How to Tour Christian Brothers University

Visiting a college campus is one of the most impactful steps in the college selection process. For prospective students and their families, touring Christian Brothers University (CBU) offers more than just a walk through scenic pathways and historic buildings—it provides a tangible sense of community, academic culture, and spiritual values that define the institution. As a private, Catholic university rooted in the Lasallian tradition, CBU blends rigorous academics with a commitment to service, inclusion, and personal growth. A well-planned campus tour can help you determine whether CBU’s environment aligns with your educational goals, personal values, and lifestyle preferences.

This guide is designed to help you navigate every aspect of touring Christian Brothers University—from pre-visit planning to post-tour reflection. Whether you’re a high school student exploring options, a transfer candidate, or a parent supporting your child’s decision, this comprehensive tutorial will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make your visit meaningful, efficient, and memorable. By following the steps outlined here, you’ll gain insight into campus life, academic offerings, student support systems, and the unique character that sets CBU apart from other institutions in the region.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research CBU’s Mission and Academic Offerings

Before scheduling your tour, take time to understand Christian Brothers University’s core identity. Founded in 1871 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, CBU is guided by the Lasallian principles of faith, service, and community. Its mission emphasizes educating the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and ethically. Familiarize yourself with the university’s academic structure: CBU offers over 40 undergraduate majors and minors across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Review the most popular programs such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Nursing, and Elementary Education. Explore graduate offerings if applicable, including the Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration. Understanding these programs will allow you to ask informed questions during your tour and identify departments or faculty you’d like to meet.

Step 2: Schedule Your Official Campus Tour

Christian Brothers University offers guided campus tours led by current students, known as CBU Ambassadors. These tours are the most effective way to experience the campus firsthand. To schedule your visit:

• Visit the official CBU Admissions website at www.cbu.edu/admissions.
• Click on “Schedule a Visit” or “Campus Tour” under the prospective student section.
• Select your preferred date and time. Tours are typically offered Monday through Friday during the academic year, with limited availability on weekends.
• Provide basic information: your name, contact details, high school (if applicable), intended major, and number of guests.
• Confirm your reservation via email. You’ll receive a reminder 48 hours before your visit with parking instructions and meeting location.

For groups of 10 or more (e.g., high school classes or church youth groups), contact the Office of Admissions directly to arrange a customized visit. Group tours may include additional stops such as residence halls, dining facilities, or departmental meet-and-greets.

Step 3: Plan Your Travel and Arrival

Christian Brothers University is located at 1900 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38104. The campus is easily accessible by car, public transit, or ride-share services.

If driving:

• Use GPS coordinates or enter “Christian Brothers University, 1900 Union Ave, Memphis, TN” into your navigation app.
• Free parking is available in the main lot adjacent to the Student Center (Lot B) and along Union Avenue.
• Avoid parking in reserved or metered spots marked with signage.

If using public transportation:

• Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) Route 20 (Union Avenue) stops directly outside campus.
• Check MATA’s schedule for real-time updates at www.mata.org.

Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before your scheduled tour. This allows time to park, walk to the Admissions Office (located in the Student Center), and check in with the front desk. If you’re running late, call the Admissions Office at (901) 321-3211 to notify them.

Step 4: Prepare Questions in Advance

One of the most common mistakes visitors make is failing to prepare thoughtful questions. A campus tour is not just a walkthrough—it’s an opportunity to gather insights that aren’t found on brochures or websites. Prepare a list of questions tailored to your interests. Here are categories and sample questions:

Academic Experience

• What is the average class size for introductory courses in my intended major?
• Are undergraduate students involved in research or internships? How are these opportunities facilitated?
• What support services are available for students who need academic help?

Student Life

• What percentage of students live on campus? Are residence halls co-ed or single-gender?
• What clubs or organizations are most active on campus?
• How does the university support diversity and inclusion among students?

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• What merit-based scholarships are available for incoming students?
• Are there work-study opportunities on campus? How do students apply?
• What is the average financial aid package for students like me?

