Is it natural not to enjoy university open days?
Hope this is the right forum, sorry if not: I was just hoping that this is a generally-felt thing.
I went to an open-day for a specific subject the other day, and felt like I didn't really enjoy it. I've been to the city before, but not very much and certainly not to wander around on my own. It was honestly just a stressful experience. The talks and everything felt very 'impersonal' (not really the word I'm looking for, but it's hard to explain) and I really felt as if I wouldn't fit in if I did manage to get a place.
I admit I'm stumped at the moment. I thought I'd enjoy it more - and now I'm wondering if I'm even cut out for uni. The problem, I think, is that an open day is obviously nothing to actual uni life, so I just can't see myself there. Is that something most people feel? And that you gradually start to conquer if you do go?
Thanks for any advice
. Sorry for the length of this post.
I went to an open-day for a specific subject the other day, and felt like I didn't really enjoy it. I've been to the city before, but not very much and certainly not to wander around on my own. It was honestly just a stressful experience. The talks and everything felt very 'impersonal' (not really the word I'm looking for, but it's hard to explain) and I really felt as if I wouldn't fit in if I did manage to get a place.
I admit I'm stumped at the moment. I thought I'd enjoy it more - and now I'm wondering if I'm even cut out for uni. The problem, I think, is that an open day is obviously nothing to actual uni life, so I just can't see myself there. Is that something most people feel? And that you gradually start to conquer if you do go?
Thanks for any advice
. Sorry for the length of this post.Reply 1
It sounds like that university isn’t a good fit for you.
While it can be stressful travelling to a new place etc if you found the talks unengaging and didn’t feel like you would fit in and be happy there then it’s probably just not for you.
Good job to find out now so you can use your UCAS choices for other universities instead.
Get booked onto some other open days. Including for universities instead your town/city even if you don’t intend to go there. It’s a cheap way to build up your knowledge and experience so you know what you are interested and looking for when you go further afield.
While it can be stressful travelling to a new place etc if you found the talks unengaging and didn’t feel like you would fit in and be happy there then it’s probably just not for you.
Good job to find out now so you can use your UCAS choices for other universities instead.
Get booked onto some other open days. Including for universities instead your town/city even if you don’t intend to go there. It’s a cheap way to build up your knowledge and experience so you know what you are interested and looking for when you go further afield.
Reply 2
Original post by Anonymous
Hope this is the right forum, sorry if not: I was just hoping that this is a generally-felt thing.
I went to an open-day for a specific subject the other day, and felt like I didn't really enjoy it. I've been to the city before, but not very much and certainly not to wander around on my own. It was honestly just a stressful experience. The talks and everything felt very 'impersonal' (not really the word I'm looking for, but it's hard to explain) and I really felt as if I wouldn't fit in if I did manage to get a place.
I admit I'm stumped at the moment. I thought I'd enjoy it more - and now I'm wondering if I'm even cut out for uni. The problem, I think, is that an open day is obviously nothing to actual uni life, so I just can't see myself there. Is that something most people feel? And that you gradually start to conquer if you do go?
Thanks for any advice. Sorry for the length of this post.
I went to an open-day for a specific subject the other day, and felt like I didn't really enjoy it. I've been to the city before, but not very much and certainly not to wander around on my own. It was honestly just a stressful experience. The talks and everything felt very 'impersonal' (not really the word I'm looking for, but it's hard to explain) and I really felt as if I wouldn't fit in if I did manage to get a place.
I admit I'm stumped at the moment. I thought I'd enjoy it more - and now I'm wondering if I'm even cut out for uni. The problem, I think, is that an open day is obviously nothing to actual uni life, so I just can't see myself there. Is that something most people feel? And that you gradually start to conquer if you do go?
Thanks for any advice
. Sorry for the length of this post.Hi there!
