Looking Around Universities? Here's What Really Matters

Open days are one of the best ways to decide whether a university is the right fit but only if you know what to look for. From asking the right questions to looking beyond the prospectus, here's how to make every visit count.

Many students arrive at an Open Day with little more than a campus map and a vague sense that they should "have a look around". They leave having collected a tote bag, attended a lecture and eaten a free biscuit, but still have no real idea whether the university is right for them. A university Open Day is one of the most valuable parts of the application process, so it makes sense to approach it with a sense of purpose.

Remember: You Are Choosing More Than a Degree

Whilst the academic programme matters enormously, you are also choosing where you will live, study, socialise and grow for the next three or four years.

Ask yourself:

  • Can I see myself living here?

  • Do I like the atmosphere?

  • Would I feel comfortable walking around this campus every day?

  • Can I imagine making friends here?

Students often talk about getting a "gut feeling" when they visit a university. While this shouldn't be the only factor, the ‘fit’ is important.

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Look Beyond the Marketing

Universities are keen to showcase their best features during Open Days. But the savvy student looks beyond the polished presentations in order to discover what student life is really like.

Try and spend some time walking around independently, exploring the local town or city. Sit in a café and observe the students around you and ask yourself whether the environment suits your personality and lifestyle.

A world-class university may not be the right choice if you don’t like the ‘feel’ of the city it's located in.

Investigate the Course Carefully

The course you are going to study can vary significantly from university to university, depending on their Faculty and research areas. Two universities offering the same degree title can deliver very different student experiences. By attending subject talks and asking questions about the course structure and areas of study, you can figure out if this is the right course for you.

Questions you might want to ask include:

  • How much flexibility is there within the degree?

  • What optional modules are available?

  • How many contact hours will I have each week?

  • How much teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars and practical work?

  • What opportunities exist for placements, internships or study abroad?

  • How is the course assessed?

Fancy a listen?

University open days are just one part of the admissions journey. In this episode, our higher education consultants explore the evolving role of university entrance tests, including the SAT and other standardised assessments. Learn how these tests fit into the admissions process, effective preparation strategies and what families should know when planning for university applications.

Talk to Current Students

If there is one golden rule for Open Days, it is this: speak to students. Admissions staff are knowledgeable and helpful but they are also recruiting!  Current students can provide insights that no brochure ever will.

Ask them:

  • What do you enjoy most about studying here?

  • What surprised you after you arrived?

  • What would you change if you could?

  • Is accommodation easy to secure?

  • What is the social life really like?

  • How supportive are the lecturers?

Students are often refreshingly honest and can help you understand the reality behind the marketing.

Explore Career and Employability Support

University is increasingly viewed as a pathway to future employment, so it is important to understand how institutions support students beyond graduation. The strongest universities are often those that actively help students build professional networks and workplace experience alongside their studies.

Make sure you ask about:

  • Internship opportunities

  • Industry partnerships

  • Careers guidance

  • Graduate employment rates

  • Alumni networks

  • Employer engagement programmes

Consider the Whole Student Experience

Some students thrive on large campuses with tens of thousands of students. Others prefer smaller, more intimate environments where they quickly get to know staff and classmates. The right university is often the one where you feel you “fit”.

When you are touring the universities think about:

  • Campus versus city universities

  • Student support services

  • Sports and societies

  • International opportunities

  • Mental health and wellbeing provision

  • Diversity and student community

Questions Parents Should Ask

Parents often focus on different areas from students, and rightly so.

The most useful questions a parent can ask takes into account what they know about their child.  It is also a chance to get a parents’ concerns about this ‘big leap’ answered.  Think about asking: 

  • What academic support is available?

  • What are the accommodation costs?

  • How much support is provided for international students?

  • What happens if a student struggles academically?

  • What wellbeing and mental health services are available?

  • How secure is accommodation for second and third years?

These practical considerations can significantly influence the overall student experience.

Don't Chase Prestige Alone

It is easy to become fixated on rankings and reputation. While these factors have their place, the most successful university experiences usually occur when students choose institutions that suit their academic interests, learning style and personality.

A university that feels like the right fit often produces better outcomes than one chosen purely because of its position in a league table.

The Scholato View

A university Open Day is not simply an opportunity for a university to impress you. It is an opportunity for you to evaluate whether that university deserves a place on your shortlist. Look beyond the brochures. Ask difficult questions. Speak to students. Explore the surrounding area. Most importantly, think carefully about where you can see yourself thriving both academically and personally.

By the time you begin your UCAS application this autumn, your goal should not simply be to identify the most prestigious universities. It should be to identify the universities where you will be happiest, most successful and best prepared for the future. A university Open Day may only last a few hours, but the insights you gain can shape one of the most important decisions of your educational journey.