It's a good idea to visit a few open days so you can compare them to see which feels right for you.
What you can do at an open day
- Have your questions answered by academic tutors and current students.
- Get the low-down on student life from student ambassadors.
- Find out how to get support.
- Find out how to finance your studies.
- View student work and demonstrations.
- Take part in workshops and activities.
- Tour the facilities and see where you could be studying.
Top tips
- Use the college's website to do some research before you go:
- Look through the courses they offer to make sure they have what you want.
- Look out for extra information, such as the units you could be studying and if you will be assessed by exams, coursework, or both.
- Many colleges have more than one campus. Make sure you know what subjects you can study at each location before you go to an open day. Work out how you are going to get there and, if necessary, where you can park.
- You can go to an open day with your parents, on your own, or with a friend. Try to avoid going with a big group, as the chances are you will all want to look at something different, so you might not get all the information you need.
- Check if you need to book before you go, or if you can register when you get there.
- It's important to look where you'll be studying, but also make sure you speak to people about travel, study support, bursaries, and child care, if you need it. These services are usually called 'student support'.
- Don't worry about being nervous – everyone else is in the same position.
- Most colleges won't mind what you wear to an open day, but you'll want to make a good impression.
Most colleges have open events, but some also run taster days and summer schools where you can spend longer with tutors and other students to work out if the course is right for you.
Make the most of these opportunities – they could save you from making a choice that isn't right for you.