Open Days are designed to give you a taste of what you can expect if you decide to study at that particular university. I am sorry about your experience, but please do not take it as something all universities have in common. Open Days can be fun, with lots of activities, practical sessions, accommodation tours, music and with lots of current students to chat to. If you did not enjoy the event at that particular university - it probably isn't a great fit for you. But at the same time, that is exactly the reason why it is good to attend such events - it prevents you from going to a place you probably will not enjoy
I invite you to have a look at the post about choosing a university made by my fellow student at DMU: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7431731&p=99042139&page=1#post99042139. She also covered using Open Days as the best way to narrow down your 5 to 1 choices
Let me know if you have anu questions,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at DMU
Reply 3
Thank you both @PQ and @De Montfort University for your kindly advice, it is much appreciated: and I will take it to heart.
I think my biggest problem is doubting my own disposition; I wonder whether my dislike of the open day was as it was all so new to me, and come up with other excuses. Unfortunately I think they are excuses, but it's hard to see that - not helped by the fact both my parents seem set on me going to that particularly university. Your words have been very helpful for clearing my mind, thank you both, once again.
I think my biggest problem is doubting my own disposition; I wonder whether my dislike of the open day was as it was all so new to me, and come up with other excuses. Unfortunately I think they are excuses, but it's hard to see that - not helped by the fact both my parents seem set on me going to that particularly university. Your words have been very helpful for clearing my mind, thank you both, once again
.Reply 4
Original post by Anonymous
Thank you both @PQ and @De Montfort University for your kindly advice, it is much appreciated: and I will take it to heart.
I think my biggest problem is doubting my own disposition; I wonder whether my dislike of the open day was as it was all so new to me, and come up with other excuses. Unfortunately I think they are excuses, but it's hard to see that - not helped by the fact both my parents seem set on me going to that particularly university. Your words have been very helpful for clearing my mind, thank you both, once again.
I think my biggest problem is doubting my own disposition; I wonder whether my dislike of the open day was as it was all so new to me, and come up with other excuses. Unfortunately I think they are excuses, but it's hard to see that - not helped by the fact both my parents seem set on me going to that particularly university. Your words have been very helpful for clearing my mind, thank you both, once again
.It’s tough if they’re fixated on somewhere specific and that place doesn’t give you the right feeling.
Hopefully if you can get them to understand that you didn’t feel particularly right at the open days and want to explore other options then they’ll support that. If you can find somewhere that feels right and that gets you enthusiastic and excited then they’ll definitely see that in how you talk to them about your choices.
It’d be convenient and easy if the first place you visited was perfect for you - but learning that something or somewhere doesn’t suit you is still a worthwhile lesson !
Reply 5
Open Days are stressful. You get somehow a vibe, but when you have never studied before, it is difficult, what to look for. So just relax, do not expect you will get an epiphami or that it is easy for everyone.
And use all the informations, open days, websites, this forum and then you will get a better feel for where you want to go and what you want. 🙂 But no open day will show you, whether you are cut out for uni life or not. It will just give you a feel for the town, place, attitude, fellow students and the opportunity to ask questions.
And use all the informations, open days, websites, this forum and then you will get a better feel for where you want to go and what you want. 🙂 But no open day will show you, whether you are cut out for uni life or not. It will just give you a feel for the town, place, attitude, fellow students and the opportunity to ask questions.
Reply 6
Original post by PQ
It’s tough if they’re fixated on somewhere specific and that place doesn’t give you the right feeling.
Hopefully if you can get them to understand that you didn’t feel particularly right at the open days and want to explore other options then they’ll support that. If you can find somewhere that feels right and that gets you enthusiastic and excited then they’ll definitely see that in how you talk to them about your choices.
It’d be convenient and easy if the first place you visited was perfect for you - but learning that something or somewhere doesn’t suit you is still a worthwhile lesson !
Hopefully if you can get them to understand that you didn’t feel particularly right at the open days and want to explore other options then they’ll support that. If you can find somewhere that feels right and that gets you enthusiastic and excited then they’ll definitely see that in how you talk to them about your choices.
