While a website and prospectus will tell part of a college’s story, students will get a much better understanding by visiting it, which makes open days an invaluable opportunity to gather first-hand information and make informed decisions about your future education.
However, with thousands of other students descending on the campus on the same day with the same idea, it is a good idea to go armed with some practical tips to make sure you get the most out of the experience.
University of Limerick undergraduate recruitment manager Liam Ryan says the first port of call is to do your homework ahead of time.
“Familiarise yourself with the university’s website and course offerings,” he says. “Make a list of questions you want to ask about specific programs or facilities.
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“Check the open day schedule and map out the sessions and campus areas you want to explore. Arrive early to make the most of your time and have the talks that you would like to attend identified in advance.
“Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and possibly spending time outdoors.”
Open days are an opportunity to meet faculty members and staff, as well as to learn about different course options, Ryan says.
“Interacting with professors and staff members can give you a sense of the academic environment,” he says. “It’s a chance to ask questions and understand the support systems in place.
“Universities provide detailed information about their academic programmes, including course offerings, majors and minors. Open days are the perfect time to learn about potential areas of study.”
Most open days include workshops on subjects such as admissions and scholarships. These sessions can provide valuable information on the application process and student life.
Current students
Colleges will also have current students on hand to offer insights into campus life, extracurricular activities and the overall student experience.
“Participate in presentations and information sessions about the university, academic programmes, admissions and scholarships,” says Ryan. “Take notes to help you remember important details.
“Don’t be shy about asking questions. University staff and student ambassadors are there to assist you. Ask about class sizes, research opportunities, co-operative education and any other concerns you may have.
“Take guided tours or explore the campus on your own. Pay attention to the facilities that matter most to you, such as labs, libraries and sports facilities relevant to your interests.
“Strike up conversations with current students to get a real sense of the university experience. Ask about clubs, organisations and their overall satisfaction with the university. Most open days will have student ambassadors as part of the overall event.
“Gather brochures, flyers and any other materials offered during the open day. These resources can be helpful when making your final decision.”
Judith Caffrey, admissions spokeswoman at Maynooth University, advises getting hold of the open day timetable in advance, which, in Maynooth’s case, provides details on the 80-plus scheduled talks and is available in advance of the event.
“Talks range from degree and subject talks to sport scholarship and more general student support information talks,” she says.
“Representatives from a range of clubs and societies will be available to discuss extracurricular options. Sport scholars including representatives from GAA, soccer, golf and rugby will be in attendance.”
Lynda Young, senior manager for student recruitment at TU Dublin, also has a few tips for those visiting on an open day.
“My first tip would be to make sure you register,” she says. “That way, your experience can be tailor-made and you can find out about talks specific to your interests.
“Our course range is broad, so our staff and lecturers will be on hand to answer all your questions about finding the right course for you. Make sure you understand exactly what is involved in the course, modules and methods of assessment.
“Find out what will you be doing on a weekly basis. How many hours of lectures? What’s the balance between practice and theory? Write your questions in advance so you get the most out of it.
“Another tip would be to follow up with anyone you met, in person or on social media. Whether they work in admissions, a lecturer, or a fellow student. It could help you get a better feel for what you want to study.”
A spokeswoman for Trinity College Dublin says students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem), as well as health sciences, will have the opportunity to see demonstrations and take laboratory tours in those areas.
“Those interested in the humanities will see our remarkable libraries and walk on the cobblestones of one of the most historic campuses in the world,” she adds.
“Attendees can discover the many options for students and attend talks on studying abroad, interdisciplinary elective modules and getting involved in innovative research.
“Many of our current students will be there to share how their Trinity experience is also much more than the lecture theatre, library, or lab, with a broad range of sports clubs and student societies, as well as the many student support services.”
Practicalities
Karen Campbell, school liaison officer at the National College of Ireland, says students attending open days should be clued in from the moment they leave home.
“Before you go to the open day, especially if you’re travelling from your secondary school on a class trip, consider how you would get to that college from home,” she says.
“How long does it take? Do you need to change buses midway? How frequent is the service? This will be your commute for the next few years so make sure you will happily undertake it in all weathers.”
In terms of the current students who will be your “tour guides” as you view the campus, she suggests observing how they interact with fellow students and lecturers they meet during the tour. “This is your chance to vibe-check the college,” she says.
“While you are on campus, make sure you check out the facilities that most appeal to your interests, whether that is the students’ union hangout space and the gym, or the library and academic supports.
“As well as chatting to staff, ask your student tour guide about their own experiences in dealing with administration and in getting the supports they need to realise their full potential.
“If you have a specific course of study you are interested in pursuing, an open day is your chance to talk directly to a lecturer.
“Faculty love to meet someone who is enthusiastic about their subject. You may learn that the college has a focus that really suits you. If you have a specific ambition, make sure the college allows you to reach it.
“It is also perfectly normal to not yet be sure what it is you want to do. If this is you, attend all the sample lectures you can and find a course that really piques your interest and that you enjoy.”
Campbell says that the value of a degree to many employers is that graduates understand and have applied research methods, critical thinking and problem solving, which are key components of all higher education programmes, no matter what the core subject.
“For people who are itching to get into the working world but appreciate the extra edge offered by having a higher education qualification, ask if the college offers any apprenticeships, so that you can earn while you learn,” she adds.
