Parent’s Guide to Open Days
Open Days help students discover which university and course best suits them.
They provide the perfect opportunity to explore learning spaces and facilities, attend talks and ask questions to staff and current students.
Showing Your Support
Should I attend Open Days with my young person?
While it's perfectly fine for a young person to attend an Open Day on their own, there’s so much parents and carers can gain from joining them. From discovering more about the place they will potentially be living and studying, to feeling confident that they will have access to the right support should they need it.
On the day itself, your role is to offer encouragement and be there for the prospective student, but it's important to take a step back and let them take the lead. This can help them feel empowered to make decisions and take control of their university journey, while knowing you're there if they need advice or support.
What to Expect
Discover what you can expect from an Open Day
Being Prepared
How can I help my young person prepare for an Open Day at the University of Chichester?
To make the most of your visit, preparation is key. Upon arriving at one of our campuses, be sure to look out for a registration point, where a member of our team will scan the QR code on your young person's event ticket.
Prior to the event, they will have received a personalised programme via email. We recommend reviewing this together to ensure they don't miss any important talks or sessions.
It may also be beneficial for you to sit down with the individual and devise a list of questions they would like to ask during the Open Day. This can help them feel more prepared and ensure they leave with all the information they need to make an informed decision.
Checklist
Open Day checklist for parents and carers
To ensure your young person is fully prepared for the Open Day, here's a quick checklist:
Review the Open Day programme
Ensure they have received and reviewed the email containing their tailored programme.
Create a list of questions
Sit down with them and write down any questions they have about courses, accommodation or support services.
Pack essentials
Make sure you have all the necessary items, such as a pen and paper for taking notes.
Check travel details
Confirm the best route and parking information for the campus you will be visiting (this will be free on the day).
Bring confirmation
Bring any event confirmations or tickets with QR codes for check-in.
Be ready to listen
Stay open-minded and ready to listen to their thoughts and feelings about the day.
Getting There
Can I park on-campus during Open Days?
Yes, it’s possible to park on both our Bishop Otter campus and Bognor Regis campus. Please ignore any signs regarding payment, as charges do not apply during Open Day events.
Bishop Otter campus (Chichester)
When travelling to our Bishop Otter campus in Chichester by car, we recommend using what3words location located below. You can use the 'Google Maps directions' button to open the location in Google Maps.
what3words location: ///worm.trucks.nights
Bognor Regis campus
When travelling to the Bognor Regis campus by car, please use the what3words location to find our Tech Park car park. You can also use the button below to open the location in Google Maps.
what3words location: ///maple.prone.secure
Encouraging Reflection
What should I ask the young person after an Open Day?
After a busy day of exploring, it’s a good idea to encourage the young person to reflect on their experience. They may look to you for advice and guidance but let them lead the conversation as much as possible. Try asking open-ended questions, such as:
- What was your favourite part of the day?
- Did anything surprise you about the university?
- What did you like best about the facilities?
- Is there anything you didn’t like or feel unsure about?
- How do you think this university is different to others you’ve seen?
Remember, if any additional questions pop up, they can always contact our Open Day team at studyhere@chi.ac.uk, who will be more than happy to help!
