Tips for getting the most from your Open Days

Open Days are your chance to get an insight into where you could be studying for the next 3 to 4 years.

Here are some handy tips to help you get the most out of attending Open Days.

Visit more than one university

• It sounds obvious but make sure you go to at least 2 university Open Days so you have something to compare
• You might have your heart set on your 1st choice but you may be missing out by overlooking other options

Plan your day

• Make sure to familiarise yourself with the programme beforehand and book onto sessions in advance if you can
• Have a general look on the University’s website, make a note of anything you particularly want to see (not just on the Open Day programme)

Plan what questions to ask

• Think about what questions you'd like to ask academic staff and current students

Talk to academic staff

• Find out what the course is really about
• Don’t be afraid to ask challenging questions
• They want the right students, just as much as you want the right course

Talk to current students

• Find out what it’s really like to be a student at the university
• What are the pros and cons?

Make notes and take photos

• As you’re wandering round make notes and take photos to remind you of the day

Go to the welcome talk

• It should give you a good overview on student life at the university, and their ethos and values as an institution

Explore the campus

• Go on a campus tour and have an informal look around yourself too
• Check out the teaching facilities, library, sports and social facilities

View as much student accommodation as possible

• Go on any available accommodation tours
• Find out what your options are, not just in the first year but after that
• Find out how much it will cost

Visit the information stands

• Find out where the information stands will be and ensure to visit
• Ask questions and pick up literature
• Most likely there will be stands for students finance issues, accommodation and the Students’ Union

Explore the local area

• Go off campus
• See how the area around the university feels
• Go into the town/city centre for something to eat
• Ask current students where they like to go, and have a look there if you can
• Sometimes it’s not obvious on first visiting a city what it’s really going to be like to live there without a little bit of help

Be open-minded

• No university is perfect; all will have pros and cons
• Reflect on all you’ve seen and learnt on the day
• Think about what elements are most important to your decision about where you'd like to study

Look at general provisions you'll be using a lot but might overlook at an Open Day

• For example the computer labs, the library and study areas – how much space is there? When are they open?
• Is WiFi available throughout campus?
• Are there plenty of plug points?
• Is there an app or a mobile site for current students?
• Have a look at the university's website and intranet if there is one

Try out the food and drink on campus

• It might be your main source of food for the next three years

Find out what sports and societies are available

• They can be a great way of making friends when you first get there, and you might be able to pick up a current interest or find a new one

Have a look at the events schedule for a typical week on campus

• Freshers’ Week will no doubt be busy but what about after that?