the map so you can get a better sense of where you are and what direction you are facing.

Continue Your Research on Taylor U

College Factual provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.

© 2022 College Factual – All Rights Reserved.

• Privacy Policy
• California Privacy
• Do Not Sell My Info
• Terms of Use

Catch a glimpse of life as a Taylor student.

A campus visit will bring you closer to the reality of life as a Taylor student. You'll meet Taylor students and professors in your field of interest, see the campus where you could spend four years, and have a chance to try the food in the Dining Commons! We offer two types of visits to introduce you to the Taylor experience. Choose the one that's right for you.

Personal Visit

Choose a day that fits your schedule and come visit Taylor. You'll be able to join a campus tour, sit in on a class, meet with an Admissions counselor, share a meal with current students, and stay overnight with students in one of our residence halls. Arrive by 9:45 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, and you'll be just in time for chapel.

24@Taylor Visit Event

Choose one of our prescheduled 24@Taylor visit days and spend 24 hours on Taylor's campus. As part of this high-energy event, you can stay overnight with current Taylor students, pick your own class/event schedule, and connect with faculty and Admissions staff. 24@Taylor visit events are always scheduled so you can attend chapel while you’re here.

2017 Visits

• September 21-22
• October 26-27

2018 Visits

• April 12-13

Major-Specific Events

• October 29-30, 2017 (Education Focus)
• November 2-3, 2017 (Biology and Chemistry Focus; Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering Focus)
• November 12-13, 2017 (Music, Theatre and Dance Focus)
• November 16-17, 2017 (Business Focus)

{{ firstlevel.title }}

{{ firstlevel.title firstlevel.title : vm.computedtitle(firstlevel.path) }}, {{ secondlevel.title }}, {{ thirdlevel.title }}.

• Scholarships
• How to Apply
• Open Day 2024

{{ secondlevel.description }}

{{ thirdLevel.description }}

Curious about Taylor's Lakeside Campus?

Learn more about our facilities and amenities through this self-guided, virtual tour that you can explore any time, from wherever you are. Reach out to us for more questions related to our programmes, scholarships, fees, accommodation, and more.

Come join us for Taylor’s Open Day 2024!

Happening on 10,11, 17, and 18 August (Saturdays and Sundays), turn your knowledge into purpose for real impact at Taylor’s. Explore our world-class learning environment and industry connections, propelling you to success at our elite institutions, ranked among Asia’s Top 50 and the World’s Top 1%.

Take A Virtual Tour

Ask our unibuddy.

Still curious about our campus? Let our team of student ambassadors help you with all the questions you have.  

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED

• Taylor's Education Group
• Taylor's Library
• Taylor's Alumni
• Taylor's CSR
• Taylor's Verify
• Explore All Programmes
• Pre-University
• Diploma Studies
• Professional Studies

Campus Life

• Taylor'sphere
• Accommodation
• Clubs & Societies
• Campus Facilities
• Orientation

About Taylor's

• Career Opportunities
• Whistleblower

STAY INFORMED

Copyright © 2024 Taylor’s Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 200501005899 (682946-T) DK361(B). All rights reserved.

Connect with us on

{{ firstlevel.title }}

{{ firstlevel.title firstlevel.title : vm.computedtitle(firstlevel.path) }}, {{ secondlevel.title }}, {{ thirdlevel.title }}.

• Taylor'sphere
• How to Apply
• Career at Taylor's
• Open Day 2024

{{ secondlevel.description }}

{{ thirdLevel.description }}

Hostel life is a critical part of the total university experience. Where you choose to live plays a vital role in determining your success in university. 

At Taylor’s Residence, we are committed to delivering a holistic living experience to all residents by providing the support, experience and environment for you to succeed.

Come join us for Taylor’s Open Day 2024!

Happening on 10,11, 17, and 18 August (Saturdays and Sundays), turn your knowledge into purpose for real impact at Taylor’s. Explore our world-class learning environment and industry connections, propelling you to success at our elite institutions, ranked among Asia’s Top 50 and the World’s Top 1%.

RESIDENT'S WELFARE SUPPORT

We provide quality on-campus and off-campus accommodation options that are located within a safe and conducive environment. Our Residents’ Welfare Support focuses on STAY Program (Strong Thriving Active Youth), consists of: ​

Physical Wellbeing

Positive physical well-being helps students adapt and excel in new settings. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment that feels like home​:

• 24-hour support from live-in housemasters​
• Conducive living & learning spaces​
• Safety workshops and activities​
• High-security and safe environment

Emotional Wellbeing

Positive mental health is vital for academic and personal growth. We offer support and programmes that help students:​

• Integrate into new living and learning environment​
• Master self-management ​
• Manage stress and build emotional resilience​

Social Wellbeing

Positive social wellness involves building healthy relationships with fellow residents:​

• Foster a sense of belonging and social inclusion​
• Collaborate to take ownership of your living environment​
• Live harmoniously by respecting and appreciating diverse customs and cultures

Intellectual Wellbeing

Our residents' intellectual well-being thrives in a nurturing environment that promotes curiosity, lifelong learning, and critical thinking​:

• Academic support services​
• Intellectual enrichment workshops​
• Peer- to peer learning ​

Ruemz (pronounced 'rooms') is a trendy new block located on-campus that offers comfortable independent living spaces, enhanced privacy and additional security features. The low-density block houses over 132 beds in tastefully-furnished single and twin-sharing rooms spread across 7 floors. Each room has an attached bathroom and is equipped with TV, safety box and mini fridge.​ ​ Conveniently located below Ruemz is Syopz, a retail mall that offers a good variety of food and beverage outlets, banking facilities, a clinic, a stationary shop, a tech store and a bookstore. Parking is also available beneath the building. Taylor's University provides daily shuttle bus services that transport students to Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, the LRT train station and KTM train station.

