University open days are an exciting opportunity for prospective students to explore their future campuses and find out more about the diverse courses available.

These events provide a unique chance to dive into your potential educational journey, offering a firsthand glimpse of campus life and the programs offered. It’s essential to maximize this experience, as it can play a crucial role in your decision-making process about higher education.

To help you optimize your visits and support you in making informed choices about your education, here are five practical tips to consider.

1. Plan ahead of the university open days

Effective planning is the backbone of a successful college search.

Planning ahead can also help you choose the right activities and ask the right questions when you’re there. Be sure to check out each school’s website before you visit to get a better sense of what programming is available. Open days are a blur of things to see or do. These advance preparations will ensure that you won’t miss anything important.

Here are some crucial planning steps to ensure you gain the most value from these excursions:

📋 Create a shortlist

Narrow down your options to a select group of universities that genuinely interest you. This focused approach allows you to dedicate your time and energy to institutions that align with your goals, rather than spreading yourself thin by attempting to attend every open day available. Many universities run open days throughout the year, and they can occur any day of the week, even on weekends.

📅 Research dates

Keep an eye on the open day dates listed on the universities’ official websites. Many institutions offer multiple open days throughout the year, so identify the dates that work best for your schedule while considering travel time and logistics.

💰 Budget for expenses

Make a thoughtful budget that considers travel, accommodation, and meals during your visits. Understanding your financial limitations can help you determine how many universities you can feasibly visit and what arrangements need to be made in advance.

By planning ahead, you’ll not only experience less stress, but you'll also find greater enjoyment when you visit each campus and absorb all that it has to offer.

2. Ask a lot of questions

Your opportunity to gain valuable insights often hinges on the questions you ask.

Open dialogue is essential for clarity, helping to ease any anxieties you have about your educational future, as well as providing insight into the culture of the university.

To maximize the value of university open days, prepare your questions in advance. Here are some examples of topics you can ask about:

• Course structure
• Teaching methodologies
• Available electives
• Internship opportunities
• Campus facilities
• Support services
• Extracurricular activities

💡 PRO TIP: Connect with student guides

If you’re feeling shy about speaking up in a larger setting, remember that student ambassadors are there to assist! They’re friendly faces who can provide candid answers based on their firsthand experiences, which can offer you a different perspective.

3. Talk to current students

Engaging with current students is one of the best ways to gain authentic insights into university life.

Who is more likely to give you a realer experience than an admissions officer or student guide? The students themselves. Not only that, but they were in your shoes just a year or two ago, so they're bound to have unique insights into both the application process and its outcomes.

Here are some helpful tips for making the most of these conversations:

• Be specific: Instead of asking broad, generic questions, such as “Do you enjoy it here?”, try to deepen the dialogue with specific inquiries like “What’s your favorite part of your program?” or “How do you balance academic demands and social life?”
• Seek diverse experiences: Make a point to talk to students from various fields of study and different backgrounds. This can provide you with a multifaceted understanding of the institution, as each student will have a unique journey.
• Understand social events: Inquire about extracurricular activities and student organizations on campus. This can reveal insights into the campus culture and help you envision where you might find your own community.

Building direct relationships with students can be very enlightening and might provide answers to the questions that official channels won’t address.

4. Learn about the living arrangements

While academics are critical, the living experience is equally important when considering your university options.

Pay attention to the following aspects when exploring accommodation during your visit:

Housing options

Investigate the variety of housing available at the university. Key questions to consider include:

• What is the average number of roommates a student typically has?
• Are bathrooms shared, or do students have en-suite facilities?
• Are kitchens available within residence halls, or are meals provided exclusively? Many colleges offer different meal plans and housing options, but this is not the case for every university.

Meal plans

Explore the available dining services on campus. If possible, take the opportunity to sample a meal at the dining hall during your visit. This can give you an idea of the food quality and atmosphere while also allowing you to assess the variety of options on offer.

Security

Inquire about campus safety measures and policies. It’s essential to feel secure in your living and learning environment, and understanding these aspects can give you peace of mind.

We've compiled a list of the safest colleges in the US ↗, so you can use that as a starting point for your research.

5. Check out the library

In our digital age, it's easy to overlook the significance of a university library. A robust library can greatly enhance your academic experience, and even save you some money on books and mandatory literature.

Here’s what to look for during your visit:

• Facilities:
  • Quiet study areas conducive to concentration.
  • Comfortable seating arrangements that cater to different study styles.
  • A rich array of resources, including physical books, academic journals, and online materials.
• Library hours, including whether extended hours during exam periods are available.
• Academic support services, such as tutoring sessions or workshops, are offered through the library. Access to workshops on research methods or citation practices can significantly benefit your academic skill set, as it's typical for universities to have these offerings.

Conclusion

Attending university open days can significantly influence your decision-making process about higher education.

By carefully planning your visits, actively engaging with the information available, and exploring all the resources at your potential universities, you can make well-informed decisions about where to pursue your degree.

Happy exploring!

Read more:

• What Questions Should You Ask Admissions Officers When Applying to University?
• The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
• Full-Ride Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know