Why you should go to a university open day
If you’re not sure about the benefits of university open days, we’ll give you eight good reasons why they can help you make your final choice.
CONTENTS
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Are UK university open days worth it?
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Why go to university open days
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Benefits of a university open day
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Practical tips for making the most of an open day
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Open day FAQs
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Next steps
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Are UK university open days worth it?
If you are studying for your exams, then taking time out to travel to a university open day might not feel like a priority.
But choosing which university to go to is a big decision.
- You’ll be studying there for the next few years of your life.
- It may mean you’ll be living in a new town or city.
- It’ll set you on the path to your future career.
Being sure about your choice is vital. If you have settled on your choice, you’ll be able to settle into your degree studies more quickly. This guide explains why all applicants should attend open days to help them make informed and confident choices.
Why go to university open days
Why does going to a university open day help so much? It’s the difference between reading about a university and experiencing it.
Choosing a university is one of the biggest educational decisions you will make. While course content, reputation and rankings matter, it takes more than reading a prospectus to truly understand a university’s culture and academic approach.
University open days provide a unique chance to gather first-hand insights. You can check the reality compared to what the university says about itself. It’s your chance to picture yourself in that environment and decide whether it will work for you.
What happens at a university open day?
On a university open day you’ll be able to visit the buildings yourself – the lecture halls, the libraries, the accommodation, and more.
You’ll also get the chance to talk to students who already go there and hear from subject lecturers about how they teach their degrees.
How many open days should I go to?
It’s worth going to more than one because that helps you make a comparison. If you do this, it’s worth making a crib sheet with questions or things to look for. That way you can compare the different universities based on your open day experience to help you make your choice.
Benefits of a university open day
Below we give eight specific ways a university open day can help you make your final decision on where to study, with tips on what to look for or the questions to ask.
1. You get a real feel for the campus
When you attend an open day, you’ll get a gut feeling about the university. Photos never tell the full story. Open days let you explore everything in real life – the buildings, study spaces, cafes, green areas, and the overall vibe. Does it feel right for you, or does something not quite fit?
Why it matters:
- You instantly notice whether you feel comfortable there.
- You can compare campuses properly instead of guessing.
- You pick up on the atmosphere: chilled? intense? chaotic? friendly?
What to look for.
- Is there a buzz about the place?
- Does it all feel genuine?
- Could you spend three or more years studying here?
2. You can talk to current students
Current students offer some of the best insights because they share honest information. During open days, many universities invite student ambassadors to guide tours or share their experiences, whether on campus or at virtual open days. Virtual events may have live Q&A sessions or online chats where you can ask questions.
This is your opportunity to dig deep. Their personal experiences often cover aspects that prospectuses and websites may overlook.
Questions to ask
- What’s the academic workload like?
- Are you satisfied with the teaching and support available?
- What is the local nightlife like, or the SU clubs and societies?
- Tell me about the realities of student accommodation…
- How easy is it to get one-on-one time with lecturers and tutors?
- How did you find the transition to university life?
3. You’ll learn more about the course
University open days and virtual events help give you clarity if you’re struggling to choose a course. Many universities offer sample lectures, department talks, and Q&A sessions with lecturers. These sessions reveal how teaching is delivered, the balance between theory and practical learning, and the expectations placed on students.
What to look for
- Is there enough of a practical element for you?
- What’s the proportion of teaching time vs. independent study?
- Will teaching be online, in person, or a mixture of both?
- What assessment types are used
- Module options and pathways
- Industry links and placement opportunities
- Research strengths within the department
- GO TO
- Search available courses
4. You can meet lecturers and other department staff
These will be the people who lead you through your university education. Attend talks by them on open days to experience their teaching methods and ask them all the course-related questions you have. They may even be able to give tips on how to write an effective personal statement for that subject.
What to look for
- Do they explain things clearly?
- Do they seem passionate?
- Do they have the potential to motivate and inspire you?
- Can you imagine learning from them for three years or more?
5. You’ll get to explore the university’s facilities first-hand
Seeing labs, studios, libraries, performance spaces, gyms, or even the on-campus cafe in person helps you picture your daily life.
Virtual events will also offer the chance to explore the university campus and facilities. Universities are offering virtual tours of their campus as part of their virtual open days, so you can get an impression of what the university is like to walk around.
What to look for
- Are the facilities up to date and well maintained?
- Are there green spaces or sports facilities on campus?
- Are there enough study spaces?
- Is there somewhere quiet to revise during exam season?
- Does the uni offer social spaces you’d actually use?
- READ MORE
- University sports facilities
6. You can check out university accommodation
Chances are you’ll be moving away from home for university and may live in halls for your first year. Take advantage of open days to see if the university houses its students in an environment that suits you. Virtual open days will usually offer virtual tours of the university's student accommodation.
What to look for
- What amenities are available – such as laundry facilities or on-site gyms?
- What types of rooms are there, and are they large enough?
- How far is the accommodation from campus?
- If it’s not close by, what travel options do you have?
- READ MORE
- Student accommodation guide
7. You can get a taste of the local area
Some students love the busy city, while others look for a quieter lifestyle. If you're attending an on-campus open day, take a walk in the local area to see if you like it. It’s also worth considering the wider region. Adventurous types may enjoy a national park or accessible coastline, while cosmopolitan types will want easy connections to the UK’s cities.
What to look for
- Are cafes or supermarkets nearby?
- How’s public transport there?
- How much do things cost?
- Are there many parks and green spaces?
- Does the area feel safe?
- READ MORE
- How safe is your city?
8. You can compare universities properly
After a few open days, you’ll start to notice:
- Which campuses feel inspiring
- Which courses excite you
- Where you can imagine your future self thriving there
- Where you felt supported or welcomed
If nothing else, going to multiple open days helps clarify what you don’t want.
- READ MORE
- How to plan for a university open day
- What's a university open day?
- Parents and university open days
Practical tips for making the most of an open day
To make the most of your visit, bring an open mind and also:
- Prepare a list of academic and practical questions.
- Take notes that help you compare different universities later.
- Attend subject‑specific talks rather than only general tours.
- Explore areas beyond the scheduled tour route.
- Speak with staff and students whenever possible.
- Bring a phone charger or back-up battery, a notebook, snacks and water.
- Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk a lot!
Preparing well for an open day can turn the experience into a powerful decision‑making tool.
Open day FAQs
Do I need to book an open day?
Usually yes — spaces fill up fast, especially for popular universities or course talks.
Can parents or guardians come along?
Absolutely. Bring whoever helps you make decisions.
Are virtual open days useful?
They’re great if you live far away or want a quick first impression before visiting in person.
How many open days should I attend?
At least two or three, so you can compare properly.
Do open days affect your application?
No — not at all. They’re just for your benefit.
Next steps…
Search for upcoming open days on the Complete University Guide open days hub and prepare in advance by checking out our university profiles.
And don't forget to check them on our university rankings – both the subject rankings, regional rankings and the overall UK university league tables.
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