University Open Days
It is ALWAYS a good idea to visit the universities that you would like to attend. GO to as many OPEN DAYS as you can. This will give you the opportunity to;
- ask questions.
- see the facilities
- meet students that are doing the course/s that you would like to do
- work out how far the institute is from your house and how long it will take to get there
- get a feel for the place
- see work that previous/ current students have completed
Open days for TAFE & Alternative places to study are on the TAFE & Alternative Study Options
Make sure you are registering and checking the times the OPEN DAY is happening
Below:
Open days: Your ultimate guide to campus visits
8 ways to a great university open day
Preparing for an open day
CONFIRMED OPEN DAYS - 2025
ACU
Melbourne - 8th to 10th July
Ballarat - 10th & 11th April
Deakin
Warrnambool - Sunday 3rd August
Geelong - Sunday 17th August
Burwood Campus- Sunday 24th August
La Trobe
Melbourne (Bundoora) - Sunday 3rd August
Shepparton - Sunday 10th August
Mildura - Wednesday 13th August
Sydney - Saturday 16th August
Albury - Wodonga - Sunday 17th August
Bendigo - Sunday 24th August
Virtual Open Day
13 - 14 May
Must Register with link
Sunday 17th August
Peninsula Campus - Saturday 2nd August
Caulfied Campus - Saturday 2nd August
Clayton Campus - Sunday 3rd August
Parkville Campus - Sunday 17 August
Bundoora - Sunday 3rd August
Brunswick - Sunday 10 August
City - Sunday10 August
Hawthorn - Sunday 27th July
Footscray Park - Sunday17 August
VU City Tower - Sunday 24th August
Berwick - Sunday 17 August
Camp St (Ballarat Arts Academy) Sunday 24th August
Gippsland - Sunday 10th August
Mt Helen (Ballarat) - Sunday 24th August
SMB (Ballarat TAFE) Sunday 24th August
Not all Universities and TAFE's have confirmed there open days at the moment
Open days: Your ultimate guide to campus visits
Pondering life after high school can feel overwhelming, but in your quest to make the best decision for you, there's one opportunity you definitely shouldn't miss: open days.
Whether you're thinking of heading off to university, college, or another tertiary institution, these events are your chance to explore campus life, meet current students and staff, and get a real feel for what studying at a particular institution might be like. So let's take a quick look at why they matter and how to make the most of them.
Why open days are worth your time
There's something about experiencing a university firsthand that just hits different. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and think "yep, I could belong here"? That's what you're looking for at an open day.
Open days give you direct access to the people who know the institution best. You can chat with actual students (who'll give you the unfiltered tea about what studying there is really like), professors who are passionate about their subjects, and advisors who can help you navigate everything from applications and scholarships, to course options, accommodation, clubs, and support services.
When do open days happen?
Universities around the world typically hold their open days during the months leading up to application deadlines. In the northern hemisphere, this often means spring and early summer, while in the southern hemisphere, it's usually mid-to-late winter.
Most universities plan these events well in advance and publish dates on their websites at the beginning of the year. Mark them in your calendar as soon as you know them, as sometimes you'll need to register in order to attend and the popular sessions can fill up fast.
The good news is they're completely free and there's often food, entertainment, and competitions happening - so while you might have to factor in travel costs, you could walk away better off than when you go in.
Preparing an open day action plan
The key to getting the most out of an open day is a bit of preparation. Don't stress - we're not talking about studying or anything too taxing. Just take a little time to:
Register for the event
Check out the university's website and register for the open day online. Most universities will send you a program and updates once you're registered.
Think about what matters
Have a think about what really matters to you in a university. Is it the course content? The campus vibe? Sports facilities? Support services? Internship opportunities? Everyone's different, and knowing your priorities will help you focus on what's most important to you.
Prepare your questions
Jot down any questions that you can't find answers to online. There's no point wasting your open day asking things you could have Googled, right?
Know who to go with
Also, consider who you want to bring along. Parents can be great for a second opinion, but sometimes they ask different questions than you would. Friends can make the day more fun, but might distract you from your mission. Choose wisely!
Sort out what to bring
Keep it simple - a notebook or your phone for notes, comfortable shoes (campus tours involve a lot of walking), a water bottle, and a bag for any goodies should be all you need. You might also need some funds for travel, parking, or other costs like food on the day.
