Due to COVID-19 regulations, colleges and universities are unable to hold Open Days, where you would visit the city and campus and meet students and lecturers. Instead, many institutions are running Virtual Open Days, so you can visit the campus from the comfort of your own home! Watch our video below to find out more about how these online events work, and how to make the most of them! 

You can read the transcript of the video below or download it here.

Slide 1: Introduction

Due to the current government guidelines on social distancing, universities are now holding many of their open days online.

These virtual open days will help you find out more about a university, a course you’re interested in and how to apply and much more. So here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of any upcoming virtual open days.

 

Slide 2: Before the event

Before the event there are a few things which you should check in order to make sure you don’t miss anything important on the day.

Firstly, you may need to register or book your place through the university's website – this is so they can email you any important information and links to the open day content

Next, check the format of the event. Some universities might host live Q7As through different social media websites, or direct through their own website, Or they might host campus tours from pre-recorded videos on their websites. Checking this is important to ensure you can access these at home, especially if any of the content is live.

Think about the subject department you would like to know more about – there might be subject specific talks for subjects allowing you to explore a number of subject areas for more information.

Check the timings of any webinar talks or live Q&As – so you don’t miss any opportunity to speak to people from the university

You might find it useful to make a list of questions prior to the event – this could be anything from about different courses to what extra-curricular activities the university can offer you.

 

Slide 3: What can I expect from a virtual open day?

Each university might set out their virtual open day but they will all include the usual components of providing you with information on core aspects – they often include information on courses, accommodation, the campus and more.

 

Slide 4 – Welcome talks

A good place to start with a virtual event is to listen to any of the welcome talks – these talks often provide a good overview of the university

And help give you a feel for what studying at the university might be like

A reminder of what on during the online event such as talks for different departments or student finance

Subject departments might have provided introductions such as STEM subjects or Humanities

  

Slide 5: Campus Tours

There might be virtual campus tours so you can have a look around the campus

This might include video tours of different buildings, so you can see the size of the campus

They allow you to see the facilities on offer

Ask yourself during these tours – can you see yourself studying here?

 

Slide 6: Accommodation tours

A chance for you to see different rooms you could live if you choose to live away from home at university. These could vary and might include different rooms, en-suite, self-catered or catered options.

How far is the student accommodation from the university? Will you need to travel on public transport or is it a walkable distance?

You might be trying to weigh up whether you could stay at home and not stay in accommodation – is it easy for you to commute from home to university?

For more information on Virtual Open Days please visit the UCAS Website.  

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