Whether you’re a student pondering life beyond high school, or a university graduate looking to do further study, deciding which course to do and at which institution can seem overwhelming.
Universities across NSW are throwing open their doors to prospective students this month, giving them the chance to explore courses, facilities, student clubs and more.
Campus tours offer the chance to see all the highlights of a uni, which you wouldn’t get as a casual visitor. Open days also offer information sessions about support services, fees, careers, accommodation, scholarships and other financial assistance.
Here, experts and students answer everything you need to know to get the most out of open days.
When should I start going to uni open days?
“It’s never too early,” says Roula Karakostas, director, future students at Deakin University. “You certainly shouldn’t be waiting until you get to year 12 to get great value. Ideally, I’d be saying years 9, 10, 11 and 12 students.”
Karakostas says open days are a practical way for students to discover what universities have to offer, and the study areas that may interest them. “There are many activities and demonstrations available on campus, lots of information sessions, et cetera. So it’s a good way to start exploring what you’re passionate about.”
How many open days should I go to?
Professor Kylie Readman, deputy vice-chancellor (education and students) at the University of Technology Sydney, suggests students should go to as many open days as they can, which is why it’s good to start early.
“It’s important to keep your options open and explore a few universities, so you can find the one that’s the best fit for you,” she says. “And you’re looking at a few things. So, the course that you want to study – which is obviously the main consideration – the type of experience you’re after, and the support that the university provides in terms of what’s going to suit you.”
Should parents go along?
Definitely, Readman says. “If you are comparing your experience with your parents’ experience, things have changed a lot,” she says.
“And if you’re the first one in your family to come to university, I think that’s a really important thing to think about as well, because you’re educating yourself but also your family’s being educated, potentially. What’s it all about? What is the commitment ... all of those things.”
Readman says taking along a parent to open day, or even an older sibling or friend, can be incredibly helpful.
“Even though you’ve got guidance officers and teachers at school, it’s the conversations that happen in homes that really help people shape what the opportunities are,” she says.
Do I need to do any preparation?
Start by jumping onto the university’s open day website, or reading the program. Many universities will let you filter your search by study areas, experiences, tours and so on. You can also prepare questions you want to ask teaching staff or students, including queries about entry requirements or student life.
Readman suggests giving yourself plenty of time to find the events and activities on the day, and keeping an open mind.
Finally, she says choosing a uni course is important, but it’s not “a do-or-die decision”.
“There are lots of different ways into university, lots of opportunities to change your mind, lots of flexibility. Our goal is that students will have the learning experience that they need for what they imagine their future to be.”
Clockwise from main, Mary Carr at ACU, Maddison Jackson at University of Sydney and Katrina Pincaro at UNSW.
FIVE STUDENTS ON WHAT THEY WISH THEY’D ASKED AT OPEN DAY
Should I take a campus tour?
There are so many hidden gems and places in which to study, grab a coffee, chill with friends, or even watch the sunset. Doing a tour and hearing first-hand from students is such a great way to find these special spots.
Katrina Pincaro, B. Design/B. Media (PR & Advertising), UNSW
What flexibility is there at university?
I didn’t know how flexible university was until I adjusted my timetable, and found I had enough time to study for exams and have a life outside of university. If I knew about the flexibility, I wouldn’t have stressed beforehand.
Maddison Jackson, B. Arts, University of Sydney
Can I have a map?
I wish I’d asked for a hand-held map of the campus building locations. I wasn’t super savvy with my phone and would run around North Sydney barely making it on time for classes.
Mary Carr, B. Nursing, Australian Catholic University (ACU)
How can I make the most of my university experience?
Before coming to university I had no idea of the life experience I would get just from saying yes to things. It has really helped develop my skills and has shaped me into the person I am proud to be today.
Liam Chester, B. Creative Industries (Acting and Performance Design), Charles Sturt University
What opportunities are there outside the classroom?
I wish I knew how multifaceted my university experience would be. From work opportunities, international placements and an awesome social network, it’s been so much more than just study.
Ainsley Mann, B. Paramedicine, Western Sydney University
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