FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER
Open Days aren’t just about facts and figures. They’re about how a place feels. Many of our students choose to study here because of the small and friendly nature of the place. We hope you’ll see that our campus has a personal, welcoming energy during your visit.
Questions to ask:
- What’s student life like here - is it more community-focused or independent?
- How far is accommodation from lectures, shops, and the Students’ Union?
- What do students do in their spare time?
- What’s the general vibe of the campus and area?
TALK TO ACADEMIC STAFF
Speaking directly with academic staff helps you understand what you’ll actually study, how you’ll be assessed, and what kind of support you’ll receive.
Questions to ask:
- What modules are optional vs compulsory?
- Can I transfer to another degree course after the first year?
- Are there placements, field trips or study abroad opportunities?
- What are the contact hours per week / how much is independent study?
- How many other students are likely to be in a lecture / seminar?
- How is the course assessed? Essays, exams, or group work?
- What do most students go on to do after graduation?
- If I miss my grades slightly, is there flexibility?
CHAT TO STUDENT GUIDES
Current students are a goldmine of honest info. They’ve been where you are and want to share their experiences and recommendations with you.
Questions to ask:
- What’s the accommodation really like? Noise levels? Shared spaces? Cleanliness?
- What surprised you about starting uni here?
- Is it easy to make friends? What’s the social life like?
- What Clubs and Societies are you a part of?
- What are the part-time work opportunities like?
- What’s the workload like on your course?
- Are the lecturers approachable if you’re struggling?
DON'T FORGET THE DETAIL
This is the stuff many students forget to ask during their visit e.g. deadlines for accommodation and funding often come earlier than you’d expect and knowing these details can make things smoother down the line.
Questions to ask:
- Can I live in an alcohol-free / quiet / female-only / accessible room?
- Am I guaranteed a room in university accommodation?
- Are there deadlines for accommodation applications?
- How much is the accommodation and what’s included?
- What bursaries, scholarships or financial support can I apply for?
- What are the sports facilities?
- What disability, specific learning difference or mental health support is available?
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT
- Take notes and write any questions you still have.
- Let others in your group ask questions too, your parents or friends might think of things you didn’t.
- Take photos (where appropriate) – this will help jog your memory when you look back on your visit and compare with other Open Days.
AFTER THE OPEN DAY
You’ve visited the campus, had a look around the accommodation and chatted to staff and students about the course and student life here. What to do if you’ve still got questions?
- Visit again if you can. Either come to another Open Day, Applicant Visit Day or if you can’t attend on those dates, get in touch to arrange a personal visit.
- Explore our Virtual Tour for another look at our lecture halls, libraries, and accommodation.
- Use UniBuddy to chat online with current students or lecturers.
- Follow the University, academic school and Students’ Union on social channels to get a feel for day-to-day life.