Is it worth going to the open day?

X.Aimee.X

Hiya, so currently I'm an A-level student looking at universities and hoping to go to the open day on Saturday 15th. The only thing is, I've been put off from watching tik toks and reading what students think so is it worth still going? I'm someone who doesn't like drinking or going out so would I be left out or not make many friends because of this? Just a bit worried I won't fit in to many universities because I dislike partying and drinking ...

Reply 1

Startrevisingnow

11

Hi, I think you should still go to the open day if you're interested in the university/course. It's fine if you don't drink at uni because there will be many people who are similar to you. I've just started uni (moved in 3 weeks ago) and I don't drink much/can't drink much but I've still managed to make really good friends. You can join societies/clubs and you can also make friends with people on your course. I've been to a couple of pre-drinks with my flat mates and I didn't drink at either but everyone understands if you don't drink/don't drink much. When I went to the pre-drinks, I just talked to people and socialised that way. Also, I'm really lucky when it comes to flatmates because we plan trips e.g. on Saturday we went to the pier and arcade and this weekend we were thinking about going to the cinema

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

skylark2

18

You need to remember that what gets posted on social media is self-selecting. Nobody's going to post "clubbing's not for me, so I stayed in and spent a couple of hours deciding which bits of the freshers program are more to my taste" but plenty of people will be doing it.

Reply 3

Crafty Mum

10

Yes, absolutely do go to Uni open days. We couldn’t go to any due to Covid, but did still go and had a look around outside when we were allowed to, just to get a feel for the uni’s/campus/city and general areas for each. Once you have identified which uni’s are offering the courses you are most interested in, it’s definitely worth going and have a proper look around and see what they offer, ask any questions you may have, and just see how it feels to you. Can you imagine yourself living in this place, is the climate suited to you, is the cost of living there manageable etc. Somewhere which may currently be top of your list, may turn out to not be to your liking after visiting, so it’s important to visit if you can.

A lot of people don’t drink or don’t drink much. My daughter has just started her 2nd year at Uni, does like a glass of wine or cider, and loves clubbing. She will have a drink in the JCR in her college before going out, but then sticks to water whilst out. They even have some clubs and activities for those who don’t drink, so I’m sure you will not be alone. You can still join in with other people and events and enjoy yourself with soft drinks and that’s fine. People will get to know and like you as you are, and you’ll soon find good new friends who like you as a person.

Good luck with A levels and with your Uni choices.

Go innit

Yes, it is always worth your time and effort to visit the open days of every uni that you are considering studying at.
Provides a valuable opportunity to speak to some current & former students and lecturers.
Plis get a sense of the type of atmosphere and culture prevalent on the uni's campuses.

Always trust your gut instinct and listen to what your common sense is telling you. :smile:

If you get a sense of something that makes you feel very uncomfortable or afraid on campus premises, trust what your feelings are telling you and steer well clear.
Good luck!

Reply 6

University of Kent Reps

Official Rep

16

Original post by X.Aimee.X

Hiya, so currently I'm an A-level student looking at universities and hoping to go to the open day on Saturday 15th. The only thing is, I've been put off from watching tik toks and reading what students think so is it worth still going? I'm someone who doesn't like drinking or going out so would I be left out or not make many friends because of this? Just a bit worried I won't fit in to many universities because I dislike partying and drinking ...

Hi there

I think it is definitely worth going to the open day regardless of what you have seen on tiktok. Unfortunately social media can alter the perception of things/places for entertainment purposes so I would really try and not be put off by what you see online. You are entitled to your own opinion and you might actually find that you will like the uni. In terms of drinking, I wouldn't worry at all about going to uni as a non drinker. There are many non drinking socials/activities at uni where you can meet likeminded people. In fact I'm in my third year and I've lost count of the number of people I've met who don't drink/party. It's really not that uncommon!. Off the top of my head, some of the events we've had at Kent that are catered to non drinkers are board game nights, rock climbing, painting, sports, rodeo bull, tie dye, bingo, laser tag, petting zoo, roller skating discos and many more. There are also numerous societies that you can join that aren't centred around drinking. Hope this helps a bit!

Best wishes
Joanna
-Uni of Kent Rep

Reply 7

Nottingham Trent University

Official Rep

15

Original post by X.Aimee.X

Hiya, so currently I'm an A-level student looking at universities and hoping to go to the open day on Saturday 15th. The only thing is, I've been put off from watching tik toks and reading what students think so is it worth still going? I'm someone who doesn't like drinking or going out so would I be left out or not make many friends because of this? Just a bit worried I won't fit in to many universities because I dislike partying and drinking ...

Hey @X.Aimee.X 👋

I don't drink and did my undergraduate (and postgraduate) degree at NTU. NTU and Nottingham are both super versatile when it comes to the types of events and activities you can get involved in. Being a non-drinker never really ended up being much of an issue for me because of this.

As others have mentioned, you'll be able to find like-minded people who aren't into drinking or partying. There are loads of societies to get involved with at the university for students looking for an alternative student experience like the tabletop society, ice skating society or debate society – there's something for everyone to get involved in.

You can check out more of the things you can get involved with on our website:

NTSU Societies
Something for everyone

I'd definitely recommend coming down to the open day on the 15th, you'll be able to speak to staff and students, see accommodation and get a real feel for what it's like to study at NTU.

Hope that helps!

Best wishes,
Gurpreet - NTU Rep

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 8

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Original post by X.Aimee.X

Hiya, so currently I'm an A-level student looking at universities and hoping to go to the open day on Saturday 15th. The only thing is, I've been put off from watching tik toks and reading what students think so is it worth still going? I'm someone who doesn't like drinking or going out so would I be left out or not make many friends because of this? Just a bit worried I won't fit in to many universities because I dislike partying and drinking ...

Hi!

I would really recommend going to that open day, and open days for all of the unis you want to apply for. Just looking at tik toks and things online can't compare to how you actually feel when you were there. When I was looking at universities there was one that I thought would be top of my list, but I just did not like the city at all and that is a huge part of the experience. Even if you don't like drinking and clubbing (I don't either), the city or campus you are in can really make or break your uni experience.

Ultimately it is up to you but if you don't then you may end up regretting it when you get there.

-Laura (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

Is it worth going to the open day?

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