It’d be convenient and easy if the first place you visited was perfect for you - but learning that something or somewhere doesn’t suit you is still a worthwhile lesson !
Reply 7
Original post by Nathanielle_
Open Days are stressful. You get somehow a vibe, but when you have never studied before, it is difficult, what to look for. So just relax, do not expect you will get an epiphami or that it is easy for everyone.
And use all the informations, open days, websites, this forum and then you will get a better feel for where you want to go and what you want. 🙂 But no open day will show you, whether you are cut out for uni life or not. It will just give you a feel for the town, place, attitude, fellow students and the opportunity to ask questions.
And use all the informations, open days, websites, this forum and then you will get a better feel for where you want to go and what you want. 🙂 But no open day will show you, whether you are cut out for uni life or not. It will just give you a feel for the town, place, attitude, fellow students and the opportunity to ask questions.
Thank you very much!
Reply 8
Original post by Anonymous
Hope this is the right forum, sorry if not: I was just hoping that this is a generally-felt thing.
I went to an open-day for a specific subject the other day, and felt like I didn't really enjoy it. I've been to the city before, but not very much and certainly not to wander around on my own. It was honestly just a stressful experience. The talks and everything felt very 'impersonal' (not really the word I'm looking for, but it's hard to explain) and I really felt as if I wouldn't fit in if I did manage to get a place.
I admit I'm stumped at the moment. I thought I'd enjoy it more - and now I'm wondering if I'm even cut out for uni. The problem, I think, is that an open day is obviously nothing to actual uni life, so I just can't see myself there. Is that something most people feel? And that you gradually start to conquer if you do go?
Thanks for any advice. Sorry for the length of this post.
I went to an open-day for a specific subject the other day, and felt like I didn't really enjoy it. I've been to the city before, but not very much and certainly not to wander around on my own. It was honestly just a stressful experience. The talks and everything felt very 'impersonal' (not really the word I'm looking for, but it's hard to explain) and I really felt as if I wouldn't fit in if I did manage to get a place.
I admit I'm stumped at the moment. I thought I'd enjoy it more - and now I'm wondering if I'm even cut out for uni. The problem, I think, is that an open day is obviously nothing to actual uni life, so I just can't see myself there. Is that something most people feel? And that you gradually start to conquer if you do go?
Thanks for any advice
. Sorry for the length of this post.Hi there!
I also didn't enjoy many university open days. I found them quite overwhelming - lots of information, lots of people, and lots to take in and think about all in one go. Not enjoying open days does not mean that you are not cut out for university, and as you've already mentioned, they're not a great representation of university life anyway! However, if you don't feel like you fit in at that university, that might be a sign that it isn't the right university for you, and that's okay! I definitely left some open days feeling much more positive than others.
Some universities put on more personalised open days than others. I'd recommend seeing if the universities you are considering have 1-1 campus tours with student ambassadors as an alternative to an open day! I booked a 1-1 campus tour for YSJ, which I found to be a lot more authentic, and I got to go around the university on a typical day, rather than on an open day where everything feels quite staged. I'd also recommend, once you've applied to universities, to attend their decision/offer holder days. These are much smaller and more personalised, and they usually include smaller tours, smaller taster sessions, and it gives you a chance to get to know the academics.
Hope this helps a little, if you have any questions, please let me know🤗
Kiera
Student Ambassador, York St. John University
Reply 9
Original post by YSJ_Kiera
Hi there!
I also didn't enjoy many university open days. I found them quite overwhelming - lots of information, lots of people, and lots to take in and think about all in one go. Not enjoying open days does not mean that you are not cut out for university, and as you've already mentioned, they're not a great representation of university life anyway! However, if you don't feel like you fit in at that university, that might be a sign that it isn't the right university for you, and that's okay! I definitely left some open days feeling much more positive than others.
