Going to open days helps you to discover:
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How to get to the campus.
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How long it takes to get there.
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Where the Open Day takes place.
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Where to find food vans, toilets, and library.
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Where to find different exhibitions and lecture theatres.
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Where to find student accommodation
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How to read the presentation and demonstration schedule.
Get an authentic experience
Plan to go with a friend
Ask your friends to go with you and your family. What they are interested in? Make sure you know what they might want to explore. Make a commitment to support each other on the open day.
Your parents. will have the biggest influencers on your career choices, but your friends are great to bounce ideas off. They will give you views of someone your age.
Check
Check the university open day web page with your parents and friends to find details about any special courses that you want to investigate or talks you want to attend.
You may need to change the time you attend to see a presentation that is of interest to your career choice.
On the Day
Find out how uni works
Each degree is made up of subjects (units) for which you get points. (Check First in Family site)
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Ask how many years it will normally take as a full-time student to get enough points for a degree.
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Ask about subject choices for each of the courses you are interested in.
There will be handouts.
Ask about scholarships
There are many scholarships you can apply for. Ask the careers staff to give you a full breakdown of scholarships that could match your profile.
If you are interested in staying in uni accommodation, ask what financial support is available.
Clubs
There are a million clubs that you can join at university. You have more than a year to make choices so check out a few. You can join some clubs while still at school.
Book an appointment with a career counsellor
These appointments are free and it is the job of the career counsellor to help students.
If you get this help in Year 11, you will be more settled throughout the rest of the year and through Year 12 because you will have a stronger idea about what you want to do when you leave school.
Entry Requirements
While you are checking out the courses ask about prerequisites and recommended courses that you should take before applying for particular courses. You also need to know the required ATAR score and alternative pathways to uni.
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This guide to open days really highlights the importance of planning ahead and making the most of the opportunities available. As a student who attended several open days with friends, I can attest to the value of exploring together and sharing insights. It’s crucial to gather information about scholarships and entry requirements early on to make informed decisions about future academic paths.
This post is incredibly helpful for students navigating the maze of university open days. I remember when I attended one with my friends last year; it was daunting at first, but having them there made it much more manageable. The tips about asking about scholarships and entry requirements are particularly valuable; I wish I had known about those sooner!
Reflecting on my own experiences, attending open days with friends not only enhanced our understanding but also fostered a supportive environment for decision-making. As someone navigating the transition from high school to university, this step-by-step approach ensures a smoother journey towards informed choices and future aspirations.
Wow, this post really lays out all the important steps for making the most out of university open days! Reading through it brings back memories of when I attended my first open day with my best friend, navigating through the campus together and soaking in all the information. It’s amazing how much planning and preparation goes into these events, but it’s definitely worth it for the authentic experience and getting a clearer picture of what to expect in the future.
Attending open days has been a game-changer for me in terms of gathering information about universities, courses, and entry requirements. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but with the support of my friends and family, we navigated through the campus, explored different exhibitions, and even managed to find the best food vans for a quick snack. I highly recommend booking an appointment with a career counsellor as they provided valuable guidance, helping me gain clarity about my future plans and ensuring I make the most of my remaining time in high school.
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