U Residence is the flagship on-campus hostel operated by Taylor's Hostel Management. This 6-storey building houses 888 beds spread across 128 apartments and 114 standalone en-suite units, all tastefully-furnished with beds, mattresses, wardrobes, study tables and chairs.​ ​ Each apartment unit can comfortably accommodate up to 6 residents in single & twin-sharing rooms, with a shared pantry/dining area (with refrigerator, microwave, individual storage spaces) and shared washroom. Each en-suite unit has an attached bathroom but does not come with a pantry or dining area.​ Situated beneath U Residence, Syopz is a retail mall featuring a diverse range of amenities, including food and beverage outlets, banking facilities, a clinic, a stationery shop, a technology store, and a bookstore. Parking is available under the building. Additionally, Taylor's offers daily shuttle bus services that transport students to Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, the LRT train station, and the KTM train station.

We provide a range of essential facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all Taylor's residents. These amenities are designed to support both your academic and personal needs, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

Facilities, Support & Services

• Tastefully-furnished rooms​
• Air-conditioned​
• Wi-Fi access (regulated for educational learning)​
• 24-hour security guard service with surveillance system​
• Exclusive U Lounge with TV, music and games room​
• Common Kitchen with cooking facilities​
• Coin-operated laundromat (Available in Syopz Mall)
• Gym with swimming pool (Available at separate fees)​
• Helpdesk for enquiries​
• On-site maintenance team​
• 24-hour support via live-in housemasters​
• Residents' Welfare Support​
• Housekeeping services

THE LAUNCHPAD PROJECT INITIATIVE

Taylor’s Hostel initiated the LaunchPad project in 2019 with the aim to end menstruation poverty among female refugees living in Malaysia. LaunchPad is the first project in Malaysia to tackle period poverty among refugees through reusable sanitary pads & menstrual hygiene education. Presently, some 170,000 refugees and asylum seekers reside in Malaysia of which 32% are women (60,000 women refugees).

The LaunchPad Project

We work with well-known NGOs to help residents lead community projects. This gives residents a chance to learn valuable life and leadership skills while helping their communities.

Female Reproductive Health - Educational Video

Video by The LaunchPad Project, a collab between Taylor's Hostel Management, Taylor's Design School, SPOT, and UNHCR.

Taylor's Hostel Management

Level 1, Syopz Mall, No. 2, Jalan Taylor's, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Call us at: 

(+603) 5631 3400

Drop us a fax at:

 (+603) 5631 3457

For any enquiries, email us at: 

[email protected]

• Taylor's Education Group
• Taylor's Alumni
• Taylor's Library
• Taylor's CSR
• Taylor's Verify
• Explore All Programmes
• Scholarships and Financial Aids
• Key Intakes
• Campus Facilities

Campus Life

• Journey with Taylor's University
• Accommodation
• Clubs and Societies
• Sports and Recreation

About Taylor's

• Taylor's Impact Labs
• Sustainability
• QS Rankings
• Whistleblower

STAY INFORMED

Copyright © 2024 Taylor’s University Sdn. Bhd. 198601000495 (149634-D) DU023 (B). All rights reserved

Taylor University

General Information

2023-2024 tuition, student housing, enrollment statistics, undergraduate student gender, undergraduate race / ethnicity, undergraduate admissions, admission considerations, admission test scores, sports and athletics, men's sports.

• Men's Baseball
• Men's Basketball
• Men's Cross Country
• Men's Football
• Men's Lacrosse
• Men's Soccer
• Men's Track & Field

Women's Sports

• Women's Basketball
• Women's Cross Country
• Women's Golf
• Women's Soccer
• Women's Softball
• Women's Track & Field
• Women's Volleyball

Majors/Degrees Conferred

-d denotes that program is also offered through distance education.

College Search

More than 30 million students have used campustours to find virtual campus tours and maps..

• Undergraduate

Information For  

• Advancement
• Life to the Full Campaign
• Value of the Liberal Arts
• Whole Person Focused
• Life Together Covenant
• Servant Towel
• Health and Leave Benefits
• History of Taylor
• University Anchor Points
• Foundational Documents
• Strategic Plan
• Organizational Values
• Rice Bell Tower
• School Structure
• Promotion and Tenure
• Faculty Development
• Shared Governance
• Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Scholarship
• Student Statistics
• Area Living
• Indiana Areas of Interest
• Regional Metropolitan Areas
• Grant County
• In This Section

Campus Map and Tours

Wayfinding Map

Enjoy these virtual tours to give you a sense of our beautiful campus and the joy it is to work with such amazing space.

Residential Tour

Historic tour, athletics tour, academic tour.

Taylor University

• Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,095 reviews

Report Card

• Academics grade  B+
• Value grade  B
• Diversity grade  B
• Campus grade  B+
• Athletics grade  B minus
• Party Scene grade  D+
• Professors grade  B
• Location grade  C
• Dorms grade  A+
• Campus Food grade  B minus
• Student Life grade  B+
• Safety grade  A+
• Common App Accepted
• No Application Fee
• SAT/ACT Optional
• Some Online Degrees

Taylor University Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

• Best Christian Colleges in America 29 of 333
• Best College Dorms in America 50 of 1,363
• Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America 61 of 684

TU Admissions

Students also applied to ....

• grade  B Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
• grade  C+ Grace College
• grade  B+ Cedarville University
• grade  B Huntington University
• grade  B minus Trine University
• grade  B+ Marian University Indianapolis
• grade  C+ Franklin College
• grade  B Hanover College

Will You Get In?

Will you get into tu.

Test Scores and High School GPA for Taylor University

Find Student Loans

Scholarship, claim your college today, most popular majors.

• Business 38 Graduates
• Elementary Education 37 Graduates
• Marketing 33 Graduates
• Psychology 31 Graduates
• Cinematography and Video Production 29 Graduates
• Biology 21 Graduates
• Exercise Physiology 16 Graduates
• Finance 16 Graduates
• Computer Science 14 Graduates
• Political Science and Government 13 Graduates
• Mix of Online and on Campus 20%
• On Campus 63%
• Friendly 24%
• Friendly Christian hipster 24%
• Christian Hipster 21%
• College Students who desire learning with God 17%
• Christian Prep 7%
• Christian 2%

Campus Life

• Integration of faith and learning 63%
• Intentional community 22%
• Fast-paced 3%
• Home away from home 3%
• Intimate 3%
• religious zealots 3%

After College

Similar colleges, colleges like taylor university.

