What is a university open day?
A university open day is an event where prospective students and their families can visit a university to learn more about the institution, its facilities, and programmes of study. Open days typically offer a variety of activities, such as tours of campus buildings, sessions exploring admission and entry requirements, student life and support services, and the opportunity to meet with current students and staff.
Open days also offer subject-specific sessions and the chance to attend sample lectures, providing an insight into the academic experience at the university. The aim of an open day is to help prospective students make informed decisions about their future education and to allow them to experience the university first-hand before applying. This will allow for a comprehensive overview of what the university has to offer – and most importantly, if a student feels they will be able to successfully settle and study there!
At a university open day, students can expect the following:
The chance to see the university campus and its facilities, including libraries, labs, student accommodation, and sports facilities.
University staff will provide an overview of topics, including the institution and courses, entry and admission requirements and student life. Often this will be in the form of support stands where staff and current students are available to answer questions about the application process, support outside studies and so much more.
Students have the opportunity to meet with academic staff and ask questions about the subjects they’re interested in. Including sample lectures, providing a feel for the academic experience at the university.
Students will also have the chance to see the university's student housing options, like their halls of residence.
Current students will be available to answer questions about student life and offer their own perspectives on the university experience.
Check out the Uni Guide podcast, with a dedicated episode exploring university open days. Featuring a student panel and expert university guest, Jonny Atkinson from the University of Liverpool.