How to Get the Most From a University Open Day

A university open day is one of the best opportunities to decide whether a course and university are right for you.

Websites, prospectuses and virtual tours can provide useful information, but visiting in person allows you to experience the university for yourself.

You can:

• Attend a subject talk

• Explore the department

• Visit accommodation

• Speak to current students

• Test the journey

• Investigate student support

• Explore the surrounding area

• Ask questions about the course

• Compare the reality with the marketing

However, open days can also feel overwhelming.

There may be dozens of talks, tours and information stands, often taking place at the same time. It is easy to spend the whole day following signs, collecting leaflets and looking at attractive buildings without learning what studying there would actually be like.

The key is to arrive with a plan.

This guide explains how to prepare for a university open day, what to do while you are there and how to compare your findings afterwards.

What Is a University Open Day?

A university open day is an event designed to help prospective students explore the university before applying or accepting an offer.

Activities may include:

• Course presentations

• Department tours

• Sample lectures

• Accommodation visits

• Student finance talks

• Admissions advice

• Campus tours

• Careers presentations

• Student panels

• Society and sports fairs

• Support-service information

• Question-and-answer sessions

Universities may hold separate events for:

• Students considering applying

• Applicants who already hold offers

• Postgraduate students

• International students

• Particular subjects

• Medicine, dentistry or other specialist courses

An applicant or offer-holder day may provide more detailed course information than a large general open day.

Check exactly which type of event you are booking.

Why Are University Open Days Important?

A university can look excellent online and still feel completely wrong when you visit.

Equally, a university you had not strongly considered may surprise you.

An open day can help you assess:

• Whether you like the course

• Whether the university feels welcoming

• How easy the campus is to navigate

• What the surrounding area is like

• Whether accommodation feels suitable

• How current students describe their experience

• Whether support services meet your needs

• How realistic the journey would be

• Whether you can picture yourself studying there

An open day should not make the decision automatically, but it can reveal information that is difficult to understand from a website alone.

Should You Attend an Open Day Before Applying?

Where practical, attending before applying can help you build a stronger shortlist.

It may prevent you from using a UCAS choice on a university that:

• Offers unsuitable modules

• Has an inconvenient location

• Is too expensive

• Uses assessment methods you dislike

• Does not provide the required accreditation

• Feels uncomfortable or inaccessible

However, it may not be possible to visit every university before applying.

You can use:

• Virtual open days

• Online course talks

• Campus videos

• Student chats

• Offer-holder events

• Independent visits

to complete your research.

Read Virtual Open Days: Are They Worth It? [Virtual Open Days: Are They Worth It?] if travel is difficult or expensive.

Should You Attend an Offer-Holder Day?

Yes, particularly if you are seriously considering making the university your firm or insurance choice.

An offer-holder day may provide:

• More detailed subject sessions

• Opportunities to meet future classmates

• Sample teaching

• Greater access to academic staff

• More focused accommodation information

• Detailed discussions about modules

• Advice about preparing for the course

A general open day helps you decide whether to apply.

An offer-holder day helps you decide whether to accept.

Attending both can be valuable because your priorities may change once you have received your offers.

What Should You Do Before a University Open Day?

Read the Course Page

Do not arrive without knowing the basics.

Read:

• Course structure

• Compulsory modules

• Optional modules

• Assessment methods

• Entry requirements

• Placement opportunities

• Study abroad options

• Professional accreditation

• Course length

This allows you to ask specific questions instead of spending the day collecting information already available online.

Read How to Choose the Right Degree Course [How to Choose the Right Degree Course] before comparing courses.

Check Where Your Course Is Taught

A university may have:

• One main campus

• Several campuses

• A separate medical school

• Specialist art or engineering sites

• Partner hospitals

• Buildings spread across a city

The main open-day event may not be where your teaching will take place.

Check:

• The department location

• Accommodation distance

• Travel between teaching sites

• Placement locations

• Whether you need to visit another campus

This is especially important for students considering:

• Medicine

• Healthcare

• Engineering

• Art and design

• Agriculture

• Veterinary science

• Education

Download or Save the Open-Day Programme

Open days often include several sessions running at the same time.

Identify your priorities before arriving.

