Questions to Ask at a University Open Day

A university open day is your opportunity to look beyond the prospectus and find out what studying there would really be like.

Universities will naturally show you their best buildings, strongest statistics and most enthusiastic student ambassadors. That does not make open days misleading, but it does mean you need to ask useful questions.

The best open-day questions help you understand:

• What you will actually study

• How the course is taught

• How you will be assessed

• How much academic support you will receive

• Whether placements are realistic

• What accommodation really costs

• How current students experience the university

• Whether the course supports your future plans

Avoid asking only questions that can be answered with a quick “yes” or “no”.

Instead of asking:

“Is the teaching good?”

ask:

“How large are seminars, how quickly is work returned and how often can students meet lecturers?”

Specific questions are much more likely to produce useful answers.

This guide provides a complete list of questions to ask university staff, current students, accommodation teams, support services and careers advisers.

Why Should You Prepare Open-Day Questions?

Open days can be busy.

You may attend:

• Subject presentations

• Campus tours

• Accommodation visits

• Student panels

• Finance talks

• Support appointments

• Careers sessions

Without preparation, it is easy to forget what you wanted to ask.

Writing questions in advance helps you:

• Use limited time effectively

• Compare universities fairly

• Investigate your priorities

• Challenge vague marketing claims

• Remember important details

• Make a more confident decision

Read How to Get the Most From an Open Day before planning your visit.

Who Should You Ask?

Different people can answer different types of question.

Academic Staff

Ask academic staff about:

• Modules

• Teaching

• Assessment

• Academic support

• Placements

• Research

• Course structure

Admissions Staff

Ask admissions staff about:

• Entry requirements

• Qualifications

• Contextual offers

• Interviews

• Admissions tests

• Portfolios

• Application procedures

Current Students

Ask current students about:

• Workload

• Organisation

• Feedback

• Accommodation

• Costs

• Societies

• Everyday student life

Accommodation Staff

Ask accommodation staff about:

• Prices

• Contracts

• Guarantees

• Room allocation

• Deposits

• Security

• Accessibility

Student Support Teams

Ask support teams about:

• Mental health

• Disability support

• Academic adjustments

• Financial help

• Wellbeing

• International student advice

Careers Staff

Ask careers staff about:

• Placements

• Internships

• Employer links

• Graduate schemes

• Career appointments

• Support after graduation

One person may not know every answer.

Ask to be directed to the correct department rather than accepting a vague response.

Questions to Ask About the Course

The course should normally be the main focus of your university visit.

Course Content Questions

Ask:

• Which first-year modules are compulsory?

• Which modules are compulsory in later years?

• How many optional modules can students choose?

• When do students begin specialising?

• Do all modules listed online run every year?

• Are optional modules sometimes cancelled?

• Are popular modules limited?

• How are places on optional modules allocated?

• Can students take modules from another department?

• Can students change pathway after starting?

• Is there a dissertation or final-year project?

• Can students choose their own research topic?

• How often is the curriculum reviewed?

• What has changed in the course recently?

• What makes this course different from similar degrees elsewhere?

The final question is especially useful.

A course team should be able to explain what distinguishes its programme beyond the university’s name or league-table position.

Questions About Compulsory Modules

A long list of attractive optional modules can distract from compulsory content.

Ask:

• Which modules must every student complete?

• Are there compulsory statistics or mathematics modules?

• Is there compulsory laboratory work?

• Are there compulsory group projects?

• Which modules do students usually find most challenging?

• Are there modules that students are often surprised by?

• What happens if a student fails a compulsory module?

Read How to Choose the Right Degree Course before comparing module lists.

Questions About Course Flexibility

Ask:

• Can I transfer between related courses?

• Can I move from single honours to joint honours?

• Can I add or remove a placement year?

• Can I add a study abroad year?

• Can I transfer onto an integrated master’s?

• What grades are required to transfer?

• When are transfer decisions made?

• Can students change optional modules after teaching begins?

• What happens if my interests change?

Read Can You Change Course After Starting University?.

Questions to Ask About Teaching

A course title tells you what you will study. It does not tell you what your week will feel like.

Teaching Method Questions

Ask:

• How is the course taught?

• What proportion of teaching is lectures, seminars or practical work?

• How large are first-year lectures?

• How large are seminars?

• Are tutorials taught by academic staff or postgraduate students?

• How often will I have small-group teaching?

• Are lectures recorded?

• Are recordings available automatically?

• Is attendance monitored?

• Is teaching normally in person?

• How much online teaching is used?

• How much independent study is expected?

• What does a typical first-year week look like?

• Does the teaching format change in later years?

Questions About Contact Hours

Ask:

• How many scheduled teaching hours are typical each week?

• Does this vary between terms?

• How much time should students spend studying independently?

• Are laboratory, studio or placement hours included?

• Are students expected to remain available across the full week?

• How early can classes begin?

• How late can classes finish?

• Are Wednesday afternoons normally kept free?

