Attending an open day at a university can be a very informative experience. Here's a checklist to help you prepare:
 
1. Research the University: Familiarize yourself with the university's website, courses offered, faculty members, campus facilities, and any specific departments or programs you're interested in.
 
2. Register for the Open Day: Most universities require registration for their open days. Make sure you've signed up and have any necessary tickets or confirmation emails.
 
3. Plan Your Travel: Determine how you'll get to the university campus. Check train schedules, bus routes, or parking options if you're driving. Make sure to account for potential delays and plan to arrive early.
 
4. Check the Schedule: Review the open day schedule provided by the university. Note the times and locations of tours, talks, and other activities you want to attend. 
 
5. Prepare Questions: Think about what you want to learn during the open day and prepare a list of questions. These could be about the courses, campus life, accommodation, support services, or anything else relevant to your decision-making process. Some suggestions are below.
 
6. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you'll be walking around campus for a significant portion of the day. You won’t be judged on what you’re wearing so don’t overthink it. 
 
7. Pack Essentials: Bring essentials such as a notepad, pen, water bottle, snacks, and any documents or materials you might need.
 
8. Bring a Friend or Family Member: Consider bringing a friend or family member to help you assess the university and discuss your impressions afterward. They might remember some things you may have forgotten!
 
9. Take Notes and Photos: Take notes during presentations or tours to help you remember important information later. You may also want to take photos of campus facilities or areas of interest, but make sure this is allowed.
 
10. Engage with Staff and Students: Take advantage of opportunities to speak with university staff and current students. They can provide valuable insights into the courses, campus life, and the overall student experience.
 
11. Explore the Surrounding Area: If you have time, explore the surrounding area to get a sense of what the local community is like and what your journey into the faculty might be like. 
 
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your university open day experience in the UK.
 
Here are some questions you might consider asking:
 
Accommodation

• Do all students live in university accommodation in the first year?
• What type of university accommodation is available and what are the costs?
• Will I have to move out of university accommodation at the end of each term?
• How far is the university accommodation from other university facilities and from the local city or town centre?
• Where do students live after their first year and what is a typical private sector rent?
• What help is available to arrange accommodation in the private sector?

 
Support Services and Wellbeing

• What support services are available for students' mental health and wellbeing?
• How does the university support students with disabilities or specific learning needs?
• Is there academic tutoring or mentoring available for students who need extra help?

 
Employability and Careers

• How does the university support students in finding employment or pursuing further education after graduation?
• Are there any career fairs or networking events organized by the university?

 
Financial Matters

• Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available?
• Is there any support available for students facing financial difficulties?

 

The timeline for hearing back from UK universities after applying can vary depending on several factors such as the university's admission process, the course applied for, the volume of applications received, and the application deadline. However, in general, universities in the UK typically aim to respond to applicants within a few weeks to a few months after the application deadline.
 
For undergraduate courses, universities have set deadlines for applications through UCAS. After you submit your application through UCAS, universities will review it, and you can typically expect to receive decisions from them between the week you applied and May. Oxford and Cambridge work differently and all their decisions are finalised and communicated to applicants in January.
 
For postgraduate courses, the timeline can vary more widely. Some universities may have rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they are received and may provide decisions relatively quickly. Others may have specific application deadlines and review all applications together before making decisions. In general, postgraduate applicants can expect to hear back within a few weeks to a few months after submitting their applications, depending on the university.
 
Some universities may provide updates on the application status through online portals, so it's a good idea to monitor those as well. If you are concerned not to have had a decision, hopefully this piece has helped you to see that no news is definitely not bad news! 
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