Questions to ask on open day
When you're chatting with university staff and current students, here are some conversations worth having:
About courses
- Are there any prerequisites for applying or any subject knowledge I should have before starting?
- How much of this course is theoretical vs. practical hands-on learning?
- Do you offer part-time, online, or flexible study options?
- Can I customise my degree with electives I'm interested in?
- What do graduates from this program typically do after finishing?
- What are the costs for this course?
- Do you offer any work experience, placements, or networking opportunities?
About support services
- What's the support like here? Who helped you when you needed it?
- Are there services for students with specific learning needs?
- How would you be able to accommodate my needs?
- Do you offer mentoring programs, study groups, or academic support?
- Is there any financial help available if I need it?
About campus life
- What societies and/or clubs are available to join?
- What facilities and services are available on campus?
- What’s the best way to get around the campus and city?
- What accommodation options do you offer?
- What's the surrounding area like and is there stuff to do off-campus?
Virtual open days
Living too far away? Dealing with a disability that makes travel difficult? Or just can't make the scheduled date? No worries - if you can't attend in person, there are often online or virtual open days, webinars, and information sessions that you can sign up for instead.
Many universities now offer amazing virtual open day experiences. They can include video campus tours, live-streamed information sessions, chat functions to ask questions in real-time, or even immersive virtual reality experiences.
Even if you miss the live event, lots of universities make their session recordings available afterward, so you can catch up in your own time.
Finding open day dates and information
Here's how to stay in the loop about upcoming open days:
- Follow universities on social media
- Sign up for email updates from universities you're interested in
- Check websites that compile open day calendars (like ours)
- Ask your school's careers advisor what's coming up
Pro tip: Create your own dedicated calendar or document to track open day dates for all the universities you're considering, along with details, registration information, and how to get there.
Next steps
Once you've attended each open day, it's important to take some time to reflect. Here are some things to think about to help you make your final decision and prepare for applications:
- Which campus felt most comfortable or exciting?
- Were there any new courses or career paths you discovered that you want to learn more about?
- Do you need to book a follow-up visit or conversation to clarify anything?
- Are there any upcoming application deadlines?
Remember that if you're still unsure, you can always reach out the future student teams with any follow-up questions.
Ready to go?
There's no perfect university that works for everyone. The "best" university is the one that's right for you - your goals, your learning style, and your interests.
Open days are your chance to go beyond the glossy prospectuses and Instagram-worthy campus shots to discover what universities are really like. Whether you attend in person or virtually, your future self will thank you for putting in the effort now.
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 or carers
Parents and carers 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.
Preparing for an open day
Choosing a university can be difficult. And you’ll want all the information you can get before making your decision. You’ve probably already asked the key questions:
- Does the university specialise in the subject I want to study?
- Does it rate well academically?
- Does its location work for me?
However, while you can learn a lot from a website, there’s no substitute for seeing a university in real life.
Open days are your chance to get to know the university’s staff, students and alumni. But to really experience the campus and atmosphere, you’ll need a plan of attack. There’s often more to see than you can squeeze into a day.
Express your interest
A university website may ask you to register early interest in its open day. This allows organisers to send you a guide. Use it before your visit – it’s the roadmap to the entire day. Plan which seminars you want to attend (do any clash?), locate key amenities and even just work out how to get there.
The inside track
Open day seminars are good sources of information. But the real knowledge comes from talking to staff, students and alumni. They’ll tell you the things you can’t read in the brochures.
Students will share stories of mistakes they’ve made or hacks they’ve discovered while at the university. What are the best courses? Who are the best tutors for your subjects? Where’s the best food?
So before an open day, jot down any questions you may have. There are no silly questions – everyone is there to help you.
Get connected
Chat to as many people as you can – you may meet a future mentor or valuable contact. If you don’t know where to start, listen in on some conversations. They may trigger some suggestions or give you an ‘in’ to approach people.
Embrace the unexpected
Reading about a course and hearing about it from someone who has taken it or taught it are very different things. You may find yourself considering new options or courses you hadn’t considered. The beauty of an open day is that it can reveal new possibilities.
Hit the clubs
Universities offer a wide range of clubs, which are all showcased on open day. They’re great places to meet people from outside your course. And getting a feel for them can answer the one question as important as ‘What course should I study?’
‘Will I have fun here?’
An open day is the place to find out.