The Student Room Group

University offer holder days with family or alone?

I am about to book one of the days but I’m wondering if it’s better to go alone or with my family?

Reply 1

Depends on your relationship with your family. Some people would be excited to take their family and show them the platform for the next stage of their life. Some people will want their parents to see where they will live and study. Some parents might want to accompany their child because they want peace of mind and reassurance of where their child is going to be and the community around them to keep them safe if needed.

Also, taking family along they might spot things you do not or think to ask about things you don't. An open day is a big deal and there is a lot going on and it's easy to be swept up in Uni fever and forget the things you really wanted to know.

Reply 2

If they have been to actual Open Days with you, this is probably a good time to 'cut loose' and do it on your own.

Reply 3

Original post
by monumental-aphor
I am about to book one of the days but I’m wondering if it’s better to go alone or with my family?

Hey @monumental-aphor

People do both, as mentioned above, an offer holder day can be a great chance to do it on your own because:

It's a good chance to practice the journey to uni

You'll be with lots of people who might be on the same course as you in September, you might feel more comfortable talking to people without family

It'll let you form your own opinions about the uni without the input of others

You can fully immerse yourself in the taster lecture


However, if you do want to bring family:

Some unis (like BCU) have a separate schedule for parents and carers, so they can go to a seperate session catered to their concerns, and they can get their questions answered (check the schedule in advance if you can to see if this is an option at the offer holder day)

Thyey can offer a second opinion on the uni and help you make your decision if you're not sure if the uni is for you yet


Let me know which option you decide and I hope you enjoy the offer holder day! I think the most important thing is to get involved and talk to people, it'll give you an amazing experience of what it'll be like to spend a day at that uni.

Shout if you have questions!
Abbie
BCU Rep
Original post
by monumental-aphor
I am about to book one of the days but I’m wondering if it’s better to go alone or with my family?
Hi @monumental-aphor

Either option works well for an offer holder event! If your family would enjoy seeing the campus and getting a feel for the environment, it could be a good idea to bring them along. Some universities, like Royal Holloway, offer a Parents and Supporters’ Lounge where they can relax while you explore. They can also enjoy a free tea or coffee whilst you’re in your academic session. But if you’d prefer to focus on the day at your own pace, coming alone could be a good option too.

Hope this helps, let us know if you have any other questions!

Best wishes,
Royal Holloway, University of London Official Rep

Reply 5

Original post
by monumental-aphor
I am about to book one of the days but I’m wondering if it’s better to go alone or with my family?

Hey @monumental-aphor,

It's up to you! Although my mother and brother came to Kingston with me for my offer-holder day, they didn't attend the day itself and instead explored the town. Some families choose to come along and ask questions (particularly if they have any specific concerns) whilst others are happy to take more of a backseat approach.

One thing to consider is that at a lot of offer-holder days the taster sessions are limited to offer-holders only. Your family may have to wait around campus whilst you partake in your course's activity/lecture.

Hope this helps,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 6

Original post
by monumental-aphor
I am about to book one of the days but I’m wondering if it’s better to go alone or with my family?

Are there specific things for pparents to do?I think it's useful to go with someone but not necessarily spend the whole time e.g they can do other stuff while you go to sample lectures.

Reply 7

Original post
by monumental-aphor
I am about to book one of the days but I’m wondering if it’s better to go alone or with my family?

Hi @monumental-aphor

Great question! 😊

Either way is perfectly normal/ fine. Some people prefer to go alone so they can form their own opinions without being swayed by others, especially if they family are already bias to other options. However, I see most people attend with their family, often because they can provide their opinions, see things you may miss, help your confidence during your visit and more!

It's entirely up to you, just remember to plan your day so you can attend the stands, talks, workshops, etc, that you may wish to see.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Lancashire)

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