Your Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of a University Open Day
Attending a university Open Day is one of the best ways to experience campus life first-hand.
It’s so much more than just a day out – it’s your opportunity to envision yourself in a new environment, meet the people who’ll shape your future and get a genuine feel for whether an institution is the right fit for you, both academically and socially.
To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve created the ultimate university Open Day guide. Read on to discover our top tips!
Why should I attend a university Open Day?
While our website features plenty of helpful information about studying at the University of Chichester, nothing compares to experiencing our campuses in person.
An Open Day is your chance to:
- Tour our teaching spaces and student accommodation
- Speak to the lecturers who could be teaching your course
- Chat with current students about life at university
- Experience campus life and explore the local area.
From stepping into our industry-leading facilities to chatting with your future lecturers and getting a feel for student life on campus, Open Days offer a glimpse into what could be your next chapter.
Who should I take with me to a university Open Day?
Who you bring to a university Open Day is entirely up to you – you could even go alone!
Most commonly, students attend with one or both parents, guardians, or a trusted supporter. This could also be a sibling, another family member or friend. Whoever you choose to bring, having someone who knows you well and can help you ask questions, take notes, and reflect on the experience afterwards can be helpful.
If you’re a parent or supporter looking for personalised tips on how to help a young person get the most out of their experience, explore our Parents’ Guide to Open Days — it’s packed with everything you need to know!
Top tips for a successful university Open Day
1. Plan Ahead
Preparation is key. Once you’ve registered for an Open Day, you’ll receive a detailed itinerary for the day. Take the time to review this in advance and highlight any sessions you don’t want to miss.
These may include:
- Course-specific talks
- Tours of our facilities
- Student life and wellbeing talks
- Finance and admissions guidance.
Top Tip: Planning your journey early can help reduce stress on the day. Make note of parking, public transport options and travel times – especially if you’re travelling from further afield.
2. Ask Questions (lots of them!)
This is your chance to get answers from people who know the University best.
Don’t hold back – the more questions you ask, the more confident you’ll feel in your decision-making.
Who you’ll meet:
- Passionate academics who are experts in their fields
- Student ambassadors who can offer honest insight into life at Chichester
- Support staff who can help with funding, wellbeing and careers.
Top Tip: Prepare a few questions in advance, such as:
- What makes this course different to other institutions?
- How will I be assessed?
- What kind of student support services are available?
- What are your favourite things to do in the area?
3. Explore the Campus and Facilities
Photos online only show part of the picture.
Take time to explore our teaching spaces, studios, labs, libraries, and grounds.
Top Tip: Check out accommodation options in person to see what suits your lifestyle and budget.
4. Discover the Local Area
Remember, university life extends far beyond the classroom.
You’ll be living here — so make sure the city feels right for you.
Whether you’re visiting our Chichester or Bognor campus, make time to explore the local surroundings.
Hidden Gems: Discover quirky bookshops, vibrant independent cafes, cosy pubs, and some of the best beaches on the south coast — all within easy reach of campus.
5. Take Notes (and photos!)
There’s a lot to take in — and if you’re visiting multiple universities, the finer details can all blur into one.
Take notes during sessions and snap photos of spaces you liked.
These will be invaluable when you’re comparing options later down the line.
Top Tip: Use a notebook or your notes app to jot down quick impressions of each course or talk, especially things that surprised or excited you.
6. Reflect on the day
Once you’re back home, allow yourself time to reflect.
Don’t just rely on memory – sit down and review your notes, photos and any materials you picked up.
Ask yourself:
- Could I see myself here?
- Did the people and environment feel welcoming?
- Were the facilities and courses what I expected?
Trust your gut! That’s often the best indicator of whether something is the right fit for you.
Register for an Open Day
Choosing a university is a big decision, but attending Open Days can make the process much easier, clearer, and more exciting.
Whether you’re drawn to a particular course, our tight-knit community, or a coastal lifestyle, register for an Open Day to explore everything the University of Chichester has to offer.
We can’t wait to meet you!
