University Open Days in the UK: A Complete Guide to What to Look For and Questions to Ask

You’ve spent months staring at league tables, reading prospectuses, and trying to decipher what "strong graduate outcomes" actually means. But nothing beats walking through the campus yourself. University Open Days are organized events where prospective students can tour campuses, meet staff, and experience university life firsthand before applying. In the UK, these events are not just marketing stunts; they are your best chance to verify if a place feels right for you.

Attending an open day is more than just looking at buildings. It’s a strategic opportunity to gather intelligence that isn’t available online. You’re checking the vibe, testing the facilities, and getting honest answers from current students who won’t sugarcoat the reality of their courses. Here is exactly what you need to look for and the specific questions you should ask to make sure you’re making the right choice.

Preparation: Do Your Homework Before You Arrive

Walking into a campus without a plan is a wasted opportunity. These events are often crowded, noisy, and chaotic. If you don’t have a strategy, you’ll end up wandering aimlessly or getting stuck in a generic welcome speech while missing the department-specific sessions you actually care about.

Start by downloading the event map. Most universities provide digital maps via their apps or websites. Identify the location of your chosen departments first. Then, mark out the student union, the library, and the main accommodation blocks. Create a rough itinerary. For example, spend the first hour with admissions tutors, the second hour touring the labs or studios for your course, and the final hour chatting with current students in the social spaces.

Bring a notebook or use a dedicated note-taking app on your phone. You will forget details within minutes. Write down names of people you speak to, especially if they mention specific modules or support services. This also helps later when you want to follow up with emails.

• Check the schedule: Look for mandatory vs. optional sessions. Some technical tours require booking in advance.
• Dress comfortably: You will be walking miles. Wear shoes you can walk in all day.
• Prepare your list: Have your top three concerns ready (e.g., cost, placement years, accommodation).

What to Look For: Beyond the Brochure

The glossy brochures show perfect shots of sunlit quads and happy students laughing over coffee. The reality might be different. Your job is to spot the discrepancies between the marketing material and the actual environment.

Pay close attention to the Student Union the central hub for student social and political activities, offering clubs, societies, bars, and support services. Is it lively? Are there posters for diverse societies? This tells you about the extracurricular culture. If the SU looks dead or closed off, social life might be limited to off-campus venues, which can increase costs and reduce community feeling.

Inspect the teaching spaces critically. If you’re studying engineering, go into the workshops. Are they clean? Is the machinery modern? If you’re doing arts, check the studio space. Is there enough room for your work? Don’t just look at the model rooms in the brochure; ask to see a standard student room in the accommodation block. Lighting, storage, and soundproofing matter more than you think during exam season.

The Right Questions to Ask Admissions Tutors

Admissions tutors are busy, but they want to help. They know their courses inside out. Avoid yes/no questions. Instead, ask open-ended questions that force them to give detailed answers. This reveals the depth of the program and the level of support you’ll receive.

Focus on the structure of the degree. Many UK degrees offer flexibility in the second and third years. Understanding this early helps you tailor your personal statement later.

• "How much contact time do students typically have per week?" This includes lectures, seminars, and tutorials. A high number suggests intensive learning; a low number implies heavy self-study.
• "Can you explain how assessment is weighted across the three years?" Some courses rely heavily on final exams, while others use continuous coursework. Know which style suits you.
• "What does the induction period look like for first-year students?" This reveals how they help you transition from school to university.
• "How many students are usually in seminar groups for core modules?" Large lectures are one thing; small group interaction is another. You want to know if you’ll get personalized feedback.

If you’re considering a sandwich course (a degree with a year in industry), ask specifically about the careers team’s role in securing placements. Do they guarantee interviews? Do they have partnerships with local companies? Get specifics, not generalities.

Talking to Current Students: The Honest Truth

This is the most valuable part of the open day. Current students aren’t paid to sell you the dream. They live it. Find them hanging around the cafeterias, sitting in the courtyards, or manning the society stalls. They are often wearing badges or t-shirts identifying their course.

Ask them about the downsides. Everyone has complaints, and hearing those complaints helps you decide if you can tolerate them.

• "What’s the hardest part about this course?" Their answer might be the workload, the group projects, or the lack of clear guidance. Knowing this prepares you mentally.
• "How responsive are the lecturers outside of class hours?" Do they hold office hours? Do they reply to emails promptly?
• "Where do students usually eat and hang out after classes?" This gives you insight into daily life and costs.
• "Did you feel prepared for the academic jump from sixth form/A-levels?" This helps gauge the support system for beginners.

Listen to their body language. If they seem stressed, tired, or disengaged, take note. If they light up when talking about a specific professor or module, that’s a good sign. Remember, one bad experience doesn’t define the whole university, but a pattern of negative comments about the same issue (e.g., broken Wi-Fi, poor catering) is worth investigating further.

Navigating Accommodation and Living Costs

In the UK, university tuition fees are capped at £9,250 per year for home students, but living costs vary wildly depending on location. London and the Southeast are significantly more expensive than cities in the North, Scotland, or Wales.

Use the open day to understand the housing market. Universities often partner with private providers. Visit the accommodation stands. Ask about:

• Guaranteed accommodation: Does the university guarantee you a room if you meet certain deadlines? This reduces stress during the application process.
• All-inclusive bills: Do rent prices cover internet, heating, and water? Hidden costs add up quickly.
• Location relative to campus: How long is the commute? A 20-minute bus ride every way adds up to significant lost study time.

Also, ask about the local cost of living. Grocery prices, transport passes, and entertainment costs differ by city. Some universities provide calculators on their websites, but asking current students for a realistic monthly budget is more accurate.

Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships

Funding is a major concern for most families. While tuition fees are standardized, maintenance loans and scholarships vary. Use the open day to speak directly with financial aid advisors.

Ask about:

• Merit-based scholarships: What grades do you need to qualify? Are they awarded automatically or do you need to apply separately?
• Subject-specific bursaries: Some courses, especially in STEM or performing arts, have additional funding pots.
• Payment plans: Can you pay tuition fees in installments? This helps manage cash flow during the term.

Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions about debt. Understanding the total cost of attendance-including books, materials, and travel-is crucial for making an informed decision.

Post-Visit: Making Your Decision

After the open day, review your notes within 48 hours. Memories fade fast. Compare your observations against your initial criteria. Did the university meet your expectations? Were there any deal-breakers?

Create a shortlist. It’s okay to have more than one choice. UCAS allows you to apply to five universities. Use your open day experiences to rank them. Consider not just academics, but lifestyle, support, and career prospects.

If you didn’t attend an open day for a particular university, consider a virtual tour or contacting the admissions team directly with specific questions. However, nothing replaces the physical experience of being on campus.