• Rating 3.98 out of 5   1,169 reviews
• WINONA LAKE, IN
• Rating 4 out of 5   596 reviews
• CEDARVILLE, OH
• Rating 3.97 out of 5   1,262 reviews
• HUNTINGTON, IN
• Rating 3.68 out of 5   423 reviews

Taylor University Reviews

• Rating 5 out of 5   Excellent 253   reviews ( 23 %)
• Rating 4 out of 5   Very Good 407   reviews ( 37 %)
• Rating 3 out of 5   Average 330   reviews ( 30 %)
• Rating 2 out of 5   Poor 69   reviews ( 6 %)
• Rating 1 out of 5   Terrible 36   reviews ( 3 %)
• 25 days ago
• Overall Experience
• Graduate Student
• 16 days ago
• 2 months ago

Add to List

Virtual Tours

Take a 360-degree room tour.

Living on-campus is expected for first-year freshmen and encouraged for upper division students. The 360-degree tours will allow you to zoom in and out as well as move your viewpoint in a 360* (use degree symbol) radius. The tours and videos provide general examples of various accommodations across campus. Incoming freshmen will have the ability to tour their specific Residential College building when they attend New Student Orientation.

Downtown Phoenix

Taylor Place

Taylor Place Tower 2

Polytechnic

Century Hall

Casa de Oro

Adelphi Commons

Hassayampa Academic Village

Palo Verde East

Sonora Center

Barrett, the Honors College

Fulton Schools Residential Community at Tooker House

Note: Virtual tours may not reflect slight variations in furniture style/size as well as variations in room and apartment size.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category

College Admissions

• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

Are Virtual College Tours as Important as On-Campus?

Do you have colleges you're interested in but don't have the time or money to visit the campuses in person? Look into virtual college tours! More and more colleges are now offering them (we have the whole list!), and they're a great way to get a feel for what a particular school is like without leaving home. But how do virtual college visits work? What questions should you ask? And how do you know if they're the right choice for you? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Virtual College Tour? How Do They Work?

Virtual college tours are pretty much what they sound like: you watch from your computer as a student from the college you're interested in gives you a video tour of campus , tells stories about the school, and answers any questions you may have. Some are fully live, with the camera following the guide around as they go to different parts of campus, while others are partly prerecorded with the guide speaking over pre-shot video of the campus.

You'll sign up in advance for a virtual college tour. We recommend doing this well ahead of time (ideally several weeks) since the virtual tours are still kept fairly small to allow everyone the chance to ask questions. A day or so before the tour, you'll be given a link that you'll click on at the given time to start the tour. And that's it!

College tours have long been one of the best ways to learn if a school is right for you. On top of that, touring a school shows the admissions teams that you're seriously interested in attending. Some colleges use demonstrated interest as a part of their application review process, so even just attending a virtual college tour could give your application a boost.

Are college tours where you're not actually on campus still useful? They can be! Certainly there are benefits to actually being on campus and experiencing the vibe for yourself, but virtual college tours can be a surprisingly useful alternative. They're carefully put together to show students different parts of campus (classrooms, dorms, stadiums, etc.) and give them a feel for the entire school. Like an in-person college tour, you'll also be able to ask questions at the end.

What Questions Should You Ask During a Virtual College Visit?

We have a list of 118 questions to ask during a campus tour , but below are questions specifically for virtual college tours. Some of these are general questions, others are aimed at giving you a sense of what the school and campus life is like when you're not able to experience it in-person. Whatever questions you ask, be sure that you end the virtual tour feeling like you have a good sense of all aspects of the school, including academics, housing and dining options, extracurriculars, and campus life.

• How large are the classes?
• Are the classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
• How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses? Are there required classes for freshmen?
• Are students usually able to take their first choice courses?
• Is it easy to change your major?
• Can undergraduates work with professors on research?
• Where are the best places to study on campus?
• What are the hours for the library? Do these change during reading periods or exam weeks?
• Are study abroad programs popular? Any ones in particular?
• What kind of opportunities exist for undergraduates to work on research or academic projects with professors?
• What kind of internships are available? Do a lot of students get internships?

Residence Life

• What are the dorms like? Are there lounges, laundry, and kitchens? Shared or private restrooms?
• Do most students live in the dorms?
• What's the most popular dorm to live in? The least popular? How do they compare to the dorm we saw on the tour?
• What kind of food does the dining hall serve? Are there different options? How is it, really?

Extracurriculars

• What are some of the most popular extracurriculars and why?
• What clubs or other opportunities exist for community service?
• Do sports play a large role on campus? What about intramurals or exercise classes?

Campus and the Surrounding Area

• Where do students tend to hang out on and off campus?
• How would you describe the presence of Greek life? Do a lot of students belong to fraternities or sororities?
• What are some big campus events, like homecoming or alumni weekend?
• Is it easy to get around campus or get off campus without a car?
• What transportation options are there around campus?
• Is it a safe area to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?

Personal Questions

• What's your favorite class and why?
• What do you wish you had known going into freshman year?
• Is there anything you wish you had done differently to improve your experience here?
• What's your favorite spot you've discovered on campus since arriving?

4 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Virtual College Tours

If you've decided to do a virtual college tour, what's next? Follow the four tips below to get the most out of the experience.

#1: Prepare Ahead of Time

Before you sit down for any virtual tour of a college, you should do a bit of work beforehand. First, think about what you want to get from this tour. Of course you want to learn more about the school, but is there something specific you're hoping to get from it? A better understanding of what campus looks like? A chance to see an actual dorm room? A clearer explanation of what choosing freshman classes will be like? Having a goal in mind will help you get the most out of the tour. 

