Uni Series: Guide to Open Days.

First of all I work as a Student Ambassador for my university and have done since October 2013 (Nearly two years). I get paid to work open days and answer peoples questions, give tours and escort people to the right rooms ect. I really enjoy the job and every day is different as I've worked on school visits as well as open days. I also re-visit my old college every year (for my old English tutor Paula without her I wouldn't be at university) and give talks about what it's like to study Drama and Theatre studies combined with English Literature and answer questions about UCAS, Open Days and other uni related things, and then give workshops and assist in teaching sessions. I think these experiences and my own experience in university puts me in a good place to offer advice on how to get the most out of open days.

For those who haven't attended Open Days before think of it like free samples of food. You get a lot of freebies, but you also can compare and contrast other universities, course contents (because every course although the same title at different universities is completely different) and campuses. You get to talk to tutors current students and look at accommodation and campus facilities like library (where you'll spend a lot of time in second and third year.). You also attend welcome talks subject talks and can get info on student finance applications. Even if you're on the fence about going to uni, go to an open day and see if it is for you. You don't know until you try.

1. Attend all the open days for your prospective 5 UCAS options. If you don't go and attend in person how are you going to know whether the place is for you or not. I went to my first university thinking it would be for me and it turns out it wasn't at all. Without going to that open day I would've spent the next three years of my life not really enjoying the most of my degree. 

2. Arrive as early as you can. The earlier you arrive the more time you have to take in the whole of your campus where you'll be spending the next 3-4 years of your life. Waking up those extra couple of hours early is worth it believe me. 

3. If you don't have to attend any lectures or talks. Go out and find students ask them questions. Get info on student finance. Go for a campus tour. Look at the library. Look at all types of accommodation. Go to the cafe and get a tea/ coffee and some dinner (see what the food/menu tastes like).

4. Speak to the lecturers after your welcome talks. They look scary but they really aren't and are more than willing to help. If you can't think of any questions currently ask them for their email address and they'll be willing to answer any queries you have at a later date.

5. Take a prospectus home with you and read about other courses see if they interest you. I went to my first open day looking at applying for Fine Art and ended up doing a 360 turn to wanting to do English Literature and Drama. So take the time out to attend other subject talks if you're not sure what you want to do and are still unsure. Like I said I changed my mind and so can you, so go in with an open mind.

6. Ask students what taxi prices are like, where the local supermarkets are, what areas people move to in second and third year and what freshers week is like. What the night life is like. Ask them whatevers on your mind and they'll answer honestly. It's all well and good asking lecturers about course content but ask students as well, as we're the ones studying that course currently.  

7. Let your parents or guardians ask questions. Chances are it's something you'll forget or it'll at least put their mind at ease.

8. If you have time after the open day has finished then go into the local town or city and see what it is like. See whether you can find some clubs or pubs and check out the shopping area. See whether you could see yourself there and if it feels right.

9. Have a good time. And if you forget something or are finding it hard trying to narrow it down. Go to another open day again. There's always more than one. Or contact the universities admiristation team through email or phone call and they'll direct you to the right department.

Thanks for reading,