Making the most of a university open day 🎓✨

Is it worth going to a university open day?

There’s an easy answer here - yes! An open day is your best chance to discover what life could really be like at university. If you're going to be spending three or four years somewhere, it's a good idea to visit if you can, and see if you can picture yourself living and studying there. 

Visiting in person will give you the things that a website or a prospectus can't: the atmosphere on campus, the chance to meet academics and fellow students, and a feel for the city itself. A lot of students say that the vibe they get on the open day, and the gut feeling they get on the campus, is what makes or breaks their decision.

Here’s how to prepare for an open day, together with our top tips to make the most of your visit. With a bit of preparation beforehand, you’ll arrive confident, ready to explore, and able to ask the right questions.

How do I prepare for a uni open day?

Plan your schedule 📝 

Check the timetable in advance and decide what talks you want to go. At Dundee, you’ll need to sign up for these when you register. Whilst subject talks are usually a given, think about any extra topics you might be interested in, such as studying abroad, campus life, or student finance.  

You’ll also find talks that are tailored to the stage you’re at in the admissions process. It can definitely be worth attending these to get some useful tips on how to apply, or to find out more specific advice for your own personal situation, such as coming to university with a college background, or a guide to our contextual admissions policy. 

Bring the essentials ✍️

You'll hear a lot of information and are likely to want to jot some of it down, so bring a notebook, pen, and your phone. 

Taking photos 📸 of the campus and accommodation is also useful to help you compare universities. When you're visiting a few, it can be difficult to remember exactly what was what, so photos will help jog your memory later.

Prepare your questions 💬

Think ahead about what you really want to know. No question is too small - staff and students will be expecting lots of questions and this is your best opportunity to find out about everything that's important to you. If you're feeling stuck for ideas, we’ve got some suggestions below for things to think about.

What happens on a university open day? 🌟

Most universities will follow a similar format. When you first arrive on campus for a Dundee open day, you’ll sign in and get your open day goody bag, and sign up to take a campus tour. After that, you’ll be able to explore:

Information stands ℹ️

Drop into our stands in the large marquee on Campus Green at any time - no booking needed. Here you’ll find advice on areas like accommodation, student services, and support, as well as academics representing the subjects that we offer. It’s a great opportunity to find out everything you want to know about the University and student life.

General information talks 🎤

Book ahead for popular sessions such as:

• Applying to university
• Student finance and budgeting
• Life at Dundee
• Study abroad opportunities
• Principal’s welcome
• Student ambassador panels

Subject talks 📚

Subject talks are one of the most important parts of any open day. These sessions are tailored to your chosen subject area, giving you the chance to hear from academics, discover how courses are taught, and ask specific questions about modules, teaching style and career opportunities. 

At Dundee, you’ll also find we offer many hands-on or interactive sessions after the more formal talk, so you get the chance to experience being in the lab, classroom, or studio. It’s also another great opportunity to talk to our staff and current students. 

Campus and accommodation tours 🏡

Take a guided tour of our beautiful campus to see key facilities like the library, social spaces, and sports facilities. You'll also have the opportunity to see inside our student accommodation. It’s the best way to picture yourself living and studying here, and you’ll be able to ask your student guide any questions you might have about university life.

Speak to our student ambassadors for honest and genuine answers about what it’s like to be here, and take the opportunity to ask about our societies and sports clubs. With over 200 student societies there's bound to be something you'll want to know more about!

Explore the nearby area 🏙️

Chances are you’ll need refuelling at some point and so we recommend visiting one of the many cafes or restaurants near campus. This is also a great way to get a feel for what it’s like to spend time in this part of Scotland’s sunniest city and to find out how easy it is to get around.

What should I wear to a uni open day? 👟

This isn’t school so there’s no dress code. Just wear something comfortable for walking around campus - trainers and casual clothes are perfect. 

Should I bring my parents to a university open day? 👩‍👩‍👦

We understand it can be daunting going to an open day on your own. So we encourage you to bring a parent, carer, or even a friend - more eyes and ears mean they might notice something that you miss. Just make sure that you don’t rely on them to ask questions for you because it’s your day, and your future. 

Real students, real views

Student Alison shares her tips to help you get the most out of an open day.

What if I can’t visit on the day of the Open Day? 🌍 

Don’t worry - we have other options for you. You can:

• book a campus tour on a different day that suits you
• take our virtual tour to explore Dundee online
• join one of our online webinars to learn about the University and the subjects we offer