• How far in advance are timetables released?

Do not judge the course only by the number of contact hours.

Some subjects naturally involve more independent reading and research. The important question is whether the teaching and support match the type of study expected.

Questions About Academic Staff

Ask:

• Who teaches first-year students?

• Are lecturers active researchers?

• How accessible are lecturers outside classes?

• Do staff hold regular office hours?

• How quickly do staff normally reply to academic questions?

• Who supervises final-year projects?

• Are academic staff regularly available on campus?

• What happens when a lecturer is absent?

• How stable is the teaching team?

Questions About Personal Tutors

Ask:

• Is every student assigned a personal tutor?

• How often do students meet their tutor?

• Are meetings individual or in groups?

• Is the tutor responsible for academic and personal support?

• Can students request a different tutor?

• What happens if a student does not attend tutor meetings?

• Who should students contact if their tutor is unavailable?

A personal tutoring system is only useful when students understand how to access it.

Questions to Ask About Assessment

Assessment methods can strongly affect your university experience and results.

Assessment Format Questions

Ask:

• How is the course assessed?

• What proportion is examinations?

• What proportion is coursework?

• Are examinations closed book or open book?

• Are there online examinations?

• Are oral examinations used?

• How much group work is assessed?

• Are presentations compulsory?

• Are practical assessments included?

• Are there portfolios?

• Is there a dissertation?

• Does assessment become more specialised in later years?

• Are first-year marks included in the final degree classification?

Questions About Deadlines

Ask:

• How are assessment deadlines spread across the term?

• Do several modules set work at the same time?

• Are students given an assessment calendar?

• How much notice is provided?

• What happens when deadlines clash?

• How do students apply for an extension?

• What evidence is required?

• How are mitigating circumstances handled?

Questions About Feedback

Ask:

• How quickly is assessed work normally returned?

• What form does feedback take?

• Can students discuss feedback with lecturers?

• Is feedback provided before the next assessment?

• Are marking criteria explained in advance?

• Are example assignments provided?

• Can students submit a plan or draft?

• Do students receive feedback on practice work?

• How are examination results explained?

Instead of asking whether feedback is “good”, ask how it is delivered and how quickly students receive it.

Questions About Resits

Ask:

• What happens if a student fails a module?

• When do resits take place?

• Are resit marks capped?

• Can a student progress while waiting for a resit?

• What support is available before resitting?

• Can students repeat a module?

• When might a student need to repeat a year?

Questions to Ask Current Students About the Course

Current students can often explain how the official course structure works in practice.

Ask:

• What surprised you most after starting?

• Is the course what you expected?

• Which module have you enjoyed most?

• Which module has been most difficult?

• How manageable is the workload?

• How organised is the department?

• Are timetable changes communicated clearly?

• How accessible are lecturers?

• How useful is the feedback?

• Do all advertised optional modules actually run?

• Is there more independent study than you expected?

• How much group work is involved?

• How competitive is the course?

• Do students generally support each other?

• What would you change about the course?

• Would you choose the same course again?

The final two questions often produce more useful information than asking whether the course is “good”.

Questions to Ask About Entry Requirements

Entry requirements can be more complicated than one headline offer.

Ask admissions staff:

• What is the standard offer?

• Which subjects are required?

• Are particular GCSE grades required?

• Do you accept equivalent qualifications?

• How are mixed qualifications considered?

• Are BTECs accepted?

• Are T Levels accepted for this course?

• Are Access to Higher Education qualifications accepted?

• Do you accept resits?

• Are there restrictions on resitting particular subjects?

• Are admissions tests required?

• Is an interview required?

• Is work experience required?

• Is a portfolio or audition required?

• How are predicted grades used?

• What happens if an applicant narrowly misses the offer?

• Are applications considered after the equal consideration deadline?

• Is the course normally available through Clearing?

Always check written entry requirements for your year of application, as policies can change.

Questions About Contextual Offers

Ask:

• Does the university make contextual offers?

• Which criteria are considered?

• Is eligibility checked automatically?

• Do applicants need to submit evidence?

• How much lower can a contextual offer be?

• Does contextual eligibility affect interview selection?

• Are access programmes available?

• Is guaranteed consideration offered to eligible students?

• Where can I confirm my eligibility?

Read Contextual Offers Explained.

Questions to Ask About Professional Accreditation

Professional accreditation may matter more than a university’s overall ranking.

Ask:

• Is this exact course professionally accredited?

• Which professional organisation accredits it?

• Does accreditation apply to my year of entry?

• Does it cover every course pathway?

• Are particular modules required?

• Does choosing optional modules affect accreditation?

• Is a placement required?

• Does the integrated master’s offer different recognition?

• What professional steps are required after graduation?

• Are exemptions from professional examinations available?

• Can accreditation status change during the course?

• What happens to students if accreditation changes?

Accreditation may be particularly important for:

• Engineering

• Psychology

• Architecture

• Accountancy

• Computing

• Pharmacy

• Healthcare

• Planning

Questions to Ask About Placement Years

A university may advertise a placement year without guaranteeing that every student will obtain one.

