Top questions to ask at a university open day

Attending a university open day can help you get a better sense of whether a particular institution is the right fit for you. It's a chance to explore the campus, talk to current students and professors, and learn about the university's facilities and resources. Open days are there to make sure that everything isn’t a total surprise on your first day of university.

To make the most of your open day experience, it's essential to come prepared with a list of questions. Better to ask questions on a university open day than on your first day at university. In this article, we will discuss the best questions to ask at uni open days to help you gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your higher education. Whether you're interested in academic programs, student support services, or extracurricular activities, we've got you covered.

Questions about the course

The course you are studying is your number one priority. Make sure you ask your tutor about anything you are unsure of when it comes to the course you are looking to study.

Research the course before you attend the open day. If there are some modules or elements of the course that you don’t understand, then ask your tutor about them and find out what you need to know about the course beforehand.

• How is the course assessed?
• How many students are there on the course?
• What are the career opportunities like after graduation?
• What sort of support does the university offer?
• What are the costs associated with the course?
• How many hours per week are devoted to teaching?
• What qualifications do I need?
• Do you count all qualifications for the UCAS tariff points?

Questions about the accommodation

Your accommodation is where you will be living, so you will want to ensure you know everything you need to. Find out what kinds of restrictions the university has and how much things will cost.

There is a chance you will be shown the halls of residence on your open day. Not all universities will do this and quite a lot of them will instead show you pictures or allow you to see some of the nicer accommodation buildings, but it s always best to have your questions prepared.

• What is the accommodation like?
• Do you have on-site accommodation?
• What are the fees associated with the university’s accommodation?
• Am I still guaranteed a place if I make this university my insurance choice?
• Do I have to move in and out with each term?
• Am I allowed to decorate the room?
• Am I in student halls for years two and three?
• If I don’t get into halls, what are my options?

Questions about career prospects

Here, you can find out more about the types of career opportunities available to graduates, such as internships and job placements. These questions can help you make a decision about whether the university can offer you the academic and professional development you need.

• Does this course make me more employable?
• What careers do graduates usually explore after graduating?
• Can I look into postgraduate study after this course has finished?
• Do you have careers guidance on-site at all?
• Do you have job fairs?
• Do you have local connections for apprenticeships or work placements?

Ask questions about the sports club or societies

Sometimes, the societies that a university has are a big draw for students. Many students have been attracted to the prestigious Footlights club at the University of Cambridge and each university will have their own unique selling point.

All universities will have sports clubs and societies of some kind. Who knows, you may even find a new society or club that you never even thought of before.

• Are there any on-campus jobs available for students?
• What clubs and societies does the university have?
• Does the university’s sports clubs compete in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) league?
• Do I have to pay to join a club or society?

Questions to ask current and former students

Current and former students are excellent resources for new applicants to pool ideas from. Most universities will have their current students to show you around and may even tap into their alumni network to pitch in too.

These can be invaluable sources of knowledge. Students, past and present, will not sugarcoat things for you and will be open and honest about their experiences.

• What are the best things about the university?
• What are the worst things about the university?
• What support have you received?
• What is the social life like?
• Is your accommodation any good?

Questions to ask about finance

Finance is a hugely important aspect of attending university. You will need to know what your costs are, how they work and when to apply for specific things. The university will be open and honest about how student finance and other costs break down, so you will not be kept in the dark.

• How do the costs break down?
• Does the university offer bursaries, grants or scholarships?
• Is it possible to find part-time work in the area?
• What are the costs associated with housing?