Virtual Open Days: Are They Worth It?

Virtual open days allow you to explore a university, learn about a course and speak to staff without travelling to the campus.

They can be particularly useful if:

• The university is far from home

• Travel is expensive

• You are comparing many universities

• You live outside the UK

• You cannot attend the official open-day date

• You have accessibility or health needs

• You want to research a university before deciding whether to visit

A good virtual open day may include:

• Live course presentations

• Recorded talks

• Online campus tours

• Accommodation videos

• Student panels

• Question-and-answer sessions

• Admissions advice

• Student finance information

• Support-service presentations

• Live chat with staff or students

However, a virtual event cannot fully show you what it feels like to live, study and travel around the university.

You cannot experience:

• The real distance between buildings

• The atmosphere of the campus

• The condition of accommodation

• The surrounding neighbourhood

• Public transport

• Noise

• Crowding

• How safe or comfortable the area feels

So, are virtual open days worth it?

Yes. They are an excellent research tool, especially when used alongside course information, student conversations and independent investigation.

They are not always a complete replacement for visiting in person.

What Is a Virtual Open Day?

A virtual open day is an online event designed to help prospective students explore a university and its courses.

It may be:

• A live event on a set date

• A collection of recorded presentations

• An interactive online campus

• A virtual reality tour

• A live webinar

• A series of department sessions

• An online question-and-answer event

• A mixture of live and recorded content

Some universities call these events:

• Online open days

• Virtual experience days

• Digital open days

• Online applicant events

• Virtual campus tours

• Online offer-holder days

The format can vary considerably.

One virtual open day may provide several hours of live academic sessions and direct access to students.

Another may consist mainly of pre-recorded videos and links to information already available on the university website.

Are Virtual Open Days Worth It?

Virtual open days are worth attending when they help you answer specific questions about the university.

They are particularly useful for:

• Building an initial shortlist

• Comparing course structures

• Understanding entry requirements

• Meeting academic staff online

• Hearing from current students

• Exploring accommodation options

• Investigating student support

• Deciding whether an in-person visit is worthwhile

They become less useful when students:

• Watch passively

• Rely only on promotional videos

• Do not ask questions

• Fail to investigate the surrounding area

• Assume the online presentation shows everyday reality

• Use them as the only source of information

The value depends partly on the university’s event, but also on how actively you use it.

What Happens at a Virtual University Open Day?

A virtual open day may include several types of activity.

Live Course Talks

Academic staff may explain:

• Course structure

• Modules

• Teaching methods

• Assessment

• Placements

• Study abroad

• Graduate careers

• Admissions

Live talks can be useful because you may be able to ask questions during or after the session.

Recorded Course Presentations

Recorded presentations allow you to:

• Pause

• Rewatch

• Take notes

• View the session at a convenient time

• Compare several universities

However, recorded content may be less interactive and could become outdated.

Check when it was produced.

Virtual Campus Tours

A virtual tour may include:

• 360-degree images

• Interactive maps

• Drone footage

• Building walkthroughs

• Student narration

• Videos of facilities

These tours can help you understand the general layout, but they rarely show every part of the campus.

Accommodation Tours

You may be shown:

• Bedrooms

• Kitchens

• Shared bathrooms

• Common rooms

• Reception areas

• Outdoor spaces

Check which residence and room type appear in the video.

Universities may naturally choose attractive, modern or recently refurbished accommodation for their main tour.

Student Panels

Current students may discuss:

• Course workload

• Moving away from home

• Making friends

• Societies

• Accommodation

• Budgeting

• Student support

• Part-time work

Panels can be useful, although students may have been selected and briefed by the university.

Ask specific questions rather than relying only on prepared answers.

Live Chat

You may be able to message:

• Admissions staff

• Academics

• Student ambassadors

• Accommodation teams

• Support services

• Careers advisers

Save useful answers where the platform allows it, particularly when they relate to:

• Accreditation

• Entry requirements

• Accommodation guarantees

• Fees

• Course structure

General University Presentations

These may cover:

• The university’s history

• League-table performance

• Location

• Facilities

• Student experience

• Research

• Graduate outcomes

These sessions provide useful background, but course-specific sessions should normally be your priority.

