Why go to an Open Day?
Hi everyone!
Open Days are one of the best ways to explore what university life is really like, helping you decide not just where to study, but what to study too. Whether you're just starting your research or narrowing down your choices, visiting a campus can make all the difference.
At many universities, Open Days run throughout the year. For example, at Reading, we’ve got events coming up on 11th October and 8th November 2025, as well as summer dates in June 2026, giving you plenty of chances to visit when it suits you best (find out more here).
Hear from student ambassadors, who’ll be sharing their personal experiences of attending Open Days plus their top tips on how to make the most of your visit!
- Emma (UK Recruitment)
Open Days are one of the best ways to explore what university life is really like, helping you decide not just where to study, but what to study too. Whether you're just starting your research or narrowing down your choices, visiting a campus can make all the difference.
At many universities, Open Days run throughout the year. For example, at Reading, we’ve got events coming up on 11th October and 8th November 2025, as well as summer dates in June 2026, giving you plenty of chances to visit when it suits you best (find out more here).
Hear from student ambassadors, who’ll be sharing their personal experiences of attending Open Days plus their top tips on how to make the most of your visit!
- Emma (UK Recruitment)
Reply 1
Hello!
When I was applying to the university, I found it very helpful to attend an Open Day, as they allow students to see the campus and explore all of the facilities. Additionally, students can ask the staff questions and find out about specific courses. Many students and parents love to join a campus tour as this provides a student's perspective of the campus and allows them to ask questions as they look around the campus.
To attend an open event first, you need to pre-book your space. Once you have pre-booked, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket attached. Sometimes the ticket will just have your name, or there will be a QR code ticket. Ensure you have a screenshot of this on the day to be scanned. On the day, you will be greeted by the ambassadors, who will direct you to the correct parking spaces, or if you are on foot, they will simply direct you to the check-in venue.
The check-in venues can sometimes be tricky to find as there are so many buildings, but if you keep an eye out for signs, then these will show you where to go; sometimes your confirmation email might include where to check in, so follow these instructions if this is the case. Once you have found the check-in venue, you can check in, and occasionally, you will receive a welcome pack, which can contain maps and key information about the university.
However, for students who live far away or do not have access to an Open Day, there is a Virtual Tour, which prospective students can look at from their homes. I highly recommend you have a look at the Virtual Tour, which provides an insight into the campus. Some students like to look at both the in-person events and the virtual events.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please use our ambassador scheme at the University of Reading, where prospective students can message current students; you can find more information here. Or you can reply here, and we will be happy to help you.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
When I was applying to the university, I found it very helpful to attend an Open Day, as they allow students to see the campus and explore all of the facilities. Additionally, students can ask the staff questions and find out about specific courses. Many students and parents love to join a campus tour as this provides a student's perspective of the campus and allows them to ask questions as they look around the campus.
To attend an open event first, you need to pre-book your space. Once you have pre-booked, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket attached. Sometimes the ticket will just have your name, or there will be a QR code ticket. Ensure you have a screenshot of this on the day to be scanned. On the day, you will be greeted by the ambassadors, who will direct you to the correct parking spaces, or if you are on foot, they will simply direct you to the check-in venue.
The check-in venues can sometimes be tricky to find as there are so many buildings, but if you keep an eye out for signs, then these will show you where to go; sometimes your confirmation email might include where to check in, so follow these instructions if this is the case. Once you have found the check-in venue, you can check in, and occasionally, you will receive a welcome pack, which can contain maps and key information about the university.
However, for students who live far away or do not have access to an Open Day, there is a Virtual Tour, which prospective students can look at from their homes. I highly recommend you have a look at the Virtual Tour, which provides an insight into the campus. Some students like to look at both the in-person events and the virtual events.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please use our ambassador scheme at the University of Reading, where prospective students can message current students; you can find more information here. Or you can reply here, and we will be happy to help you.
All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology
Reply 2
Hi everyone, my fellow ambassadors have given detail about how you can book on to an open day above, so check this out. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect and my experience of attending an open day!
⏰ What are open days like?
Open days are a fantastic way to get a real feel for the university. You’ll usually get the chance to:
Every open day is a bit different, but overall it’s a brilliant way to imagine yourself as part of the university community, bring your parents/caregivers + friends too!
🎓 How did attending open days help me make my decision?
For me, going to open days made a huge difference. It wasn’t just about seeing the facilities, but about the atmosphere. Talking to staff and students helped me picture what studying there would really be like (as you are going to be there for 3+ years and it’s also a significant financial investment - there is support so don’t be put off this however) It also reassured me about the support available, both academically and personally, which gave me confidence in making my choice, especially for someone who gets support from the disability advisory service here at Reading.
✅ How can I get the most out of an open day?
For me, I knew Reading was the right uni when I attended the open days (I would recommend attending an open day as above if you can), but everyone is different and that’s why it’s important to look at as many as you can!
