Open Days are special events that are like your golden ticket to exploring campuses, discovering courses, and getting a feel for uni life. Whether you’re curious about specific programs or just want to soak up the vibe, open days are a fantastic opportunity to see what’s out there and find your perfect fit.

At Choosing Your Uni, we’ve heard countless times how open days really help students to figure out if a particular institution is a good fit for them.

“It just felt right to me”, is one of the most common things students tell us. And it makes sense! You’ll meet the academics that teach there, the students who study there, and get to taste what it’s all about!
 

1. Preparing for the Open Day

Before you hit the campus, do a bit of homework. Research the unis you’re interested in and check out their offerings. This helps you focus on what’s most relevant and exciting for you.

Research the university and programs:

• Check out course details, campus facilities, and event schedules. Start on the universities' Open Day websites:
  
  • Macquarie University - 10th August
    
  • UNSW - 7th September
    
  • University of Sydney - 31st August
    
  • UTS - 31st August
    
  • ACU - North Sydney 7th September, Strathfield 17th August
    
  • Western Sydney - Already held for 2024

Create a list of questions:

• What are the entry requirements for my preferred courses?
• Are there adjustment factors (i.e. bonus ATAR entry points) available to me for this program, or in general?
• What career opportunities are available for graduates of this program?
• What student support services are available?

Plan Your Day:

• What time is the campus tour?
• What specific academic sessions do you want to attend, and where/when are they on?
• Are there any hands-on activities or workshops you want to dive into?
• Where do you need to go to find out about clubs, societies and extracurricular activities like study abroad, leadership programs, internships and volunteering opportunities?

2. What to Expect on the Day

Open day is your backstage pass to uni life.

Usually, Open Days are a blend of tours, presentations, activities and, best still!, freebies!

You’ll get to explore the campus, chat with staff and students, and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re planning on staying on campus, you can get under the hood of the student accommodation.

It’s all about finding your vibe and seeing what feels right.

Explore the Campus:

• Tour key spots like libraries, labs, and sports centres.
• Peek at student accommodation if that’s on your radar.
• Suss out hidden gems, like incredible facilities you can use for free as a student, mind-blowing museums, or awesome chill out places.

Engage with Staff and Students:
Now’s not the time to be shy! Ask them for the low down with questions like:

• What do you like most about working/studying at this uni?
• What’s one thing you’d change if you could?
• What surprised you most about your experience here?

Attend Presentations and Q&A Sessions:
Get the ins and outs on academic programs, admissions, and student life. You might not have thought about museums, musical facilities or multimedia rooms… but these things are usually on show at Open Day. If something grabs your attention, make sure you get to it… it might just be the beginning of your future career!
 

3. Questions to Ask

You’ve got questions, and this is the perfect time to get answers. Whether it’s about academics, campus life, or financial stuff, asking the right questions will help you make informed decisions. Let’s break down some of the key questions you might ask.

Academic Programs and Course Content:

• What are the core subjects and electives offered?
• What classes do students typically find hardest and what support is available?
• How flexible is the course structure?
• Are there internship opportunities?

Admission Requirements and Application Process:

• What are the minimum ATAR requirements?
• Are there alternative entry pathways?
• What’s the deal with scholarships?
• Are any adjustment factors/bonus ATAR points available?

Scholarships, HECS-HELP, and Commonwealth Supported Places:

• What scholarships can I apply for?
• How does HECS-HELP work?

Campus Life, Clubs, and Extracurricular Activities:

• What overseas study options are available?
• Where can I find a list of clubs and societies?
• What leadership and volunteering opportunities are there?
• What other social activities are available on campus?

4. Interactive Elements to Engage With

Dive into the fun stuff! Open days aren’t just about listening; they’re about doing. Get hands-on and see what excites you.
 

• Hands-On Activities: Jump into demonstrations and lab tours.
• Information Booths and Resource Centres: Collect all the info you need about specific programs and services. Don’t forget to grab any free schwag!
• Virtual Reality Tours and Interactive Displays: Experience campus highlights through VR and interactive setups.
• Tasting Social Life: Get into the swing of campus by taking part in games, food and networking organised by current students.

5. What to Bring

Pack smart for a full day of exploration. You want to be comfortable and ready to take in everything the day has to offer.

Checklist:

• Comfortable shoes for all that walking
• A water bottle to stay hydrated
• A notebook and pen for jotting down notes
• A small bag to collect brochures and free stuff
• A sense of adventure and curiosity!

6. Reflecting and Following Up

After the excitement of the open day, it’s critical to take a moment to reflect. This helps you figure out if the uni ticks all your boxes.

Evaluate Your Experience:
Did the university feel like a good fit?
How did the campus vibe with you?
Do the courses match your interests and goals?

Follow Up:
Reach out to uni contacts for any lingering questions.
Use the Choosing Your Uni platform to compare your options.
Jot down a few notes: different Open Days can blend together over time!
Plan your next steps, like another visit or starting your application.

7. Virtual Open Days

Can’t make it in person? Lots of universities have either virtual open days, or resources on their website to help explore the institution. And, of course, the whole Choosing Your Uni platform is designed to help you narrow down which degrees and institutions might suit you best.