Student Finance Sessions

A finance talk may discuss:

• Tuition fee loans

• Maintenance support

• Scholarships

• Bursaries

• Hardship funds

• Budgeting

• University-specific financial help

Funding rules can change, so confirm current information through the relevant official service.

Student Support Sessions

These may introduce:

• Disability support

• Mental health services

• Academic skills

• Counselling

• International student support

• Financial advice

• Personal tutoring

Ask how students actually access the support rather than only whether it exists.

What Are the Advantages of Virtual Open Days?

They Save Travel Costs

University visits can involve:

• Train fares

• Fuel

• Hotels

• Food

• Parking

• Flights

• Time away from work or education

Virtual open days allow you to explore a university without these costs.

This can be particularly useful when your initial shortlist includes universities across several regions.

You Can Compare More Universities

It may not be practical to visit ten universities in person.

Virtual events can help you narrow a longlist before spending time and money on physical visits.

You might use them to decide:

• Which universities remain on your shortlist

• Which ones are worth visiting

• Which courses clearly do not suit you

• Which questions need further investigation

You Can Rewatch Information

Recorded sessions can be reviewed later.

This is useful when:

• A course structure is complicated

• Several degree pathways are available

• You want to compare module information

• You missed part of the presentation

• A family member wants to view it

You can pause and take accurate notes instead of trying to write while walking between open-day sessions.

They Are Accessible From Anywhere

Virtual open days can support students who:

• Live overseas

• Live far from the university

• Have limited transport

• Cannot afford repeated visits

• Have caring responsibilities

• Are unable to travel on the event date

They make university research possible for a wider range of applicants.

They May Be Easier for Students Who Feel Anxious

A busy open day can feel overwhelming.

It may involve:

• Crowds

• Noise

• Unfamiliar travel

• Speaking to strangers

• Following a complicated timetable

An online event allows you to explore the university from a familiar environment.

You can prepare questions, use chat and take breaks when needed.

You Can Attend Several Sessions Efficiently

In-person talks may clash.

At a virtual event, sessions may be:

• Recorded

• Repeated

• Available on demand

• Easier to move between

This can make it easier to attend:

• A subject talk

• An accommodation session

• A finance presentation

• A support-service event

Online Chat Can Make Questions Easier

Some students find it easier to type a question than ask it in a crowded lecture theatre.

Written questions can also encourage you to be more precise.

For example, instead of asking:

“Are placements good?”

you could ask:

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

You Can Involve Other People

Parents, carers or advisers can attend without travelling.

They may help you:

• Take notes

• Ask financial questions

• Compare options

• Review recorded content

The student should still lead the final decision.

They Can Be More Flexible

On-demand material may be accessed:

• After school or college

• During weekends

• Around employment

• Around caring responsibilities

• Across different time zones

Check how long recordings remain available.

They Can Help You Prepare for an In-Person Visit

A virtual open day can give you enough background knowledge to ask better questions when you later visit.

You can arrive already understanding:

• The course structure

• Main facilities

• Accommodation options

• University layout

• Entry requirements

This allows an in-person visit to focus on atmosphere, travel, practical details and anything that remained unclear.

What Are the Disadvantages of Virtual Open Days?

You Cannot Experience the Atmosphere

A virtual tour cannot show exactly how a university feels.

You cannot fully judge:

• Whether the campus feels welcoming

• Whether the city feels overwhelming

• Whether the university feels too quiet

• How students interact

• Whether you feel comfortable in the department

• Whether you can imagine living there

Atmosphere is subjective, but it can still influence your university experience.

Videos Show a Curated View

Universities naturally choose what to show.