Next, come up with a short list of questions you'd like answered (use our suggestions above as a guideline). Finally, when it comes time to sit in on the virtual tour, take it seriously. Move distractions (like your phone) out of sight, and don't be tempted to spend the tour scrolling through other websites. If this is actually a college you're interested in attending, then it's worth an hour of your time to really pay attention to the tour.

#2: Know They're Showing You the Best Parts

This is true of all campus tours. When I visited Michigan State, they had a dorm room they kept vacant and had decorated to show touring students what their dorm room would look like. And…that dorm room was significantly nicer than mine ended up being. For a virtual tour, it's even easier to only show the nicest parts of campus. This doesn't mean that the school is deliberately trying to con you or that the parts of the school you don't see will be a disaster, but be aware that a virtual tour is a bit like looking at someone's Instagram: they're showing you their highlight reel.

#3: Research Other Ways to Learn About the School

College visits (both in-person and virtual) are a great way to learn about a school, but they're certainly not the only way, especially as colleges grow their online presence more and more. If you've done a virtual tour of a college and are interested in still learning more, check out other resources. The school's website is the obvious one, but you can also look into their social media accounts, see what's being written in the school newspaper (they're practically all available online now), what events are coming up on the school calendar, etc. You can also talk to other people affiliated with the school, such as an admissions counselor, and ask them questions you still have after the virtual tour. For example, if you did a Boston College virtual tour and want to know more about the school, you could check out its admissions webpage , its admissions Instagram page , and its student paper , as a start.

#4: Consider If You Want to Visit In-Person

Virtual campus tours are a great way to get a better sense of what a certain school offers and what the vibe is like. However, it's not a perfect replacement for an in-person visit where you can see the buildings for yourself, walk around campus, see students going to and from classes, etc. If you're really interested in a school after doing a virtual tour, and you have the time/money to travel there, an in-person visit can help you decide if it's actually the right school for you. Some students also wait until after they've been admitted and received financial aid packages to visit schools, so they're not wasting their time, but be aware this only gives you about a month to make the visit and decide where you want to go to college.

Colleges That Offer Virtual Campus Tours

Virtual college visits have become more and more popular in recent years, especially since the pandemic made it difficult or impossible to visit many college campuses. Below are all the colleges that currently offer virtual college tours, organized alphabetically by state. It's a long list, so use "ctrl +F" to search for a school name if you're interested to see if a specific school is a virtual tour college.

• Auburn University
• Birmingham-Southern College
• Huntingdon College
• Samford University
• Troy University
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa
• University of Mobile
• University of Montevallo
• University of South Alabama
• University of West Alabama
• Alaska Pacific University
• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Southwestern College
• Arizona State University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Northern Arizona University
• University of Advancing Technology
• University of Arizona
• Arkansas Tech University
• Harding University
• Hendrix College
• John Brown University
• University of Arkansas--Fayetteville
• University of the Ozarks
• Academy of Art University
• ArtCenter College of Design
• Azusa Pacific University
• Biola University
• California Baptist University
• California College of the Arts
• California Institute of Technology
• California Institute of the Arts
• California Lutheran University
• California Polytechnic State University
• CSU Channel Islands
• CSU East Bay
• CSU Humboldt
• CSU Long Beach
• CSU Los Angeles
• CSU Northridge
• CSU Sacramento
• CSU San Bernardino
• CSU San Diego
• CSU San Francisco
• CSU San Jose
• CSU San Luis Obispo
• CSU San Marcos
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Cogswell College
• Humboldt State University
• Humphreys College
• Loyola Marymount University
• Marymount California University
• The Master's University
• Mills College
• Mount Saint Mary's University
• Notre Dame de Namur University
• Occidental College
• Otis College of Art and Design
• Pacific Union College
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Point Loma Nazarene University
• Pomona College
• Saint Mary's College of California
• San Diego State University
• San Francisco State University
• Santa Clara University
• Simpson University
• Soka University of America
• Sonoma State University
• Stanford University
• Thomas Aquinas College
• University of California--Berkeley
• University of California--Davis
• University of California-Irvine
• University of California--Los Angeles
• University of California - Merced
• University of California--Riverside
• University of California--San Diego
• University of California--Santa Barbara
• University of California--Santa Cruz
• University of La Verne
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California
• Westmont College
• Whittier College
• Colorado Mesa University
• Colorado School of Mines
• Colorado State University
• Colorado State University-Pueblo
• Fort Lewis College
• Naropa University
• Regis University
• United States Air Force Academy
• University of Colorado--Boulder
• University of Denver
• University of Northern Colorado

