A Parents and Carers guide to University Open Days

Preparing for an Event

As a parent, there are plenty of ways you can help your child prepare, whether they are going it alone or whether you are going with them on this exciting journey.

Each university open day varies, so it is important that you understand the schedules for each one you plan on attending. Generally, you will get the chance to explore the university campus, attend subject talks, meet lecturers, and current students as well as viewing the halls of residence and other facilities. Make sure you know the timings of each event and cover as much as you can.

Take a look at the university website to find out the address for the campus you are visiting, plan your travel and accommodation if needed and find out what you can explore in the local area while you are there.

Attending an Event

Attending an event with your child is a fantastic way to support them in making this all-important decision. You can be there to support them if the experience becomes overwhelming, offer a rational perspective and be there to ask the all-important questions surrounding campus safety, support, finance, and anything else they may typically overlook.

However, it is important that you allow them space to think and ask questions for themselves, too! After all, this is one of the first major life decisions they will make in their adult lives. Our list of questions to ask at an open day is a great place to start if they’re not sure what they might need to know.

You could even give them the nod of approval to attend any talks and tours on their own if they feel comfortable to and sit back with a cup of tea or explore the campus as you await their return. By splitting up, you can allow them to have a feeling of independence while also discovering more about other aspects of the university and local area while they’re busy!

After the event

After a busy day, look forward to exciting discussions of everything you’ve seen and heard on the journey home. It’s easy to forget what you have learnt after an event, so start to unpack all the information you have absorbed and make any important notes as you chat.

Encourage your child to compare their experience against any other university experiences they have had. They could write lists of pros and cons or check out our article all about how to know if a university is right for you.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know or something you missed on the day, you can always contact the university admissions team with any niggling questions you may have.