A parent guide to university events

As a parent or guardian, it is important and reassuring to know that your child is going to an institution where they feel comfortable, safe and confident. However, despite an endless amount of information available online, it is always key to experience a pre-application event and take advantage of what’s on offer. Here are just a few events you may wish to consider!

If you are unsure of where to begin when supporting your child making their decision, a higher education fair is a great start. Fairs are great for students to speak to student ambassadors, enabling them to gain an initial perspective on student life. There are also seminars dedicated to areas such as personal statements, interviews/auditions and international opportunities within higher education. Exhibitors also provide plenty of information and materials, so you will have plenty of resources to reflect upon when it comes to supporting your child making their university choices and writing their application.

At the start of the application process, take note of each institution’s open days. An enormous amount of content is covered during open days - there’s not only academic based talks about course content, but sessions focusing on aspects such as student finance, student development, wellbeing and accommodation.

f you find you cannot make open day dates, universities can also offer one-on-one academic meetings and campus/accommodation tours for families. These can lessen the pressure of attending a larger event, giving you a chance to really take in the surroundings and have the advantage of speaking to a member of the recruitment team about any concerns or questions you may have.

Applicant days are similar to open days, but more catered towards students who have made their UCAS application and are getting closer to making their final decision. Universities also host subject tasters, giving the student a chance to experience a day in the life of someone on their degree course and even meet those currently studying the programme.

If you still find yourself unsure, or simply need more from potential institution choices, a lot of universities have parent and guardian portals or information pages on their websites. Some institutions present online webinars and question and answer sessions, giving you the opportunity to alleviate concerns.

There is plenty of support available from recruitment teams for you and the person you support, and the university staff are more than happy to provide their insight and knowledge with you, as you embark on your higher education journey together.