Attending an open day at a university is a crucial step in your journey towards higher education. It offers a valuable opportunity to explore campuses, meet the academics, talk to current students and get a feel for the academic environment. To make the most of this experience, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly and approach the day with a clear plan in mind.  

Here are five essential tips to help you navigate and maximise your open day experience. 

Research your prospective courses 

Before attending an open day, take the time to research the university or courses, you’re interested in. Familiarise yourself with the content, structure, and assessment methods to ensure they align with your academic interests, style of learning and career goals. If you’re unsure what you would like to study, look at the different types of courses the university offers, the campus locations and the different facilities and support services they offer. This background knowledge will enable you to ask informed questions during the open day. 

Plan your day in advance 

To make the most of your open day experience, plan your schedule in advance and prioritise the activities and sessions you want to attend. Most universities provide detailed programmes outlining campus tours, subject talks, and information sessions. Review the schedule beforehand and identify the sessions that are most relevant to your interests and aspirations. Be sure to leave some time for exploring the campus and speaking to current students to get a feel for the atmosphere. Planning ahead will help you manage your time effectively and ensure you don’t miss out on any essential aspects of the day. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions 

An open day is your opportunity to gather as much information as possible about your prospective university and course. To make the most of this opportunity, come prepared with a list of questions to ask the academic members, current students, and university staff. Consider questions about the course content, entry requirements, teaching methods, assessment criteria, support services, accommodation options, and other activities. Don’t hesitate to ask for insights into the student experience and any challenges or opportunities you may encounter during your time at the university. Engaging in meaningful conversations will provide you with valuable insights and help you make an informed decision about your future.

Take advantage of campus tours 

One of the highlights of an open day is the opportunity to explore the university campus and its facilities. Take advantage of guided campus tours led by current students or university staff to familiarise yourself with key locations, such as lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, and student accommodation. Pay attention to the facilities available for your chosen course and any additional resources or support services offered by the university. This firsthand experience will give you a sense of the campus atmosphere and help you envision yourself as a student at the university.