Picking the right university can feel overwhelming. There are so many options out there. Each one promises great things. But how do you know which one is actually right for you?
That’s where campus visits come in. A university open day lets you see everything firsthand. You’re not just reading about facilities online. You’re walking through them. You’re breathing in the atmosphere. You’re getting a real sense of what your life could be like there.
This guide will help you prepare for these visits. We’ll cover what to do before you go, what to look for when you’re there, and how to make sense of it all afterward.
Getting Ready Before You Go
Planning ahead makes a huge difference. Start by checking the university website for their open day schedule. Most universities run several throughout the year. Pick a date that works for you and register in advance if required.
Make a list of what matters most to you. Maybe it’s the quality of teaching. Perhaps it’s the social scene. Or it could be career support after graduation. Whatever your priorities are, write them down. This list will guide your focus during the visit.
Research the courses you’re interested in beforehand. Read the module descriptions. Look at the teaching staff and their specialties. This background knowledge helps you ask better questions when you meet department staff.
Check the weather forecast and dress comfortably. You’ll be doing lots of walking. Comfortable shoes are essential. Bring a bottle of water and some snacks. These visits can last several hours, and you don’t want hunger or tired feet to cut your exploration short.
What Happens During the Day
Every university runs their open days slightly differently. But most follow a general pattern that’s easy to navigate.
You’ll typically start at a main reception area. Here you’ll get materials about the university. This might include course brochures, campus maps, and a timetable of talks and tours. Take a moment to look through everything and plan your route.
Subject-specific talks are usually the heart of the day. Professors and lecturers present information about their courses. They explain what you’ll study, how you’ll be taught, and what careers graduates typically pursue. These sessions are goldmines of information.
Campus tours run regularly throughout the day. Student ambassadors lead groups around the grounds. They show you lecture halls, libraries, sports centers, and student accommodation. These tours usually last about an hour.
Many universities also set up information stands. Different departments and student services have tables where you can drop by with questions. Financial aid offices, international student services, and clubs and societies often have representatives available.
The Important Things to Observe
Look at the students you see around campus. Do they seem happy and relaxed? Are they chatting in groups or studying together? The student body’s general mood tells you a lot about campus culture.
Check out the facilities closely. Visit the library and see if it’s a place you’d want to spend time. Look at the computer labs and technical equipment. If you’re studying a practical subject, inspect the workshops or studios.
Pay attention to accommodation options. Visit both campus and off-campus housing if possible. Check the condition of rooms, kitchen facilities, and common areas. Ask about costs and what’s included in rent.
Notice how connected everything is. Is the campus compact and walkable? Or is it spread out, requiring buses between buildings? Think about what would work better for your daily routine.
The surrounding area matters too. Walk around the neighborhood near campus. Check out the shops, cafes, and entertainment options. Look at public transport links. Consider whether you’d feel safe walking around at night.
Questions That Actually Help
Don’t be shy about asking questions. Staff and students expect it. In fact, they want you to ask. Here are some questions that reveal useful information.
Ask about student support services. What happens if you struggle with coursework? What mental health support is available? How does the university help students balance their wellbeing with academic pressure?
Find out about opportunities beyond lectures. What work experience programs exist? Are there study abroad options? What about internships and industry connections?
Ask current students about the social side of university life. What do people do in the evenings and weekends? How easy is it to make friends? What clubs and societies are most popular?
Don’t forget practical matters. How does student accommodation allocation work? What’s the process for choosing modules? When and how do you need to register?
Meeting Current Students
Current students are your best source of honest information. They’ve lived the experience you’re considering. Most are happy to share their thoughts.
Ask them why they chose this university. What sealed the deal for them? Would they make the same choice again knowing what they know now? These questions often lead to revealing conversations.
Find out what they wish they’d known before starting. Every student has insights about things that surprised them. These nuggets of wisdom can be incredibly valuable.
Ask about challenges they’ve faced. How difficult is the workload? Do they feel supported by tutors? Have they found a good work-life balance? Honest answers to these questions paint a realistic picture.
Trusting Your Instincts
Facts and figures matter. Course content and facilities are important. But your gut feeling counts for a lot too.
Pay attention to how you feel as you walk around campus. Do you feel comfortable? Can you imagine yourself studying in the library or eating lunch in the cafeteria? Does the place feel like somewhere you could call home for three or four years?
A university open day should leave you feeling excited and inspired. If you leave feeling flat or uninspired, that’s useful information. Not every university will be right for you, and that’s perfectly fine.
Some places just feel right. The atmosphere clicks. The people seem friendly. The campus layout makes sense. When you find that feeling, note it down. It’s a sign you might have found a good match.
Comparing Your Options
After visiting several universities, you’ll need to compare them. This is where your notes become crucial.
Create a simple comparison chart. List each university you visited down the left side. Across the top, write your key priorities. Fill in how each place measures up in each category.
This visual comparison helps you see patterns. Maybe one university has amazing facilities but feels too big. Another might have a perfect course but poor accommodation. Seeing everything laid out makes trade-offs clearer.
Talk through your options with someone you trust. Parents, teachers, or older students can offer valuable perspectives. They might ask questions you haven’t considered. They can help you think through the implications of different choices.
Making Your Final Decision
Eventually, you’ll need to choose where to apply. Your university open day experiences will heavily influence this decision, and rightly so.
Think about where you felt most at home. Consider which courses excited you most. Remember which staff members impressed you with their passion and knowledge. Factor in practical considerations like location and cost.
Don’t rush this decision. Sleep on it. Give yourself time to process everything you’ve learned. The right choice will become clearer as you reflect.
Remember that there’s rarely one perfect university. Several options might work well for you. That’s good news. It means you have genuine choices and can pick based on what matters most to you personally.
Attending a university open day is time well spent. These visits transform abstract information into concrete reality. They help you move from wondering about university life to planning your specific future. That transformation is worth the effort of visiting campuses and asking questions. Your future self will thank you for the care you took in choosing the right place to study.