Ask:

• Is a placement year available on this course?

• Is it compulsory or optional?

• Is the placement guaranteed?

• Who finds the placement?

• What percentage of students secure one?

• Which employers have recently taken students?

• Are placements normally paid?

• What is the typical salary range?

• Are students expected to relocate?

• Can placements be completed overseas?

• What support is provided with applications?

• Are CV and interview workshops available?

• How many placements can students apply for?

• What happens if a student does not secure one?

• How is the placement assessed?

• What tuition fee applies during the placement year?

• Can students transfer onto the placement route after starting?

Ask for recent examples rather than accepting a general statement about “excellent industry links”.

Read Placement Years: Are They Worth It?

Questions to Ask About Study Abroad

Ask:

• Can students on this course study abroad?

• Is study abroad optional or compulsory?

• Which destinations are available?

• Which partner universities offer my subject?

• Are places guaranteed?

• How are destinations allocated?

• What grades are required?

• Are modules taught in English?

• Are language qualifications required?

• How do overseas credits transfer?

• Do overseas marks affect the final degree?

• What tuition fee applies?

• What additional costs should students expect?

• Is accommodation provided?

• What funding may be available?

• What visa support is offered?

• What happens if a destination becomes unavailable?

Read Study Abroad Years Explained.

Questions to Ask About Careers and Graduate Outcomes

Avoid asking only:

“Do graduates get good jobs?”

Ask for detail.

Careers Service Questions

Ask:

• When can students begin using the careers service?

• Are careers advisers assigned to particular subjects?

• Can students receive individual appointments?

• Is CV support available?

• Is interview practice available?

• Are assessment-centre workshops offered?

• Does support continue after graduation?

• How long can graduates use the service?

• Are internship vacancies advertised?

• Are employer events held on campus?

• Are alumni mentoring schemes available?

• Is support available for self-employment or starting a business?

Questions About Graduate Destinations

Ask:

• What jobs do recent graduates enter?

• Which employers recruit from this course?

• What proportion enter highly skilled employment?

• What proportion continue into further study?

• How many graduates work in a field related to the course?

• Which postgraduate courses are common?

• Does the university track graduates several years later?

• Does the published data relate to this exact course?

• How many graduates are included in the figures?

• Are outcomes different between course pathways?

Questions About Employability Within the Course

Ask:

• Are career skills built into the course?

• Are live employer projects included?

• Do students create a portfolio?

• Are technical certifications available?

• Are guest speakers used?

• Do students work on real client briefs?

• Is professional networking taught?

• Are internship applications supported?

• What opportunities exist outside the formal curriculum?

Read Most Employable Degree Subjects and How Much Does Your Degree Subject Matter?

Questions to Ask About Facilities

Modern buildings can be impressive, but the important question is whether you will actually use them.

General Facility Questions

Ask:

• Which facilities are available to undergraduates?

• Are facilities shared across departments?

• How easy is it to book specialist equipment?

• Are facilities available outside teaching hours?

• Are there additional charges?

• Are students trained to use the equipment?

• How often is equipment updated?

• What happens when facilities are busy?

• Are alternatives available if equipment is unavailable?

Questions for Laboratory Subjects

Ask:

• How often will I complete laboratory work?

• How many students share equipment?

• Are laboratory classes taught by academic staff?

• Are consumables included in tuition fees?

• Are laboratory coats or equipment required?

• Can undergraduates join research projects?

• Are laboratories available for final-year projects?

Questions for Creative Subjects

Ask:

• How much studio access do students receive?

• Can students access facilities in evenings or weekends?

• Is specialist software included?

• Are material costs included?

• How much should students budget for materials?

• Is equipment available to borrow?

• Are exhibitions or showcases organised?

• Can students work on external client briefs?

• Who owns the work students create?

Questions for Computing Courses

Ask:

• Which programming languages are taught?

• What software is used?

• Can students access software from home?

• Are cloud resources provided?

• Are computers available during busy periods?

• Are industry certifications included?

• What types of practical projects do students complete?

• Can students publish projects in a portfolio?

Questions About the Library

Ask:

• What are the library opening hours?

• Is it open 24 hours during assessment periods?

• How many study spaces are available?

• Are there silent, quiet and group zones?

• Can students book rooms?

• Are subject librarians available?

• How extensive are online resources?

• Are core textbooks available electronically?

• Can students borrow laptops?

• How busy does the library become?

• Are alternative study spaces available?

Questions to Ask About

Accommodation

Accommodation can affect your finances, travel, social life and wellbeing.

Accommodation Availability Questions

Ask:

• Is first-year accommodation guaranteed?

• What conditions apply to the guarantee?

• Must I make the university my firm choice?

• What is the application deadline?

• Are local students eligible?

• Are foundation-year students eligible?

• Are international students guaranteed accommodation?

• What happens if demand exceeds supply?