Connecticut

• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Fairfield University
• Mitchell College
• Quinnipiac University
• Sacred Heart University
• Trinity College
• University of Bridgeport
• University of New Haven
• University of Saint Joseph
• Wesleyan University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Yale University
• University of Delaware
• Barry University
• Clearwater Christian College
• Eckerd College
• Flagler College
• Florida A&M University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Florida International University
• Florida Southern College
• Florida State University
• Lynn University
• New College of Florida
• Nova Southeastern University
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• Ringling College of Art + Design
• Rollins College
• Saint Leo University
• Stetson University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• University of North Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of Tampa
• University of West Florida
• Webber International University
• Agnes Scott College
• Albany State University
• The Art Institute of Atlanta
• Augusta University
• Berry College
• Brenau University
• Covenant College
• Emory University
• Georgia College & State University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• Kennesaw State University
• Life University
• Mercer University
• Piedmont College
• Point University
• Reinhardt University
• Savannah College of Art and Design
• Shorter College
• University of Georgia
• University of North Georgia
• Valdosta State University
• Wesleyan College
• Chaminade University of Honolulu
• University of Hawaii-Manoa
• Boise State University
• Lewis-Clark State College
• University of Idaho
• Augustana College
• Aurora University
• Bradley University
• Columbia College 
• DePaul University
• Dominican University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Elmhurst College
• Greenville University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois State University
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Knox College
• Lake Forest College
• Lewis University
• Loyola University of Chicago
• Millikin University
• Monmouth College
• North Central College
• Northeastern Illinois University
• Northern Illinois University
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Quincy University
• Rockford University
• Roosevelt University
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
• Trinity Christian College
• The University of Chicago
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• University of Illinois at Springfield
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of St. Francis
• Western Illinois University
• Wheaton College
• Anderson University
• Ball State University
• Bethel University
• Butler University
• DePauw University
• Grace College and Seminary
• Hanover College
• Huntington University
• Indiana State University
• Indiana University--Bloomington
• Indiana University East
• Indiana University-Kokomo
• Indiana University Northwest
• Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
• Indiana University South Bend
• Indiana University Southeast
• Indiana Wesleyan University
• Manchester University
• Marian University
• Purdue University--West Lafayette
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Saint Mary's College
• Taylor University
• University of Evansville
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Southern Indiana
• Valparaiso University
• Wabash College
• Briar Cliff University
• Buena Vista University
• Central College
• Cornell College
• Drake University
• Graceland University
• Grinnell College
• Luther College
• Mount Mercy University
• Northwestern College
• St. Ambrose University
• University of Dubuque
• University of Iowa
• Upper Iowa University
• Wartburg College
• William Penn University
• Baker University
• Bethel College
• Fort Hays State University
• Friends University
• Kansas State University
• MidAmerica Nazarene University
• Sterling College
• University of Kansas
• Wichita State University
• Bellarmine University
• Centre College
• Georgetown College
• Murray State University
• Northern Kentucky University
• Transylvania University
• University of Louisville
• University of Pikeville
• University of the Cumberlands
• Western Kentucky University
• Louisiana College
• Louisiana State University--Baton Rouge
• Loyola University New Orleans
• Nicholls State University
• Southeastern Louisiana University
• Southern University and A & M College
• Tulane University
• University of New Orleans
• Bates College
• Bowdoin College
• Colby College
• Husson University
• Unity College
• University of Maine
• University of Maine-Augusta
• University of New England
• Frostburg State University
• Goucher College
• Hood College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Loyola University Maryland
• Maryland Institute College of Art
• Mount St. Mary's University
• St. John's College
• St. Mary's College of Maryland
• Salisbury University
• Stevenson University
• Towson University
• United States Naval Academy
• University of Maryland--Baltimore County
• University of Maryland--College Park

Massachusetts

• Amherst College
• Assumption College
• Babson College
• Bard College at Simon's Rock
• Bay Path University
• Bentley University
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Brandeis University
• Cambridge College
• Clark University
• College of the Holy Cross
• Emerson College
• Emmanuel College
• Endicott College
• Fitchburg State College
• Framingham State University
• Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
• Gordon College
• Hampshire College
• Harvard College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Merrimack College
• Mount Holyoke College
• Nichols College
• Regis College
• School of the Museum of Fine Arts
• Simmons University
• Suffolk University
• Tufts University
• University of Massachusetts-Amherst
• University of Massachusetts-Lowell
• Wellesley College
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Western New England University
• Westfield State University
• Williams College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Worcester State University
• Adrian College
• Albion College
• Aquinas College
• Calvin University
• Central Michigan University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Ferris State University
• Hope College
• Kalamazoo College
• Kettering University
• Lawrence Technological University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University
• Northern Michigan University
• Northwood University
• Oakland University
• Saginaw Valley State University
• Siena Heights University
• Spring Arbor University
• University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University
• Augsburg University
• Bemidji State University
• Carleton College
• College of St. Benedict/Saint John's University
• The College of Saint Scholastica
• Concordia College
• Concordia University - St Paul
• Gustavus Adolphus College
• Hamline University
• Macalester College
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design
• Minnesota State University--Mankato
• Minnesota State University--Moorhead
• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
• St. Olaf College
• University of Minnesota--Crookston
• University of Minnesota--Duluth
• University of Minnesota--Morris
• University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
• University of Saint Thomas

Mississippi

• Belhaven College
• Jackson State University
• Millsaps College
• Mississippi State University
• University of Mississippi
• Columbia College
• Drury University
• Maryville University of Saint Louis
• Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Missouri Valley College
• Saint Louis University
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Southwest Baptist University
• Stephens College
• Truman State University
• University of Central Missouri
• University of Missouri
• University of Missouri--Kansas City
• University of Missouri--Saint Louis
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Webster University
• Westminster College
• William Jewell College
• Montana State University
• Montana State University--Billings
• Rocky Mountain College
• University of Montana
• The University of Montana--Western
• College of Saint Mary
• Creighton University
• Doane University
• Hastings College
• Nebraska Wesleyan University
• University of Nebraska--Omaha
• University of Nebraska--Lincoln
• Wayne State College
• Sierra Nevada College

