Frequently Asked Questions about Group Tours

Q: Who can we bring to campus for a group tour?
A: The Admissions Office invites groups of 20 or more students who are in high school or with a Chicago Early Achievers school.

Q: What is a Chicago Early Achievers school?
A: Chicago Early Achievers schools are elementary and middle schools in Chicago and its surrounding areas. Through our UChicago Promise program, we provide opportunities for these students to learn more about college, including group tours of campus.

Q: What if we are not a group of high school or Chicago Early Achievers students?
A: The University of Chicago has many other types of tour resources! Groups of undergraduate students or adults looking for graduate programs can find our graduate tour resources here.

Q: Do you offer any specialized virtual visits for groups?
A: Yes! Please click here to learn more.

Q: What if we are a group of visiting high school counselors who would like to schedule a group tour?
A: The Admissions Office is at times able to accommodate tours for visiting counselor groups, however our first priority is always to provide tour opportunities for visiting student groups. If you are interested in scheduling a group tour for visiting counselors, please email grouptours@lists.uchicago.edu for more information.

Q: Are there tours that are not led by the Admissions Office?
Yes! You can sign up for tours of our libraries, of Hyde Park, and of the various museums on campus here.

Q: What size of group may we bring?
A: Group tours are designed for groups larger than 20 students. Groups smaller than 20 students should sign up for individual tours and information sessions. Groups larger than 60 students may require special approval due to space constraints.

Q: How many chaperones do we need for our group?
A: At least one chaperone is necessary for every 15 high school students and every 10 K-8 students. This ensures that there is at least one chaperone for every tour group.

Q: What are chaperones expected to do?
A: Chaperones are expected to supervise the students. They are responsible for the behavior of the students in their group: they make sure the students are attentive and that they do not engage in disrespectful behavior (such as horseplay, talking on cell phones, or leaving the group).

Q: How far in advance do we need to schedule to get the date that we want?
A: We advise requesting a tour at least a month in advance, especially for peak demand in summer, fall, and spring. We will make reservations as far out as we are able, typically not more than 6 months. Requests must be made a minimum of 3 weeks in advance to ensure availability of tour guides, admissions staff, and rooms.

Q: What is included in the visit?
A: We offer a walking tour of campus, led by current undergraduate students, as well as an information session about the University of Chicago and the admissions process led by an admissions staff member.

Q: Do we need to do both the information session and the tour?
A: We encourage groups to register for both the tour and the information session, but offer the option to only choose one or the other.

Q: Is there a place to eat on campus?
A: The dining halls are currently open to visitors. Please ask for the contact if you are interested. There are also a variety of local restaurants within walking distance or food trucks during peak lunch hours.

Q: What else can we do in Hyde Park?
A: There is a lot to see and do around campus! Please find more information on activities in Hyde Park here.

Q: Will I need to wear a mask?
A: As of March 4, 2022, masks are optional in most non-medical campus office settings, on-campus residence halls, retail stores, and dining spaces. Regardless of mask mandates, visitors and UChicago staff and students may still wear masks as a precaution.