Your schedule might include:

1. Course talk

2. Department tour

3. Accommodation visit

4. Student finance session

5. Campus tour

6. Student support meeting

7. Independent exploration

Book any activities that require advance registration.

Popular accommodation tours and subject talks may fill quickly.

Build a Realistic Schedule

Do not try to attend everything.

Allow time for:

• Walking between buildings

• Queues

• Lunch

• Questions

• Transport delays

• Exploring independently

• Taking notes

A tightly packed timetable may leave you rushing from one presentation to another without processing anything.

Choose your essential sessions first.

Essential Open-Day Activities

Most students should prioritise:

• The course talk

• The department visit

• Accommodation

• Speaking to current students

• Exploring the location

General presentations about the university are useful, but the individual course should remain central to your decision.

Write Your Questions in Advance

Open days can be busy, and it is easy to forget what you wanted to ask.

Prepare questions under headings such as:

• Course

• Teaching

• Assessment

• Placements

• Accommodation

• Costs

• Support

• Student life

• Careers

Read Questions to Ask at an Open Day [Questions to Ask at an Open Day] for a detailed question bank.

Check the Entry Requirements

Know the standard entry requirements before attending.

This allows you to ask useful questions about:

• Required subjects

• GCSE requirements

• Contextual offers

• Admissions tests

• Interviews

• Portfolios

• Work experience

• Alternative qualifications

Avoid asking only:

“What grades do I need?”

Try asking:

“How do you consider applicants who narrowly miss the standard offer?”

or:

“Which parts of the application matter most once the academic requirements have been met?”

Research Professional Accreditation

Some careers require or value professionally recognised courses.

Before attending, check whether accreditation may matter for your subject.

Ask:

• Is the exact course accredited?

• Does accreditation apply to my year of entry?

• Are specific modules required?

• Does the placement year affect accreditation?

• Does the integrated master’s provide additional recognition?

Do not rely on a general statement that the department has “professional links”.

Research Accommodation

Look at:

• Accommodation locations

• Weekly costs

• Contract lengths

• Room types

• Catering

• Shared facilities

• Application deadlines

• Guarantee conditions

Choose several residences to visit rather than looking only at the most modern building.

Read University Accommodation Explained [University Accommodation Explained] and Halls vs Private Accommodation [Halls vs Private Accommodation].

Calculate the Journey

Before the open day, check:

• Travel time

• Ticket costs

• Parking

• Campus transport

• Walking routes

• Accessibility

• Alternative routes

Where possible, travel in the same way you would as a student.

If you intend to commute, test the route during normal weekday travel conditions as well as attending the open day.

Check the Weather

A surprising amount of an open day may be spent walking outside.

Bring suitable:

• Shoes

• Clothing

• Water

• Sun protection

• Umbrella

You want to focus on the university, not on the gradual loss of feeling in your toes.

What Should You Bring to an Open Day?

Useful items include:

• Booking confirmation

• Open-day programme

• Phone

• Portable charger

• Notebook

• List of questions

• Water

• Snacks

• Comfortable shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Travel information

• Relevant accessibility information

You may also want:

• A folder for important documents

• A printed campus map

• Details of any appointments

• A small bag rather than something bulky

You will probably receive prospectuses and leaflets, so leave some space.

Should Parents or Carers Attend?

Parents and carers can be helpful because they may:

• Notice practical details

• Remember information

• Ask financial questions

• Help assess accommodation

• Support travel

• Provide another perspective

However, the student should remain central to the visit.

Try to answer staff questions yourself and form your own impression.

Parents and carers can write notes while you focus on conversations.

It may be useful to divide tasks. For example:

• The student attends a subject session.

• A parent attends a finance talk.

• You compare notes afterwards.

However, avoid separating for the sessions most important to the student’s final decision.

What Should You Prioritise on an Open Day?

1. Attend the Course Talk

The course talk is usually the most important session.

It may explain:

• Course structure

• Module choice

• Teaching

• Assessment

• Placements

• Study abroad

• Graduate careers

• Admissions

• Department facilities

Listen for information that is specific to the course.

Be cautious when most of the presentation focuses on:

• General university reputation

• The city

• Rankings

• Famous alumni

• Attractive buildings

These may be relevant, but they do not explain what you will study.

