University Open Days Choosing a course and university

University Open Days

Choosing a course and university • There are 150 universities offering 38, 000 different courses • Only the USA has more choice for undergraduates • The most important thing for students is to choose the right course at the right place for them • Researching all the options available and making an informed choice is vital – in surveys, current university students say the number one piece of advice for new students is to do more research • It is especially important given the increased cost of gaining a degree

Choose your university and course • Course • If you want to study Business, you can do this at most universities in the country. • If you want to study Burmese, there is only one (it's SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies). • Location • Whether you like to dance the night away, follow the Premier League, haunt theatre, or engage in volunteering choosing the right location is important. • For most, it is a combination of factors such as these that will result in the elimination of most universities from your list, so that a manageable list of perhaps six to eight will emerge. Then the detailed work begins.

Visit the universities and organise taster days • The best way to decide on the university and course is to visit the university open day • We would NEVER recommend that you put down a university you haven’t visited as one of your five choices • How are you getting there? Train? With parents? With someone else? • Think about when they are – some may clash. Your exams are during week beginning 9 th July so do you want to be on an open day the Saturday before? Can you go in June or September?

Making the most of open days • In order to make the most of an open day it is essential to plan in advance; open days are typically very busy and there won’t be time to see and do absolutely everything. • Take pictures and make notes; after Open Day 6, these will help you remember Open Day 1

• Use UCAS to help you find the dates of upcoming Open Days (you can also use opendays. com and look on the university websites) Aim to visit all of the universities on your list

Most universities will offer alternative days – now is not the time to miss too much school!

Transport • Many open days start at 9 am. • Leave plenty of time for the journey – Welcome talks will start on time. Will you have to stay the night before if you are going to Scotland or Southampton? Leg 1 Departs from Wilmslow at 07: 16 Arrives at Manchester Piccadilly at 07: 42 Train Operator: Northern Rail Leg 2 Departs from Manchester Piccadilly at Arrives at York at 09: 14 Train Operator: Transpennine Express 07: 57

Timetable § Areas to visit: § General Introduction to the University – Welcome Talk § Subject specific talks § Finance § Accommodation – make sure you visit accommodation as well as listening to talks § Parent talks § Also: § Personal Statement § Student Life

Timetable

These are extras to the subject talks and well worth a visit; often these are situated in a central location so you can walk through on your way to another venue.

Finance

Accommodation Talk subject Where and when What is it about Accommodation Campus Pennine Lecture Theatre 9. 15 -9. 45 am Peak Lecture Theatre 2. 15 -2. 45 pm A look at your accommodation options and advice on how to apply.

Personal Planner Personal statement? Student Union?

After the Open Day • Review your notes. • Start to compare the universities • If you have any new questions or concerns, email the university, or even ring them! • Talk to school – we have years of experience so use us!

Further information • http: //www. ucas. com/how-it-all-works/parents-and-guardians • www. ucas. com • https: //www. ucas. com/ucas/events/find/type/openday? keywords=&distance=160. 934&centre=&page=3&sort_by=fie ld_event_date_value • https: //www. gov. uk/student-finance/overview • http: //www. moneysavingexpert. com/students/student-loanstuition-fees-changes