New Hampshire

• Colby-Sawyer College
• Dartmouth College
• Franklin Pierce University
• Keene State College
• Plymouth State University
• Rivier University
• Saint Anselm College
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of New Hampshire
• Caldwell University
• The College of New Jersey
• College of Saint Elizabeth
• Drew University
• Georgian Court University
• Kean University
• Monmouth University
• Montclair State University
• New Jersey City University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Princeton University
• Ramapo College of New Jersey
• Rider University
• Rowan University
• Rutgers University-Camden
• Rutgers University-Newark
• Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Stockton University
• Thomas Edison State University
• William Paterson University
• Eastern New Mexico University
• New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology
• New Mexico State University
• University of New Mexico
• Adelphi University
• Alfred University
• Barnard College
• Canisius College
• City University of New York--Baruch College
• City University of New York--Brooklyn College
• Queens College of the City University of New York
• City University of New York - The College of Staten Island
• Clarkson University
• Colgate University
• The College of Saint Rose
• Columbia University
• The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
• Cornell University
• Daemen College
• Elmira College
• Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
• Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York
• Five Towns College
• Fordham University
• Hamilton College
• Hartwick College
• Hilbert College
• Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• Hofstra University
• Houghton College
• Iona College
• Ithaca College
• The Juilliard School
• Le Moyne College
• Long Island University Post
• Manhattan College
• Manhattanville College
• Marist College
• Marymount Manhattan College
• Mercy College
• Molloy College
• Mount Saint Mary College
• Nazareth College
• New York Institute of Technology
• New York School of Interior Design
• New York University
• Niagara University
• Pace University
• Parsons The New School for Design
• Pratt Institute
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Roberts Wesleyan College
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• St. Bonaventure University
• St. John Fisher College
• St. John's University
• St. Joseph's College
• St. Lawrence University
• St. Thomas Aquinas College
• Siena College
• Skidmore College
• SUNY at Albany
• SUNY--Binghamton University SUNY--The College at Brockport
• SUNY--University at Buffalo
• SUNY Canton
• SUNY Cobleskill
• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
• SUNY Cortland
• SUNY Empire State College
• SUNY Fredonia
• SUNY Geneseo
• SUNY Maritime College
• SUNY Morrisville
• SUNY New Paltz
• SUNY Old Westbury
• SUNY Oneonta
• SUNY Oswego
• SUNY Plattsburgh
• SUNY Potsdam
• SUNY--Stony Brook University
• Syracuse University
• Union College
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• United States Military Academy
• University of Rochester
• Utica College
• Vassar College
• Wagner College
• Webb Institute
• Wells College

North Carolina

• Appalachian State University
• Barton College
• Belmont Abbey College
• Brevard College
• Catawba College
• Duke University
• East Carolina University
• Elon University
• Gardner-Webb University
• Guilford College
• High Point University
• Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Meredith College
• Methodist University
• North Carolina State University
• Salem College
• University of North Carolina--Asheville
• University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
• University of North Carolina--Charlotte
• University of North Carolina--Greensboro
• University of North Carolina--Pembroke
• University of North Carolina--Wilmington
• Wake Forest University
• Warren Wilson College
• Western Carolina University
• William Peace University
• Wingate University

North Dakota

• Mayville State University
• University of North Dakota
• Ashland University
• Baldwin Wallace University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Cedarville University
• Cleveland State University
• College of Wooster
• Columbus College of Art & Design
• Denison University
• Hiram College
• John Carroll University
• Kent State University
• Kenyon College
• Malone University
• Miami University
• Mount Vernon Nazarene University
• Muskingum University
• Oberlin College
• Ohio Dominican University
• The Ohio State University--Columbus
• The Ohio State University--Newark
• Ohio University--Athens
• Shawnee State University
• Tiffin University
• Union Institute & University
• University of Akron
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Dayton
• University of Findlay
• University of Mount Union
• University of Toledo
• Wittenberg University
• Wright State University
• Xavier University 
• Youngstown State University
• Northeastern State University
• Oklahoma Baptist University
• Oklahoma Christian University
• Oklahoma City University
• Oklahoma State University
• Oral Roberts University
• University of Central Oklahoma
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
• University of Tulsa
• Eastern Oregon University
• George Fox University
• Lewis & Clark College
• Linfield College
• Multnomah University
• Oregon State University
• Pacific Northwest College of Art
• Portland State University
• Southern Oregon University
• University of Portland
• Warner Pacific College
• Western Oregon University

Pennsylvania

• Albright College
• Allegheny College
• Alvernia University
• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Cairn University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Chatham University
• Chestnut Hill College
• Clarks Summit University
• Delaware Valley University
• DeSales University
• Dickinson College
• Drexel University
• Duquesne University
• Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
• Franklin & Marshall College
• Gannon University
• Grove City College
• Gwynedd Mercy University
• Haverford College
• Holy Family University
• Juniata College
• Keystone College
• King's College
• Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
• Lafayette College
• Lancaster Bible College
• La Roche University
• La Salle University
• Lebanon Valley College
• Lehigh University
• Lincoln University
• Lycoming College
• Mansfield University
• Marywood University
• Messiah College
• Misericordia University
• Moravian College
• Muhlenberg College
• Neumann University
• Penn State University Park
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Robert Morris University
• Rosemont College
• Saint Joseph's University
• Saint Vincent College
• Susquehanna University
• Swarthmore College
• Thiel College
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh--Bradford
• University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
• University of Pittsburgh--Pittsburgh
• University of Scranton
• University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
• Ursinus College
• Villanova University
• Washington & Jefferson College
• Waynesburg University
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Widener University
• Wilkes University
• Wilson College
• York College of Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

• Brown University
• Bryant University
• Providence College
• Roger Williams University
• Salve Regina University
• University of Rhode Island

South Carolina

• Bob Jones University
• The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
• Clemson University
• Coastal Carolina University
• College of Charleston
• Converse College
• Erskine College
• Francis Marion University
• Limestone College
• Southern Wesleyan University
• University of South Carolina 
• Winthrop University
• Wofford College

South Dakota

• Augustana University
• Dakota State University
• South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
• Belmont University
• Bryan College
• King University
• Lee University
• Lincoln Memorial University
• Lipscomb University
• Maryville College
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Milligan College
• Rhodes College
• Southern Adventist University
• Tennessee Technological University
• Tusculum College
• Union University
• University of Memphis
• The University of the South
• University of Tennessee--Chattanooga
• University of Tennessee--Knoxville
• University of Tennessee--Martin
• Vanderbilt University
• Abilene Christian University
• Angelo State University
• Austin College
• Baylor University
• Dallas Baptist University
• Hardin-Simmons University
• Houston Baptist University
• Huston-Tillotson University
• McMurry University
• Midwestern State University
• Rice University
• St. Edward's University
• Schreiner University
• Southern Methodist University
• Southwestern University
• Tarleton State University
• Texas A&M University--College Station
• Texas Christian University
• Texas Lutheran University
• Texas State University
• Texas Tech University
• Trinity University
• University of Houston
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas--Arlington
• University of Texas--Austin
• University of Texas--San Antonio
• Wayland Baptist University
• Brigham Young University 
• Neumont College
• University of Utah
• Utah State University
• Weber State University
• Bennington College
• Champlain College
• Marlboro College
• Middlebury College
• Saint Michael's College
• Vermont Technical College
• Bridgewater College
• Christendom College
• Christopher Newport University
• Eastern Mennonite University
• George Mason University
• Hampden-Sydney College
• Hampton University
• Hollins University
• James Madison University
• Liberty University
• Longwood University
• Mary Baldwin University
• Old Dominion University
• Patrick Henry College
• Radford University
• Randolph College
• Randolph-Macon College
• Regent University
• Roanoke College
• Shenandoah University
• Sweet Briar College
• University of Lynchburg
• University of Mary Washington
• University of Richmond
• University of Virginia
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Tech
• Virginia Wesleyan University
• Washington and Lee University
• William & Mary
• Bastyr University
• Central Washington University
• DigiPen Institute of Technology
• Eastern Washington University
• Evergreen State College
• Gonzaga University
• Heritage University
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Seattle Pacific University
• Seattle University
• University of Puget Sound
• University of Washington
• University of Washington--Tacoma
• Washington State University
• Western Washington University
• Whitman College
• Whitworth University

