Attending a university event is one of the best ways to find out if a course and campus is right for you. At The University of Law we do all we can to provide you with a genuine insight into what studying with us will be like by making your day as interactive as possible.
By Cara Fielder. Published 4 September 2019. Last updated 15 December 2022.
To give you some advice on what to look out for and questions to ask, we’ve put together some top tips on how to get the most out of attending a university event.
Before the open day
Doing your research is the first step to attending open days and events. Ask the questions that will determine what University path will work for you. How far from home do I want to study? Do I want to be close to a major city? Do I need certain facilities nearby like a sports pitch, or library? Are there certain universities that are specialists in my field of study? Answering these questions before hand will make your visits easier. Do as much research as possible to narrow down your choices. Most students select four or five universities to visit.
After you’ve chosen your universities to visit, you need to make sure you know where you’re going, and how to get there. Plan your routes, book train tickets and take a good book. If you’re driving, remember to check parking facilities and know how long your journey will take. If you’re driving a long way, remember to take regular breaks and maybe even listen to one of our recommended Law and Business Podcasts.
Getting to know your future environment
Students are often nervous about leaving home for a number of reasons; fear of the unknown, living with new people, being self-reliant for the first time and missing the daily support of family, friends and even pets.
Using your open days and event visits will calm these nerves and give you all the insight you need to make the most of your university career. Make sure to take in the campuses you visit. Look for parking facilities, bus routes, distance from the student accommodation, café and chill-out areas, food options, and of course, where that next cup of coffee is coming from.
Go to see the accommodation department, student services, finance and disability services if you need to. A face-to-face encounter with experts in this areas will help you gain confidence and know what you’re getting from each individual university.
Don’t be afraid to ask silly questions. The response you get from all questions should be encouraging which shows that it is a supportive environment.
Education
The courses should be top of your list when looking into your options. Read up on your choices before your open day and be ready with course specific questions. This decision will shape the next few years of your higher education. Try to ask questions that will help you to understand the course structure, assessment methods, modules, and course content.
It’s important to talk to tutors and academics at open days. These people will be your first point of contact from an education perspective and have first-hand knowledge of what your learning will entail.
Extra-curricular
Check out the clubs, societies or sports teams that each university has to offer. Not only are these great for meeting like-minded people but they help build strong relationships and look great on your CV too.
There are usually lots of volunteering opportunities available through university, whether it’s on campus or externally. Giving your time not only helps others but also gives the opportunity to meet an entirely new group of people.
Other events
Some universities may hold events other than open days such as our popular National Law Fair which aims to connect students to recruitment opportunities. There also may be subject talks related to your chosen degree, career taster events and even case study days. All these additional events can really tell you something about where you chose to study. A university that offers these extra events alongside their open days, shows an interest in the subject and a desire to expand your university career beyond the syllabus.
Recently at ULaw, we marked the 25-year anniversary of one of the most famous legal battles in history by hosting a series of mock-trials covering the OJ Simpson case. The events took place through the summer and were open to all those who are thinking of studying law.
If you would like to find out more about our events, see our Events page.
