What to ask at a university open day
To get the most out of a university open day or virtual event, come with a list of questions you’d like answered. These ideas will help you get started.
CONTENTS
Courses
A university open day is your chance to find out more about any subjects you’re interested in, whether you know what course you want to apply for or not. You can ask about university applications, teaching methods, assessments and modules. Professors of each course tend to be on hand, along with current students, who you can chat with and ask any questions of.
You may want to ask:
- What do you look for in potential students for this course?
- How can I make my personal statement stand out?
- What are the teaching methods of the course?
- What will the split of online and in-person teaching be in my first year (and beyond)?
- Does the course offer any opportunities to study or work abroad?
- Should this subject be taken on its own or should it be studied as part of a joint honours degree?
- Are there any scholarships or bursaries available to apply for?
- GO TO
- Course chooser
Career prospects
Focusing on your undergraduate degree is important, but you’ll also want to consider what you want to do after graduating. Use open days and virtual events as a chance to ask the uni how they support students with finding employment. They’re likely to have their own careers advisors and services, with some unis even hosting job fairs.
You may want to ask:
- What support does the uni give to students looking for employment after graduating?
- Are there any job fairs or events held at the uni for students?
- Does the uni have many connections with outside employers for students looking for work?
- What careers have previous students of this course gone on to do?
- How much support do postgraduate students receive with finding employment upon graduation?
Facilities
Now that universities are fully open again you get to have a look around the campus where you'll be spending your time. You’ll get to explore the university’s facilities when attending an in-person open day, if you can't attend for any reason, then a virtual tour of the university’s campus may be available so you can still see what's on offer.
You may want to ask:
- What are the facilities like for this course?
- Is there a gym on campus and how much does it cost?
- Are there many study spaces on campus?
- How big is the library and how late does it stay open?
- What are the food options offered on campus?
- READ MORE
- Virtual open days
Accommodation
Not only will open days afford you the chance to explore the university’s campus but also the student accommodation. You want to feel comfortable where you live in your first year, so taking a tour of the accommodation beforehand will allow you to make an informed choice. You’ll get a sense of proximity to campus, the town centre and how nice the rooms are.
You may want to ask:
- What’s the likelihood of getting a place in my first choice of student accommodation?
- What’s the cost of student accommodation?
- Do halls hold social events throughout the year?
- Are you allowed to have guests come and stay?
- What are the advantages of living on campus compared to off campus?
- Can you stay in the accommodation over the summer?
Clubs and societies
Being a student is about so much more than what you study. That’s why universities offer an array of different clubs and societies to join. You can use open days and virtual events to investigate what these are and start getting to know those that run them. There may even be opportunities to volunteer or boost your employability skills through the university’s partnerships.
You may want to ask:
- What are the different clubs and societies on offer?
- How can I find out more about clubs and societies when the semester starts?
- When can I sign up for clubs and societies? Will this be during freshers week?
- Are there many volunteering opportunities available through the uni?
- Can I boost my employability skills through opportunities offered by the uni?
- READ MORE
- How to plan for an open day
Student support
Your wellbeing is your number one priority. Without taking care of your own mental health you won’t enjoy your course or student experience. Many universities recognise the importance of student wellbeing and have put in place a wealth of support services to help students. They’ll be happy to answer any questions on these at open days and virtual events.
You may want to ask:
- What support services does the university offer for students suffering with their mental health?
- How often is student support offered? Is there a 24/7 service if students are struggling?
- How accessible are these support services for students? Where can I find them?
- Where can I go if I need help with my coursework and assignments?
- Does the university offer extensions on assignments for extenuating circumstances?
- READ MORE
- Mental health at university
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