2. Visit the Department

A department visit can reveal:

• Teaching spaces

• Laboratories

• Studios

• Equipment

• Libraries

• Common rooms

• Staff availability

• Student atmosphere

Ask whether the spaces you see are regularly used by undergraduates.

Some impressive facilities may primarily serve researchers or postgraduate students.

3. Speak to Current Students

Current students can provide a more realistic view of:

• Workload

• Teaching

• Feedback

• Accommodation

• Societies

• Organisation

• Support

• Costs

• Daily life

Staff can explain how a course is intended to work.

Students can explain how it feels in practice.

4. Explore Accommodation

Accommodation affects your finances, travel, social life and wellbeing.

Try to visit:

• A lower-cost option

• A mid-priced option

• A residence you are seriously considering

• Accommodation near your department

• Catered and self-catered options where relevant

Do not look only at the show room.

Ask to see:

• Shared kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Corridors

• Laundry

• Common areas

• Security

• Outdoor spaces

5. Explore the Wider Area

The official tour may focus on the most attractive parts of the university.

Walk beyond it.

Look for:

• Supermarkets

• Transport

• Pharmacies

• Cafés

• Student housing

• Healthcare

• Part-time work

• Green spaces

• The route to the station

• The surrounding neighbourhood

Imagine living there in February, not just visiting during a sunny June open day.

What Should You Look for During the Course Talk?

Course Structure

Check:

• How the years are organised

• Which modules are compulsory

• When choices begin

• How many options are available

• Whether modules change regularly

• Whether specialisms are guaranteed

A long list of optional modules does not mean every module runs each year.

Ask how module allocation works.

Teaching Methods

Find out how much teaching involves:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Tutorials

• Workshops

• Laboratories

• Fieldwork

• Studio work

• Placements

• Independent study

Ask what a typical first-year week looks like.

Assessment Methods

Check the balance between:

• Examinations

• Essays

• Reports

• Presentations

• Portfolios

• Practical work

• Group projects

• Online tests

• Dissertations

Ask whether assessment changes between years.

Contact Hours

Ask how many scheduled hours students normally have.

Also ask:

• How much independent work is expected?

• How large are lectures?

• How large are seminars?

• Are office hours available?

• How often do students meet their personal tutor?

A single contact-hour figure can be misleading without context.

Academic Support

Find out what happens if you struggle.

Support might include:

• Personal tutors

• Academic skills sessions

• Writing support

• Mathematics support

• Peer mentoring

• Revision workshops

• Drop-in appointments

Ask whether support is automatic or whether students need to request it.

Feedback

Ask:

• How quickly is work normally returned?

• Is feedback written, verbal or recorded?

• Can students discuss feedback with staff?

• Is draft feedback available?

• How are students supported before their next assessment?

The value of feedback depends on whether it is timely and usable.

Module Choice

Ask:

• How many optional modules can students choose?

• Are popular modules capped?

• How are places allocated?

• Do all advertised modules run?

• Can students take modules from another department?

• Do certain choices affect accreditation?

Placements

Ask:

• Is a placement available?

• Is it compulsory?

• Is a place guaranteed?

• Who finds the employer?

• What proportion of students secure placements?

• Are placements usually paid?

• What happens if a student does not secure one?

• Is relocation common?

Read Placement Years: Are They Worth It? [Placement Years: Are They Worth It?].

Study Abroad

Ask:

• Which destinations are available to your course?

• Are places guaranteed?

• How are destinations allocated?

• What grades are required?

• How do overseas marks count?

• What additional costs are involved?

• What support is provided?

Read Study Abroad Years Explained [Study Abroad Years Explained].

Careers

Ask:

• What do graduates from this course do?

• Which employers recruit students?

• Are internships available?

• Does the department run careers events?

• Is career support available after graduation?

• Are professional qualifications required?

Avoid relying on one impressive graduate example.

Ask about the range of outcomes across the course.

Questions to Ask Current Students

Current students may give especially useful answers when questions are specific.

About the Course

Ask:

• What surprised you after starting?

• Which modules have you enjoyed most?

• How heavy is the workload?

• How organised is the department?

• How accessible are lecturers?

• How useful is the feedback?

• How much choice do you really get?

• Would you choose the course again?

About Teaching

Ask:

• Are lectures recorded?

• Do lecturers respond to questions?

• How large are seminars?

