University open days: A complete guide for students

When I first started researching universities, I found the open day process somewhat overwhelming. With so many courses listed on UCAS, narrowing down my options felt almost impossible. I also wondered whether visiting campuses was worth the effort when so much information is available online.

In the end, attending an open day was one of the main reasons I chose my university. When I visited the University of Manchester, I could genuinely picture myself studying there, and that feeling became an important part of my decision.

Whether you’re wondering when university open days take place, if you should attend in person, or how to make the most of the day, this guide covers everything you need to know.

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What is a university open day?

A university open day is an event held on campus that gives prospective students the chance to explore what a university is really like.

By attending subject talks, taking campus and accommodation tours, and speaking to current students and academics, uni open days can help you decide whether a university and course could be the right fit for you.

They are designed to give you a clearer sense of both the academic side of university life and the student experience beyond the lecture theatre.

When are university open days in 2026?

If you’re planning to apply in the next admissions cycle, university open days are likely to run between June and November 2026, although exact dates vary between universities.

For many students, the summer after Year 12 is a great time to start visiting universities, as it gives you plenty of time to compare your options before submitting your UCAS application. This is particularly important for early application courses, such as Medicine, or for applications to Oxford and Cambridge. You can then use any autumn open days during Year 13 as another opportunity to explore campuses before making your final decisions.

The easiest way to find out when universities are holding open days is through their official websites, which usually have the most up-to-date information. UCAS also offers an open day search tool that puts events from UK universities in one place.

Most universities require you to register in advance. After booking, you’ll usually receive confirmation emails, event information, and details about how to sign up for specific talks and activities.

How many university open days should you go to?

There is no magic number. Some students attend one or two uni open days, while others attend several. Ideally, you would visit every university you’re seriously considering, but travel costs, time commitments and distance can make that unrealistic.

A good approach is to prioritise the universities you are most interested in, especially those you are considering as potential firm or insurance choices. If you’re torn between several options, it’s worth visiting universities with a range of entry requirements, as this will likely be reflective of your UCAS choices.

Are virtual open days worth attending?

If travelling to lots of universities isn’t realistic, virtual open days can be a useful alternative. Virtual open days allow you to explore a university online through campus tours, videos, webinars and live Q&A sessions. They can be a convenient way to learn about a university without the time and expense of travelling.

Although they can’t fully replicate the experience of being on campus, virtual open days can still be extremely valuable. They allow you to quickly compare universities, narrow down your options and decide which campuses are worth visiting in person.

Before university open days

Once you’ve decided which uni open days to attend, it’s time to start preparing so you can make the most of your visit.

How should you prepare for university open days?

Before committing to an open day, spend some time exploring the university’s website. Make sure the course, entry requirements, location, and any other priorities broadly match what you’re looking for before investing the time and money in visiting.

Once you’ve booked, take a look at the schedule and decide what you want to prioritise. If there’s one session I would always recommend attending, it’s the subject talk. You will spend most of your university experience studying your course, so understanding what and how you will be learning should be a priority. Depending on your needs, you may want to attend talks on accommodation or student finance.

Finally, think about how you will get there. If you’re travelling by train, booking in advance can often save money. If you’re driving, check parking arrangements and allow time for traffic, especially at larger universities.

Questions to ask at university open days

One of the biggest mistakes I made when attending open days was worrying about asking the “right” questions. In reality, the best questions are the ones that matter most to you.

Before attending, make a list of things you’d genuinely like to know. Even if the answer is available online, asking in person often leads to useful conversations and follow-up questions.

Below is by no means a comprehensive list, but provides some ideas:

• What does a typical week look like on this course?
• How is the course assessed? (Online exams vs in-person exams vs coursework.)
• How many optional modules are there compared with core modules?
• How many contact hours should I expect?
• What are class sizes like?
• What support is available if I struggle academically or personally?
• What is student life like outside lectures?
• What clubs and societies are the best? (Expect varying and passionate answers!)
• How much does accommodation typically cost?
• What sports facilities are there?
• What support is available for international students?
• What makes students choose this university over others?

