Top questions to ask at a university open day - and how to be well prepared

Visiting a university on an open day is a unique opportunity. You get to discover a bit about what the uni's really like – spending a few hours exploring and feeling like you're already a student there.

After the open day is done, you'll have a much clearer idea of whether that uni is going to make it onto your application shortlist. 

In this guide we'll share some tips that will help you prepare for your open days, including advice from Simon Fairbanks, head of community engagement at open day experts UniTasterDays.com. At the end of the article, you'll find a comprehensive list of questions to ask on the day itself.

Is it worth going to university open days?

Open days give you a real feel for a university and what life there is really like. It's a great chance to scope out your potential new home for the next few years. 

There will be a tour as well as talks about accommodation, finance and student life. You can also speak to current students. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get their opinions – they are there to help.

All of this is great to experience in person if you possibly can. Yes, you can check out a virtual open day from your laptop instead - but it can't compete with actually being there.

"Choosing a university is an emotional decision," says Simon. "After all, you're choosing a home, not just a classroom. The sensory experience of being present at an open day cannot be replicated through a screen. It allows you to get a feel for a place. It brings you that intangible, instinctive, infamous 'gut feeling' about whether a campus is right for you."

What will happen on a university open day?

Most universities will share their open day timetable in advance, so you can see what's happening when and plan out your time.

There will be a bunch of things to choose from: accommodation, campus and subject tours, as well as financial, subject and parent talks.

You don't have to go on every tour and sit through every talk – just pick the ones that will help your application decision.

When do university open days happen?

Open days typically happen during the spring and summer before you apply to university, although many universities will hold another open day in the autumn.

You'll find specific information about each open day on the university's website.

Lots of universities will ask you to book your place on their open days. You can generally do that through their website: we've got links to these along with lots more information on The Uni Guide.

Can I get any help with the cost of travelling to open days?

Although it's a great idea to go to open days in person, all that travelling around the country can get pricey.

Check the various travel options that might be available. You can get a third off all rail travel with a 16-25 Railcard, while good deals can often be found on coach travel - especially if you book well in advance.

Universities will provide financial help and incentives, to help students get to an open day. It's definitely worth taking a look at UniTasterDays.com (external link) for its huge, in-depth database of university travel incentives.

"After extensive research, we discovered a treasure trove of financial support offered by universities to make open day attendance more affordable," says Simon from the open day specialists. 

"This includes free refreshments, free parking, discounted accommodation, local restaurant deals, and Uber Eats vouchers. However, the majority of universities focus on travel incentives. Travel incentives include discounts for train tickets and National Express coaches."

On top of those incentives, many universities also offer full or part-funded bursaries for open day travel. "Typically, students need to meet certain eligibility criteria to secure these bursaries," says Simon.

"Most commonly, they need to have a widening participation background. Other travel bursaries vary in amount depending on where the student lives, so those living further away from campus receive the highest level of financial support." 

Will the university penalise me if I don’t go to their open day?

Nope. As we've covered above, getting along to an open day is hugely useful in helping you decide where to apply. And it's great to chat to lecturers and mingle with your potential coursemates. But it won’t affect your chances of being accepted if you don't go.

What do I wear to an university open day?

There's no dress code – just wear something you'll feel comfortable in.

Who should I take with me to a university open day?

It's completely up to you. Most students bring a parent but you can go with a friend or you can just go on your own.

Are applicant days the same as open days?

Applicant days are something that happens after you've got your offers. Once you’ve submitted your Ucas application and universities have started offering you a place, they will probably invite you to an applicant day during spring.

Applicant days are specific to your course, rather than a general tour of the university; you can ask tutors and current students in-depth questions about course content.

Essentially, open days help you decide whether to apply for a particular university – and applicant days help you decide whether that university is going to be your firm choice.

What questions should I ask on a university open day?

You'll get the chance to chat with academics, staff and current students at an open day. They can all provide different perspectives on what the uni is like, so think of some questions you want to ask.