Washington DC

• American University
• Catholic University of America
• Gallaudet University
• Georgetown University
• Howard University

West Virginia

• Bethany College
• Concord University
• Marshall University
• University of Charleston
• West Virginia University
• West Virginia Wesleyan College
• Wheeling Jesuit University
• Beloit College
• Carthage College
• Lawrence University
• Marquette University
• Milwaukee School of Engineering
• Mount Mary University
• Northland College
• Ripon College
• St. Norbert College
• University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire
• University of Wisconsin--Green Bay
• University of Wisconsin--La Crosse
• University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin--Platteville
• University of Wisconsin--River Falls
• University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point
• University of Wisconsin--Stout
• University of Wisconsin--Superior
• University of Wisconsin--Whitewater
• Viterbo University
• Central Wyoming College
• University of Wyoming

Summary: College Virtual Tours

A Virtual college tour is a tour that you can watch from your phone or computer. The tour is generally an hour long, and will be led by a tour guide who will talk to you about the school and their experience there, as well as answer questions you or others may have. Seeing a school in-person is always the best way to get a feel for it, but virtual tours are still a great way to get a sense of what the college and study body are like, without the time and expense of traveling to the school itself. Virtual campus tours have become more and more popular in recent years, and many schools offer them. To get the most out of a virtual campus tour, be sure to:

•  Prepare ahead of time
• Remember that you're being shown the best parts of the school
• Research other ways to learn about the school
• Consider an in-person visit

What's Next?

Are you in the midst of researching colleges and narrowing down your college list? This guide has some seriously helpful suggestions for figuring out what you want and choosing the colleges that best match your goals.

Touring a school is just one part of the college application process . This complete guide to college applications will help you plan your application step by step!

Another concern when making your college list may be financial aid. If this is important to you, check out these 27 colleges with the best financial aid!

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

• Conference Services
• Student Accounts
• Human Resources
• Information Technology

Information For  

• Advancement
• Life to the Full Campaign

• Pursue Life to the Full
• Mission, Distinctions, and Beliefs
• Heritage & History
• Samuel Morris Story
• Profile & Rankings
• Accreditation
• Area Attractions & Entertainment
• Area Churches
• Area Dining
• Area Lodging
• Area Retail
• Area Services
• Title IX Policies
• Organizational Values
• Contact Taylor University
• International Students
• Missionary & Third Culture Students
• Transfer Students
• Homeschool Students
• Testing and Placement
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Federal Work Study Program
• Student Jobs
• Net Price Calculator
• Additional Resources
• Financial Aid FAQ
• Data Science Camp
• Engineering Camp
• Forensic Science Camp
• Health Science & Preventive Medicine Camp
• Music, Theatre & Dance Camp
• Songwriting and Worship Arts Camp
• Pre-College Dual Enrollment
• Online Pre-College Courses
• Maps & Directions
• Undergraduate Programs
• Art Program
• Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy Department
• Biology Program
• Business Department
• Chemistry Department
• Communication Department
• Computer Science & Engineering Department
• Education Department
• Engineering Program
• English Program
• Environmental Science & Sustainable Development Program
• Film & Media Program
• History, Global & Political Studies Department
• Kinesiology Department
• Mathematics Department
• Modern Languages Program
• Music Program
• Physics Program
• Psychology Department
• Social Work Program
• Sociology Program
• Theatre & Dance Program
• Liberal Arts
• Semester Studies
• January Travel Programs
• Ecuador Semester Program
• Irish Studies Program
• Los Angeles Internship Program
• Graduate Programs
• Online Programs & Licensures
• Health Sciences
• Honors Guild
• English as a Second Language
• Information Systems Curriculum
• Health Professions Advising
• King Sejong Institute—Upland
• Redeem Project
• Academic Enrichment Center
• Bergwall Hall
• Breuninger Hall
• English Hall
• Samuel Morris Hall
• Swallow Robin Hall
• Wengatz Hall
• On-Campus Apartments
• Special Dietary Needs & Allergies
• Dining Services FAQ
• Life Together Covenant
• Ethics Bowl
• Poms Dance Team
• Equestrian Team
• Women's Lacrosse
• Music & Theatre
• Local Ministries
• Spring Break Missions
• Student Leadership
• Student Media
• Traditions & Events
• Multicultural Programs & Events
• Intercultural Leadership
• Counseling Center
• Athletic & Fitness Locations
• Academic Buildings
• Gathering & Performance Spaces
• Campus Store
• Art Gallery
• Student Health
• Student Life Contacts
• Life At Taylor
• About Taylor
• Area Information
• Administration
• Office of the President
• Related Links
• Meet Your Admissions Counselor
• How to Apply
• Pre-College Programs
• Information For ...
• Accepted Students
• Study Abroad
• Special Programs
• Special Education
• Academic Advising
• Calling and Career Office
• Zondervan Library
• Student Life
• Spiritual Development
• Residence Life
• Dining Services
• Opportunities
• Student Activities
• Service & Outreach
• Multicultural Community

Engineering Students Create Virtual Reality System

• Published: Jun 8, 2022 10 am

Taylor’s Engineering Department gives students countless opportunities to put their course knowledge to work, but one of the most significant ways is through their junior-senior capstone project. Engineering students spend three semesters researching, designing, developing, manufacturing, and communicating about a major project. This year, that project was a complex walking interface for virtual reality .

