Tips for university open days

As lower sixth formers turn their thoughts to applying for degree courses later this year, many will be heading off to universities for open days in the coming term.

Sarah Treanor, a first-year student at Bristol University studying philosophy and politics, offers a few tips for getting as much as possible out of the trip.

"Cottage-style en-suite flats", "set in beautiful Georgian gardens", lively nightlife just a short walk", "a great atmosphere" - no, these are not quotes from holiday brochures but genuine university prospectuses.

One reason why it is imperative to visit the campus and city of your prospective universities during their open days.

Talking to the tutors is essential

It is the only chance that you will have to look around the place where you are going to spend three (or more) years.

But all too often, as I found last year, these visits can be a waste of time if the right questions aren't asked.

You will be told that your department is the best, unequivocally, that in the halls you look around no-one has ever had a better time than you will, and the city or campus offers the best social life going.

Not only that, but nobody does any work as they are all having too much fun.

Perhaps this is all true, with no exaggeration from an eager student who is entertaining you for a free lunch and a £10 note - but just maybe it's worth questioning some of it.

Tutor talk

In my view, talking to the tutors is essential.

Think of questions to ask before you go and don't be afraid to ask anything.

Everyone else will probably be relieved that you share the same worries, and remember that you are there to pick your university, the tutors want you to apply, so you can afford to be critical and objective.

It is also vital you know about your course.

What open units can be taken? What are the compulsory units? What happens if you fail a unit? And, crucially, what do you do if you want to switch courses? It is not always possible, and can be very disappointing.

You may have sung the praises of Philosophy or Astro-Physics in your UCAS personal statement, but when it comes down to it, there is a year, or even two, between deciding on a course and actually arriving.

Halls of residence

Aside from the academic departments, most people will visit halls of residence on their open days.

If offered, it is vital to have a look.

You could be living there for the best part of a year, so if your hall is nicknamed "the party hall" you might want to think about what this means for a good night's sleep before a 9am lecture.

You will also, probably, be shown the best room available.

In my residence open day visitors are shown a second year's room three times the size of most others.

Students will give you honest answers to questions such as "is it cliquey?" or "is the 45-minute walk to lectures really that bad?"

Use the prospectus for uncontroversial facts and figures - but question the people living there for a feel of the place.

Student prospectuses

Prospectuses can be biased and, like holiday brochures, are there to sell you the place.

Most student unions produce an alternative prospectus for about £1 which can be a good counterweight.

Make the most of the students you meet - they have all been in your situation and are likely to be forthcoming and helpful.

Questions regarding the helpfulness of staff and the facilities in the city and surroundings won't necessarily be best answered by lecturers and tutors.

Part of their job is to fill you up with tea and squash and give you the hard sell.

But these are key issues, as the safety of a place can determine your social life.

Employment

Also worth a thought is the availability of part-time jobs in the area if you are planning to supplement your loan - and a large percentage of students find they have to.

Don't forget it is your choice - listen to parents or friends if they visit with you, but ask what matters to you.

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In my view provides space for those involved in education to reflect on how it is going from their perspective. The views expressed here are personal.

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