Post-Graduation Outcomes

• What is the job placement rate for graduates in my field?
• Do employers recruit directly from CBU? Which companies or organizations partner with the university?
• Are there alumni networks or mentorship programs for recent graduates?

Step 5: Participate Fully in the Guided Tour

On the day of your visit, meet your CBU Ambassador at the Admissions Office. The standard tour lasts approximately 75–90 minutes and includes the following stops:

• Student Center: The heart of campus life, featuring dining options, the bookstore, student organization offices, and the campus café.
• Academic Buildings: Tour key facilities such as the Science Center, the Library, the Education Building, and the Nursing Simulation Lab.
• Residence Halls: See examples of double and single rooms, common areas, laundry facilities, and security features.
• Chapel of the Holy Spirit: A serene space for reflection, open to students of all faiths and a symbol of CBU’s spiritual foundation.
• Recreation and Athletics: Visit the Wellness Center, the gymnasium, and outdoor fields to learn about intramural sports and fitness programs.

During the tour, pay attention to the atmosphere. Are students smiling and engaged? Do faculty members greet visitors warmly? Are the facilities clean, well-maintained, and modern? These subtle cues often reveal more about campus culture than any brochure can.

Step 6: Meet with an Admissions Counselor

After the physical tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an admissions counselor. This 30-minute session is invaluable. Use this time to:

• Discuss your academic background and goals.
• Clarify application requirements and deadlines.
• Learn about the financial aid process and scholarship deadlines.
• Ask about special programs such as the CBU Scholars Program, Honors Program, or First-Generation Student Support.

Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes. Ask for the counselor’s business card or email so you can follow up with additional questions later.

Step 7: Explore Beyond the Tour Route

Many visitors leave after the official tour ends, but the most informed prospects take extra time to explore independently. Consider:

• Grabbing coffee at the campus café and observing student interactions.
• Walking to the nearby Memphis Riverfront or Overton Park to understand the surrounding neighborhood.
• Visiting the CBU Bookstore to browse course materials and campus merchandise.
• Checking the campus events calendar for any open lectures, art exhibits, or performances happening that day.

These unstructured moments often provide the most authentic glimpses into student life. Talk to students you see—ask them what they like most about CBU. Their candid responses can be more revealing than scripted tour commentary.

Step 8: Follow Up and Reflect

After your tour, don’t let the momentum fade. Within 24–48 hours:

• Send a thank-you email to your admissions counselor and tour guide. Mention something specific you enjoyed—this builds rapport.
• Review your notes and compare CBU with other schools you’ve visited.
• Consider attending a virtual information session if you can’t return in person.
• Connect with CBU on social media to stay updated on events, student stories, and application reminders.

Reflect on these questions: Did you feel welcomed? Did the campus feel like a place where you could thrive academically and personally? Did the values of the university align with your own? Your emotional response is just as important as the logistical details.

Best Practices

Visit During the Academic Year

While summer visits are convenient for families, they offer a limited view of campus life. Classes are not in session, students are away, and many services are scaled back. The best time to tour is during the fall (September–November) or spring (February–April) semesters when classes are active, students are present, and campus energy is at its peak.

Bring the Right People

If you’re a high school student, consider bringing one or two family members—parents, guardians, or siblings. Their perspectives can help you evaluate the school from different angles. However, avoid bringing large groups. Too many people can make the tour feel crowded and less personal.

Dress Appropriately

While there’s no formal dress code, dress comfortably and respectfully. Wear walking shoes—campus tours involve significant walking, often on uneven sidewalks or stairs. Avoid overly casual attire such as flip-flops or tank tops, especially when visiting the chapel or academic buildings. A neat, modest outfit shows respect for the institution’s values.

Arrive Early, Leave Late

Arriving early gives you time to absorb the campus ambiance before the tour begins. Staying late allows you to ask spontaneous questions, take photos without crowds, or speak with professors if they’re available. Don’t rush—this is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Take Photos and Notes

Visual memory is powerful. Take photos of buildings, classrooms, and student hangouts. Write down impressions immediately after each stop: “The science lab looked well-equipped,” or “The student in the café seemed genuinely happy.” These notes will help you compare campuses later.

