Why go to university open days — and what to do when you can't

When you're choosing a course and university, open days give you the chance to explore campus accommodation and facilities, speak to current students and teachers and get an idea of student life.

But what happens if you can't get to an open day? Can you get the information you need without visiting campus?

What is an open day? 

University open days are events where future students can visit universities in person to learn more about the uni and their courses. 

Open days are a great way to find out more about your university and your degree options. You'll meet current students, speak to uni services and hear about life at university as you take a look around the campus or city in your own time. 

Lots of universities offer virtual open days, or virtual experiences, in case you can't visit them in person so you can get to know the uni even if you can't attend an open day.

Are uni open days worth it? 

Nothing quite compares to walking through a university and exploring the city in your own time. 

Attending an Open Day helps give you a true feel for your future home. You'll leave the city having met staff who could teach you during your studies, and having spoken to students already studying at the uni.

As well as speaking to people about your course you'll be able to meet student services, ask questions about the support you get at uni, and find out more about how to apply for your degree. 

Prepare for a uni open day

If you can't attend a uni Open Day

If you can't attend a university Open Day, there are still plenty of ways to find out about your course and university options.

Search for online events

Many universities have virtual open days or online experiences so you can find out more about them if you can't attend an open day.

What are virtual open days like ?

Virtual opens days are can include live webinars, video tours, and live talks on courses and university services.

Depending on the kind of virtual open day, you may need to sign up in advance and come back at a specific time, or you may be able to access the whole experience online at any time. 

Every university is different, so check out what each uni has on offer. 

Research the university

After you've researched your course or chosen a subject area, you'll still want to find out more about your university support, location, and clubs.

University support services

Meeting the support services who will be there for you throughout your studies can help make the transition to higher education less daunting.

At an Open Day you'll usually have the chance to speak to housing teams, student finance advisors, and wellbeing support — and most universities have lots of information about their guidance services on their websites too.

Speak to students

Open days aren't the only place you can meet alumni and current students.

Many universities share interviews with their students in blogs or videos on their websites and social media. You can also hear from students on online forums, personal blogs and student YouTube channels.

Discover the city

A big benefit of visiting a university in person is exploring the city or town you'll live in while you study. When you can't attend an open day, you'll need to use other methods to get to to know your future home. 

Arrange a tour

Some universities will arrange a tour to give you a feel for the campus and the city, even if you're visiting on a non-Open Day.

You can contact us to arrange a tour or a self-guided look around Portsmouth to focus on the parts of the city you're most interested in. 

Look around online

If you can't visit the city in person, you can still find out about the area online with virtual tours, online maps and tourism sites.

Explore your chosen city on Google Maps street view to take a look around without needing to visit, and take a look at your university's website to get an idea of what students enjoy doing in the area.

If you're going to university far from your home, make sure to find out what transport links will keep you connected to your family and friends, too. 

Stay in touch

When you can't attend an open day it might feel hard to connect with a university, but social media can help. 

Following the universities you're interested in on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram will help you get an idea of their friendliness, accomplishments and research — and have the chance to see the city or campus. You can even comment on their posts and stories to join their community before you arrive.