• Are classes often cancelled?

• How quickly is work marked?

• Is the timetable manageable?

About Accommodation

Ask:

• Is the advertised rent realistic?

• Which halls have the best location?

• Which accommodation is quieter?

• Are kitchens large enough?

• How reliable is maintenance?

• What are laundry costs?

• Is security effective?

• Where do students live after first year?

About Student Life

Ask:

• What do students do at weekends?

• How active are societies?

• Are there social options beyond nightlife?

• Is it easy to make friends?

• Does the university feel welcoming?

• Do students stay in the area during weekends?

About Costs

Ask:

• Which expenses surprised you?

• Is transport expensive?

• Are campus cafés affordable?

• How much does private housing cost?

• Is part-time work easy to find?

• Are there hidden course costs?

About Support

Ask:

• Is it easy to access wellbeing support?

• How useful are personal tutors?

• What happens if a student falls behind?

• Does the university respond to complaints?

• Are disability arrangements reliable?

Try to speak to several students. One person’s experience may not represent the entire course.

What Should You Look for in the Department?

Notice:

• Whether spaces are busy and used

• Whether facilities look maintained

• How staff and students interact

• Whether course information is clear

• Whether students seem comfortable asking questions

• Whether undergraduates have dedicated spaces

• How accessible the building is

Ask whether you can see:

• A normal teaching room

• A laboratory

• A studio

• The subject library

• Student project work

• Final-year work

• Specialist equipment

What Should You Look for in University Accommodation?

Location

Check the journey to:

• Your department

• The library

• Shops

• Sports facilities

• The city centre

• The station

• Healthcare

Room Size

A room does not need to be enormous, but check whether there is enough space for:

• Studying

• Storage

• Clothing

• Bedding

• Daily living

Kitchen and Shared Areas

Look at:

• Number of students sharing

• Cupboard space

• Fridge and freezer space

• Cooking equipment

• Seating

• Cleaning arrangements

• Ventilation

Bathrooms

Check:

• How many students share

• Cleaning

• Privacy

• Accessibility

• Hot-water arrangements

An en-suite room may be convenient, but it usually costs more.

Security

Look for:

• Controlled access

• Reception or security staff

• Window locks

• Well-lit routes

• Emergency contacts

• Secure bicycle storage

Noise

Ask whether accommodation is:

• Quiet

• Social

• Close to nightlife

• Near a road

• Near building work

• Used for university events

The most social residence is not automatically the best residence for you.

Contract Details

Ask:

• What is included in the rent?

• How long is the contract?

• Are deposits required?

• When are payments due?

• Is accommodation guaranteed?

• Can students remain during holidays?

• What happens if they want to leave?

Read Student Accommodation Contracts Explained [Student Accommodation Contracts Explained] before signing anything.

Should You Visit More Than One Accommodation Option?

Yes.

University accommodation can vary considerably in:

• Cost

• Location

• Age

• Facilities

• Atmosphere

• Contract length

• Room type

The room displayed most prominently on an open day may be one of the newest or most expensive.

Ask to compare realistic options within your budget.

What Should You Investigate About Student Support?

Disability Support

Ask about:

• Reasonable adjustments

• Accessible accommodation

• Assistive technology

• Lecture recording

• Examination arrangements

• Placement support

• Step-free access

• Transport

• Support plans

Students with specific needs should arrange an individual conversation where possible.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Ask:

• How students request help

• Whether appointments are in person or online

• Whether urgent support is available

• What happens outside office hours

• Whether long-term support is offered

• How academic departments respond to difficulties

A service may exist without being easy to access.

Ask about the practical process.

Academic Support

Find out whether the university provides:

• Writing support

• Study-skills workshops

• Mathematics help

• Library training

• Language support

• Peer mentoring

• Revision programmes

Financial Support

Ask about:

• Bursaries

• Scholarships

• Hardship funding

• Emergency support

• Part-time work

• Budgeting advice

• Placement expenses

Check eligibility and application deadlines.

Careers Support

Ask:

• When students can begin using the careers service

• Whether subject-specific advisers are available

• Whether support continues after graduation

• Which employers visit

• What internship support exists

• Whether CV and interview help is available

What Should You Investigate About the University Location?

Explore beyond the campus.

