Making the Most of Open Days

If you’re thinking of studying at university, I would highly recommend attending an open day!

Most universities offer an Open Day and they’re a fantastic way for you to get onto campus, learn about the university and its facilities, and explore the surrounding area. It’s also a great way to meet current students and lecturers and maybe get a little insight as to what it might feel like to be a student there.

If you’re unsure about what course you’d like to study, attending an Open Day is a great way to learn more about the individual courses you’re interested in. Of course, online research is great in telling you about a course but there’s nothing quite like asking all the little things that aren’t always answered online! Before starting ARU, I attended an online Q&A and asked lots of questions about things that were making me a little apprehensive and I felt so relieved to get them answered. Having these important questions answered can really help you to make an informed decision.

My Open Day top tips …

• I’d suggest bringing someone with you to the Open Day as this might help ease any nerves you have and perhaps they can ask questions that you haven’t thought of.
• Explore the campus by going on a campus tour, as knowing what facilities the university has to offer is very important. If you’re thinking of staying in student accommodation, you’ll also be able to attend an accommodation tour.
• There’s also lots of different talks you’ll be able to attend, including student finance and accommodation. These might help to answer some of the questions you have. I would also suggest taking some notes during the talks, so you don’t forget anything, and you can refer to it later. Note taking is also great for any questions you have asked!
• Make sure to plan your journey ahead of time as travel on Open Days can be busy! If you’re planning on travelling to and from university, this will give you a taster as to what your journey will be like.
• Lots of courses at ARU offer taster days, so if at the end of the day you’re still unsure about anything at all, you can book onto one!

I started university off the back of Covid and at the time, universities weren’t offering Open Days. However, just before I had to make the important decision on what university I should pick, ARU started offering university tours. A little different to an Open Day, but I was given a tour of all the facilities, and I learnt so much about ARU that I didn’t know beforehand. After my tour, I knew ARU was for me!

Open Days are about you finding the right fit, so make the most of it. They should be a fun and exciting experience, so relax and enjoy all that the day has to offer and then spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area!

Sophie studies BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice at ARU. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.