Career's Corner

TAFE and University Open Days 2023

Attending open days is an important step towards making decisions about your future education and training. Open days allow you to find out about an institution’s courses and programs, explore campus facilities and speak with current students about their experience.

This year institutions are offering a mix of virtual and on-campus experiences. Do your research for specific details and dates and register so you don’t miss out!

8 ways to a great university open day

University open days can be overwhelming, with so much to see, do and explore on campus. But they are a great way to help you to choose what university to apply for.

To make your choice, you'll need to find out about entry requirements, location and cost. You may want to learn about scholarships, studying abroad, internships, and the quality of a uni’s industry links. You should consider the overall student experience.

To help you collect information about each of these aspects, start with a good plan of attack for open day season.

Here are some tips to help you breeze through open days, letting you relax and make an informed decision.

1. Prepare your plan of action

Which universities appeal to you? Do you know which ones offer the course you would like to apply for? If so, what are the entry requirements? These are questions that will help you to build your shortlist of universities.

When you have narrowed down your list, find out when each university will have its open day.

2. Register for open day

The most important thing you can do before an open day is register for the event. This ensures you’ll get updated with the latest information. There may also be special events or information sessions that require a separate reservation. Being on the mailing list is the best way to get in early.

Plan how and when you’ll get to each location and make sure you have time to really experience each campus. It’s worth taking the time to scope out each place.

3. Create a schedule for each open day

Open days are a hive of activity, with events, lectures, information sessions, and entertainment events all happening at the same time.

Universities will help you set up a plan, but make sure to note the really important things. Give yourself enough time to get to each activity.

4. Explore the campus

You’re going to be there for a while if you enrol. Allow yourself time to wander round and get a feel for whether it’s the right place for you.

What clubs are on offer? Can you join a sporting team? What’s the student experience like for undergraduates? These are all great questions that can only be answered on campus. Find the answers for yourself or ask the experts – the current students.

If you’re short on time, prioritise the parts of campus and the buildings or facilities you’ll be most likely to use. For example, if you’re interested in studying science, go to the labs, check out the equipment, and see if they match your expectations.

5. Tour the accommodation

If you’re planning on moving to a new city to study, be sure to tour the accommodation if you can. Many universities offer on-campus accommodation and residential colleges.

Students will be helping with tours, so it’s a good time to ask them what it’s like living on campus. What do they like about their residence, and how do the rooms, meals and study help differ from one place to the next?

6. Ask questions

Remember those questions you wrote down in the lead-up to open day? Make sure you have enough time to get them answered. Talk to the academics and students you meet at open days about university life, course requirements, and what it’s like to actually study at that particular university.

7. Have a conversation with your parents

Parents just want the best for us. Be patient with them – this is huge for them too. Yes, this is your future, and it’s important for you to follow your own path. So why not enlist them to help? Let them know that you value their support and ask them to prompt you if you feel lost or overwhelmed. Encourage them to help you ask the right questions.

8. Review

After open day, make sure you review your notes and experiences. This is your best chance to decide which universities you like most (and least). Consider if you would revisit any, using this list as a guide to help you make your decision.

Hopefully this will start some conversations,

Talk soon,

Carol Woodman