Exams are over for the year and it’s definitely time to relax, but not for too long. The all-important decision of where to go to university in September needs to be made. One way of doing that is visiting the ones you applied to. We look at what a university open day is and if it’s worth going.
You’ve finished your A-Levels and now it’s just a case of waiting for your results. Although you’ve already applied to universities if you’re attending in September, you might not have fully decided on your first choice. And if you’re deferring, you might not have even applied at all.
Something that universities offer to help make your decision are open days. Taking place throughout the year, they’ll be plenty happening this summer ahead of the new academic year in September.
If you’re conflicted about whether to go to them or not or don’t really know what they are, then we can help answer your questions and answer if a university open day is worth it.
What Is A University Open Day?
These are days organised by the university where prospective students can come onto the campus. You normally meet lectures, talk to student ambassadors and get a proper feel for the campus first-hand. You get to see the facilities and might even get a look at the accommodation.
Open days are a chance to get a glimpse at what being a student at that university would be like.
Normally, events are organised for specific courses where you are told more about the course and can meet those who will teach you next year. If you’re lucky, you could also meet the people who you’ll be studying with too. Sometimes, universities put on mock lectures so you *really* understand what will happen. Lecturers might even hold Q&As, so you can ask any burning questions and get an immediate answer.
Talking to student ambassadors means getting information from those who have actually been through it. Plus, you can ask them things you might not be comfortable asking a lecturer.
Tours will be given of the campus, showing all the important places and presentations held to give you lots of information about the university in general.
Open Days are now often held virtually as well so that those who can’t travel to the campus can still get involved. Though these don’t give you the in-person experience, it’s still a chance to ask questions to lecturers and students.
Is Going To An Open Day Worth It?
This all depends on the person. If you are still unsure about what university to attend, then definitely. However, if you’ve made your decision and it feels pretty set in stone, then you might think there’s no point.
Open Days are great for seeing the place for yourself. Sure, all of the information will be online, but that’s not the same as walking the campus and getting to meet people.
Plus, attending university open days could change your opinion of your top spot.
I, for one, thought I knew where I wanted to study and was disappointed by their open day. When I went to another later at a different place, I was pleasantly surprised and ended up changing my mind and attending there.
On paper, universities can seem quite different to how they actually are. A site is always going to try and sell the place to prospective students. Yet going for yourself and meeting the people will give you a more realistic picture.
On the flip side, attending open days can be a lot of travel, which costs money. You could be set on your first choice, and if nothing will change that then it could be a waste of a day.
Whether going to an open day is worth it or not depends on you, but it can definitely help make your decision.