Some universities put on more personalised open days than others. I'd recommend seeing if the universities you are considering have 1-1 campus tours with student ambassadors as an alternative to an open day! I booked a 1-1 campus tour for YSJ, which I found to be a lot more authentic, and I got to go around the university on a typical day, rather than on an open day where everything feels quite staged. I'd also recommend, once you've applied to universities, to attend their decision/offer holder days. These are much smaller and more personalised, and they usually include smaller tours, smaller taster sessions, and it gives you a chance to get to know the academics.
Hope this helps a little, if you have any questions, please let me know🤗
Kiera
Student Ambassador, York St. John University
I also didn't enjoy many university open days. I found them quite overwhelming - lots of information, lots of people, and lots to take in and think about all in one go. Not enjoying open days does not mean that you are not cut out for university, and as you've already mentioned, they're not a great representation of university life anyway! However, if you don't feel like you fit in at that university, that might be a sign that it isn't the right university for you, and that's okay! I definitely left some open days feeling much more positive than others.
Some universities put on more personalised open days than others. I'd recommend seeing if the universities you are considering have 1-1 campus tours with student ambassadors as an alternative to an open day! I booked a 1-1 campus tour for YSJ, which I found to be a lot more authentic, and I got to go around the university on a typical day, rather than on an open day where everything feels quite staged. I'd also recommend, once you've applied to universities, to attend their decision/offer holder days. These are much smaller and more personalised, and they usually include smaller tours, smaller taster sessions, and it gives you a chance to get to know the academics.
Hope this helps a little, if you have any questions, please let me know🤗
Kiera
Student Ambassador, York St. John University
Hello there!
Here are some tips that might help you understand the your situation:
First of all, reflect on your experience.
Consider what specifically didn't resonate with you. Was it the campus atmosphere, the course content, or the overall vibe? Identifying these factors can help you make more informed choices moving forward.
-Explore Other Options.
Remember, this is just one university. Each institution has its own culture and environment. Attending multiple open days can provide a broader perspective and help you find a place where you feel more comfortable.
-Seek Alternative Insights.
If attending more open days is not feasible, consider virtual tours, student forums, or reaching out to current students online. Platforms like The Student Room offer discussions where you can gain honest opinions and experiences from peers.
-Give Yourself Time.
It's perfectly normal to feel uncertain during this transitional phase. Adjusting to the idea of university life takes time, and it's okay to take things at your own pace.
If you are curious, our Coventry University will also hold its open day soon.
You can take a look over here:
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/visit-our-open-days/
Not enjoying an open day doesn't reflect your potential or suitability for higher education.
It's a personal journey, and finding the right fit is crucial.
Use this experience as a stepping stone to discover what truly aligns with your aspirations and comfort.
You are not alone!
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
Here are some tips that might help you understand the your situation:
First of all, reflect on your experience.
Consider what specifically didn't resonate with you. Was it the campus atmosphere, the course content, or the overall vibe? Identifying these factors can help you make more informed choices moving forward.
-Explore Other Options.
Remember, this is just one university. Each institution has its own culture and environment. Attending multiple open days can provide a broader perspective and help you find a place where you feel more comfortable.
-Seek Alternative Insights.
If attending more open days is not feasible, consider virtual tours, student forums, or reaching out to current students online. Platforms like The Student Room offer discussions where you can gain honest opinions and experiences from peers.
-Give Yourself Time.
It's perfectly normal to feel uncertain during this transitional phase. Adjusting to the idea of university life takes time, and it's okay to take things at your own pace.
If you are curious, our Coventry University will also hold its open day soon.
You can take a look over here:
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/visit-our-open-days/
Not enjoying an open day doesn't reflect your potential or suitability for higher education.
It's a personal journey, and finding the right fit is crucial.
Use this experience as a stepping stone to discover what truly aligns with your aspirations and comfort.
You are not alone!
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
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