What are university Open Days?

University Open Days are invaluable opportunities for prospective students to explore different institutions before making important decisions about their higher education. These events typically include campus tours, subject-specific talks, and the chance to meet academic staff and current students. They allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of the university first-hand, ask questions about courses and student life, and get a sense of whether the environment suits their needs and interests. Attending Open Days, both before and after submitting university applications, can play a crucial role in helping students make informed choices about where to study.

Several websites provide comprehensive listings of university open days across the UK, helping you plan your visits effectively:

Opendays.com: This platform offers a detailed calendar of upcoming university and college open days, allowing you to search by date, institution, or location. You can also book your place directly through the site.

UCAS Open Days: UCAS provides a searchable database of open day events, including both in-person and virtual options. It's a reliable source for official university events and offers guidance on preparing for your visits.

The Complete University Guide: This site features an open day search tool, helping you find and book events by university or subject area. It also offers advice on making the most of your open day experiences.

How to get the best out of university Open Days

When attending a university open day, it’s important to ask questions that will help you decide whether the institution is the right fit for you. Start by asking about the structure and content of your chosen course: how it is assessed, what optional modules are available, and what support is provided for academic development. It’s also useful to ask about career prospects, including placement opportunities, links with industry, and employability support. Don’t forget to explore the student experience by asking current students about campus life, accommodation, and extracurricular activities. Practical questions about student support services, costs of living, and what makes the university unique can also provide valuable insights.

Many websites suggest lots of questions that can be asked on university Open Days, e.g. Which University. They suggest some questions to ask about the place you will spend at least three important years of your life.

Useful Questions to Ask

Your qualifications:

  • What grades do you need – and can you still get a place if you don’t quite get the grades?
  • Which qualifications and combinations of qualifications do they accept/prefer?
  • If they use the UCAS tariff, will they count all your qualifications?
  • Is it worth applying for more than one course?
  • How do they select which candidates to make offers to?

Your personal statement:

  • What do they look for in your application and personal statement?
  • Can they recommend any reading or activities to inform your personal statement?

Your UCAS application:

  • Do they hold interviews or is selection based entirely on your UCAS application?
  • How do they feel about gap years and deferred entry applications?
  • Is it an advantage to get your application in early?

What the course will be like when you’re there – suggestions from a careers adviser:

  • What does the course cover?
  • What assessment methods are used?
  • What’s the split between lectures, tutorials and self-directed study?
  • What opportunities are there for you to broaden and deepen your understanding of the subject?
  • Are placements or study abroad on offer, where are they, how are they organised, are they paid, how do they affect tuition fees?
  • What are the pros and cons of taking a joint or combined course?

Your career prospects – what happens after:

  • How will the course make you more employable? Do they offer or arrange placements?
  • What have previous students gone on to do after graduating?
  • Do they know what past students are doing two or three years later?
  • What careers guidance facilities are there?

Questions to ask about the accommodation:

  • Is a place in halls guaranteed? What accommodation is available off-campus?
  • What does it cost – and what’s included in that cost?
  • Will you have to move in and out each term?
  • What happens in years two and three?

Questions to ask about societies and other opportunities:

  • What’s on offer here that will provide opportunities for you to develop your employability skills? Are there any connections with local employers?
  • Are there any jobs on campus available for students?
  • Are there any volunteering opportunities?
  • What academic support is available?
  • What sports and societies are available?
  • What are the transport links like? Are most things available on campus?

Questions to ask about your everyday costs:

  • What bursaries, scholarships or fee waivers are there and how do you apply?
  • How do placements or a year abroad or a year in the industry affect your costs or tuition fees?

Article written by Gizem Ozturan, Head of English and Progression, at Guildhouse School

Our Advice page links to more cife articles. 

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    On 12th June 2019   /