If you have any questions about an open day you can reply to this thread, if you think you may be commuting, if you live in an area of low participation in higher education check here or if you need extra support from the disability advisory service like I do, you can contact me on the official university ‘uni buddy’ platform, Sid - Unibuddy . We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Sid
my working day is: Thursdays
⏰ What are open days like?
Open days are a fantastic way to get a real feel for the university. You’ll usually get the chance to:
•
Meet fellow prospective students.
•
Go on a tour of the campus, accommodation, facilities, the Students’ Union, cafés, library, and teaching rooms.
•
Attend taster lectures.
•
Speak to staff and current students about your chosen course.
•
Get support and advice on applications, student finance (Find out about bursaries, scholarships, and other financial help), careers, and disability support.
•
Explore different societies and student groups.
•
Learn about part-time job opportunities on campus.
Every open day is a bit different, but overall it’s a brilliant way to imagine yourself as part of the university community, bring your parents/caregivers + friends too!
🎓 How did attending open days help me make my decision?
For me, going to open days made a huge difference. It wasn’t just about seeing the facilities, but about the atmosphere. Talking to staff and students helped me picture what studying there would really be like (as you are going to be there for 3+ years and it’s also a significant financial investment - there is support so don’t be put off this however) It also reassured me about the support available, both academically and personally, which gave me confidence in making my choice, especially for someone who gets support from the disability advisory service here at Reading.
✅ How can I get the most out of an open day?
•
Do your research beforehand – look up the course, societies, and facilities you’re most interested in so you know what to focus on.
•
Make a plan – check the schedule and decide which talks, tours, or taster sessions you don’t want to miss.
•
Ask questions – whether it’s about your course, support services, accommodation, or student life, don’t be afraid to ask staff and students, they are there to support you!
•
Explore the area – if you’ll be living there, take a walk around the local town/city too, maybe a grab a bite to eat, or even if you are commuting (like I do) check - is there a bus to the station, parking permits, will I be able to get to my lectures on time (and ask what support the uni offers, they should have an advisor for this)
•
Take notes and photos – it’s easy to forget details after visiting several unis, so jotting things down helps when comparing later. Also visit as many as you can! Many offer financial support for this)
•
Trust your instincts – sometimes it’s the “feel” of a place that makes it right for you.
For me, I knew Reading was the right uni when I attended the open days (I would recommend attending an open day as above if you can), but everyone is different and that’s why it’s important to look at as many as you can!
If you have any questions about an open day you can reply to this thread, if you think you may be commuting, if you live in an area of low participation in higher education check here or if you need extra support from the disability advisory service like I do, you can contact me on the official university ‘uni buddy’ platform, Sid - Unibuddy . We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Sid
•
UoR Student Ambassador
•
LLB Law w/ International Business (Yr1)
•
Business Management (Foundation)
Reply 3
Original post
by UniofReadingHi everyone!
Open Days are one of the best ways to explore what university life is really like, helping you decide not just where to study, but what to study too. Whether you're just starting your research or narrowing down your choices, visiting a campus can make all the difference.
At many universities, Open Days run throughout the year. For example, at Reading, we’ve got events coming up on 11th October and 8th November 2025, as well as summer dates in June 2026, giving you plenty of chances to visit when it suits you best (find out more here).
Hear from student ambassadors, who’ll be sharing their personal experiences of attending Open Days plus their top tips on how to make the most of your visit!
- Emma (UK Recruitment)
Open Days are one of the best ways to explore what university life is really like, helping you decide not just where to study, but what to study too. Whether you're just starting your research or narrowing down your choices, visiting a campus can make all the difference.
At many universities, Open Days run throughout the year. For example, at Reading, we’ve got events coming up on 11th October and 8th November 2025, as well as summer dates in June 2026, giving you plenty of chances to visit when it suits you best (find out more here).
Hear from student ambassadors, who’ll be sharing their personal experiences of attending Open Days plus their top tips on how to make the most of your visit!
- Emma (UK Recruitment)
Hi everyone!
When I was applying, I found Open Days so helpful in getting a feel for whether a university was the right fit for me. I found that the chance to walk around the campus, attend subject talks and actually chat with current students really helped me to imagine what life at the university would be like! 🙂
My top tips would include making sure to plan your day! Look at the schedule for the open day in advance so that you don't miss the talks or tours that you are interested in. I would also suggest asking lots of questions! Whether this is about the course, accommodation or general student life, you will get a clearer idea by hearing from students and talking directly to staff!
I would also recommend taking photos as it is easy to forget details after visiting uni's especially if you plan to visit a few, so jotting things down can help you to compare later!
Most importantly, be sure to go with an open mind as sometimes the place that feels the right one isn't what you may of expected!
Best of luck,
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development
Quick Reply
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