University Open Days

Introduction

1. On an open day you will be able to:
   • look at the relevant academic department
   • look at other facilities like the library, sports facilities, students' union
   • usually see some university accommodation
   • gain a deeper insight into 'the flavour' of that university.
   • gain a feel for and understanding of the town/city that you may be living in for the next 3/4/5 years.
2. Prospectuses will always show a university in the best light - often literally when the photos are taken in the sunshine and feature the nicest places and prettiest smiling students. Visiting a university on an ordinary day in November is completely different.
3. You'll also get the chance to uncover those little day-to-day nuggets of information, such as how big the department's common room actually is, and how far your potential accommodation is from Sainsbury's.
4. You'll also be able to attend important face-to-face stuff like talks on your chosen subject plus things like accommodation, finance and student life, as well as going on a walking tour of relevant areas. Tours are usually led by a current student and this gives you a good opportunity to hear what life at that university is really like.
5. You don't have to go to Open Days on your own - you can go with a friend or a parent. What's best for you depends on the type of person you are.
   • Having someone with you - parent or a friend - can be reassuring if you are a bit shy, makes travel easier (mum's car? car share?), means you have someone to prompt questions and remember some of the details you might forget etc.
   • On the other hand, a parent can be embarrassing, ask the 'wrong' questions, or just get in the way.
   • It’s also worth thinking about what 'independence' means. If you really are too scared to go to open days on your own, it might indicate you aren't really ready to leave home and go to uni on your own!
   • A good compromise can be that a parent drives you there but doesn't trail round after you all day, just coming back to pick you up at the end of the day.
   • Ultimately it’s your choice which university you apply to or eventually go to - not your parents.
6. Remember, the whole day will be designed for people just like you. There will be lots of helpful staff, and student volunteers, to give directions, show you how to sign up for 'talks', answer questions and just chat to you. You aren't expected to know how a university works and the atmosphere is always very relaxed and informal.

What to expect

1. Most open days will follow the same kind of format.
   • Things kick off around 10am and will wrap up around 3pm.
   • During the day there are a mixture of campus tours, subject talks, subject tours, financial talks, parent talks, accommodation tours and so on.
   • Usually each is offered a couple of times so you can go to different sessions.
   • The range of things on offer can be enormous, but remember you can go to as many or as few of the talks/tours as you like.
2. Organisation is key for getting the most out of an open day
   • You need to plan a timetable for visiting different unis - often they are all on the same few weekends and you may need to prioritise which ones you visit if the dates clash.
   • If the universities are close together, you might even be able to visit two in one day.
   • Once you've made decisions, book yourself a place. These events fill up quickly.
   • Some specialist departments or campuses might have a separate open day to the rest of that uni - make sure you signed up for the right day and the right place!!
   • Clothes - you don't need to dress formally - unless you know will also be having an interview. No-one will be taking notes on your appearance. Wear something comfortable with layers you can peel off easily in warm buildings. Wear comfortable shoes (there will be lots of walking) and take a coat or rain jacket.
   • Take a notebook/pen and make notes after presentations, tours etc. Take photos with your mobile phone or camera. Both can be great memory aids later, especially when you've been to several open days and they all start to look the same!
3. Remember, if you can't get to any Open Days at a specific uni, you can always just go and walk around the campus on any other day to get a feel of the uni and town/city. Some unis also offer simple guided tours on other days. You may be restricted about what buildings you can go into and of course there won’t be any 'talks' etc, but such a visit is still very useful.

Booking

1. Visit opendays.com to plan your university visits.
2. Remember to fill in a Proposed Absence Form at least 48 hours before you go.