Advice authored by Northeastern University
Choosing the right university is a big decision, and attending open days can be a crucial part of the process. With so many universities to choose from, deciding which open days to attend can be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice and ensure you get the most out of your visits.
1. Define your priorities
Before you start booking open days, take some time to identify what matters most to you in a university. Consider things like:
- Course content: what are your academic interests? If you’re interested in a specific subject or course, check which universities offer it.
- Location: think about where you would prefer to study; is it in a big city, a small town, or a more rural area? Also, consider how far away it is from home and the lifestyle of the location.
- Campus facilities: what facilities are important to you? For instance, if you need state-of-the-art lecture halls or a vibrant student union, make sure the universities you are looking at have these amenities.
- Student support identify what kind of support services are important to you, such as academic advising, mental health resources, and career services.
2. Use social media to research student life
Social media can be a powerful tool for getting a sense of what life is like as a student at different universities:
- Follow university accounts: check out the universities' official social media profiles to see updates about campus events, student activities, and overall campus culture. Find links to their official social media accounts on Opendays.com
- Explore student groups: look for student-run social media pages or groups. These often provide honest insights into daily life, student experiences, and the social scene.
- Watch videos and stories: universities often post video tours, student takeovers, and event highlights. These can give you a real feel for the campus environment and student life.
Northeastern University London's perspective
Our social media is the best way to find out about life as a student at NU London and all the events that go on on campus. Our students often do takeover’s on Instagram and TikTok so if you want to find out more about a university from a student perspective, we’d really recommend using social media as a research tool.
3. Use university websites and resources
Now you’ve got a list of where you might want to look around, it’s time to delve deeper into what you can do on the actual open day. University websites are a rich source of information about their open days. Here’s what to look for:
- Open day dates and format: check the dates and format of the open days. Some universities may offer virtual open days or tours if traveling is difficult.
- Schedule: review the agenda for the open day. Look for sessions related to your interests, such as student panels, and workshops.
- Booking requirements: some universities will require you to book, so make sure you register well in advance and complete any specific registration requirements.
Northeastern University London's perspective
At NU London, we always ask that you book in advance so that we can make sure we have enough space in our sessions for you to join. Some universities won’t let you attend the open day if you haven’t registered so it’s always best to check before making the journey.
4. Consider the logistics
Make sure you think about the logistical aspects of attending open days. If you’re wanting to attend an open day on the other side of the country, think about travel, time and cost - it might be better to attend a virtual open day instead.
- Distance and travel: think about how far you are willing to travel. Attending open days that are geographically closer can save time and money. If you are planning to visit a university that is further away, you could always drop in to another one in the same area and go to two in one day, although this does require a little more planning.
- Accommodation and costs: factor in the cost of travel and accommodation if the open day is not local. Some universities give recommendations for nearby places to stay.
- Time of year: schedule your visits for times when you can make the most of them, avoiding busy periods like exam seasons.
5. Prioritise your visits
Based on all the research you have done up until this point, prioritise the universities you are most interested in. Focus on those that best match your criteria and offer programmes that match your interests.
- Top choices: start with your top choices - these are universities that you are seriously considering based on your priorities.
- Backup options: include a few backup options where you have a strong interest but are not as high on your list.
6. Plan your visits
When you finally decide which open days to attend, make sure to plan your visit well to maximise the experience:
- Prepare questions: make a list of questions to ask during the open day. These might include queries about course content, study abroad options, student life, or support services.
- Plan your day: map out your visit to ensure you can attend key sessions and tours. Allow time for informal interactions with current students and staff as this is where you’ll get to ask all your questions.
- Take notes: Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down your impressions. This will help you to choose which university you want to apply to later on.
7. Reflect
After attending open days, take some time to reflect on your visits. Take a look through your notes and consider all aspects of the open day and anything you’ve found out during your research.
- Compare impressions: compare your notes from each open day. Consider how each university aligns with your academic interests and personal goals.
- Seek feedback: talk to family, friends, or teachers about your experiences and gather their perspectives. Sometimes it’s easier to see things from an outside perspective so their opinion might help you decide.
- Revisit if needed: If you’re still uncertain, you could visit your top choices again or contact the universities for more information.
Northeastern University London's perspective
Some universities might allow you to look around the campus and facilities at other times so it’s worth getting in touch. At NU London, we run weekly drop in sessions for students to tour the campus and ask any questions they might have around student life, our degree programmes, student support services, etc.
Choosing which university open days to attend requires a lot of careful consideration. By following these steps, you can make informed decisions and ensure that you gather the information you need to choose the university that’s the best fit for you. Good luck in your university search!
Book your place at an upcoming open day at Northeastern University London
We hope you enjoyed this advice article, authored by Northeastern University
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