Top Ten Questions to Ask Before and During an Open Day

Open Days are an important activity to tick off as you figure out the right place to study, and they are a pivotal step in making an informed choice about your higher education journey.

Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you keep on task and will make sure that you get the answers you need.

Here are the ten essential questions I’d recommend for you to ask during your Open Day visit:

1. Are there courses available that suit my needs and goals?

Why it matters: Knowing the details of the course options available to you will help you determine if the university offers the exact degree you’re interested in, and you might even discover a pathway that suits you better!

For example, at the University of Chester, there is a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that will set you up for a variety of future career paths and academic pursuits. Ask about the specifics of your course at your Open Day visit and attend subject talks of degrees that may interest you.

2. What are the entry requirements?

Why it matters: Establishing academic and non-academic requirements will help you assess whether you meet the criteria and will highlight what you need to do to prepare your application. Something to note is that different entry requirements exist for courses that may be the same and you also need to pay attention to whether the course has specific subject prerequisites, grades, and additional tests or interviews.

To illustrate, some degrees at Chester require certain A Levels or the equivalent qualifications and others may additionally require work experience or additional certifications. Talk to lecturers on an Open Day to discuss how you can strengthen your application for the course you’re interested in.

3. What facilities are available?

Why it matters: Facilities like libraries, labs and sports centres have a great influence on your university experience, so make sure that you check them out and ask questions about them at Open Days.

One of the reasons that I chose the University of Chester is that it has modern libraries, state-of-the-art laboratories, and excellent sports facilities. These were things that were important to me, and I knew that they would add value to my student experience.

4. What support services are provided?

Why it matters: Universities provide different support services like academic advice, mental health support, and career guidance. These services are a great resource if you find that you need them.

A bonus for Chester is that it has a high-quality teaching system consisting of guidance on studies, counselling, and career advancement programmes, so that you can get the help you need throughout your university years. Stop by the support teams on an Open Day to find out more about what’s available to you as a student at Chester.

5. What are the accommodation options?

Why it matters: Get to know the on-campus and off-campus accommodation options, costs, and availability of the services you need so you can plan your living arrangements and budget accordingly.

Chester presents a variety of housing options, including self-catered apartments, which will suit different preferences and budgets. Go on tours and ask current students about their experiences, as this will help you decide where you want to be based.

6. What is the campus culture like?

Why it matters: The social environment, clubs, societies, and general campus atmosphere are great things to pick up on at an Open Day. It's important to find a place where you are engaged and comfortable.

The University of Chester is renowned for its active student community, which includes a large number of societies and clubs. Engaging in campus life through these clubs will help you meet like-minded people, pursue hobbies you love, and learn new skills.

7. What is the surrounding area like?

Why it matters: Finding out about the local amenities and cultural scene will enable you get a sense of whether you would enjoy relocating to your university of choice.

Chester is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage that offers a wide range of activities, places to eat, and entertainment options. During your visit on the University of Chester Open Day, take the opportunity to explore the charming city, its picturesque Roman walls, and lively local markets.

8. What are the opportunities for work experience?

Why it matters: Working alongside your degree, pursuing internships, and engaging with placement programmes enhances your employability.

The University of Chester provides a range of options for work experience, like internships and placements. Ask lecturers and the Careers & Employability Team about work experience opportunities at an Open Day to discover how you can develop as you study.

9. What financial support is available?

Why It Matters: Financial support, bursaries, and scholarships can help make higher education more affordable. It’s a good idea to find out what financial support is available and how to apply for it, so talking to the Finance Team on an Open Day is a great way of finding out more information.

Financial support options offered by the University of Chester include needs-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and bursaries for certain courses.

10. What are the employment prospects?

Why It Matters: Finding out about the university’s industry connections on your course and discovering more about the careers service is important as you think about what course you want to study.

The careers support and strong industry links at Chester ensure that graduate employment rates stay consistently high, and the Careers & Employability Team is always on hand to talk to at Open Days.

Get involved with the University of Chester and visit us for an Open Day to find out the answer to Swetha’s top ten questions.