How to make the most of a university open day: Questions to ask and what to look for

Summary

University of Brighton graduate Melissa, talks through how to prepare for a university open day, what to ask, what to look for, and how open days can help you choose the right university.

What is a university open day and why attend one?

My name is Melissa McNaught, and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Brighton. I’m originally from Chester. If you’re thinking about attending the University of Brighton’s open day, this blog will give you the rundown and tips on everything you need to know for your open day visit.

• How to prepare before you go?
• What to ask at a university open day?
• What to look out for?
• What to do after the open day?

An open day is when you go to a university you’re interested in and get to know more about it in person. It’s far better at giving you an insight into what Brighton University is really like than just a prospectus would. You get to meet your potential lecturers and see the spaces you’d be taught in and spend your time in, which can be really helpful, especially if you’ll be studying there for several years.

I found it very useful as I was on the fence about where I wanted to go for university, but going to open days really helped me decide.

How to prepare before you go

Before you go to an open day, register on the university’s website and choose which courses you want to look at during your visit. On the website, you’ll be able to find times and directions for where to go on the day so you can plan ahead.

Before going, it’s also good to do some research. Look up more information about your course, the university and the area or city it’s in. This helps you plan your day if there’s anything specific you want to see or any questions you want to ask.

For my open day visit to the University of Brighton, I made an open day checklist so I wouldn’t forget anything I wanted to ask. The staff and student ambassadors at the Brighton open day helped answer all my questions and made me feel less worried about coming to university, as they were enthusiastic and keen to share their knowledge and experience.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for a university open day, start with a checklist, some background research and a plan of what you want to find out most.

What to ask at a university Open Day

It can be overwhelming, with a lot to remember and take in. When I went to the University of Brighton open day, I took a checklist of questions. Ask both staff and students, as they have different knowledge and insights.

Some questions I asked, that you might be interested in too, were

• “What different support is there for students?”
• “Are there good bus routes to get to and from campus?”

The answers to both were great. Brighton offers lots of different support for students such as counselling, accommodation support, finance support, writing advisory services and more.

Regarding bus routes, Brighton’s public transport is excellent. The buses are very frequent and easy to use with the tap-on, tap-off scheme, as well as student-discounted tickets.

Plus, Brighton is such a walkable city that you don’t always need to use them and can walk into town from campus.

My tip for what to ask at a university open day is this: there are no silly questions. It’s an important time, and every question can help you make your decision, so ask away. These are just a few examples of good university open day questions that can help you make the most of your visit.

Top 10 example questions you could ask at a university open day

1. What is the teaching style like on my course?
   Most courses combine lectures, seminars and practical workshops, so you’ll get a mix of learning styles.
2. How much contact time will I have with lecturers and tutors?
   It varies by subject, but you’ll usually have several small-group sessions a week and regular access to tutors.
3. Are there placement or work experience opportunities as part of my degree?
   Many Brighton degrees include placements, live projects or industry collaborations to help you gain experience.
4. What kind of career support does the university offer?
   The Careers and Employability team supports you from first year through to graduation, helping with CVs, placements and job applications.
5. What is student life like here outside of studying?
   Brighton has a lively student community with clubs, societies, music venues and the beach just minutes away. If you’re interested in a students perspective, read our student blog what it’s really like to live and study in Brighton.
6. What’s the accommodation like – and how close is it to campus?
   Halls and private options are available near each campus, and most are within easy walking or bus distance.
7. How do first-year students usually meet people and settle in?
   Welcome Week events, clubs, and shared accommodation make it easy to meet people early on.
8. What support is available for students – for example, wellbeing or finance advice?
   Brighton offers counselling, financial advice, study skills help and specialist support services on every campus.
9. What are the facilities like for my subject?
   Facilities are tailored to each course – from design studios and labs to professional-standard workshops.
10. What makes this university different from others offering the same course?
    Brighton focuses on practical learning, creativity and real-world experience to help you feel ready for your career.

Tip: Write these questions down or save them to your phone before your visit — it’s easy to forget once you’re there! You can also ask current students for their honest views; they often give the most useful insights.

Interested in finding your own student accommodation at Brighton? Read our student blog: How I chose my Student Accommodation.

What to look for when you’re there

My campus was the Grand Parade campus, also known as City Campus, as it’s right in the heart of the city centre of Brighton. When I visited, I thought it was fantastic. It was a five-minute walk to the beach and local amenities, with great shops nearby for food or university supplies.

The university has a café and hot food spots on campus, as well as its own student library only a five-minute walk away. Everything you need isn’t more than a short walk away, which I really enjoyed, as it meant I didn’t have to travel far for anything I needed and could save on transport.

I got to experience all of this in person at an open day. The best way to know more about Brighton is just to explore the city. It’s a great place to walk around. Set aside an hour and walk around the campus, to the seafront, through the lanes and into town. It’s all nearby.

If you’re thinking about what to look for at a university open day, pay attention to how the place feels, what the facilities are like and how easy it is to get around. See what Brighton and the university have to offer. You never know what you’ll find when you explore and get out and about.

After the Open Day: Reflect and compare

To make the most of your open day, you should reflect on and compare all the different university open days you visit. I find the best way to do this is a pros and cons list, weighing up what’s more important to you than other things.

For example, do you want a campus or a city university? Does it need to have good nightlife and socials? This is the time to reflect on what you’re looking for and think about all the information you’ve taken in.

If there’s anything you’re still unsure about, now’s the time to contact the university again to clarify anything you forgot to ask or just thought of after your visit. It’s never too late. Thinking back on your experience is what makes a good university open day really valuable, it helps you figure out where you’ll be happiest.

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My advice to future students

My advice for future students going to an open day is to take a checklist. The worst thing that can happen is you forget all your need-to-know questions on the day.

Go prepared. You’ll take in more and have less to stress about afterwards. Ask all the questions, even the “silly” ones. Don’t be afraid to talk to students, they’re the most beneficial part of your trip as they’re living it right now. They have the experience and knowledge to help you make the decision about which university to choose. You’ll learn the most from them.

If you’re visiting a university open day soon, remember, preparation, curiosity and confidence will help you make the most of it. Good luck on your future open day adventures.