Check:

• Public transport

• Supermarkets

• Pharmacies

• Banks

• Healthcare

• Social venues

• Green spaces

• Part-time work

• Student housing

• Travel home

If the university is city based, test the journey between buildings.

If it is campus based, test the journey into the nearest town or city.

Read Campus vs City Universities [Campus vs City Universities].

Visit the Supermarket

This may not be glamorous, but it tells you something useful about daily life.

Check:

• How far it is from accommodation

• Whether it is affordable

• Whether you can carry shopping back

• What transport is available

• Opening hours

A campus mini-market may be convenient but more expensive than a larger supermarket.

Test the Journey to the Station

Ask yourself:

• Can you walk it?

• Is there a direct bus?

• How much does a taxi cost?

• Is the route safe after dark?

• Can you manage it with luggage?

• Do services operate early and late?

This matters particularly if you plan to visit home regularly.

Read Should You Stay Close to Home? [Should You Stay Close to Home?].

Explore Student Housing Areas

Most students do not remain in university halls throughout their degree.

Find out:

• Where second and third-year students live

• Typical rent

• Transport to campus

• Availability

• Safety

• Distance from shops

• Competition for housing

Affordable first-year halls do not guarantee affordable private housing later.

How Can You Judge the Atmosphere?

Atmosphere is difficult to measure, but it still matters.

Notice:

• Whether students seem relaxed

• How staff speak to students

• Whether the campus feels welcoming

• Whether you feel comfortable asking questions

• How busy the area is

• Whether the environment feels too large or too small

Avoid making a decision based only on one emotional reaction.

A quiet open day may reflect:

• The time of year

• Weekend timing

• Poor weather

• Students being away

Use your impression alongside practical evidence.

What Should You Photograph?

Photographs can help you remember details after several visits.

Useful photographs may include:

• Teaching buildings

• Accommodation

• Kitchens

• Study spaces

• Campus maps

• Transport information

• Room layouts

• Cost displays

• The surrounding area

Ask permission before photographing people, teaching sessions or private accommodation.

Do not rely only on photographs. Write down what each image represents and why it mattered.

How Should You Take Notes?

Use the same headings for every university.

For example:

Course

• Best modules

• Concerns

• Assessment

• Teaching

• Placement

Accommodation

• Price

• Location

• Room

• Contract

• Overall impression

Location

• Transport

• Costs

• Safety

• Activities

• Travel home

Support

• Academic

• Wellbeing

• Disability

• Financial

• Careers

Overall

• Best feature

• Biggest concern

• Questions remaining

• Could I see myself here?

Using the same structure makes later comparisons easier.

Use Voice Notes

A short voice note at the end of the visit can capture your immediate reaction.

Record:

• What you liked

• What concerned you

• What surprised you

• Whether the course felt suitable

• Whether you would apply

• What you still need to investigate

You may forget these details after visiting several universities.

Separate Facts From Feelings

Both are valuable, but label them clearly.

Fact

“The course is assessed through 70% examinations.”

Feeling

“The department felt friendly.”

Assumption

“I think it would be easy to find a part-time job.”

Facts can be checked.

Feelings should be considered.

Assumptions need further research.

What Should You Avoid Doing at an Open Day?

Do Not Follow Only the General Tour

A campus tour may show the library, students’ union and newest buildings.

You also need course-specific information.

Do Not Spend the Entire Day With Your Parents Speaking for You

You need to build confidence asking your own questions.

Do Not Look Only at the Most Expensive Accommodation

Visit options within your realistic budget.

Do Not Focus Only on Appearance

Beautiful buildings do not guarantee:

• Good teaching

• Useful feedback

• Strong support

• Suitable modules

• Affordable living

Do Not Accept Vague Claims

Ask for evidence behind statements such as:

• “Excellent employability”

• “Outstanding industry links”

• “Fantastic student support”

• “A very flexible course”

Ask for examples, numbers or explanations.

Do Not Collect Every Leaflet

Take the information you will actually use.

Most course details will also be available online.

Do Not Ignore Your Course Location

The main campus may not be where you study.

Do Not Leave Without Exploring Independently

The official route is designed to create a positive impression.

Do Not Make a Final Decision Immediately

Give yourself time to reflect and compare.

How to Spot Vague University Marketing

Universities naturally want to present themselves positively.