• When are room offers made?

• Can students reject one offer and request another?

Cost Questions

Ask:

• What is the weekly rent?

• How long is the contract?

• What is the total annual cost?

• Which bills are included?

• Is internet included?

• Is insurance included?

• Is a deposit required?

• When are payments due?

• Do payment dates match student finance instalments?

• Are there booking or administration fees?

• Are laundry costs included?

• Are there additional charges for staying during holidays?

Room Allocation Questions

Ask:

• Can students choose a particular residence?

• Can students choose a room type?

• Can students request quiet accommodation?

• Can students request alcohol-free accommodation?

• Can students request single-gender accommodation?

• Can students disclose accessibility needs?

• Are lifestyle preferences considered?

• How are flatmates allocated?

• Can students move if serious problems arise?

Contract Questions

Ask:

• Can the contract be ended early?

• What happens if a student withdraws from university?

• Is a replacement tenant required?

• What happens if a student changes university?

• Can students remain during holidays?

• Are summer extensions available?

• What rules apply to guests?

• Are contracts managed by the university or a private provider?

Read Student Accommodation Contracts Explained.

Practical Accommodation Questions

Ask:

• How many students share a kitchen?

• How many students share each bathroom?

• Is accommodation cleaned?

• How are repairs reported?

• How quickly are urgent repairs handled?

• Is security available overnight?

• Is bicycle storage provided?

• Is there parcel storage?

• Is there accessible accommodation?

• Is parking available?

• How far is the accommodation from my department?

• What public transport is available?

Questions to Ask Current Residents

Ask:

• Is the accommodation good value?

• How reliable is maintenance?

• Is it noisy?

• Are kitchens large enough?

• Is storage adequate?

• Are laundry machines reliable?

• Are there unexpected charges?

• How warm are the rooms in winter?

• Is the internet reliable?

• Would you choose the same halls again?

Read University Accommodation Explained and Halls vs Private Accommodation.

Questions to Ask About Second and Third-Year Housing

First-year halls are only one part of university accommodation.

Ask:

• Where do most students live after first year?

• What is the typical rent?

• When do students begin looking for houses?

• Is private accommodation difficult to find?

• Does the university check landlords?

• Is housing advice available?

• Are contract-checking services provided?

• Do students need a guarantor?

• How much are deposits?

• Are bills normally included?

• How far are popular student areas from campus?

• Is university-managed accommodation available in later years?

A university with affordable first-year halls may be surrounded by an expensive private rental market.

Questions to Ask About Costs

University living costs vary significantly.

Ask:

• What are the main costs students underestimate?

• How much do students typically spend on transport?

• Are course materials included?

• Are field trips compulsory?

• Are placement travel costs reimbursed?

• Is specialist clothing required?

• Are laboratory or studio materials included?

• Are printing costs charged?

• Are software licences included?

• Are there compulsory society or professional fees?

• How expensive is accommodation after first year?

• Are bursaries available?

• Is hardship funding available?

• Does the university offer emergency support?

Read Cost of Living at University and Hidden Costs of University

Questions to Ask About Student Finance and Bursaries

Ask:

• Which university bursaries are available?

• Are bursaries awarded automatically?

• Is a separate application required?

• What are the eligibility criteria?

• Are scholarships based on grades or circumstances?

• When are payments made?

• Can students receive more than one award?

• Is support available for placement costs?

• Is travel support available?

• Is emergency funding available?

• What evidence is required for hardship support?

• Are funds available throughout the year?

Do not assume that a scholarship advertised prominently is available to every student.

Questions to Ask About Part-Time Work

Ask:

• Does the university employ students?

• What types of campus jobs are available?

• How are vacancies advertised?

• How competitive are student jobs?

• Are roles available in the library, union or department?

• What local employers recruit students?

• Are jobs available during holidays?

• Does the careers service help students find part-time work?

• How many hours does the university recommend working?

• Can course timetables accommodate regular employment?

Read Part-Time Jobs at University.

Questions to Ask About Student Support

General Support Questions

Ask:

• What support is available if a student struggles?

• How do students request help?

• Is an appointment required?

• How long do students normally wait?

• Is urgent support available?

• Is help available outside office hours?

• Are services available online?

• Are students automatically contacted if they stop attending?

• How do academic departments respond to personal difficulties?

Mental Health Questions

Ask:

• Is counselling available?

• How many sessions are offered?

• Are mental health advisers available?

• Is urgent support provided?

• What happens outside office hours?

• Are long-term conditions supported?

• Can academic adjustments be arranged?

• Are peer-support groups available?

• Is there support during holidays?

• How are students referred to external services?

A university may advertise counselling without explaining waiting times or eligibility. Ask how the service works in practice.

Disability Support Questions

Ask:

• How do students register with disability services?

• What evidence is required?

• Can support be arranged before enrolment?

• How are reasonable adjustments communicated?

• Are lectures recorded?

• Is assistive technology available?

