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How to prepare for your visits
Nothing beats visiting a university at an Open Day. They’re a great way to get the information you need – if you’re prepared.
From speaking to current students, to exploring the facilities and speaking to your future lecturers, here's everything you need to get the most out of your visits.
Making the most of an Open Day
How to make the experience work for you
Open Days are a chance to compare your shortlisted universities, see what courses and facilities are like, look at accommodation options and chat to students and staff about any questions or concerns you have.
And if you prepare well, you can get this information – whether you attend in person or virtually.
Top tips before visiting
Book your spot
See when the Open Days take place and save your place. When you check in at Portsmouth, we give you everything you need to enjoy your visit, including a programme for the day that gives you and your guests free drinks in selected University cafes.
Prepare ahead
Prepare any questions you may have for current students and lecturers and make a checklist for the day, including what time your subject talk is taking place, seeing specific accommodation, halls or campus tours, or anything else.
Research the course and uni
The same courses aren't always the same.
Explore the course you like at each particular uni and make sure it’s the right one for you.
Check out the area
Get to know what the area surrounding the university is like, in terms of transport links, social activities, the size of the university and how affordable it is to live there. Whether you're a foodie, sports fan or music lover, Portsmouth has something for you.
Questions to ask students at Open Days
Students really do know best. Speak to student ambassadors to get a true reflection of what university is like. Here's a list of questions to get you started:
- Are your lecturers supportive?
- How much contact time do you have in your course?
- Do you get opportunities for practical learning?
- How and where are the halls of residence?
- Where do students tend to live in 2nd and 3rd year?
- How affordable is accommodation in the city?
- How do you find the city?
- Have you taken part in any societies at university?
- Is it easy to get involved in the Student Union?
- Have you done a placement year and how did the university support you?
- Are there any support and wellbeing services?
- Is there someone to talk to about issues with housing?
- Is there financial support?
- Is there a careers team that can help you find a part part-timeor work placement?
Top tips during your visit
Halls tours
We know that moving away from home is a big step. Make sure the accommodation suits your needs by going on a tour of the halls. Our Open Days give you the chance to look around many of our halls of residence to compare options and see where you’ll be living.
Portsmouth is irresistible. Stunning beaches and vivid street art. And a welcoming community that will make you feel right at home.
Campus and city tours
As well as seeing halls of residence, try to go on tours of the city and campus. After all, living at uni is also about the student experience. So best to get to know your possible new home.
Check out the facilities
Use this opportunity to check out the facilities you will use for your studies like the library and the ones you can use outside of the lecture theatre like the students union and gym.
Check out the facilities
Use this opportunity to check out the facilities you will use for your studies like the library and the ones you can use outside of the lecture theatre like the students union and gym.
Take a pen and paper
You may not think it, but having this handy means you can make note of all the things you come across on your Open Day. This will also help when it comes to comparing universities after your visit.
After your visit
Reflect on whether a uni is a good fit for you by asking yourself the following:
- Can you see yourself living and studying here for at least 3 years?
- How did you feel about the location? And the atmosphere?
- Would you be happy living and studying here?
- Was there something specific about a course that you liked?
- What did and didn't you like? Try making a list of pros and cons.
- What do your friends and family think after you shared your experience with them?
- Have you talked to current students at your university of choice? And lecturers?
These questions will help you compare universities that you've visited, so you can choose the right course and uni when it comes to making the big decision.