Listen carefully for claims that lack detail.

“Strong links with employers”

Ask:

• Which employers?

• How many students complete placements?

• What projects have run recently?

“Excellent graduate outcomes”

Ask:

• Does the data relate to this course?

• What jobs do graduates enter?

• How many students are included?

“Flexible module choice”

Ask:

• How many modules can students actually choose?

• Are popular modules capped?

• Do all listed options run?

“Outstanding support”

Ask:

• How do students access it?

• How quickly are appointments available?

• What happens in an emergency?

“Research-led teaching”

Ask:

• Which modules involve current research?

• Do undergraduates work with researchers?

• Are research placements available?

University Open-Day Red Flags

Investigate further if:

• Staff cannot clearly explain the course

• Module information is inconsistent

• Accreditation is unclear

• Students repeatedly mention poor organisation

• Placement claims are vague

• Accommodation prices are difficult to find

• Support teams cannot explain access procedures

• Staff avoid questions about feedback

• Facilities shown are unavailable to undergraduates

• No one can explain where graduates go

• Current students seem heavily coached

• The department discourages direct student questions

One concern does not automatically rule out a university.

Look for patterns and seek clarification.

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

What If You Cannot Attend the Official Open Day?

You still have several options.

Attend a Virtual Open Day

Virtual events may include:

• Course talks

• Student panels

• Campus tours

• Accommodation videos

• Live questions

• Support presentations

Book a Campus Tour

Some universities offer smaller tours throughout the year.

Visit Independently

You may be able to explore:

• Public campus areas

• The local area

• Transport

• External accommodation locations

• Shops and services

You may not have access to teaching buildings without an appointment.

Contact the Department

Ask whether you can:

• Attend another event

• Speak to an academic

• Join an online session

• Talk to a current student

• Receive a recording

Attend an Offer-Holder Day

You may have another opportunity to visit after receiving an offer.

How to Use a Virtual Open Day Effectively

Treat it as a research session rather than background viewing.

Before the event:

• Read the course page

• Prepare questions

• Check module details

• Research accommodation

• Save relevant links

During the event:

• Take notes

• Ask course-specific questions

• Record unanswered questions

• Compare claims with official data

Afterwards:

• Explore the area using maps

• Research transport

• Speak to students

• Request additional information

• Visit later where possible

Should You Visit a University More Than Once?

It can be helpful.

Your first visit may focus on whether to apply.

Your second visit may focus on whether to accept an offer.

On the second visit, you may notice:

• Costs

• Transport

• Accommodation differences

• Course details

• Support

• Practical inconveniences

that you overlooked initially.

A normal independent visit can also feel very different from an organised open day.

How to Compare Universities After Open Days

Do not rely on memory.

Complete your comparison notes as soon as possible.

Step 1: Record Your Immediate Impression

Write down:

• Best feature

• Biggest concern

• Most useful answer

• Unanswered question

• Whether you would apply or accept

Step 2: Check the Facts

Verify:

• Entry requirements

• Accreditation

• Costs

• Contract lengths

• Placements

• Module choice

• Graduate outcomes

Open-day conversations can occasionally contain misunderstandings.

Use written university information for important decisions.

Step 3: Separate Essentials From Preferences

Your essentials might include:

• Professional accreditation

• Accessible accommodation

• Affordable rent

• A placement year

• Particular modules

• Suitable healthcare

• Manageable travel

Your preferences might include:

• Attractive buildings

• A large gym

• A particular city

• A modern bedroom

• Extensive nightlife

Do not allow an appealing preference to outweigh a missing essential.

Step 4: Compare Like With Like

Use the same criteria for every university.

Step 5: Follow Up

Email the university with specific unanswered questions.

Keep written replies when the information affects:

• Accreditation

• Admissions

• Fees

• Accommodation guarantees

• Course transfers

• Placement arrangements

University Open-Day Comparison Scorecard

Score each university from one to five.

Factor	University 1	University 2	University 3
Course content	/5	/5	/5
Teaching methods	/5	/5	/5
Assessment fit	/5	/5	/5
Module choice	/5	/5	/5
Department facilities	/5	/5	/5
Staff and student impression	/5	/5	/5
Placements and careers	/5	/5	/5
Student support	/5	/5	/5
Accommodation	/5	/5	/5
Living costs	/5	/5	/5
Location and transport	/5	/5	/5
Student life	/5	/5	/5
Overall fit	/5	/5	/5

Add notes beside every score.