Engage, Don’t Just Listen

A tour is a two-way conversation. Don’t be afraid to interrupt with a question. If something interests you—say, a student-led initiative or a unique course—ask for more details. Ambassadors and counselors appreciate curiosity and engagement.

Consider a Shadow Day

For serious applicants, CBU offers a “Shadow Day” program. You’ll spend a full day with a current student, attending classes, eating in the dining hall, and experiencing campus life firsthand. This immersive experience is highly recommended for students undecided between multiple schools.

Be Mindful of Religious Identity

Christian Brothers University is a Catholic institution, but it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. The chapel, prayer spaces, and service-learning requirements reflect its religious foundation. If you’re unsure how this will affect your experience, ask how the university supports non-Catholic students. Many find the emphasis on service and ethics, rather than dogma, to be inclusive and meaningful.

Tools and Resources

Official CBU Website

The primary resource for all things related to campus visits is www.cbu.edu. The Admissions section contains:

• Interactive campus map with clickable buildings
• Virtual tour video
• Downloadable campus brochure and academic catalog
• Calendar of upcoming visit events and open houses

CBU Virtual Tour

If you can’t visit in person, the CBU Virtual Tour is an excellent alternative. Hosted on YouTube and the admissions site, this 15-minute video features drone footage, student testimonials, and guided walkthroughs of key locations. It’s ideal for initial exploration or for families who live out of state.

Google Maps and Street View

Use Google Maps to explore the campus from your device. Search “Christian Brothers University” and switch to Street View to virtually walk Union Avenue, see building exteriors, and locate parking areas. This is especially helpful for planning your route on the day of your visit.

CBU Social Media Channels

Follow CBU on Instagram (@cbu_memphis), Facebook (Christian Brothers University), and Twitter (@CBUmemphis). These platforms offer daily glimpses into student life: study sessions in the library, basketball games, service trips, and campus events. Look for hashtags like

CBULife and #LasallianSpirit to see authentic student content.

College Navigator (National Center for Education Statistics)

Use the U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator tool (nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator) to compare CBU with peer institutions. You can access data on graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, tuition costs, and financial aid statistics. This helps contextualize your tour experience with hard data.

Student Review Sites

While not official, sites like Niche.com, Unigo, and CampusReel offer student-submitted reviews of CBU. Read these with a critical eye—look for patterns in feedback rather than isolated opinions. Common themes include strong faculty relationships, small class sizes, and a tight-knit community.

CBU Mobile App

Download the official CBU mobile app (available on iOS and Android) for real-time updates on campus events, dining hours, shuttle schedules, and emergency alerts. The app also includes a digital campus map with turn-by-turn navigation.

Local Memphis Resources

Understanding the city enhances your understanding of the university. Explore resources like:

• Memphis Tourism – Learn about cultural attractions, safety, and transportation.
• Memphis Public Libraries – Free access to research databases and community events.
• Local news outlets – The Commercial Appeal and WREG News provide insight into community issues that may affect student life.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria, First-Generation Student from Jackson, MS

Maria was the first in her family to consider college. She scheduled a tour after hearing about CBU from her high school counselor. During her visit, she was particularly moved by the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the emphasis on service-learning. She asked the tour guide, “Do students from families like mine really succeed here?” The ambassador shared her own story as a first-generation student and introduced Maria to a peer mentor in the First-Gen Program.

Maria later participated in a Shadow Day and met with the financial aid office. She discovered CBU offered a full-tuition scholarship for first-generation students. She enrolled the following fall and now mentors incoming first-gen students herself.

Example 2: James, Transfer Student from Mississippi State

James transferred to CBU after his sophomore year at a large public university. He was seeking a smaller, more personal academic environment. His campus tour focused on the Nursing Simulation Lab and the small class sizes in health sciences. He met with a professor in the College of Nursing, who showed him student research projects and invited him to sit in on a class.

