A university open day is a useful chance to see a campus in person, rather than only reading about it online. You can walk around lecture venues, residences, and support offices, meet staff and students, and get a sense of whether the environment suits the way you like to learn. It is also easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if the campus is large or you are visiting several institutions. A little preparation can help you use the day well, without trying to see everything at once.
This guide explains how to plan an open day, what to look for, and which questions are worth asking. It offers general guidance only, because each institution runs its open days differently, and details such as venues, times, and available programmes can change. The aim is to help you leave with clear notes and a better understanding of your options, rather than a pile of brochures you never read.
Plan Before You Arrive
Before the day, check the institution’s open day information and make a short list of the faculties, departments, or programmes you most want to visit. Note the location, transport options, and any sessions you do not want to miss. Pack water, a phone charger, a notebook or phone for notes, and identification if it is requested. If you are travelling with a parent, guardian, or friend, agree in advance on which parts of the day you will explore together and which you will explore on your own.
Visit the Places That Matter to You
Start with the places that will affect your daily life as a student. Lecture venues, libraries, computer facilities, and study spaces are important, but so are residences, dining areas, transport stops, and student support offices. Notice whether spaces feel safe, accessible, and easy to reach between classes. A beautiful campus is appealing, but the practical details often matter more over a full academic year. If a place is crowded or closed on the day, ask staff how students normally use it.
Ask Questions That Help You Compare
Good questions focus on learning and support, not only on entry requirements. Ask how teaching is organised, what academic support is available, how students get help with coursework, and what happens if a student struggles. You can also ask about class sizes, practical work, library access, and opportunities to join societies or gain experience. Write the answers down in your own words, because similar answers from different institutions can be difficult to remember later. Avoid asking only about social life, and avoid deciding on a single impressive presentation.
Talk to Students, Not Just Presenters
Presenters will understandably highlight the strengths of their institution. Current students can add a different view, including what a normal week feels like, how easy it is to get help, and what they wish they had known before they started. Ask about workload, transport, safety, and study spaces, and listen for patterns rather than a single opinion. If several students mention the same strength or problem, it is more likely to matter. Be polite, take notes, and remember that every student’s experience is shaped by their programme and circumstances.
Take Notes You Can Use Later
During the day, keep notes organised by institution and topic, rather than collecting loose papers. For each campus, write down what you liked, what concerned you, and any follow-up questions. Photographs can help you remember venues, but check whether photography is allowed and avoid photographing people without permission. At the end of the day, spend a few minutes reviewing your notes while the details are fresh. That short review makes it much easier to compare institutions later, when open day memories begin to blur together.
Follow Up Without Rushing a Decision
After an open day, you may feel pressure to choose quickly, especially if other visitors seem certain. Take time to compare your notes, check programme details through official channels, and talk with a teacher, mentor, or family member. Look for information about support services, costs, and application steps, and be careful about claims made on social media or by unofficial sources.
Conclusion
An open day is not a test, and there is no single right way to use it. With a short plan, useful questions, honest conversations, and clear notes, you can turn a busy campus visit into a practical step towards choosing the institution that fits you best.