A virtual tour may focus on:

• New buildings

• Attractive outdoor areas

• Premium accommodation

• Quiet and tidy teaching spaces

• Carefully selected students

It may not show:

• Older accommodation

• Crowded study areas

• Long walks between buildings

• Busy public transport

• Less attractive surrounding streets

• Facilities at peak times

Do not assume that what is missing is unimportant.

You Cannot Test the Journey

Travel can strongly affect your experience.

A virtual open day cannot show:

• The full door-to-door journey

• Rush-hour congestion

• Train reliability

• Walking time

• Hills

• Accessibility

• Late-night transport

• The cost of regular travel

Read Should You Stay Close to Home? [Should You Stay Close to Home?] before deciding whether the distance is manageable.

You Cannot Inspect Accommodation Properly

Videos can make rooms appear:

• Larger

• Brighter

• Quieter

• More modern

You may not be able to assess:

• Storage

• Noise

• Kitchen size

• Cleanliness

• Maintenance

• Security

• Distance from teaching

• The surrounding area

Ask for:

• Floor plans

• Full contract costs

• Several room types

• Current student opinions

• Independent photographs where available

It Is Harder to Explore Independently

During an in-person visit, you can leave the official route and explore:

• Local shops

• Student neighbourhoods

• Transport

• The railway station

• Private housing areas

• Cafés

• Parks

• Healthcare

A virtual event usually keeps you within the information selected by the university.

You will need to carry out additional research yourself.

Technical Problems Can Disrupt the Event

Possible difficulties include:

• Poor internet

• Broken links

• Platform errors

• Sound problems

• Sessions reaching capacity

• Chat not working

• Recordings failing to load

Check the technology before the event and keep a record of sessions you miss.

Questions May Receive General Answers

Online events can attract large audiences.

Staff may answer questions broadly rather than discussing the exact course.

A written follow-up email may be needed when the answer affects an important decision.

It Can Be Easy to Watch Passively

Sitting through several videos can feel productive without producing much useful information.

You may finish the event unable to explain:

• What distinguishes the course

• How it is assessed

• Whether placements are guaranteed

• What accommodation costs

• What support is available

• Whether the location suits you

Prepare questions and take structured notes.

You May Not Meet Enough Current Students

Some virtual events include only one or two student ambassadors.

Their experiences may not represent the whole course.

Try to gather views from:

• Students in different years

• Students on your course

• Commuters

• International students

• Disabled students

• Placement-year students

• Students in different accommodation

Virtual Open Day vs In-Person Open Day

Factor	Virtual open day	In-person open day
Cost	Usually free with no travel	Travel and accommodation may cost money
Convenience	Accessible from home	Requires travel and scheduling
Course information	Often detailed	Often detailed
Questions	Chat or live sessions	Direct conversations
Campus atmosphere	Difficult to judge	Easier to experience
Accommodation	Video or virtual tour	Physical inspection
Location	Limited view	Can explore independently
Transport	Cannot test properly	Can test routes
Accessibility	Can reduce travel barriers	Allows physical access testing
Flexibility	Recordings may be available	Fixed date and timetable
Comparison	Easy to attend several	More time-consuming
Everyday reality	Heavily curated	Still curated, but easier to investigate

The strongest approach may be to use both.

When Is a Virtual Open Day Enough?

A virtual event may be enough when:

• You already know the area well

• You have visited the university previously

• You are comparing a local university

• Travel is not possible

• The online event answers your key questions

• You have spoken to several current students

• You are confident about accommodation and transport

• The course is clearly suitable

You may also decide to apply based on a virtual event and visit later at an offer-holder day.

When Should You Visit in Person?

An in-person visit is especially valuable when:

• You are seriously considering making the university your firm choice

• You have never visited the city

• The course uses multiple campuses

• You need to inspect accessibility

• Accommodation quality is important

• You plan to commute

• The university is in an unfamiliar environment

• You are uncertain about campus versus city life

• You had concerns after the virtual event

• The costs of attending are substantial

Read Campus vs City Universities [Campus vs City Universities] before deciding what type of environment may suit you.

