Attending an Open Day is a great way for you to find out which university is right for you. You will get the chance to find out about their courses as well as student life, campus facilities and the local area. This guide is full of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of visiting university Open Days.
Choosing your Open Day
The first step is to decide which universities you want to visit for an Open Day. It’s important to check that they offer the course you want to study and that their entry requirements are achievable. One place to start is the UCAS website where you can search for courses.
Planning to travel
Once you have decided where to visit, make sure to book your place. Open Days can be very popular and spaces may fill up quickly, so secure yours in advance. The university will usually send you some useful and specific information after you book to help plan your visit.
Next, consider how you will get there. Make a plan ahead of time. If you’ll be driving, find out about parking facilities beforehand. If using public transport, ensure you check timetables and routes. Remember, lots of people will be travelling to the Open Day, so travel times may be longer than usual.
If you need any extra support to access an Open Day, do contact the university’s disability support team in advance. They can give you advice and help ensure you’ll have everything you need on the day. Some universities also offer financial support. For example, the University of Sussex can help to cover the cost of travel for eligible visitors. Check the website or contact the university you want to visit directly to find out about extra support.
Final checks
Before you go, make sure to double check the following:
- Have you got the date right? It’s easy to get confused if you’re planning to attend multiple university Open Days, so always check that it’s the right day before you begin a long journey.
- Have you booked the correct university Open Day? Some cities have more than one university – such as the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, or the University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University. Make sure you’re heading to the right place for your course!
- Where exactly is your Open Day? Many universities have more than one campus or have buildings spread out across the city, so make sure you know exactly where you should go to find out about the course you’re interested in.
Planning your day
Open Days are jam-packed with talks and activities. It won’t be possible for you to get to absolutely everything, so it’s best to prioritise.
Some activities will run regularly throughout the day, whilst others will take place at specific times. It’s best to begin planning your day by prioritising the academic talk for the course you are interested. Then, decide what else you most want to see or hear about, such as accommodation, support services, sports facilities, and more. Once you’ve locked in your priorities, you can fit in anything else around it. This way, you won’t miss out on the things that really matter to you.
Remember to get to academic talks early as they can fill up.
You’ll have the opportunity to speak to students and staff at the Open Day, so it’s a good idea to plan the questions you want to ask beforehand. You could write these down in a notebook or on your phone so that you don’t forget your questions in the moment.
Consider also factoring in some time to explore the local area as it could become your new home.
On the day
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing, especially footwear, as it can be a long day with lots of walking. Prepare for all weather. If the Open Day is in the summer, remember sun protection.
There will be lots of places to buy food and drink on the university campus but it’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
Talk to lots of different staff and students. They will all have their own unique perspectives and insights to share. If you bring a parent, carer or friend with you, you can also see if they have questions or thoughts about the university. They may notice or consider something you hadn’t thought about.
Bring a notebook and pen to write things down or make notes on your phone. You’ll learn lots throughout the day and noting it down can help you can remember it later. Take photos and videos, too.
If you don’t manage to attend every talk you wanted to on the Open Day, don’t panic! You can follow up with the university after the event by sending an email or calling them. There will also be lots of information available on their website.
What if I can’t attend an Open Day?
If you’re unable to attend an Open Day for any reason, there are other ways that you can find out about the courses and universities you are interested in.
More universities than ever are holding Virtual Open Days which you can attend remotely and some also offer a virtual tour of the campus which you can explore in your own time.
You could also contact the university to see if you can arrange to have a campus tour on another day.
Attending a UCAS Exhibition or other university fair is also a great opportunity to talk to someone from the university and get your questions answered.
Most importantly, whichever Open Days you choose to attend, try to enjoy yourself! Remember, the day is supposed to help you decide if the university is right for you and get you excited about your future.
To get started with planning your visits, try the university and college open day directory or the UCAS Open Day search tool.