While course structures matter, it’s worth remembering that your interests and course options may change during your degree. Use open days to understand the wider opportunities and specialisms rather than focusing too heavily on individual modules.

During university open days

University open days can be busy. With large crowds and multiple sessions to fit in, it can feel like you’re rushing from one thing to the next. That’s why following a rough plan is so helpful.

Whilst each university structures its open days slightly differently, most include a combination of talks, campus tours, and accommodation tours. As you move through the day, keep the priorities and questions you identified earlier at the front of your mind. Rather than trying to note down every piece of information, focus on finding out the important answers.

Talks

Most university open days include a range of talks. These often include subject-specific sessions, introductions to university life, and accommodation talks. Subject talks are often the most valuable, helping you understand the course and whether the department excites you. If moving away from home feels daunting, other non-subject talks may be useful too. There is no right or wrong combination, and you should tailor the day to your own priorities.

Campus and accommodation tours

Campus tours are a great way to see the places that will form part of your day-to-day experience as an undergraduate. Remember that your university life will likely extend beyond your department building, with lectures, seminars, and study sessions taking place in different parts of the campus. You can also explore beyond the guided tour to get a better sense of the university and its surroundings.

As you walk around, notice the atmosphere as well as the facilities. Do students seem relaxed and approachable? Are there plenty of places to study or socialise? Does the campus feel busy and energetic, or quiet and close-knit? There is no “one size fits all”, and one environment may suit you more than another.

If accommodation is important to you, it’s also worth attending an accommodation tour. These usually showcase one or two examples of university housing and can help you understand what is on offer. There are typically catered and self-catered options as well as traditional halls with large shared facilities and smaller flat-style accommodation. Rather than treating the tour as a chance to choose your exact room, use it to work out what type of living arrangement appeals to you.

Student ambassadors and academics

Throughout the day, you’ll have opportunities to speak with both student ambassadors and academic staff. I would recommend talking to both, as they offer very different perspectives.

Current students often provide the most honest and relatable insights. They will likely remember exactly what it felt like to be in your position and can tell you what university life is actually like. They can often answer questions you didn’t even realise you had. Ambassadors can usually be spotted by their university-branded jumpers and T-shirts.

Academic staff can give you a deeper understanding of the course itself. They can explain teaching and assessment methods, placement opportunities, and research strengths, which some students may not be aware of.

If possible, wait until after the subject talk before speaking to them. You will have a better understanding of the course and can ask more thoughtful questions.

How do you know if a university is right for you?

Unfortunately, there is no single rule that can tell you whether a university is right for you. However, there are some signs at university open days that people often look back on and realise were important.

If you find yourself engaging easily with staff and students, that can be a positive sign. Feeling comfortable asking questions or imagining yourself becoming part of the university community may suggest it’s an environment that could suit you.

Also, notice how you respond to the campus itself. Do you find yourself wanting to stay longer and explore more? Sometimes that sense of curiosity is a sign that somewhere has captured your interest.

Many people also talk about having a “gut feeling”. It’s difficult to explain, but sometimes a university simply feels right. Impressive buildings can catch your attention, but feeling comfortable is ultimately more important. Whilst this feeling shouldn’t outweigh practical considerations such as the course, finances, or reputation, I do think it’s worth paying attention to.

After university open days

Once the day is over, it’s worth taking some time to process everything you’ve seen. Make notes whilst things are fresh in your mind and jot down what stood out most, how you felt on campus, and the answers to your key questions.

If you have visited multiple universities, it is worth comparing them. Remember that you’ll eventually need to choose your firm and insurance choices on UCAS, so keeping in mind how they compare to one another is helpful.

What are offer-holder days?

After attending uni open days and submitting your UCAS application, you may be invited to offer-holder days (sometimes called applicant days). These give you the chance to visit a university knowing you already have an offer, helping you make your final decision.

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University open days are one of the best ways to work out whether a university is right for you. Rankings, modules, and entry requirements can help narrow down your options, but visiting a campus allows you to experience the atmosphere, speak to current students, and imagine yourself there.

Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” university. Focus instead on finding a place where you can be both happy and challenged.

Good luck, and let us know in the comments about your own experience of university open days!

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