• Are examination adjustments provided?

• Is accessible accommodation guaranteed?

• Are placements supported?

• Is campus transport accessible?

• Can students receive help applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance?

• What happens if adjustments are not implemented?

Academic Skills Questions

Ask:

• Is writing support available?

• Is mathematics support offered?

• Are study-skills workshops available?

• Can students receive individual appointments?

• Is support available for academic English?

• Are peer mentors provided?

• Are revision sessions offered?

• Can students receive help with referencing?

• Is support available throughout the degree?

Questions for Care-Experienced and Estranged Students

Ask:

• Is year-round accommodation available?

• Is a named adviser provided?

• Are bursaries available?

• Is guarantor support offered?

• Is help available during holidays?

• Are welcome and transition programmes provided?

• Is emergency funding available?

• Can students store belongings between contracts?

Questions for Students With Caring Responsibilities

Ask:

• Is there a named contact for student carers?

• Can timetables be adjusted?

• Are lectures recorded?

• What happens during a caring emergency?

• Is financial support available?

• Are online appointments offered?

• Can placement locations be adjusted?

• Is interruption of study available?

Questions to Ask About International Student Support

Ask:

• Is there a specialist international student team?

• What visa support is available?

• Is support available before arrival?

• Is airport collection offered?

• Is international orientation provided?

• Is accommodation guaranteed?

• Is English-language support available?

• Are cultural or international societies active?

• Is vacation accommodation available?

• How is healthcare registration explained?

• Is help available with opening a bank account?

• What support exists if a visa is delayed?

• Can students receive advice about working restrictions?

• Is immigration advice provided by appropriately trained staff?

Questions to Ask About the University Location

The course may be excellent, but you also need to live in the surrounding area.

Ask:

• How far is the department from the city or town centre?

• How reliable is public transport?

• How late do buses or trains run?

• How much does local transport cost?

• Is a student travel pass available?

• How easy is it to reach the railway station?

• Is cycling practical?

• Is student parking available?

• Where are the nearest supermarkets?

• Where do students socialise?

• What do students do at weekends?

• Is the area busy during holidays?

• How easy is it to find part-time work?

• Where are the main student neighbourhoods?

• What is the journey home like?

Read Campus vs City Universities and Should You Stay Close to Home?.

Questions to Ask About Safety

No university can guarantee complete safety, but it should explain the support and systems in place.

Ask:

• Is campus security available 24 hours?

• How do students contact security?

• Are emergency phones or apps available?

• Are accommodation buildings access controlled?

• Are late-night transport services offered?

• Are walking routes well lit?

• Is support available after harassment or assault?

• Are students given safety information?

• How are incidents reported?

• Is help available during nights and weekends?

• Are security staff trained to support vulnerable students?

Ask current students:

• Do you feel safe walking around campus?

• Are there routes you avoid?

• Is late-night transport reliable?

• Does security respond quickly?

Questions to Ask About Healthcare

Ask:

• Is there an on-campus GP practice?

• How do students register?

• Where is the nearest pharmacy?

• How far is the nearest hospital?

• Are dental services available nearby?

• What happens during a medical emergency?

• Is support available for ongoing conditions?

• Can students access sexual health services?

• Are vaccination services provided?

• How are students supported during long-term illness?

Questions to Ask About Societies and Student Life

Ask:

• How many active societies are there?

• How can students start a new society?

• How much does membership cost?

• When do societies normally meet?

• Are activities accessible to commuters?

• Are alcohol-free events available?

• Is there a freshers’ fair?

• Are societies active throughout the year?

• Are volunteering opportunities available?

• Is student media available?

• Are faith and cultural groups active?

• Is funding available for student groups?

• Are society venues accessible?

Questions About Sports

Ask:

• Which sports clubs are available?

• Are there competitive and recreational options?

• How much does membership cost?

• Is gym access included?

• Where are sports facilities located?

• Is transport required?

• Are beginners welcome?

• Are accessible sports available?

• Are trials required?

• Can students participate casually?

Questions to Ask Current Students About Social Life

Ask:

• What do students do outside lectures?

• What happens at weekends?

• Do many students go home?

• Is social life expensive?

• Are there activities beyond nightlife?

• How active is the students’ union?

• Is it easy to join societies?

• Is the university welcoming to quieter students?

• How easy is it to meet people outside halls?

• What do you wish you had joined earlier?

Read Joining Societies and Making Friends at University.

Questions to Ask About Commuting

Ask:

• How many students commute?

• Is there a commuter student network?

• Are lockers available?

• Is there somewhere to rest between classes?

• Are microwaves or kitchens available?

• Is student parking provided?

• How much does parking cost?

• How early can classes begin?

• How late can classes finish?

• Are lectures recorded?

• Are societies accessible to commuters?

• Is overnight accommodation ever available?

• Are timetable requests considered?

Questions to Ask About Campus Accessibility

Ask:

• Are teaching buildings step free?

• Is accessible transport available between sites?

