Reasons why your students should consider attending a university open day

This is a guest blog from Rachel, who is one of the Events Officers at Edge Hill University.

Rachel will be sharing her top five reasons on why it is important for your students to attend university open days to support them to make the decision on which course and which university is right for them.

1. Get a feel for the place: One of the best ways for your students to get a ‘gut-feel’ for a university and the surrounding area is to go to an Open Day. The atmosphere and experience on the day can either confirm or contradict a student’s prior opinion of a university, so it is critical that students go in person to a number of different institutions. Some students will prefer a busy city, whereas others will prefer a relaxed campus atmosphere. It is also important for them to check out the transport links to and from home and to any nearby points of interest or attractions, and to make sure it is in an accessible location.

2. Meet current students: Open Days are a great way for your students to meet current students studying the same subjects that they are interested in. Make sure your students use this invaluable opportunity to get honest answers about courses, tutors, and all aspects of university life, such as student support, halls of accommodation and social life.

3. Meet course tutors and lecturers: As well as attending subject talks, at Open Days students will have the opportunity to meet department staff and ask course tutors and lecturers questions about courses, assessments and teaching styles to find out whether it is the right course for them. This is a really useful way for students to gain some clarity to help narrow down their decision on where and what they would like to study, and to see if they like the course tutors that will be teaching them.

4. View facilities: Whether it is the campus, halls or department buildings, at Open Days no part of the university is off limits. Students can explore of all the available amenities, including facilities and equipment related to their course, halls of accommodation, indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities, the Student’s Union, dining outlets, social areas and green spaces.

5. Find out about extra support: During their time at university, students may need some additional help and support with personal issues. Open Days are a great opportunity for students to learn all about the additional support available to them in different areas such as finance, health, wellbeing, learning and careers. This is also a chance for them to chat to the support staff and to make sure they are friendly and approachable with personal issues.