Your student-friendly guide to open days
Whether you’re an incoming fresher or returning for your postgrad, there’s so much to consider when choosing your university. An open day is a great way to get an authentic taste of student life and, most importantly, decide if a certain university is the right fit for you.
From important questions to ask, to what you need to see on the day, our open day guide will help you make one of the biggest choices of your student life (so far).
How to get the most out of an open day
Most universities run multiple open days throughout the year, but it’s a good idea to book ahead so that you don’t miss out. If you can’t make it to campus, many also hold virtual events too. For this reason, it’s worth narrowing down your list of open days to something manageable. A maximum of five means enough choice without the endless family car trips!
Your university should provide an itinerary of talks once you’ve signed up. Campus tours, course specific sessions and talks are all helpful in your decision-making but you’ll need to effectively plan your day in order to do them all. Don’t worry, we’ve got some top tips for navigating the mayhem of open days:
- Be prepared
All the information you need will likely be provided via post or email before the event. Don’t forget to also bring a portable charger and snacks for the long day. A bag to carry the many prospectuses and goodies that you pick up also wouldn’t go amiss! - Define your priorities
Your subject should be top of your list but be prepared to consider what else will impact your student experience. Do you aspire to be captain of the university football team? Are you buzzing with questions about funding your student lifestyle? Maybe you have access needs that mean you will require additional support throughout your degree. Don’t be afraid to ask around campus and get a thorough understanding of what it would be like for you to study at that particular university. - Ask the right people, the right questions
Open days are a great opportunity to meet some of the people who’ll help to shape your university experience. It’s a chance to chat to your potential lecturers, who will be able to provide their expert insight into the course that you’re interested in. Student ambassadors have been in your shoes, so they’ll be able to answer questions about anything from the local nightlife to the best study spots on and off campus.
To help you get the answers you need, make a mental note of the following example questions to ask on the day.
- How far is the campus from the nearest supermarket/ train station/ bars?
- What sports and societies can I join at the students’ union?
- What support does the university offer? I.e. Wellbeing, Financial, Academic
Make sure it’s somewhere you’ll be happy living
There’s more to being a student than coursework. Ask yourself if you can really imagine living in that city for the entire duration of your degree? If where you’re staying is a key factor in your decision then it’s a good idea to start thinking about your accommodation options at the open day. So, why not stop by for a viewing at one of our properties while you’re there?
Here at Student Roost, we offer student living that is more than a uni room. Speak to our friendly teams to find out all about our thriving student communities where you can feel comfortable and supported. Want to hear more? Check out our locations and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any burning questions.
