Build Your Adventure: What College Visits and Video Games Have in Common

Those who know me know I’ve been a gamer ever since my parents gave my twin brother and me an original Xbox for our 11th birthday. Gaming has always been a way for us to connect with friends while keeping our minds active through complex challenges. One of my favorite parts of gaming is creating custom characters or tailoring skill sets for a personalized experience (I’m a stretch glass-cleaner for any NBA 2K fans out there).

Naturally, in my role as a higher education admissions professional, I often think about the parallels between gaming and college admissions. That’s what led me to imagine prospective students approaching campus visits the same way—customizing the experience to fit their own style.

Think of a college visit as an open-world game: you’ve got the full map, but where you go and what you explore is completely up to you. Maybe you’re the Explorer, ready to walk every trail on campus and find the hidden gardens and lake views. Or maybe you’re a Changemaker, drawn to leadership centers and service hubs. You could be a Content Creator, always scouting the best backdrops for your next reel, or a Researcher, seeking out quiet library nooks and state-of-the-art labs. And just like in gaming, most players don’t stick to one class. You might be a blend of Artist and Fitness Fanatic, balancing a love of performance with morning jogs around campus.

College isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are campus visits. So why approach them that way? Build your own quest. Personalize your route. Seek out the places, people, and programs that align with your interests, not just the ones on the tour script.

At the University of Richmond, we encourage students to explore campus with this mindset. Find the spaces that inspire you. Ask the questions that matter most to your goals. Whether you’re here for the academics, the community, the vibe (or all of the above), your visit should feel like it was designed with you in mind. After all, the best games (and the best college experiences) are the ones where you get to choose your own adventure. Check out the list below for some recommendations on what to explore on campus based on your archetype.

Choose Your Archetype: What to Explore at UR

The Explorer

Stroll the trails around Westhampton Lake, discover the hidden Garden of Five Lions, or walk the Eco-Corridor that connects campus to city nature paths. Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure. 

The Artist

Visit the Modlin Center for the Arts, stop by the Harnett Museum of Art, or catch a student performance. Whether you create or appreciate, Richmond’s creative energy is everywhere.

The Fitness Fanatic

Tour the Well-Being Center and Weinstein Center for Recreation, join a pick-up basketball game, or run the scenic loops around campus. Then, cheer on the Spiders at a home game.

The Changemaker

Step inside Jepson Hall, home to the nation’s first undergraduate school of leadership studies. Then connect with the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement to see how students partner with Richmond organizations to make an impact.

The Content Creator

Capture golden-hour light over the lake, explore the buzz of Tyler Haynes Commons, or visit student media hubs like WDCE Radio and The Collegian. Beyond campus, RVA’s murals and markets offer endless creative fuel.

The Researcher

Find your favorite study nook in Boatwright Library, tour labs in the Gottwald Center for the Sciences, and ask about the Richmond Guarantee, which funds summer research and internships for all students.

No matter which archetype (or combo) you see yourself in, your Richmond visit is your chance to build your own adventure. Explore what excites you, connect with the people who inspire you, and imagine the future you want to create.

Press start on your Richmond journey and plan your campus visit to see which archetype you’ll unlock!