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-simulated three-dimensional environment which can be interacted with using wearables or handled devices. The goal of any virtual reality system is to allow the user to feel fully immersed in the digitally simulated world, to feel like they are really “there.” Virtual reality is used in gaming and a wide range of training applications, including for the military and workplace safety. 

Virtual reality systems have been used for training purposes since the 1970s. In the 1990s, consumer products came on the market. But a problem has persisted in VR systems: the inability to create an experience that genuinely replicates natural walking and running in a virtual space. Although there are several systems that allow a user to move their legs, they fall short of providing a natural walking sensation and can cause disorientation and nausea. As a result, most systems today use “teleportation” to allow the user to move in the virtual world. In this approach, the user points to a new location in the virtual space and clicks on a handheld device, and their perspective “teleports” directly to the new location.

The Walking Interface

For the last two years, 11 Engineering and two Computer Science students have worked to build a new approach to walking in virtual reality. They wanted to create a VR system that was fully immersive and created a deeper virtual experience, where you could walk infinitely in the virtual world without fear of walking into a wall in the real world. 

The VR interface, dubbed “New Worlds,” is located in an Engineering lab in the Euler Science Complex. The system is a first-generation prototype designed to prove their ideas. To keep costs and complexity down, this prototype is a simplified version of what they envision for the final system and only allows walking forward and backward. Turning to the left and right and climbing up and down are not possible with this prototype.

New Worlds consists of four major subsystems: Physical Interface, User Tracking, Controls and Safety.

The physical interface consists of two mobile footpads mounted on long rails . The footpads rapidly move beneath the feet as the user walks or jogs. These footpads act as the walking surface for the user and switch between moving forward (to remain underneath the feet) and backward (to simulate the ground) as a person takes steps. The pucks roll along rails that provide a smooth, low-friction motion along a single-axis.  

The User Tracking subsystem gathers information on the state of the user: tracking the position and velocity of the user’s feet, detecting foot contact with the foot pucks, tracking the user position in the system workspace, and communicating this data to the Control subsystem.

The Control subsystem turns the user-tracking data into motor control commands in order to achieve a user experience that feels like natural walking and running. To accomplish this, the subsystem ensures that the foot pucks always remain beneath the feet and that they contain the user within the physical limits of the system. In order to provide an immersive experience, the subsystem must accommodate the nuances of human movement, including positive and negative acceleration, different gaits, and stride anomalies due to mid-stride decisions. 

Finally, the Safety subsystem monitors the other subsystems for faults or failures. In the event that a subsystem has a problem or the user begins to fall, the safety subsystem shuts New Worlds down to protect the user.

New Worlds is an ambitious and exciting project that has real-world applications. But more importantly, it’s an opportunity for students to learn and grow.

“The best education is one that requires application of learned theoretical principles to a real-world problem,” said John Pugsley '22. “We were working to achieve a difficult goal, applying classroom principles and learning much more along the way.”

With so many complex, interworking parts, this VR project was ambitious from the start, and students faced many issues in the process. 

“ It’s been hard to believe you're so close to finishing a part of the project, only to realize that there is another thing you missed, so there is more work to be done,” said Kaylee Bozarth '22. “This happened a lot with figuring out calibration of the foot tracking. There were so many little details that caused problems.”

Still, the team’s tenacity and varied skill sets made it come together. In addition to the technical application of their engineering knowledge, working as a team taught them how to allocate work, communicate effectively, and maintain team morale when dealing with challenges. 

“ I learned a lot about working as a team to accomplish something really cool. It was great to see how everyone's talents could work together so well. When I was struggling with something, there was always someone I could ask for help,” Bozarth said. 

Creating a Virtual World

In addition to the 11 Engineering students working on creating the walking interface with their skills in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering, the two Computer Science students created a virtual world that interfaced with the system.

Because the system is limited to moving in one direction, options for possible virtual worlds were somewhat limited. But the computer science students came up with the creative idea of a mineshaft-themed game that puts the entire system to work. 

“You’re in a narrow mine shaft lined with burning torches, which you can pick up and hold,” said Dr. Peter Staritz, Associate Professor of Engineering who oversaw the project. “At one point the tunnel opens up and you walk across a river of lava on a narrow bridge. Then you lift rocks out of the way to get out of the cave.” 

Beyond the Lab

Using VR for gaming is fun, but the team sees uses for this system that reach far beyond entertainment. Staritz wants to see this technology used to help train soldiers how to clear buildings of enemy combatants. 

“Clearing buildings is one of the most dangerous jobs in the military, and one of the hardest to train for,” Staritz said. “It’s also difficult to replicate this high-stress environment in real life. Eventually, we’d like to adapt the footpads and rails to allow for more complex movement that would make this kind of training possible.”

Bozarth will be moving on to graduate school next year, with the goal of eventually becoming an engineering professor herself and shepherding students through other ground-breaking engineering projects. Teagan Heinger, who was also a member of the student team, plans to use his engineering experience to solve problems in the construction industry. 

“Each stage of this project, from design to testing to machining has been a blast. My favorite part has been the 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) design that I have gotten to work through from start to finish,” he said. 

Turn Your Engineering Passion to Reality

Taylor’s Engineering program will give you the skills to design and build cutting-edge technology, and solve real-world problems as an undergraduate. Get started now by scheduling a campus visit . You’ll get to see our labs, meet faculty and students, and find out if Taylor’s Engineering program is right for you. 

The Engineering team would like to give special thanks to the Women’s Giving Circle which funded this work over the last two years.