From Attendee to Ambassador: How My Open Day Experience Shaped My University Journey

Trying to choose the right university for me was the most daunting task I had ever faced. Like a lot of other students, I wanted the decision to be perfect, but I was struggling to find what was right for me. When a close friend suggested Chester, I decided to book onto an Open Day. Looking back, I know that was the best decision I ever made.

First impressions- Exton Park

When my mum and I first left the car at Exton Park, I remember turning to her and remarking on how beautiful the site was. The fact there was so much greenery shocked me and I immediately felt safe because of the surroundings.

Speaking to Student Ambassadors dotted around the campus helped me feel the most comfortable I had ever felt at an Open Day due to how knowledgeable and welcoming they were (they were the reason I decided to become a Student Ambassador too!).

We signed in at Seaborne Library where the staff were so kind and approachable. They guided me with a map and informed me of my subject talks and highlighted areas on campus to check out. They were happy to answer any questions I had. I remember their overwhelming kindness to this day, and it definitely made a difference with my university choices.

Visiting accommodation

Chester was the furthest university from home I looked at, so it was a no-brainer I would have to live in accommodation if I wanted to study here. Despite my nerves about moving away from home for the first time, I was determined to give it a chance, so I toured around Astbury House and Grosvenor House.

Any fears I had about moving away instantly left as I saw these comfortable living areas. They were the nicest I had seen so far from any university and the Student Ambassadors who led the tour were supportive and, again, incredibly knowledgeable about student life. This reassured me into thinking that I may actually be fine with moving away from home. And how right I was.

Attending subject talks

For me, the Open Days were all about seeing what the subjects had to offer. I went to the Vicarage for my English talks and remember saying to my mum, “Now this is a building where you learn English”. I hadn’t even attended the talks and I was already mesmerised by the prospect of attending classes there.

I spoke to lecturers, attended English Literature and Creative Writing talks, and got a full grasp of what it meant to be an English student at Chester, and I loved it! It felt so right for me, sitting in the Vicarage lecture theatre and listening to talks about my favourite books and seeing them from angles I never had before.

After the Open Day

As I was sitting in the car ride home with my coffee from the cafe on campus, I remember my mum turning to me and saying, “This seems to be the right university for you”. We had both known instantly. She expressed that she saw me so happy and so confident, unlike any university I had seen previously. We had driven into the city too and I remember being so enamoured by the sights and atmosphere Chester city had to offer.

It was as soon as I got home from the Open Day that I logged into UCAS and put my final two choices towards Chester, with the hope of getting accepted. And I did, much to my excitement. I was so excited that I instantly firmed Chester, with my course in Creative Writing and English Literature.

The Open Day was so influential that it stuck in my mind long after I left. I dreamed of going there and pursuing a degree in what I love the most and I looked forward to what came next.

And now…

I have just finished my first year at the University of Chester and I consider moving to Chester for my studies as one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I have made lots of friends both from accommodation and my course, and now I consider Chester like a second home to me. The city, the wonderful little cafes I escape to where I complete my work, the walks along the walls, everything is just perfect to me.

If you want to experience the University of Chester for yourself, then book onto one of our Open Days, and experience the wonder of Chester.