How to get the best out of a university open day
University open days are a great way to discover how universities differ and what they can offer you as a prospective student. Here's what you need to know to get the best out of a visit.Several prominent universities hold their first open days in July, with more opening their doors in September and October. If you want to get to know a place, it's worth visiting before the autumn when open days become super busy.
Several prestigious UK universities hold open days in July, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Nottingham, King's College London, the University of London, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Southampton, among others. If you're considering visiting one or all of these places, be sure to know how to make the most of an open day.
Why open days matter
University open days are a crucial step in helping you make one of the most significant decisions of your academic journey. They offer a first-hand experience of campus life, helping you determine if a university is the right fit beyond a course and league tables.
A survey from The Student Room found that the majority of students (82%) reported that open days changed their perception of the university they applied to, and 92% found them helpful in their decision-making process.
Attending an open day not only allows you to speak directly with lecturers and current students, but also to gain insights into how courses work, the workload, and student life. For many, walking around the campus and local area can be a deciding factor, as the general atmosphere, accommodation options, and social scene will play a massive role in helping you to make your UCAS decisions. Without visiting, you risk choosing a university based purely on reputation, only to find later that the environment, teaching style or areas don't suit you.
For parents, open days offer an opportunity to assess safety, student support services, and financial considerations, including accommodation costs. They also help families compare universities side by side. Ultimately, open days bridge the gap between online research and reality, enabling you to avoid costly mistakes and embark on your higher education journey with confidence.
Before the open day: preparation checklist:
1. Research the course you want to do: Use UCAS to decide what course you want to do, and then consider all choices. Key elements to consider include the course structure, university rankings, graduate outcomes, and whether there's a year abroad or an industry placement. When considering universities, start by determining how far you are willing to travel from home (factor in the costs of travel) and think about what you want from a university, such as a campus or city setting, or a large or small campus. Finally, weigh up your potential budget - accommodation costs and living expenses are often cheaper outside of large cities, but transport is often more convenient within a city area.
2. Book your place: Open days are always busy, so be sure to book your spot. Some universities require registration for the open day and tours/talks, so be sure to do this all at the same time. Booking also ensures you receive confirmation and access to the day's program. It's always advisable to check the specific university's website to find out who will be speaking, where you should go, and why.
If you are driving to the university, be sure to book parking through the university, as some universities (Warwick, for example) have limited parking spaces. Universities also have free transport from major stations to the campus on open days.
3. Prepare your questions in advance:
For lecturers: "How much contact time is there?", "Are there work placements?" "What kind of support is there if I am struggling academically?"
For students: "What's the workload like?", "Is it easy to make friends?" What is the local area like?" "Are there varied student groups to join?"
For accommodation staff: "Are first years guaranteed housing?", "How much does it cost?" "How is housing allocated?" "
Be sure to attend:
Course talks (ask about modules, placements, teaching style).
Accommodation tours (note the distance from lectures and costs).
Student Q&A panels (ask about workload, social life).
Facilities (libraries, labs, gyms, student union, study spaces).
Local area (shops, transport, amenities, clubs, safety).
4. After the open day: next steps
Keep all your notes from each place (it can be helpful to take photos and videos too, to help remind you of what you liked). This is important as you need to compare notes and consider the pros and cons of each university. After a couple of visits, every place will merge into one.
Remember, you can revisit this information if you're unsure, and don't hesitate to contact the admissions team if you have any questions. You can also discuss the student experience with students on The Student Room to gain a better understanding.
If you are offered a place, you will also be invited to a Holder's Day. This is an invitation-only event for prospective students who have received an offer, allowing them to explore subject-specific sessions and activities, learn about student life, accommodation, and support services.
Bonus tips for parents:
The balance on an Open Day is to support without taking over, as admissions tutors want to speak with your child and hear what they want to know.
It helps to let your child lead conversations with academics and step in when they falter. Suggest they chat to current students alone and ask what interests them.
Areas you may want to enquire about include student support services. "What mental health support is offered?" "How accessible are tutors outside lectures?"
Also, with accommodation, "What's the average rent in student housing?" "Is there a quiet hall?" "What happens with accommodation issues?"
After each visit, discuss pros/cons with your child, e.g., "York had better labs, but Bristol's course had more flexibility and better student amenities.
Above all, manage expectations. Remind them that no university is "perfect". It's about finding the best fit, the best course and a place where they feel more at home.