There are loads of reasons to attend a university open day, like gaining an idea of what your time studying and living there will be like. So don’t just sit there flicking through a prospectus, wondering what student life could be like – take action, book a visit and say “hello” to your future!
Have a chat with current students – hearing about being a student first-hand provides you with that all-important insight into the reality of what day-to-day life is like. You will also get the chance to meet like-minded students who are considering their choice – and start to create networks of new friends to keep in touch with in the build-up to enrolling.
Course leaders and admissions tutors are a major part of open days. Ask them all of your burning questions about your chosen course. How is it structured? What choice of modules do you have? What are the options for placements? What’s the style of teaching and assessment? What do they like about teaching here and what are past graduates doing? Test their knowledge!
This may be the first time that you will be living away from home, so now’s the chance to see what your new home might be like. Check out the accommodation options, take a tour around a hall of residence and find out more from students currently living in halls about everything from housemates to bills and food, glorious food.
Have a look at the state-of-the-art facilities. Check out those that are important to you and your chosen course, as well as visiting the more general facilities such as the library, the Students’ Union and sports facilities. Ask questions and find out from Student Ambassadors where the local hotspots are. This is your chance to get a feel for the university and its wider location.
Students often bring families, friends and guests to Open Days. Remember, they want you to be happy with your choice so it is important that they get to see the campus, the facilities and have a chance to speak to university staff. They’ll be eager to see what the university and city have to offer.
There will be many staff on hand during the day – meet academics, admissions staff, graduates, Student Ambassadors and student support staff – they can answer your questions about pretty much anything, from enrolment to navigating your way around campus, to the best sandwiches in town!
Make time to visit the Students’ Union (SU), where you can talk with student staff and discover more about the hub of student life. The SU offers a place to take time out, relax, gain advice and socialise. Friendly, outgoing and full of ideas, the union is there to help you have the best university experience possible, so don’t miss out on a visit.
Sailing, architecture, amateur dramatics, geology – whatever floats your boat, there’s more than likely a group for you. Going to university offers you the chance to try something new, so be open-minded and check out all of the societies that the university has to offer.
Managing your money can be daunting at first, so let the finance team help to prepare you with one of their budgeting workshops. There is plenty of help available, including some top tips for living on a budget.
Finally, it’s all about soaking up the atmosphere and trusting your instincts. By attending an Open Day, you have taken the first step towards your future and sometimes you ‘just know’ if this is the right university for you – visiting in person is definitely the best way to make that all-important decision.
Contact us
If you have any enquiries about our Undergraduate Open Day please email studentrecruitment@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone +44 1752 58 58 58.
Once you have registered your booking using our online booking form you will receive a booking confirmation.
One week prior to your chosen Open Day you will receive a programme of the day to your registered email address.
The University is located right in the heart of the stunning South West, with a wealth of places to explore. A visit to an Open Day will give you plenty of chances to take a look at the local area and to start to imagine what your life will be like living in Britain’s Ocean City.
As part of the university open day you can go on a guided city bus tour, taking in all the major sites and interest points of Plymouth. This is a great way to get to know more about what Plymouth has to offer and also to take in some of the best views of the waterfront.
Take a stroll down to The Barbican (Plymouth’s old harbour area) and visit the waterfront at Plymouth Hoe. The University holds its graduation ceremonies here and it is also the spot that many great explorations have departed from. It’s where in 1620 the Mayflower departed to America, to establish the first communities that would become the USA. So, stand where they did and imagine the start of your great adventure.
Catch a small yellow ferry for a 10 minute shuttle ride from the Mayflower Steps in the Barbican to the Mount Batten Peninsula. Jump off the boat and walk round the Napoleonic tower and follow the South West Coast Path until you find Jennycliff Beach, where you can dip your toes in the sea and enjoy a cup of tea in the café overlooking Plymouth Sound. This section of the coast is part of 630 miles of the South West Coast Path which runs from Dorset right round to Somerset, taking in the coastlines of Devon and Cornwall. It is rated as one of the top walks to be found anywhere in the world.
Situated on the University campus, this is the largest contemporary art space in Plymouth with a programme of exhibitions that feature world renowned artists alongside new art stars of tomorrow. A beautiful space to spend some time reflecting during the busy schedule of an open day.
A truly unique location in Plymouth with stylishly restored buildings steeped in history. Hosting a wide range of places to eat and drink including its own artisan bakery, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s River Cottage café and stunning views across one of the many marinas on Plymouth’s waterfront. Sit and enjoy a coffee, whilst watching the yachts sail by and enjoy the views over to Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall. Check out our magazine feature about the Yard.
