Who else to meet on an Open Day

We have already mentioned course tutors and accommodation officers, but you should set aside time to meet and talk to students, both on your course and in areas such as Halls, SU bars and in the Student Union itself.

You will often be shown around, by a university organised, accompanying student on your visit. Most are great, open and honest and only too willing to chat about the university’s good and bad points. Some occasionally seem to be unwilling volunteers or achingly keen school-prefect types! You are not obliged to stick with them throughout the day. Look at the planned timetable of events and see which one you definitely want to attend.

Other Tips for your Open Day

Think seriously before going on your own on an Open Day. Ideally go with someone you trust and we would suggest one or both parents; or an older brother, sister or friend. You will find an Open Day can be an information overload and it is really useful to have someone else to help remember events, what you saw, and discuss your initial reactions with. Take a notepad and make notes (easy for A’ level and Higher students).

Dress the way you want to be seen. You do not have to wear a suit or ultra-smart business-wear (although some do). Whatever you wear should be clean and neat, as should you. Hair gel and stylish gear is fine, it’s a university. However, an unwashed, dirty or slovenly appearance will give the impression that you don’t care. Make sure you are comfortable and prepared for a fair amount of walking, so if you have to wear those heels, keep a comfortable pair of ‘flatties’ in a bag! A good sized sack or bag will help too, as you will get quite a lot of brochures, leaflets and other material (see, that’s why parents can be useful!).

Enjoy your Open Day

An Open Day should be planned like an expedition but enjoyed like a holiday. Ensure you have set aside ‘me-time’ or ‘down-time’ during the day. Take sandwiches or have a meal on-campus, as well as carry some water. Most of all, enjoy the day. An Open Day can give you some really important information, as well as give you that important first-impression.

Other related info on this site:

Go to the ‘Student Advice’ home-page (see tabs at the top of this page), where you can also access information on:

Accommodation

Funding Advice (including the Bursary Searcher)

Student Debt

…. and other information to help you decide that investing in a university degree is worth the effort.

Open Day listings