A number without an explanation will be much less useful several months later.

A Sample University Open-Day Schedule

9:00am: Arrive and orientate yourself

• Collect the programme

• Find the department

• Check walking times

9:30am: Course talk

• Record module and assessment information

• Write down questions

10:30am: Department tour

• Explore facilities

• Speak to students

• Ask about teaching spaces

11:30am: Accommodation tour

• View realistic options

• Check costs and location

12:30pm: Lunch

Use this time to:

• Review notes

• Discuss first impressions

• Speak informally to students

1:15pm: Student support or finance session

Choose the session most relevant to your circumstances.

2:00pm: Campus tour

Explore:

• Library

• Students’ union

• Sports

• Study spaces

• Healthcare

3:00pm: Independent exploration

Visit:

• Local shops

• Transport

• Student areas

• The journey to accommodation

4:00pm: Final notes

Record your overall impression before leaving.

Adjust this schedule around the university’s programme.

Open-Day Tips for Disabled Students

Contact the university before visiting.

Ask about:

• Accessible parking

• Step-free routes

• Seating

• Quiet spaces

• Hearing loops

• Interpreters

• Accessible accommodation tours

• Assistance

• Rest breaks

• Personal appointments

Do not limit the visit to general accessibility claims.

Test the route between:

• Accommodation

• Teaching

• Libraries

• Transport

• Student services

Ask how accessibility works during normal term time, not only during the organised event.

Open-Day Tips for Students With Health Conditions

Investigate:

• GP access

• Specialist healthcare

• Medication arrangements

• Accommodation

• Emergency support

• Attendance requirements

• Placement travel

• Wellbeing services

Speak privately with the relevant support team rather than trying to explain personal circumstances at a crowded information stand.

Open-Day Tips for Commuting Students

Check:

• Number of teaching days

• Earliest start time

• Latest finishing time

• Timetable gaps

• Parking

• Transport costs

• Lockers

• Commuter spaces

• Evening society schedules

• Recorded lectures

Test the journey on a normal weekday where possible.

Open-Day Tips for International Students

Investigate:

• Visa support

• International orientation

• Accommodation guarantees

• Airport transport

• Healthcare

• English-language support

• International societies

• Working restrictions

• Vacation accommodation

Ask whether international support is available throughout the year or mainly during arrival.

Open-Day Tips for Parents and Carers

Parents and carers should consider:

• Costs

• Accommodation contracts

• Travel

• Safety

• Support

• Communication

• Practical arrangements

Useful questions include:

• What happens if the student becomes ill?

• How is emergency support accessed?

• When are accommodation payments due?

• What support is available during holidays?

• How does the university communicate with students?

Remember that universities normally communicate directly with the student.

Common University Open-Day Myths

“The university will tell you everything important”

False. You need to ask questions and investigate independently.

“The newest accommodation is the best”

Not necessarily. Location, cost and atmosphere may matter more.

“A friendly open-day guide proves the department is supportive”

It is a positive sign, but you need broader evidence.

“You can judge the university from one building”

False. Your teaching, accommodation and social life may occur in different areas.

“A busy campus means a good student experience”

Not automatically. The event itself creates unusual activity.

“You should know immediately whether it is right”

Some students have an instant reaction. Others need time to compare.

“Parents should ask all the practical questions”

Students should practise asking questions and taking ownership of the decision.

“You only need to attend the course talk”

The course is central, but accommodation, support, location and costs also matter.

“You must visit every university before applying”

Visiting is valuable, but virtual events and detailed research can support decisions when travel is not practical.

Common Open-Day Mistakes

Arriving Without a Plan

You may miss essential talks or tours.

Booking Too Many Sessions

Leave time to explore and think.

Asking Questions Answered Clearly Online

Use the visit for deeper questions.

Looking Only at the Main Campus

Check your department and accommodation locations.

Visiting Only Premium Accommodation

Compare options within your actual budget.

Failing to Speak to Students

Student experiences can reveal practical information.

Focusing Only on Social Life

The course will occupy most of your university time.