• Are lifts reliable?

• Are accessible toilets available?

• Are quiet rooms provided?

• Are hearing loops installed?

• Are sensory-friendly spaces available?

• Is accessible parking available?

• Can accommodation and teaching routes be tested in advance?

• How are emergency evacuations managed?

• Are field trips and placements accessible?

• Who should students contact when access problems occur?

Try to visit the actual buildings used by your course.

Questions to Ask About the Students’ Union

Ask:

• Is the students’ union independent from the university?

• Does it provide academic advice?

• Is housing advice available?

• Can it support complaints or appeals?

• Which societies does it manage?

• Does it employ students?

• Does it run social venues?

• Are elected student representatives active?

• How are student concerns raised?

• Does it provide financial or welfare support?

Questions to Ask About Complaints and Student Voice

Ask:

• How can students provide course feedback?

• Are student representatives elected?

• How often do staff-student meetings take place?

• What changes have been made because of student feedback?

• How are complaints handled?

• Is independent advice available?

• How long do complaints normally take?

• Can students appeal academic decisions?

• Is mediation available?

• How does the university protect students from disadvantage after raising concerns?

A particularly useful question is:

“Can you give an example of something the department changed after student feedback?”

A clear example shows whether student voice leads to action.

Questions to Ask About University Organisation

Ask current students:

• Are timetables released on time?

• Are timetable changes frequent?

• Are module choices handled clearly?

• Are assessment instructions consistent?

• Does the department communicate well?

• Are marks returned when promised?

• Are administrative staff easy to contact?

• Are problems resolved quickly?

• Is information easy to find?

• Does the university rely too heavily on students chasing answers?

Poor organisation can affect even a well-designed course.

Questions to Ask About League Tables and Statistics

Universities may advertise strong rankings and graduate results.

Ask:

• Which league table is this result from?

• What year does it refer to?

• Is it an overall or subject ranking?

• Which measure produced the result?

• Does the graduate data relate to this exact course?

• How many students are included?

• Is the figure employment only, or employment and further study?

• Are salary figures starting salaries or later earnings?

• Why does the course rank differently elsewhere?

• What has changed since the data was collected?

Read How Important Are League Tables? 

Questions to Ask About Russell Group Status or Reputation

Where relevant, ask:

• How does the university’s research strength affect undergraduates?

• Can students participate in research?

• Are specialist facilities available to undergraduates?

• How much teaching is delivered by senior academics?

• Does the university’s employer network create placements?

• What opportunities are specific to this department?

• What matters here beyond the university name?

Read Russell Group Universities Explained.

Questions to Ask About Research Opportunities

Ask:

• Can undergraduates assist with research?

• Are summer research placements available?

• Are opportunities paid?

• Can students work with academic research groups?

• Are final-year projects linked to current research?

• Are research methods taught early?

• Can students attend department seminars?

• Are integrated master’s routes available?

• What postgraduate opportunities are common?

• Are students supported with PhD applications?

Questions to Ask About Field Trips

Ask:

• Are field trips compulsory?

• Where do they take place?

• How much do they cost?

• Are travel and accommodation included?

• Are alternatives available?

• Are accessibility needs supported?

• Is specialist equipment required?

• How are trips assessed?

• Are overseas trips optional?

• What happens if a student cannot attend?

Questions to Ask About Professional Placements

For healthcare, teaching and other placement-based courses, ask:

• How are placements allocated?

• How far do students travel?

• Is a car required?

• Are travel costs reimbursed?

• Can students express location preferences?

• What hours do placements involve?

• Are evening or weekend shifts required?

• What happens if a placement fails?

• Who supervises students?

• How are concerns reported?

• Are students supported during difficult placements?

• Can adjustments be made for disability or caring responsibilities?

• How much notice is given before placement begins?

Questions to Ask About Timetables

Ask:

• How many days per week are students normally on campus?

• Are there regular 9am sessions?

• How late can teaching finish?

• Are timetable gaps common?

• Are classes held on different campuses?

• How far apart are teaching buildings?

• Are timetables released before term?

• Can students request adjustments?

• Does the timetable change each term?

• Are optional-module clashes common?

• Are placement timetables different?

Timetables are rarely guaranteed, but staff should be able to describe a typical pattern.

Questions to Ask About Reading and Workload

Ask:

• How many hours of independent study are expected?

• How much reading is set each week?

• Are reading lists prioritised?

• Are core texts available through the library?

• How many assessments are completed each term?

• When are the busiest periods?

• How much group work is involved?

• How do students balance several modules?

• Is summer preparation expected before first year?

Ask current students:

• How many hours do you genuinely study?

• Is the workload manageable?

• When does the course become busiest?

• Can students realistically work part time?

Questions to Ask About Preparing for First Year

Ask:

• Is there a recommended reading list?

• Is pre-arrival work required?

• Are maths or writing refresher courses available?

• Does the course assume previous subject knowledge?

• Are programming skills expected?

• Is specialist equipment needed?