Should You Attend Both?

Where practical, yes.

The two formats serve different purposes.

Use the Virtual Open Day To:

• Learn the basics

• Understand the course

• Prepare questions

• Compare universities

• Decide whether to visit

Use the In-Person Open Day To:

• Experience the atmosphere

• Test travel

• Inspect accommodation

• Explore the area

• Speak informally to students

• Check accessibility

• Imagine daily life

This approach helps you use an in-person visit more effectively.

How to Prepare for a Virtual Open Day

Read the Course Page First

Check:

• Compulsory modules

• Optional modules

• Teaching

• Assessment

• Entry requirements

• Placements

• Accreditation

• Study abroad

• Course length

Do not use the live event only to collect information already available online.

Register in Advance

Some events require separate bookings for:

• Subject sessions

• Student panels

• Accommodation talks

• Individual appointments

• Support meetings

Book early where possible.

Check the Timetable

Identify:

• Live sessions

• Repeated sessions

• Recorded content

• Question periods

• Closing times

• Time-zone differences

Prioritise sessions that could affect your decision.

Prepare Your Technology

Before the event:

• Test your internet

• Update your browser

• Check sound

• Charge your device

• Keep a charger nearby

• Test headphones

• Download required software

• Create any necessary account

Have the university’s contact details available in case you cannot access a session.

Prepare Questions

Organise questions under:

• Course

• Teaching

• Assessment

• Placements

• Accommodation

• Costs

• Support

• Careers

• Student life

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

Create a Note-Taking Template

Use the same headings for every university.

For example:

Course

• Best feature

• Biggest concern

• Assessment

• Module choice

Practical

• Accommodation

• Cost

• Travel

• Location

Support

• Academic

• Wellbeing

• Disability

• Careers

Overall

• Strongest reason to apply

• Main unanswered question

• Would I visit in person?

• Current ranking on my shortlist

What Questions Should You Ask at a Virtual Open Day?

Questions About the Course

Ask:

• Which modules are compulsory?

• How many optional modules can students choose?

• Do all advertised modules run each year?

• What makes this course different from similar degrees elsewhere?

• Can students change pathway?

• Is there a dissertation or final-year project?

• Can students take modules from another department?

Questions About Teaching

Ask:

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

• How large are lectures and seminars?

• Are lectures recorded?

• How much independent study is expected?

• How often can students meet academic staff?

• How does personal tutoring work?

• Is teaching mainly in person?

Questions About Assessment

Ask:

• What proportion is examinations?

• How much group work is assessed?

• Are presentations compulsory?

• How quickly is feedback returned?

• Can students discuss feedback with staff?

• Do first-year marks count towards the final degree?

• What happens if a student fails a module?

Questions About Placements

Ask:

• Is a placement guaranteed?

• What percentage of students secure one?

• Who finds the employer?

• Which employers have recently taken students?

• Are placements normally paid?

• What happens if a student does not secure one?

• Can students transfer onto the placement route later?

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

Questions About Study Abroad

Ask:

• Which destinations are available to this course?

• Are places guaranteed?

• How are destinations allocated?

• What grades are required?

• How do overseas modules count?

• What additional costs should students expect?

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

Questions About Accommodation

Ask:

• Is accommodation guaranteed?

• What conditions apply?

• What is the total contract cost?

• Which bills are included?

• How far are residences from the department?

• Can students request quiet accommodation?

• What happens if a student wants to leave?

• Where do students live after first year?

Questions About Student Support

Ask:

• How does a student request help?

• How long do students normally wait?

• Is urgent support available?

• How are disability adjustments arranged?

• Is counselling available?

• Is support offered outside office hours?

• How does academic support work?

Questions for Current Students

Ask:

• What surprised you after starting?

• Is the course what you expected?

• How manageable is the workload?

• How useful is the feedback?

• How organised is the department?

• What is accommodation really like?

• Which costs surprised you?

