Making the most of an open day

So, you’re thinking of going to university, and you’ve booked onto a few open days to find out more about the course, the location and the student life. With so much going on throughout the day, you want to make the most out of the day. I have shared my top tips on making the most of an open day.

Make a list of questions beforehand

Attending an open day can be quite full-on, so it’s always a good idea to come up with a few things you want to ask before the day. These things may include what the facilities are like, what study spaces are available and the quality of student support.

You might want to ask about specific course content, so jot down any modules you have questions about. Most universities will offer you the chance to speak to a course lecturer or student ambassador who studies the course on the open day, which is the perfect chance to ask your questions!

Take someone else with you

While the idea of moving hundreds of miles away from home might be your idea of paradise, it might be a big worry for your family.

That’s why it can be a great idea to take your parents or family members with you on an open day. Not only does it give them the chance to see where you might be living and studying for the next three years but also to help reassure them that you are making the right choice. This is also a great opportunity for them to ask their questions.

Talk to the students

It’s always a great idea to talk to the current students or student ambassadors; not only are they the best people to share their own real-life experiences, but they may even give you some tips.

Try and talk to someone who is studying on the course you’re looking to apply for, as they can answer the nitty-gritty questions about workload, classes and student life. You need to remember that no question is a stupid question! The students will have a go at answering any questions you have, so make sure to ask them! Chances are, your ‘silly question’ is something that lots of people worry about, so the other people in your group will probably be relieved that someone asked it!

Visit the local area

When you go to study at a university, you’re signing up to live there for three years, so it’s vital to make sure that it has everything you want.

Think about the things you like to do at home in your spare time; if you love a bit of retail therapy, check out what shops are in town, or which shopping centres are accessible by public transport. Or if a thriving nightlife is important to you, check out online reviews for the venues themselves. 

We have Open Day buses which run you to and from the sports facilities at Bar End, which is about 2km away. There you will find a sports stadium with an eight lane athletics track, an all weather sports pitch and Winchester Sport and Leisure Park. Take a look at some of the incredible facilities here. 

If the local town is within walking distance of the university, it’s definitely a great idea to walk there at the end of the open day. Not only will you be able to scope out the area for yourself, but it’ll also give you a good idea of how long and difficult it’s going to be if you do decide to move there. (And if you’re thinking of moving to Winchester, it’s never too early to start getting used to walking up and down all the hills!)

To find out when our next Open Day is and to book your place, check out our Open Days page.

About the author:

Sophie Bourne is a 1st-year History student.