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When you're attending an open day, it can be hard to make sure you see everything when there's so much going on. These are the top six things you shouldn't miss when you're visiting a uni for the first time.
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1. The accommodation
Make sure you spend some time investigating where you'll be living next year. Sure, student accommodation isn’t known for its luxurious offerings, but it’s important that it at least fits your basic requirements. For example, are the rooms en suite? Are there catering options available? You can always add your own personal touch when you move in.
Think about the location of the accommodation too. If you’re a light sleeper will you be happy living near a nightclub or bar? These factors can have a lot of bearing on your wellbeing during your first months away from home.
2. The local area
You’ll probably get a good look at the local area if you’re visiting a city university, but if you’re off to a campus facility it’s really important that you get off the grounds and explore the surrounding area as well.
What’s the nightlife like? Is it a safe area? Where’s the nearest supermarket? You might want to consider the scope for taking on a part time job further down the line too – is there potential for this in your prospective university town?
3. Public transport
Ask your uni tour guide about public transport – better yet, pick up a bus, tram or train timetable to find out how frequently services run and how much fares cost.
If public transport isn’t great in the area, consider how you’ll get about. Are distances walkable? Could you bring a bike to university? If you drive, is there somewhere for you to keep your car?
4. Posters and notice boards
Keep an eye out for posters and notice boards advertising club nights, organisations and social events. This will give you a good idea of what’s going on around campus and a real sense of student life in the area beyond the smiling faces in prospectuses and university-organised fresher’s events.
5. The library
Yes, it's much more exciting to see the SU bar and imagine the good times you'll have in there, but chance are you'll be spending much more time in the university library!
Nowadays many journals and articles can be accessed online, but there will still be times you’ll need to do research from a good old fashioned book. It’s worth taking a trip around your faculty’s library to see what amenities are available to you and how ample the resources are.
After all, you don’t want to be fighting classmates for the last textbook a week before an assignment is due, or having to hold group work meetings in someone’s tiny bedroom because all the quiet rooms have been booked up.
6. Careers services
One of the main reasons you’re going to university is to enrich your job prospects later in life, so it makes sense to check out the university’s career services – it might seem like a long way away now, but come your third or fourth year you’ll be reliant on them for help and guidance before you graduate. Plus, they might be able to help you get a part-time job while you’re studying.
What facilities do they have available? Can they share any testimonials from previous students? Do they have any links with local or national employers that could prove useful to you? Don’t be afraid to ask questions – that’s the point of an open day, after all.
Still got questions about open days? Whatuni's ultimate guide has everything you need to know before you go.