• Would you choose the same university again?

• What do you wish you had known?

How to Judge a Virtual Course Talk

A useful course talk should explain:

• What you will study

• How the course is structured

• How teaching works

• How you will be assessed

• What choices are available

• What support exists

• What graduates do

Be cautious when most of the presentation focuses on:

• Rankings

• Famous alumni

• Research headlines

• General university history

• The city

• Attractive buildings

These topics may be relevant, but they should not replace detailed course information.

How to Judge a Virtual Campus Tour

Ask yourself:

• Does the tour show the whole campus?

• Can you see where your department is?

• Are walking times explained?

• Does it show ordinary teaching spaces?

• Are facilities used by undergraduates?

• Does it show more than the newest buildings?

• Are accessibility routes included?

• Is accommodation shown realistically?

• Can you understand the layout?

Use an independent map alongside the tour.

How to Investigate the Location Online

A virtual event will not show everything.

Carry out your own location research.

Use Online Maps

Check:

• Distance between buildings

• Accommodation routes

• Supermarkets

• Railway stations

• Bus stops

• Healthcare

• Student housing areas

• Green spaces

Use Street-Level Images

Explore:

• The route from accommodation

• The area around the department

• The city centre

• The station

• Private housing neighbourhoods

Remember that images may not be current.

Check Public Transport

Investigate:

• Journey times

• Service frequency

• Ticket costs

• Evening services

• Weekend services

• Accessibility

• Alternative routes

Explore Local Costs

Research:

• First-year accommodation

• Private rent

• Transport

• Food

• Social activities

• Travel home

Read Cost of Living at University [Cost of Living at University].

Look at Independent Student Content

Current student videos, blogs and forums may provide useful perspectives on:

• Accommodation

• Travel

• Social life

• Workload

• Costs

• The surrounding area

Treat individual opinions cautiously.

Look for patterns rather than relying on one particularly delighted or furious student.

How to Assess Accommodation Virtually

Check Several Room Types

Do not watch only the premium room tour.

Compare:

• Standard rooms

• En-suite rooms

• Shared bathrooms

• Catered halls

• Self-catered halls

• Lower-cost options

Find the Total Contract Cost

Weekly rent alone is not enough.

Check:

• Contract length

• Deposit

• Included bills

• Laundry

• Insurance

• Holiday periods

• Advance payments

Request Floor Plans

Floor plans may provide a more realistic impression of:

• Room size

• Storage

• Kitchen layout

• Bathroom sharing

• Common spaces

Ask Current Residents

Ask:

• Is the room shown typical?

• Is maintenance reliable?

• Is it noisy?

• How warm is it in winter?

• Is storage adequate?

• Is the internet reliable?

• How much does laundry cost?

• Would you choose it again?

Read University Accommodation Explained [University Accommodation Explained].

Virtual Open Days for International Students

Virtual events can be particularly valuable for international applicants.

They reduce the need for expensive overseas travel before applying.

International students should ask about:

• Visa support

• Accommodation guarantees

• Airport transport

• International orientation

• Healthcare registration

• English-language support

• Vacation accommodation

• International societies

• Working restrictions

• Emergency support

Also investigate:

• Travel from the nearest airport

• Cost of returning home

• Local cultural communities

• Places of worship

• Specialist food shops

• Banking and phone arrangements

A virtual open day may be the only realistic pre-application visit, so ask detailed practical questions.

Virtual Open Days for Disabled Students

A virtual event may remove some travel barriers, but it cannot replace testing physical accessibility.

Ask about:

• Step-free routes

• Lifts

• Accessible accommodation

• Accessible transport

• Lecture recording

• Assistive technology

• Examination adjustments

• Quiet spaces

• Placement support

• Emergency evacuation

Request:

• Detailed access maps

• Photographs

• Measurements where needed

• A private online appointment

• A personalised in-person visit later

General statements such as “the campus is accessible” are not detailed enough.

