This week, Miles Hermann from the Ceredigion hub, shares his experiences of open days.

In the process of looking to study at university, it’s essential that applicants visit a range of universities, to get a feel for the course and its surroundings.

After some research, I decided to look into studying geography or law, two current subjects especially with politics, environment and places changing rapidly.

Firstly, I received advice from the Seren Network to look at Russell group universities which would benefit me in terms of career prospects. I then created a list of Russell group universities with reference to statistics that showed that the course was successful.

I narrowed it down to three universities ;Cardiff University, University of Liverpool and the University of Bristol. Over the course of year 12 and the beginning of year 13, I planned trips to the universities.

At Cardiff, I looked around the university campus and grounds before sitting in lectures about the course. I enjoyed listening about the different possible modules in the human geography course. Although, I felt that law wasn’t for me, while I found the geography course more current and interesting and the modules appealed to me. I then took time to explore the city and get a feel for the place, which is essential as this may be your home for at least 3 years.

At Bristol, I arrived and instantly was taken by the archaic architecture. However, the courses didn’t appeal to me for law and geography as the modules were mainly physical and not human-based so it is important to look at modules online before sitting in on a lecture in the course.

At Liverpool, I looked at just geography as, at this time, I was sure that this was the course for me. I enjoyed the modules and the fact you could study both physical and human. I also sat in on lectures about finance and went around to see possible accommodation. In hindsight, I should have looked at accommodation at all university open days.

Here are my top tips for anyone attending an open day in the near future:

• If possible look at more than three universities, so that you have an idea of which one offers the best course for you.
• Pre-plan the day, make a list of possible courses you want to see, more than one if possible.
• Whilst at the course introduction make a list of modules you may be studying.
• If possible, spend time asking university staff about the course or your own personal career options.
• Look at the universities facilities, what does the whole university have to offer?
• Look at university accommodation and its proximity to the city/town centre or amenities.
• Visit the town/city as this will be the place you may be living in for three or more years so you’ll need to like where you’ll be staying.

Good luck!