• Should students buy textbooks before arrival?

• Is orientation provided?

• Are peer mentors assigned?

• What do staff wish new students understood before starting?

Questions to Ask About Changing Your Mind

Ask:

• Can I defer my place?

• What is the deferral process?

• Can I change course before enrolment?

• Can I transfer after starting?

• Can I move between course pathways?

• Can I leave an integrated master’s with a bachelor’s degree?

• Can I add a foundation, placement or study abroad year?

• What happens to fees and credits after a transfer?

• Who advises students considering withdrawal?

Questions Parents and Carers May Want to Ask

Parents and carers may want information about:

• Accommodation payments

• Safety

• Healthcare

• Travel

• Support

• Communication

• Emergency arrangements

Useful questions include:

• What happens if a student becomes seriously ill?

• Who can students contact outside office hours?

• Are accommodation payments aligned with student finance?

• Is support available during university holidays?

• How are students supported if they stop attending?

• What happens if a student wants to leave accommodation?

• Is emergency financial support available?

• Where can families find general guidance?

Universities will normally communicate directly with the student and may be unable to discuss personal information without permission.

Questions That Produce Better Answers

Some questions invite polished marketing responses.

Here are stronger alternatives.

Instead of:

“Is the course well organised?”

Ask:

“How far in advance are timetables and assessment dates released, and how are changes communicated?”

Instead of:

“Are there good placements?”

Ask:

“What percentage of students secured a placement last year, and which employers took them?”

Instead of:

“Is student support good?”

Ask:

“How does a student request an appointment, and how long would they normally wait?”

Instead of:

“Is accommodation affordable?”

Ask:

“What is the total contract cost for the least expensive room, including compulsory charges?”

Instead of:

“Do graduates get good jobs?”

Ask:

“What are the most common occupations entered by graduates from this exact course?”

Instead of:

“Is there lots of module choice?”

Ask:

“How many optional modules can each student select, and are places on popular modules limited?”

Instead of:

“Are lecturers approachable?”

Ask:

“How often can students meet lecturers individually outside scheduled classes?”

Instead of:

“Is the university safe?”

Ask:

“What late-night transport and emergency support are available to students?”

Questions That May Be Answered Online

Do not spend all your open-day time asking for information that is clearly published.

You can usually research:

• Standard entry requirements

• Course duration

• Headline accommodation prices

• Campus address

• Basic module titles

• General society lists

• Main application deadlines

Use the visit to investigate:

• How policies work in practice

• Whether optional modules really run

• How support is accessed

• What current students experience

• What happens when something goes wrong

• Whether facilities are genuinely available

• What makes the course distinctive

How Many Questions Should You Ask?

You do not need to ask every question in this guide.

Choose around:

• Five essential course questions

• Three teaching and assessment questions

• Three accommodation or cost questions

• Two support questions

• Two careers questions

• Several questions for current students

Prioritise the questions that could change your decision.

For example, professional accreditation may be essential, while the number of cafés is probably a preference.

How to Organise Your Open-Day Questions

Create categories in your phone or notebook.

Course

• Modules

• Assessment

• Teaching

• Accreditation

Experience

• Workload

• Organisation

• Feedback

• Student community

Practical

• Accommodation

• Costs

• Transport

• Safety

Support

• Academic

• Mental health

• Disability

• Financial

Careers

• Placements

• Employers

• Graduate outcomes

• Internships

Leave space below each question to record the answer.

How to Record Answers

Write down:

• Who answered

• The main answer

• Any figures provided

• Anything requiring verification

• Your reaction

• A follow-up question

Separate:

Confirmed fact

“Students choose two optional modules in second year.”

Student opinion

“The department is usually organised.”

Marketing claim

“We have excellent employer links.”

Unanswered question

“No one could confirm whether placements are paid.”

This makes your notes much more useful later.

University Open-Day Question Scorecard

After the visit, score each university from one to five.

Factor	University 1	University 2	University 3
Course content	/5	/5	/5
Teaching	/5	/5	/5
Assessment	/5	/5	/5
Academic support	/5	/5	/5
Organisation	/5	/5	/5
Placements	/5	/5	/5
Careers support	/5	/5	/5
Accommodation	/5	/5	/5
Living costs	/5	/5	/5
Student support	/5	/5	/5
Location	/5	/5	/5
Student life	/5	/5	/5
Overall fit	/5	/5	/5

Add evidence beside each score.

“Accommodation: 4/5” is less useful than:

“Accommodation: 4/5. Affordable hall close to the department, but contract does not include the full summer.”

Open-Day Red Flags

Investigate further if:

• Staff cannot explain the module structure

• Accreditation information is unclear

• Optional-module availability is vague

• Placement claims have no supporting examples

• Current students repeatedly mention disorganisation

• Feedback times are unclear

• Support teams cannot explain how students access help

• Accommodation costs are difficult to calculate

• Facilities shown are unavailable to undergraduates

• Graduate claims do not relate to the actual course

• Staff avoid discussing course weaknesses

• Different people give contradictory answers

One weak answer does not automatically rule out a university.

