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Brief Guide to University Open Days |
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For most students - in Britain, and indeed in any other part of the world - their three or four years at university will be a major landmark in their lives. Their degree will represent the pinnacle of their academic achievements. It is also where they are likely to acquire a close group of friends who will remain with them for the rest of their lives. And they will, inevitably, be stamped by that elusive characteristic that every university imparts to those who pass through its doors.
It is vital, therefore, that you choose a university that suits you in all ways - a university where you can thrive academically, where you feel comfortable, and where you can enjoy all the opportunities available. Choosing a university is an important, life-shaping decision - too important to bungle through lack of research. You can, of course, glean a huge amount of information about universities from the outside - through their reputation, by studying their details on the Internet, from your school, from lists and league tables, and from what students attending these universities tell you. With such information, you can narrow down your selection ahead of making your choice of six universities on your UCAS application form. But nothing can beat visiting a university personally, and the best way to do this is to attend an open day. |
| What is an open day? |
Every year, all universities appoint certain days as open days, when visitors are welcome. These open days are usually very well organised: universities are, after all, keen to attract as many good students as possible, and like to present themselves in the best possible light. An open day might provide:
Most important of all: you will get a feel for the place. This may sound a bit vague, but instinct will play a key role in your decision-making. And if you have attended an open day at the university that subsequently accepts you, the place will be familiar to you on that daunting first day when you arrive as a new student. |
| Book your place |
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Open days get very busy, so be sure to plan ahead and reserve your place. This is easily done via the Internet. Most open days take place in the summer and latter part of the year. You can find out when open days are scheduled, and how to book, by looking at the websites of your chosen universities.
The more universities you see, the better. Remember, if you come away from an open day with a negative feeling about the university, this can be a good thing: it helps you to narrow down your choice, and sharpens your insight into what you are really looking for. |
| Take a friend (or a parent) |
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You can attend an open day on your own - but you may get more from it if you go with someone else. Many (in fact, most) prospective students go with their parents; they will be a liability, will ask the tour guides embarrassing questions, and are likely to become skittishly over-enthusiastic, but they have their uses.
The advantage of going with someone else is that, together, you can make sure you find the answers to all the questions you need to ask. It is also helpful to exchange views and impressions as you tour around, and to discuss matters you are not sure about. |
| Getting there |
| The university will provide you with directions - for public transport, parking, registration, and so forth. A point to note, however, is that open days at popular universities may be attended by many thousands of people. So leave plenty of time, and book your seat on a train or coach ahead of the day. |
| What to wear |
| Anything you like (think 'student'). This is not an interview. Wear whatever is comfortable, particularly on your feet - there's a lot of walking to be done. And take wet-weather gear, as much of this walking is likely to be in the open air, across the campus. A bag or small backpack can also be useful, as you are likely to accumulate a lot of literature. And remember to take a pen and paper (to note down tips, such as the best halls of residence). |
| Food and drink |
| Usually the universities make available some or all of the dining (and snacking) facilities that are available to students. This is a good opportunity to test them out. But remember, they are likely to be very busy at peak times. |
| Twenty questions |
These are the kind of things you should be thinking about, and the sort of questions you should ask:
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| Useful websites |
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Student finance: www.briefguides.co.uk/guides/content/studentfinance.php
www.opendays.com UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service): www.ucas.ac.uk Aimhigher, a student portal initiated by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES): www.aimhigher.ac.uk |
| Comments, copyright and linking |
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