Going to an Open Day is a big step in the right direction when you’re deciding which university to choose. You’ll be able to get a real feel for what it’s like, see the campus, facilities and accommodation, as well as talk to your subject academics and hear from students who were in your shoes this time last year.
We know big steps can be scary, but try not to worry! We’re here to answer some of the most common questions we’ve seen around Open Days and hopefully set your mind at ease.
There are quite a few questions that pop up around Open Day nerves, whether it’s about getting lost on campus, or being unsure about how to approach the day (Do you come prepared with questions? What do you wear? How do you prepare? What talks do you go to?).
It can feel a little overwhelming at first, but you just have to take each visit step-by-step.
Will I get lost?
Coming to a new city for the first time can be a bit daunting but universities want you to be able to find the campus! It’s our responsibility to do everything within our power to make sure you don’t experience any stress when it comes to finding your way.
We send out an Open Day guide a week before your visit, which will indicate how to get to the campus, and we’ll provide you with a campus map so you’re able to find your way around from one talk to another.
Not to mention, once you’re on campus the buildings will be clearly sign posted and there will be student ambassadors and staff around to help you find your way.
Do I come prepared with questions?
Coming prepared to an Open Day with questions is great, but don’t worry if you don’t have any just yet. An Open Day is the perfect opportunity to find out more about the university and your course.
So, whether you’ve had the question prepared for weeks or you’re touring the campus and one pops into your mind – we’re happy to help. It’s exactly why we’re there, so just ask a member of staff or one of our current students.
Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of talking in front of big groups either, there will be plenty of opportunities to talk to academic staff and current students one-on-one throughout the day.
What do I wear to an Open Day?
An Open Event is casual so just wear your usual day-to-day clothes. We would always recommend wearing suitable shoes for walking so that you’re comfortable throughout the day (tours, and all).
Make sure to take a look at the weather too and bring a coat or umbrella if necessary.
How do I prepare? What talks do I attend?
Prior to the event we’ll send out an Open Day guide with all the talks available, from subject specific to more general talks on student life. Throughout the day you will find out about your subject and your campus, and more general topics such as careers and employability, finance and funding, and your Students’ Union, to name a few. There are also some handy talks on topics like ‘Writing your UCAS Application’.
When we send your Open Day guide there’s a handy planner on the back page to help you map out your day. It’s completely up to you on what you attend, but we’ve organised the day so you can attend as much as possible specific to your course and campus, and then the talks that interest you the most in the afternoon.
I want to come to an Open Day but the travel costs are too expensive…
It’s no secret that when you’re looking into your options for university and you want to attend Open Days at a couple of institutions, it can be costly.
We don’t want financial barriers to get in the way of anyone attending a University of Chester Open Day, so we do offer a travel bursary to support eligible individuals visiting our campuses.
The bursary is to cover travel costs for up to two people totalling a maximum of £100. More information can be found on our Visit Us Travel Bursary webpage.
My parents can’t make the Open Day, and I don’t want to go alone…
While a lot of students attend an Open Day with a parent, there’s plenty who attend alone too. Open Days have a great atmosphere and it’s a really exciting time for those visiting, but also for our staff and current students. There’s plenty to do and keep you busy, and you’re likely to meet people along the way, too.
If you really don’t want to attend alone, we would encourage bringing a friend (perhaps someone in your school or college is coming too!), or a sibling, but very often you wouldn’t be the only person attending alone.
Alternatives to Open Days
We would always recommend coming along to an Open Day but sometimes the dates just aren’t manageable. If you can’t attend any of our Open Days, we do hold campus tours throughout the year. Campus tours are designed to give you the opportunity to explore the general student facilities at either our Warrington or Chester campuses.
These are some of the most common questions that we’re asked on The Student Room, but if you feel as though you have some unanswered questions or want us to expand on anything, why not head over to our forum on The Student Room!