Virtual Open Days for Students With Health Conditions

Ask:

• Where is the nearest healthcare?

• Is there a campus GP?

• How are ongoing conditions supported?

• Can accommodation adjustments be arranged?

• What happens during a medical emergency?

• How are absences managed?

• Is remote support available?

• How are placements adjusted?

A follow-up conversation with the disability or wellbeing team may be more useful than a general presentation.

Virtual Open Days for Commuters

Virtual research can help, but commuters should eventually test the real journey.

Ask:

• How many days per week are students on campus?

• How early can teaching begin?

• How late can it finish?

• Are lectures recorded?

• Are commuter lockers available?

• Is student parking provided?

• Are societies accessible to commuters?

• Is there somewhere to stay between classes?

• How much does local transport cost?

A journey that looks easy online may feel very different during rush hour.

How to Compare Virtual Open Days

Use the same comparison criteria for each university.

Factor	University 1	University 2	University 3
Course content	/5	/5	/5
Teaching information	/5	/5	/5
Assessment fit	/5	/5	/5
Module choice	/5	/5	/5
Placements	/5	/5	/5
Careers support	/5	/5	/5
Accommodation	/5	/5	/5
Costs	/5	/5	/5
Student support	/5	/5	/5
Location research	/5	/5	/5
Student feedback	/5	/5	/5
Quality of virtual event	/5	/5	/5
Overall fit	/5	/5	/5

Add evidence beside each score.

“Virtual tour: 5/5” does not necessarily mean “university: 5/5”.

A polished online event may show excellent marketing rather than a better student experience.

How to Follow Up After a Virtual Open Day

Review Your Notes

Write down:

• Strongest feature

• Biggest concern

• Best answer

• Unanswered questions

• Whether you would apply

• Whether you should visit

Verify Important Information

Check written sources for:

• Entry requirements

• Accreditation

• Fees

• Accommodation guarantees

• Course structure

• Placement arrangements

Email Specific Questions

Avoid sending a long list of general questions.

Ask about details that remain unclear or could change your decision.

Speak to More Students

Try to hear from students with experiences relevant to you.

Compare With Other Universities

Use the same criteria for every course.

Decide Whether an In-Person Visit Is Needed

An in-person visit is particularly worthwhile when your main uncertainties involve:

• Atmosphere

• Accommodation

• Travel

• Accessibility

• Location

• Safety

• Distance between sites

Virtual Open-Day Red Flags

Investigate further if:

• Course information is vague

• Staff cannot explain assessment

• Module lists are inconsistent

• Accreditation is unclear

• Placement claims lack evidence

• Accommodation videos show only premium rooms

• Costs are difficult to find

• Student questions are heavily filtered

• No current students are available

• Support services cannot explain access procedures

• Recordings are several years old

• Graduate data is presented without context

• The platform focuses almost entirely on marketing

• Staff avoid follow-up questions

One weak session does not automatically mean the university is unsuitable.

Look for repeated concerns.

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

Common Virtual Open-Day Mistakes

Watching Without Taking Notes

Different universities will quickly blur together.

Relying Only on the Virtual Tour

The course should remain central.

Assuming the Room Shown Is Typical

Check several accommodation options.

Not Asking Questions

Live access to staff and students is one of the main benefits.

Believing Every Marketing Claim

Ask for examples and evidence.

Ignoring the Location

Research transport, housing and local costs independently.

Failing to Check the Date

Recorded content may no longer reflect the current course.

Comparing Event Quality Instead of Course Quality

A brilliant website does not guarantee brilliant teaching.

Ignoring Accessibility

Online access does not prove that the physical campus meets your needs.

Deciding Immediately

Review your notes and compare the university with alternatives.

Common Myths About Virtual Open Days

“Virtual open days are pointless”

False. They can provide detailed course information and direct access to staff.

“They are the same as visiting in person”

False. They cannot fully show atmosphere, travel or physical accommodation.

“Universities only offer them to international students”

False. They can help any applicant who cannot attend in person.