Focusing Only on Rankings

Use rankings as evidence rather than instructions.

Read How Important Are League Tables? [How Important Are League Tables?].

Ignoring Later-Year Housing

Research where students live after halls.

Not Taking Notes

Several universities can quickly blur together.

Letting One Minor Detail Control the Decision

An unattractive corridor is less important than course quality, affordability and support.

Ignoring a Persistent Negative Feeling

Do not dismiss serious concerns simply because the university has a strong reputation.

Final University Open-Day Checklist

Before the open day

• Read the course page

• Review the module list

• Check entry requirements

• Investigate accreditation

• Download the programme

• Book required sessions

• Prepare questions

• Research accommodation

• Plan the journey

• Check accessibility

• Create a note-taking template

• Charge your phone

During the open day

• Attend the course talk

• Visit the department

• Speak to students

• View realistic accommodation

• Explore the library

• Investigate support

• Ask about placements

• Ask about assessment

• Explore the surrounding area

• Test transport

• Take photographs and notes

• Record your immediate impression

After the open day

• Complete your comparison table

• Verify important information

• Calculate costs

• List unanswered questions

• Contact the university

• Compare it with other options

• Separate essentials from preferences

• Revisit if necessary

• Avoid making an immediate emotional decision

Frequently Asked Questions About University Open Days

How do you get the most from a university open day?

Prepare in advance, prioritise the course talk, speak to current students, visit accommodation, explore independently and compare your notes afterwards.

What should you do at a university open day?

Attend subject sessions, tour the department, investigate accommodation, explore facilities and ask questions about teaching, assessment, support and careers.

What questions should you ask?

Ask about compulsory modules, assessment, contact hours, feedback, placements, accommodation, support and graduate destinations.

Should parents attend university open days?

They can provide useful support and notice practical details, but the student should lead the visit and decision.

What should you wear?

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Open days often involve considerable walking.

What should you bring?

Bring your booking details, phone, charger, questions, notebook, water and the event programme.

Should you visit accommodation?

Yes. Compare room types, locations, costs, shared facilities and contract lengths.

Should you attend the general university talk?

It can provide useful background, but prioritise the subject talk when sessions clash.

How long does a university open day take?

Many visits take most of a day, particularly when you include travel, course sessions, accommodation and independent exploration.

Can you attend an open day alone?

Yes. Staff and student ambassadors can help you navigate the event.

Can you attend without booking?

Some universities may permit this, but many activities require registration. Check before travelling.

What if the open day is fully booked?

Look for another date, a virtual event, an offer-holder day, a campus tour or direct contact with the department.

Should you go to more than one open day?

Yes. Visiting several universities makes comparison easier.

Should you visit before applying or after receiving an offer?

Both can be useful. Pre-application visits support shortlisting, while offer-holder events support final decisions.

How many universities should you visit?

Visit as many serious options as is practical and affordable. Virtual research can support the rest.

What if you dislike a university during the visit?

Identify why. A clear problem with the course, location, cost or support is significant. A minor issue or quiet atmosphere may require further investigation.

Can an open day change your mind?

Yes. That is one of its main purposes.

Are virtual open days enough?

They can provide valuable information, but they may not fully show travel, atmosphere, accommodation and the surrounding area.

Should you trust everything said at an open day?

Most information will be provided in good faith, but verify important details in writing, particularly fees, accreditation, accommodation guarantees and entry requirements.

What is the most important part of an open day?

For most students, the course talk and department visit should be the priority.

Final Thoughts: How to Get the Most From an Open Day

A university open day is much more valuable when you arrive prepared.

Do not treat it as a sightseeing trip.

Use it to investigate:

• The course

• Teaching

• Assessment

• Department facilities

• Accommodation

• Student support

• Costs

• Careers

• Transport

• Daily life

Speak to both staff and students. Ask specific questions. Explore beyond the official route and write down your impressions before different universities begin to merge into one enormous blur of libraries, tote bags and suspiciously enthusiastic campus geese.

Most importantly, imagine an ordinary week.

Picture yourself attending a Monday morning lecture, shopping for food, completing an assignment, travelling back to accommodation and asking for help when something goes wrong.

The right university should not only look impressive during an open day.

It should provide a course, environment and student experience that can work for you throughout your degree. 🎓