University Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for students to get a real feel for what a university is like. It’s an opportunity for them to not only see the facilities and ask questions, but to scope out a university to see if it’s the right fit for them.
It’s a good idea for students to have done some initial research before attending an Open Day event. Firstly, it’s important for them to have done some research into the subject and course they might want to study. This is so they can narrow down the universities they actually want to visit for an Open Day and prepare any questions they have beforehand. Students can find more guidance on researching a course and university on our GoingTouUni course.
So what should students look for at an Open Day?
Academic Department
The course and (by extension) department is one of the most important parts about choosing a university. Open Days therefore provide the chance for students to visit the department, meet current staff and students, and ask any questions they may have about the course.
- Introduction/Welcome Talk – There will usually be an opportunity to attend an introductory talk by the department that will provide an overview of the department and its course(es).
- Meet Academics and Students There will also usually be opportunity to ask questions one-on-one with academics and current students from the department- so it’s worth planning a couple of questions beforehand to make the most of the opportunity.
- Department Tour – Departments will often run tours of department facilities so students can see the type of equipment and resources that are available. Universities will invest in facilities differently depending on what they specialise in, so it’s important for students to see if this aligns with their interests and expectations of the course.
- Taster Sessions – Departments may also run taster sessions and lectures on the day. Students can not only get an idea of what it’s like to study that course at that university but can be a good experience to talk about on their personal statement too!
General Facilities
- Study Spaces – Universities invest a lot in learning and teaching facilities such as libraries, computer rooms and study spaces. These are an important aspect to university life and studying so are useful for students to see at an Open Day.
- Additional Facilities – Students should also look at facilities that are important to them outside of studying. This could be gym and leisure facilities, faith and prayer rooms, outdoor spaces, catering services etc.
Student Services
Universities take the whole student into account and so there are many different types of services that are available for students outside of studying. Open Days provide a chance talk to support staff directly and get a feel if the university is a right match for them; their interests and requirements.
- Student Support Services – Students may have the opportunity to talk to student support services such as: Careers Service, Fees and Funding team, Wellbeing team, Chaplaincy team, and many more.
- Student Unions – Student Unions are separate organisations run by students for students. Student Unions vary from university to university: some may be smaller, some may be larger with their own separate building and facilities. It’s worth students having a look to see the type of support available from the SU, especially the various clubs and societies that are available through Student Unions.
Accommodation
If a student is considering moving into university accommodation, it’s worth them looking at the accommodation if possible.
- Accommodation Tours – Universities often run tours of their accommodation so students can see the different types of accommodation available. Not all halls may be available to view- it will depend on what the university is able to facilitate, especially around the current residents. However, it will still be a good opportunity to get an idea of what university halls look like, where they are located, and to ask any questions to the accommodation team.
- Accommodation Team – The accommodation team will also usually be on hand at the Open Day so students can ask any specific questions they have- whether that’s about accessibility requirements, payments, welfare support etc.
Local Area
It’s also important for a student to explore the local area of the university. Whether campus or city based, whether the student chooses to commute or move to university, the local area will be an important part of the university experience.
We’d recommend students looking around the local area, especially if they’re not familiar with it. Some universities may run tours or have local guides for students.
The Big Question
Ultimately, it’s important for students to ask themselves ‘can I imagine myself here?’. It may be that they can’t articulate why they have a feeling about a certain place but by attending an Open Day, students can get a feel for the atmosphere of a university and if it’s the right fit for them.