James was impressed by the faculty’s accessibility and the strong clinical partnerships with local hospitals. He transferred and graduated with honors. He now works as a registered nurse at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Example 3: The Thompson Family – Parents of a Senior in High School

The Thompsons traveled from Nashville to tour CBU with their daughter, Emily, who was considering education majors. They were concerned about safety and affordability. During the tour, they learned about CBU’s low crime rate (verified by Memphis Police Department data), campus security measures, and the university’s generous transfer credit policy.

They also attended a parent information session hosted by the Office of Student Life, which covered housing options, meal plans, and parental communication policies. The Thompsons left feeling confident that Emily would be supported both academically and emotionally.

Example 4: International Student from Nigeria

Akinyemi, an international student from Lagos, chose CBU after researching institutions with strong support for global learners. He was drawn to CBU’s commitment to diversity and its International Student Services office. During his tour, he met with the director of international admissions and learned about visa support, English language resources, and cultural clubs.

He was surprised to find a vibrant African Student Association and weekly interfaith dialogues. Akinyemi now serves as a peer advisor for new international students and credits his tour experience with helping him make the right choice.

FAQs

How long does a typical campus tour at CBU last?

A standard guided campus tour lasts between 75 and 90 minutes, followed by a 30-minute meeting with an admissions counselor. Total time commitment is approximately two hours.

Is there a fee to tour Christian Brothers University?

No. All campus tours and admissions meetings are free of charge for prospective students and their families.

Can I tour CBU on a weekend?

Guided tours are primarily offered Monday through Friday during the academic year. Limited weekend tours may be available during peak seasons (October and March), but advance scheduling is required.

Do I need to be a student to take a tour?

No. Tours are open to high school students, transfer applicants, parents, guardians, and even community members interested in learning more about the university.

What should I wear on my campus tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and modest, weather-appropriate clothing. Avoid flip-flops, tank tops, or overly casual attire. You’ll be walking on sidewalks and possibly stairs, so prioritize comfort and respect.

Can I visit the dining hall or cafeteria during my tour?

Yes! Most tours include a stop at the Student Center, where you can see the dining options. If meals are being served, you may even be invited to sample food (with permission). Ask your tour guide if this is available on your visit day.

Are campus tours available in Spanish or other languages?

While most tours are conducted in English, CBU’s Office of Admissions can arrange for interpreters or translated materials upon request. Contact them in advance to make arrangements.

What if I can’t visit in person? Are there alternatives?

Yes. CBU offers a comprehensive virtual tour on its website, as well as live webinars and Zoom information sessions. You can also request a personalized video message from a current student or admissions counselor.

How do I know if CBU is the right fit for me?

Ask yourself: Do I feel welcomed? Do the academic programs excite me? Do the values of service and community align with mine? Do the students and faculty seem engaged and supportive? If the answer is yes to most of these, CBU may be the right place for you.

What’s the best time of year to visit CBU?

Fall (September–November) and spring (February–April) are ideal. The campus is fully active, weather is pleasant, and you’ll see students engaged in classes, clubs, and events.

Conclusion

Touring Christian Brothers University is more than a logistical step in the college search—it’s an emotional and intellectual journey. By following this guide, you’ve gained the tools to approach your visit with intention, curiosity, and confidence. From scheduling your tour to reflecting on your experience, every action you take contributes to a deeper understanding of whether CBU is the right fit for your future.

The Lasallian tradition at CBU doesn’t just shape classrooms—it shapes lives. Whether you’re drawn to its strong academic programs, its commitment to service, or its intimate campus community, the decision you make today will influence the person you become tomorrow. Use the resources, ask the hard questions, listen to the stories, and trust your instincts.

Remember: the best college isn’t always the most prestigious—it’s the one where you feel seen, supported, and inspired. Christian Brothers University offers a rare blend of academic excellence and human connection. With careful preparation and thoughtful reflection, your campus tour can be the turning point in your educational journey.

Now that you know how to tour Christian Brothers University, take the next step. Schedule your visit. Walk its pathways. Meet its people. And discover what makes this place not just a school—but a home.