Receiving an offer to study at university, means you’re halfway there, but before you make your final decision, the most helpful thing you could do for yourself is attending an offer holder day.
Speaking as a student ambassador, these events are the most valuable opportunities to understand and get a head start on your course before starting.
Why do Offer Holder Days matter?
1.You get a real feel for the campus environment
Online research can only take you so far. Visiting in person will allow you to see the day-to-day environment, the classrooms, social spaces, libraries, and the general atmosphere around the Uni. You’ll get a quick instinctual feeling of whether you can picture yourself studying there. I know that once I visited the campus and explored the area that I knew it was the right fit for me.
2.You can meet lecturers and current students
This is your chance to speak to the people who actually deliver the course. You can ask about teaching styles, assessments, learning support, employability services, and more.
Plus, chatting to current students will give you an honest insight into life at the uni, and any easy mistakes to avoid, allowing you to be prepared ahead of time.
3.You’ll understand the course structure properly
Offer holder days often include taster sessions or talks that explain how the course is taught, what modules you’ll take, and what skills you’ll build. This helps you compare universities in a real and meaningful way, not just based on the website. All of this will improve your confidence, as knowing what to expect will make a big difference.
Top tips for attending them
1.Come prepared with questions.
Remind yourself of the course you applied to by checking out the university’s website and write down anything you want to know about the course, student life, and support services. No question is silly, asking and clearing all doubts is what the day is designed for.
2.Speak to ambassadors and lecturers Go out of your comfort zone and speak to the staff and students that are at the event. Students are you best bet at getting a real idea of what studying at the university is like as they are there themselves!
3.Explore the campus & surrounding area
Knowing where nearby shops and transport links are very important to your student life. But also checking out the location gives you a real feel for whether it's the right location for you to study in.
4.Take pictures and make a list about your thoughts
If you visit multiple uni offer holder days, it’s easy to forget which had what, so keep reminders of what stood out, I did this using a Pros and Cons list.
Remember, Offer Holder Days are different to open days, they’re designed specifically for you, someone the university would love to welcome. They help you make an informed, confident decision about where you’ll study, and they’re one of the best ways to picture your future as a student.
Do you have any questions about your upcoming offer holder day? Ask below.
Alfred - The Uni of Law