“You cannot ask questions”

Many events include live chat, webinars or online appointments.

“The virtual tour shows the whole university”

Usually not. It is a selected presentation.

“You should never choose a university without visiting”

Visiting is helpful, but some students make well-researched choices through virtual events and other evidence.

“A polished virtual event means the university is better”

False. It may simply mean the marketing and digital teams have done an excellent job.

“Recorded talks are always current”

False. Check the date and confirm important details.

Virtual Open-Day Checklist

Before the Event

• Register

• Book course sessions

• Read the course page

• Check modules

• Review entry requirements

• Research accreditation

• Prepare questions

• Check the timetable

• Test your technology

• Create a note template

• Research accommodation

• Open an online map

During the Event

• Attend the course talk

• Ask specific questions

• Watch the campus tour

• Compare accommodation

• Speak to current students

• Attend a support session

• Investigate placements

• Record unanswered questions

• Save useful information

• Note the date of recorded content

After the Event

• Review notes

• Verify key facts

• Research the surrounding area

• Check transport

• Calculate costs

• Speak to more students

• Compare universities

• Email follow-up questions

• Decide whether to visit

• Update your shortlist

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Open Days

Are virtual open days worth it?

Yes. They are useful for learning about courses, comparing universities and deciding where to visit or apply.

Can a virtual open day replace an in-person visit?

Sometimes, but it cannot fully show atmosphere, travel, accommodation or the surrounding area.

What happens at a virtual university open day?

Activities may include live course talks, campus tours, accommodation videos, student panels, support presentations and online questions.

Do you need to book?

Usually. Some course talks or appointments may require separate registration.

Can parents attend?

Yes. Parents and carers can watch, take notes and ask practical questions, although the student should lead the decision.

What questions should you ask?

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

Can you speak to current students?

Many virtual events include student panels or chat. Ask whether you can contact course-specific ambassadors afterwards.

Are virtual campus tours accurate?

They may be accurate but selective. They usually show chosen buildings and may not reflect crowds, distance, noise or everyday conditions.

How do you research accommodation online?

Compare several room types, floor plans, total contract costs, location and current student opinions.

How do you judge the university’s location virtually?

Use maps, transport information, street-level images, local housing data and independent student content.

Should international students attend virtual open days?

Yes. They can provide valuable information without requiring expensive international travel.

Are virtual open days useful for disabled students?

Yes, particularly when travel is difficult. However, physical accessibility may still need detailed investigation or a later personalised visit.

Should you attend more than one?

Yes. Virtual events make it easier to compare a broad range of universities.

Should you attend an offer-holder event as well?

Yes, particularly before choosing your firm and insurance options.

What if the live sessions clash?

Check whether sessions are repeated or recorded. Prioritise the course talk and any sessions directly connected to your needs.

What if you miss the event?

Ask whether recordings, another date, a campus tour or an individual online appointment are available.

Can you apply to a university you have never visited?

Yes. Research the course, accommodation, location, support and costs carefully.

How can you tell whether the information is current?

Check dates on recordings and confirm important details on the current course page.

What is the biggest limitation of a virtual open day?

You cannot fully experience the university’s atmosphere or test the practical reality of living and travelling there.

Final Thoughts: Virtual Open Days

Virtual open days are worth attending.

They can help you:

• Understand a course

• Compare universities

• Ask questions

• Explore accommodation

• Learn about support

• Save travel costs

• Decide which campuses to visit

Their main weakness is that they show the university through a screen selected and organised by the institution itself.

They cannot fully reveal:

• Atmosphere

• Travel

• Crowding

• Noise

• Accommodation quality

• The surrounding area

• How comfortable you feel there

Use a virtual open day as part of a wider research process.

Prepare questions, take notes, verify important details and investigate the location independently.

Where practical, combine the virtual event with an in-person visit or offer-holder day.

A virtual tour can show you what the university wants you to see.

Good research helps you discover what you actually need to know. 🎓