Open days are one of the best ways to explore your future education options and get a first-hand experience of what each university has to offer. With so much happening in a single day, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss anything important. Let’s look at how you can make the most of upcoming open days with these 5 tips.
What are open days?
University open days are special events where institutions throw open their doors to prospective students and their families. It’s your chance to explore the campus, meet the teaching staff, and get a real taste of what studying there might be like. Most universities hold these events once or twice a year, and the best part is – apart from any food or drinks you buy – they’re completely free!
Top tips for open day success
With so much packed into a single day, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss anything important. In this blog, we’ll provide you with some tips to get the most out of your open day visits and help you gather all the information you need to make decisions about your future study.
Plan ahead
A little bit of preparation can make a huge difference to what you get out of open days. Since there are bound to be conflicting dates, we don’t recommend trying to visit more than one university per day. Instead, spend some time researching the courses you’re interested in to decide which open days are must-attend events.
Once you’ve made your choices:
- Register for the events you want to attend
- Add the dates and directions to your calendar
- Download or print the open day programs
- Research parking options or plan your public transport route
- Consider asking a friend or family member to come along for support
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes – you’ll be doing plenty of walking as you explore the campus. It’s also worth having a map app ready on your phone to help you navigate between different buildings and sessions.
Talk to everyone you can
There’ll be loads of people available to help at open days, including lecturers, current students, and other staff members. They’re there specifically to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Try to find the lecturers and faculty staff you might be studying with and ask them about their courses. Here are some key questions to consider:
- What are the core units and available majors?
- How is the course taught and assessed?
- What are the job outcomes like for graduates?
- Are there internship or work experience opportunities?
- What support services are available if you need help?
Current students, on the other hand, can give you the inside scoop on what university life is really like. They can tell you everything from where to find the best coffee to tips for balancing study and part-time work. Don’t be shy about asking questions – everyone remembers what it was like to be new and uncertain and is more than happy to help.
Make time to explore
Open days are your chance to really get a feel for where you might be studying. Take time between scheduled sessions to explore the campus and its facilities. Most universities will offer guided campus tours, which are a great way to see everything without worrying about getting lost.
Make sure to check out:
- The libraries and study spaces
- Lecture theatres and labs
- Student common areas
- Cafes and food outlets
- Sports facilities and gyms
It’s also worth exploring the surrounding area to get a sense of where you might be living and studying. Look for accommodation options, public transport connections, and local shops and cafes.
Compare your options
Even if you’re pretty certain about which university you want to attend, we recommend visiting at least two or three different open days. This helps you make a more informed decision and might open your eyes to possibilities you hadn’t considered.
Think about creating a simple checklist of what’s most important to you in a university. You could include things like:
- Course content and teaching style
- Campus atmosphere
- Location and transport options
- Available facilities
- Support services
- Social life and clubs
Remember, you’ll be spending several years and a significant amount of money on your university education, so it’s important to feel confident about your choice.
Enjoy the experience
Most importantly, open days are meant to be fun! Universities usually put on entertainment, provide free food and drinks, and run competitions with great prizes. Take the time to soak up the atmosphere and see if you can picture yourself as part of the university community.
We suggest you use the day to:
- Meet other potential students
- Try out any hands-on activities or workshops
- Collect information about clubs and societies
- Sample the campus food
- Get a real feel for university life
Open days are by far the best way to find out if a university is going to be a good match for you. Take advantage of everything on offer and don’t be afraid to ask questions – everyone is there to help you make the right choice for your future.
Ready to explore?
Whether you’re just starting to think about university or you’ve already got your heart set on a particular course, open days are a great opportunity to help you make informed decisions about your future. The more open days you attend, the better equipped you’ll be to choose the right path for you – hopefully this tips can help you make the most of each event.
Want an easy way to find upcoming open days? Take a look at our open day calendar here.