As well as asking about the course and facilities, think about things that could influence your life – what the city's like, the cost of public transport or if there's a society for your favourite hobby. 

You might take a look through the uni's website to check for any questions covered on there. You'll feel better informed when you arrive - and it might spark some thoughts of other questions too.

Questions to ask about the course

Get these questions to the top of your list. This is where you're going to find out more about what you'll actually be doing at uni.

Your qualifications

• What grades do you need – and could you still get a place if you don't quite get the grades?
• Which qualifications and combinations of qualifications do they accept/prefer?
• If they use the Ucas tariff, will they count all your qualifications?
• Is it worth applying for more than one course?
• How do they select which candidates to make offers to?

Your personal statement

• What do they look for in your application and personal statement?
• Can they recommend any reading or activities to inform your personal statement? 

Your Ucas application

• Do they hold interviews or is selection based entirely on your Ucas application?
• How do they feel about gap years and deferred entry applications?
• Is there any benefit in getting your application in early?

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What the course will be like when you’re there – suggestions from a careers adviser

• What does the course cover?
• How many hours a week will I be in timetabled teaching?
• How much flexibility is there?
• What assessment methods are used?
• What demands will it make on you?
• How will you learn?
• What’s the split between lectures, tutorials and self-directed study?
• What size are tutorial groups?
• What deadlines will you have to meet?
• What are the facilities like?
• What opportunities are there for you to broaden and deepen your understanding of the subject?
• Are placements or study abroad on offer, where are they, how are they organised, are they paid, how do they affect tuition fees?
• What are the pros and cons of taking a joint or combined course?

Your career prospects – what happens after

• How will the course make you more employable? Do they offer or arrange placements?
• What have previous students gone on to do after graduating?
• What proportion go on to postgraduate study? Do you need to do a postgraduate course to get a job?
• Do they know what past students are doing two or three years later?
• What careers guidance facilities are there?
• Do they run job fairs?

Questions to ask about the accommodation

A lot of open days let you look around typical halls of residence. The likelihood is you'll probably be touring the best on offer, but it's a great time to do some fact-finding.

• Is a place in halls guaranteed? What accommodation is available off-campus?
• Would a place still be guaranteed if you made the uni your insurance choice?
• What does it cost – and what’s included in that cost?
• Will you have to move in and out each term?
• What are the pros and cons of catered versus self-catered?
• How big are the rooms – are some bigger than others?
• How quiet are they?
• Can you put stuff on the walls?
• How secure is it?
• Do most students stay on campus at weekends?
• What happens in years two and three?
• How far will you have to travel to get into uni and around town? Can you bring a car?
• What are the options if you don't get into halls?
   
• Read more: how to pick the right student accommodation

Questions to ask about societies and other opportunities

• What's on offer here that will provide opportunities for you to develop your employability skills? Are there any connections with local employers?
• Are there any jobs on campus available for students?
• Are there any volunteering opportunities?
• What academic support is available?
• What sports and societies are available?
• What are the transport links like? Are most things available on campus?
   
• Read more: what are university societies and how can you join them?

• Questions to ask current students

  Don't be afraid to ask student ambassadors some probing questions, or politely approach a student on campus for a real-life student view of the uni and course. You could also swap notes with other visiting students.

• What are the best and worst things about uni in your opinion?
• How have you found the course so far – what are the teaching, facilities, support, and field trips like?
• Are some halls of residence better or worse than others?
• What’s the town or city like?
   
• Read more: who should you take to an open day?

Questions to ask about your everyday costs

This is another area that could be useful to discuss with current students who are already managing their finances.

• How do the costs actually break down? How much money will you need to survive?
• To what extent will you need or be able to find part-time work?
• What bursaries, scholarships or fee waivers are there and how do you apply?
• How do placements or a year abroad or a year in the industry affect your costs or tuition fees?
• What's on offer in terms of cheap student deals, nights out and places to eat?​​

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