An open day is the perfect opportunity to find out as much as possible about the university you want to attend and the course you want to study, so you should go armed with a list of questions.

Here are some you might want to ask:

Application related questions

• What grades do you need for the course?
• What if you don’t get the required grades?
• What qualities are they looking for in an applicant?
• Do they hold interviews or is selection based on your UCAS application?
• Is there the opportunity to take a year abroad?
• Are there scholarships or bursaries available?

Course related questions

• How is the degree assessed (e.g. exams, coursework, projects etc.?)
• How many taught/contact hours are there?
• How many hours of self-directed study are there?
• Is there a final dissertation?

 Career related questions

• Will the course improve your employment prospects?
• Are there work placement opportunities?
• What careers have previous graduates gone on to do?
• Do they hold jobs fairs?

General questions

• What facilities are available on campus?
• What clubs, societies and sporting activities are available?
• What is the accommodation like – should you live on or off campus?
• What are food and drink prices like?
• What is the entertainment/nightlife like?

For more ideas, Which? University has a detailed list of general questions and a list of subject-specific questions. There is also a list of questions on the UCAS open days tips page.

Checklist

Before you attend a university open day why not print out this handy checklist to make sure you get the most from your experience?

Seren Network open day checklist

□ Make a shortlist of universities you want to view

□ Find the date of their next open day

□ Book a place

□ Arrange transport

□ Book accommodation (if required)

□ Download/print campus map

□ Take a notepad and pen to make notes

□ Pack water and snacks

□ Reserve a place on an organised tour

□ Select talks/lectures/taster courses

□ Prepare a list of questions

□ Arrange to meet staff

□ Arrange to meet students

□ Visit the students’ union

□ View accommodation

□ Check out the town/surrounding area