Look for repeated concerns and follow up in writing.

Read Red Flags to Look Out For When Choosing a University.

Questions to Ask Yourself During the Open Day

Ask yourself:

• Am I interested in the compulsory modules?

• Does the teaching style suit me?

• Can I manage the assessment methods?

• Can I afford to live here?

• Does the accommodation meet my needs?

• Is the journey manageable?

• Would I feel comfortable asking for support?

• Do current students seem honest and positive?

• Can I imagine an ordinary week here?

• Am I impressed by the course or mainly by the university name?

• Would I still choose this course if its league-table position changed?

• What concerns do I still have?

• Would I be happy to make this my insurance choice?

• Would I genuinely attend if offered a place?

Questions to Ask Yourself After the Open Day

Once you leave, ask:

• What was the strongest feature?

• What was the biggest concern?

• Which answers were vague?

• Which claims need checking?

• Did the course meet my expectations?

• How did it compare with other universities?

• Are the costs realistic?

• Did I feel comfortable in the environment?

• Am I choosing based on evidence?

• Do I need another visit?

• Would a virtual follow-up session help?

• Is this university still one of my strongest options?

Final Open-Day Question Checklist

Before leaving, try to confirm:

Course

• Compulsory modules

• Optional-module availability

• Teaching methods

• Assessment

• Contact hours

• Academic support

• Accreditation

• Transfer options

Careers

• Placement availability

• Placement success rates

• Employer links

• Graduate destinations

• Careers support

Accommodation

• Guarantee conditions

• Total contract cost

• Included bills

• Room allocation

• Distance from teaching

• Later-year housing

Costs

• Course materials

• Transport

• Field trips

• Placement costs

• Bursaries

• Hardship funding

Support

• Mental health

• Disability

• Academic skills

• Emergency help

• International support

Student Experience

• Workload

• Organisation

• Feedback

• Societies

• Social life

• Current student opinions

Practical Information

• Transport

• Safety

• Healthcare

• Shops

• Travel home

• Part-time work

Frequently Asked Questions About Open-Day Questions

What are the most important questions to ask at a university open day?

Ask about compulsory modules, assessment, teaching, contact hours, placement success, accommodation costs, support and graduate destinations.

Who should I speak to?

Speak to academic staff, current students, admissions teams, accommodation staff, support services and careers advisers.

What should I ask current university students?

Ask what surprised them, how manageable the workload is, how useful feedback is, whether the department is organised and whether they would choose the course again.

What should I ask about accommodation?

Ask about the total contract cost, included bills, guarantee conditions, room allocation, distance from teaching, maintenance and early termination.

What should I ask about placements?

Ask what percentage of students secure placements, which employers participate, whether roles are paid and what happens if a student does not obtain one.

What should I ask about teaching?

Ask about lecture and seminar sizes, contact hours, recordings, tutor access and independent study.

What should I ask about assessment?

Ask about the balance between examinations and coursework, group work, feedback times, resits and whether first-year marks count.

What should I ask about careers?

Ask what jobs graduates enter, which employers recruit students, whether internships are

available and how long careers support continues.

Should I ask questions answered on the website?

Prioritise questions that reveal how policies work in practice. Use the website for basic facts.

How many questions should I prepare?

Prepare a focused list of around fifteen important questions, then add follow-ups based on the answers.

Is it acceptable to ask about course weaknesses?

Yes. A useful question is, “What part of the course are you currently trying to improve?”

Can parents ask questions?

Yes, particularly about finance, accommodation and practical arrangements, but the student should lead the visit.

Should I write down the answers?

Yes. Universities can blur together after several visits.

Can I email questions after the open day?

Yes. Important answers about accreditation, fees, accommodation or admissions should ideally be confirmed in writing.

What if staff give different answers?

Ask for clarification from the department responsible and request written confirmation.

What is the best question to ask a current student?

“What do you wish you had known before starting?” often produces an honest and useful answer.

What is the best question to ask course staff?

“What makes this course meaningfully different from similar courses elsewhere?” encourages a detailed answer.

Final Thoughts: Questions to Ask at a University Open Day

The most useful open-day questions are specific, practical and difficult to answer with a polished slogan.

Do not ask only whether the university has:

• Good teaching

• Strong support

• Excellent placements

• Affordable accommodation

• Impressive graduate outcomes

Ask how these things work.

Find out:

• How many optional modules you can really take

• How quickly work is returned

• How students access support

• How many students secure placements

• What accommodation costs across the full contract

• What recent graduates actually do

Speak to several people and compare their answers.

Academic staff can explain the course. Current students can describe the experience.

Support teams can explain the systems. Your job is to bring the information together.

An open day should leave you with more than photographs, leaflets and a heroic quantity of branded pens.

It should help you decide whether the course, university and everyday student experience are genuinely right for you. 🎓