Maximising a Virtual Experience:

• Get comfy with the virtual platform.
• Jump into live sessions and ask your burning questions.
• Revisit recorded sessions and resources as needed.

8. Tips for Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians, your support is key! Open day can be an overwhelming moment for our kids, but it’s one of those moments where we want to provide support rather than doing it for them.

Here’s how you can help make the open day experience great for your student.

Ask Practical Questions: Focus on aspects your student might overlook, such as safety, student support services and extracurricular opportunities. Understanding these details can help provide a more comprehensive view of student life.

Discuss Financial Aspects: Inquire about tuition fees, HECS-HELP, Commonwealth Supported Places, and available scholarships. This information is vital for planning and budgeting.

Encourage Open Communication: Have open discussions with your child before and after the open day. Talk about their interests and concerns, and encourage them to express their impressions and thoughts.
Be a Sounding Board: While it’s important to provide guidance, remember that this is your child’s journey. Listen to their preferences and priorities, and help them weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Explore Campus Resources: Take note of the facilities and services available, such as libraries, counselling centres, sport facilities and health services. Understanding these resources can help ensure your child has the support they need.

Help with Logistics: Assist in planning the day’s schedule, ensuring your student makes it to key sessions and tours. Having a well-organised day can reduce stress and make the experience more enjoyable.

Observe the Campus Atmosphere: While your student engages with students and staff, take a moment to observe the overall campus vibe. Consider how welcoming and supportive the environment feels, as this can significantly impact your child’s university experience.

Stay Positive and Supportive: Encourage your child to keep an open mind and consider all their options. Remind them that it’s okay to feel uncertain and that choosing a university is a process.
 

9. Mistakes to Avoid at Open Day

Steer clear of these common pitfalls to make the most of your open day experience.

Not Planning Ahead:
Don’t wing it. Have a plan and know what you want to see and ask.

Skipping Key Sessions:
Make sure to attend the important presentations and Q&A sessions.

Not Asking Questions:
This is your chance to get specific answers. Don’t hold back!

Focusing Only on the Positives:
Balance the good with potential challenges. Ask about both.

Forgetting to Take Notes:
There’s a lot to take in. Keep notes and collect info to review later.

Not Exploring the Campus Thoroughly:
Check out all areas, even those you might not think about right away.

Ignoring Biases and Influences:
Be mindful of biases, like favouring a uni for its name. Focus on what’s right for you.

Don’t Be Swayed By Rankings and Star Ratings:
Unis will naturally highlight their rankings, ratings and achievements. These all look good on paper, but might be completely irrelevant to you. Keep a sharp eye out for specific info that is relevant to you, rather than broad rankings/ratings that don’t apply equally to every student: a classic example is “Starting Salaries”, which some unis highlight as being high… obviously this based more on what you study, rather than where you study it!

10. Things You Might Find Surprising At Open Day

University open days can be full of unexpected discoveries. Here are a few things that might surprise you as you explore the campus and engage with the uni community:
 

• Diverse Course Offerings: You might find that a university offers unique or niche courses that aren’t widely advertised, providing exciting opportunities to explore new interests. It’s normal to think in macro terms like “I want to study business” or “I want to study music”, but you might be stunned to discover a smaller course you’ve never heard of that ticks all your boxes!

• Unexpected Campus Features: From state-of-the-art labs to hidden study spots or a surprisingly vibrant art scene, universities often have special features that aren’t immediately obvious. Ask open day staff what their favourite place is on campus to track down the hidden gems!

• The Variety of Student Clubs and Societies: The range of extracurricular activities can be much broader than expected, offering everything from niche hobby clubs to professional development groups.

• The Sense of Community: The friendliness and approachability of staff and students can be a pleasant surprise, making the campus feel welcoming and supportive. Even the large unis have opportunities for you to find and connect with your “tribe”.

• Facilities and Amenities: Beyond academic buildings, many campuses have impressive facilities like gyms, cafes, student lounges, and even wellness centres, enhancing the overall student experience. This can be a double edged sword – don’t let fancy facilities fool you if they’re things you’re not going to use… but keep an eye out for the things you will use.

• Realistic Insights from Current Students: Current students often provide candid insights about the challenges and highlights of their courses, which can be eye-opening compared to more formal presentations. Don’t hesitate to ask people about the good, bad and the ugly!

• Specialised Support Services: You are likely to discover a wide range of support services, from mental health resources to career counselling and academic tutoring, tailored to help students succeed. The difference with school is that you often have to go looking for services, rather than them being proactively offered to you. But they are definitely there… and it’s good to know about them in advance!

• Openness to Change: Universities are often more flexible than you might think, offering options to change courses or majors if your interests evolve over time. When looking at any degree, always ask what happens if you change your mind about your major, or even the whole degree.

A Final Word...

Heaps of students feel nervous about open days because, hey! this seems like a big step!

But maybe it’s not really nerves, maybe it’s excitement. You’re taking a small step towards your future… and that’s a super good place to be.