Why you should go to a university open day
If you have a few universities in mind but aren鈥檛 sure which ones to apply to, open days will help you decide.
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You鈥檒l learn more about the course
University open days and virtual events help give you clarity if you鈥檙e struggling to choose a course. If you鈥檙e really stuck, you鈥檒l be able to visit different departments and chat with professors. You'll get a feel of the departments' teaching styles to help narrow down your courses options, and there are often subject talks too.
What to look for
- Is there enough of a practical element for you?
- What鈥檚 the proportion of teaching time vs. independent study?
- Will teaching be online, in-person, or a mixture of both?
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- Search available courses
You can talk to current students
Universities enlist current students to run in-person and virtual tours, demonstrate their work and answer questions on open days. This is your opportunity to dig deep. They can tell you whether or not they鈥檙e satisfied with the teaching and support available, what the local nightlife is like, what the best halls of residence are 鈥� pretty much anything.
Both on-campus open days and virtual events tend to offer the opportunity to talk with current students. Virtual events will often have live Q&A sessions or online chats that you can ask questions in.
Questions to ask
- How easy is it to get one-on-one time with lecturers and tutors?
- Where鈥檚 the best accommodation?
- Where do students mostly go on nights out?
You can meet lecturers and other department staff
These will be the people who lead you through your university education. Attend talks by them on open days to experience their teaching methods and ask them all the course-related questions you have. They may even be able to give tips on how to write an effective personal statement for that subject.
What to look for
- Do you get a positive vibe from the lecturers and course administrators you meet?
- Do they have the potential to motivate and inspire you?
You鈥檒l get to see their facilities firsthand
An open day can give you an indication of the kind of facilities and equipment that鈥檒l be available to you at the uni. You鈥檒l also have the chance to scope out available amenities like cafes and restaurants.
Virtual events will still offer the chance to explore the university campus and facilities. Universities are offering virtual tours of their campus as part of their virtual open days, so you can get a feel for the university without needing to be on campus.
What to look for
- Are the facilities up to date and well-maintained?
- Are there social areas and green spaces on campus?
- Are there enough study spaces?
You can check out accommodation
Chances are you鈥檒l be moving away from home for university and may live in halls for your first year. Take advantage of open days to see if the university houses its students in an environment that suits you. Virtual open days will usually offer virtual tours of the university's student accommodation.
What to look for
- What amenities and services are available?
- What types of rooms are there?
- How far is the accommodation from campus?
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- Student accommodation guide
You can explore the local area
Some students love the busy city, while others look for a quieter lifestyle. Take a walk around the surrounding area if you're attending an on-campus open day, to see if you like it. It鈥檚 also worth considering the wider region 鈥� adventurous types may enjoy a national park or accessible coastline, while cosmopolitan types will want easy connections to the UK鈥檚 cities.
What to look for
- How鈥檚 public transport there?
- How much do things cost?
- Are there many parks and green spaces?
You鈥檒l get a sense of the university鈥檚 鈥榲ibe鈥�
When you attend an open day you鈥檒l get a gut feeling about the university. The vibe of the place may entice you into putting the uni onto your UCAS application, or something might not feel quite right.
What to look for
- Is there a buzz about the place?
- Does it all feel genuine?
- Could you spend three or more years studying here?
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- University profiles
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