How to prepare and make the most of Open Day

Choosing a university can feel like it’s a big decision, particularly if you are finishing high school or returning to study. Open Day gives you the chance to experience university first-hand, beyond a website or brochure. From touring the campus to speaking directly with academics and current students, it’s an opportunity to see whether the university feels like the right fit for you.

Below, we explore why Open Days are worth attending, how to prepare, and how to get the most value from your visit.

The benefits of attending university Open Days

Many prospective students ask whether going to an Open Day is really worth the time. In short, yes. Open Days bring together everything you need to make a more confident decision about your future study.

They allow you to experience the campus environment. You can see the learning spaces, student facilities and support services in action rather than imagining them. This is particularly helpful if you’re considering studying on-campus and want to understand what student life might look like.

Open Days give you access to people. You can speak directly with academics, Future Student Advisors and current students. These conversations often answer questions you didn’t even realise you had, such as how assessments work, what a typical week looks like or how students balance study with work.

If you’re choosing between courses or universities, attending an Open Day can clarify differences and confirm whether a course matches your interests, goals, and lifestyle. For many students, that clarity alone makes attending university Open Day worthwhile.

What to wear to Open Day

There’s no dress code for Open Day. The most important thing is comfort. You’ll likely be walking around campus, standing during tours and moving between sessions, so wear shoes and clothing that is comfortable!

Think casually and practically. Open Day is about exploring and asking questions, not about dressing formally.

Make the most of your Open Day experience

A little preparation can help you get far more out of your Open Day visit. Below are practical ways to approach the day so you leave feeling informed and confident.

Research the university and courses

Before attending, spend some time exploring the university website. Look at the courses that interest you, entry requirements and study modes. This lets you ask more targeted questions on the day.

For example, if you’re deciding between two degrees, you can ask about differences in assessment styles, practical learning opportunities, or career outcomes. Going in with a shortlist of interests helps you use your time effectively and ensures the information you receive is relevant to your goals.

Ask academics and current students questions

One of the biggest advantages of Open Day is direct access to people who teach and study at the university. Use this opportunity to ask questions that matter to you.

You might ask academics:

• What skills students typically develop during the course
• How the course connects with industry and real-world practice

You could ask current students:

• What they enjoy most about studying here
• How they manage study alongside work or other commitments

These conversations offer honest, practical insights that go beyond course descriptions and help you decide if the learning experience suits you.

Tour the campus and explore the facilities

Campus tours are a highlight, and for a good reason. They let you visualise yourself studying in that environment.

During a tour, pay attention to learning spaces, libraries, student support areas and social spaces. If you’re planning to study on-campus, consider whether the facilities feel welcoming and accessible.

Even if you’re considering online or blended study, understanding the physical campus can still be valuable, particularly if support services are available on site.

Participate in workshops and sessions

Workshops, presentations and interactive sessions are designed to give you a taste of what studying a particular course is like. Attending these sessions can make a big difference to your understanding of a degree.

For example, a course presentation might explain how learning is structured, while a hands-on workshop could introduce the types of projects or assessments students complete. These experiences help you go from abstract ideas about a course to a clear picture of what studying actually involves.

So, how do you make the most of a university Open Day? Go in prepared, stay curious and engage with the people and experiences on offer. Open Days are designed to help you explore your options without pressure, giving you the information you need to make decisions at your own pace.