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University Open Days matter

March is an exciting time for students considering their post-school pathways, with universities across Western Australia opening their campuses for Open Days. These events are an ideal way for high school students, particularly those in Years 10 to 12, to explore their options, ask questions, and experience university life firsthand. 

Attending an Open Day goes beyond simply collecting brochures or listening to course talks. It is a chance to:

• Explore different campuses and get a feel for each university's atmosphere, size and facilies. 
• Speak with lecturers and current students to gain real-world insight into what studying a particular course is really like.
• Discover new study areas you might not have previously considered, from emerging technologies to creative disciplines.
• Learn about entry pathways, scholarships, accommodation and support services, which can help you plan your transition from school to university with confidence.
• Imagine your next step - standing in a lecture theatre, visiting student clubs, or seeing the labs, libraries, and studios where your future learning could happen.

In the February issue of the Career Compass, you will also find a dedicated overview of the major WA universities, highlighting each institution's key strengths and the dates of their upcoming Open Days in March. Use that page as your planning guide: write down the universities that interest you, note the Open Day dates, and aim to visit at least two different campuses so you can compare how they feel in person.

Parents are encouraged to attend alongside students, as they can gather information on application processes, accommodation options and financial assistance, and hear directly from staff about how each university supports first-year students. The experience often helps clarify career goals and motivates students as they work towards achieving the entry requirements for their chosen courses.

Tip: Bring your questions, take notes on your phone, and don’t be afraid to explore areas you have not considered before. Build a simple plan for which campuses you will visit and use these events to picture life after school and begin shaping your future.

5 Ways to Make the Most of Uni Open Days

1. Do a little planningCheck the Open Day dates and session times for the WA universities that interest you, then pick 2–3 must-see talks or tours so you are not rushing all day.
2. Arrive with questionsHave a few questions ready about courses, careers, entry requirements and student life, and ask lecturers and current students for honest answers.
3. Take a proper campus tourJoin at least one guided tour so you can see teaching spaces, labs, libraries and social areas, and decide whether you can imagine yourself studying there.
4. Capture information on your phone.Scan QR codes, bookmark links, or take quick photos of slides and signs instead of collecting piles of paper, so you can review everything later.
5. Compare how each place feels.After each Open Day, jot down a few notes about what you liked and what did not feel right, then use this to compare different universities when it is time to make decisions.

Mrs Sharan Tagore

Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning