How to get the most out of an Open Day at Birmingham
Current student Emily shares her tip tops when preparing for your visit to an Open Day at the University of Birmingham.
Attending an Open Day is one of the best ways to decide whether a course and university are right for you. Prospectuses and websites are helpful, but nothing quite compares to experiencing a campus in person, meeting staff and students, and getting a real feel for the atmosphere.
When I attended an Open Day at the University of Birmingham, it really helped confirm that it was the right place for me. If you’re planning to visit, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your day.
Plan your day ahead of time
Open Days can be busy, with lots happening across campus. Before you arrive, it's a good idea to check the schedule and book onto any talks or sessions that require a reservation. Planning ahead makes it much easier to fit in everything you want to see, whether that’s course talks, accommodation tours or campus activities.
That said, try not to over-schedule your day. Leaving some free time allows you to explore the campus, find your way around and take in the atmosphere. When I visited Birmingham, some of the most useful moments came from simply walking around campus and chatting to current students.
Do a little research beforehand
Before attending an Open Day, it's really helpful to look into the courses you're interested in on the University website.
Having a basic understanding of the course structure, modules and entry requirements means you can make better use of your time on the day. Instead of asking questions that are already answered online, you can focus on the things that matter most to you, such as teaching style, career opportunities or what student life is like.
Write down your questions
One simple tip that can make a big difference is writing down the questions you want to ask before you arrive.
When you're actually at an Open Day, there's a lot going on and it's easy to forget things you meant to ask. I found it helpful to keep a list of questions on my phone so I could refer back to it when speaking with staff and students.
It's a small thing but it helps make sure you leave the day feeling informed and confident about your choices.
Talk to current students
If you get the opportunity, definitely take the time to speak with current students. In my experience at Birmingham, students were incredibly approachable and happy to talk about their courses and University life.
They can offer insights you won't always find on a website or in a prospectus, from workload and teaching, to societies and social life. Hearing these perspectives can be really helpful when deciding whether a university feels like the right fit for you.
Don’t forget the freebies!
Finally, make sure you pick up the freebies. Open Days are well known for tote bags, pens, and sometimes even free cake. While they might not be the main reason to attend, they're definitely part of the fun.
More importantly, though, an Open Day is your chance to imagine yourself studying there. Take your time, explore the campus, ask plenty of questions and enjoy the experience. And if you leave with a tote bag and some free cake as well, that's just an added bonus!