How do Virtual Open Days Work?

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If your potential future university is far away from where you live, you may be considering attending a virtual open day. However, you may be a bit concerned about getting the information you need. If you’re not visiting the uni in person, how can you tell if it’s the right fit for you?

Surprisingly, there are a bunch of resources online to help you get what you need from your virtual uni open day, and we’ve got the best top tips for you right here. So, here are some things to consider when attending your university’s virtual open day and how you can make the most of it.

What is a virtual open day?

A virtual open day is an online event in which students can learn more about their prospective university, courses, and more. They are held by universities themselves and aim to give students an idea of what it would be like to study there.

Virtual open days are ideal for international students who have not yet arrived in the UK to study or those already in the UK who live far from their preferred university. They provide an accessible way to gain information without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

How do virtual open days work?

Students are typically given links to join video presentations and webinars online or explore campus tours digitally. Video calls give students the chance to ask lecturers and current students any questions they have, just as they would be able to in person.

Tips for attending a virtual open day

Go in with an open mind

You might have your heart set on which university is your first choice, but make sure to go to any virtual uni open day with an open mind. Avoid paying less attention to universities you’re unsure about, and make sure to spend time evaluating each option.

Treat each university open day the same. Ask similar questions for each one, attend all of the relevant online meetings, and spend time researching the university before and after, too. This will put you in the best position for deciding which university is right for you.

Get to know the city

The city your university is in will really make or break your student experience, so it’s worth getting to know your potential future home. Having your open day online may lead you to miss out on getting to know the atmosphere of the city, so it’s a good idea to do some research.

Whether it’s getting around campus, seeing what shops are in the city centre, or simply learning a bit about the history, invest time in the things that are important to you. From culture and events to pubs and bars, figure out what the student community is like and if you’ll find yourself at home.

If you’re provided with videos of the city, campus and previous events during your virtual uni open day, make the most of these. It’s a good idea to utilise Google Maps to do tours of campus, the city centre, and where your accommodation could be. Check out UniHomes’ blog for insights into student life. Here are examples of some of the city-specific details you can find:

• Free things to do in Birmingham
• Cheap places to eat in Leicester
• Student nights out in Swansea
• Cafés in Portsmouth
• Alcohol-free activities in Edinburgh

Speak to current students

Open days offer a great opportunity for potential students to chat to those already studying at the university. You’re able to ask questions about your future course and student life in the city.

Some virtual viewings will still provide this opportunity and connect you with existing students. So, make sure to write down any questions you might have before attending. Examples of things you might ask are:

• Where is the best place in the city for students to live?
• What modules do you recommend taking for the course?
• Is there anything you wish you knew before you started university?

If chatting to existing students isn’t possible at your virtual uni open day, try looking online. The Student Room has a wealth of information on offer for future students, so you can ask any questions you have or read through existing conversations.

It’s worth looking at Facebook pages for freshers at your university, to see if any discussions are going on. Your Freshers Guide has great resources for students all over the UK, including groups to put you in touch with other future students.

Take notes

If you’re attending multiple open days, it can be easy to confuse information, especially if your events occur one after another. This can lead you to forget important information, and blur facts from each university together.

Taking notes is the best way to distinguish between your open days, and it’s even easier when you’re doing them virtually. Keep a notepad and pen next to your computer, and jot down anything that sparks interest. Remember, you can never have too many notes, so write down absolutely anything and everything. You’ll thank yourself later.

Don’t do it alone

Students usually attend open days with a parent, guardian, or close friend. This provides a vital opportunity to discuss the day and, most importantly, get a second opinion. It can be easy when you’re in the moment to overlook key factors, but your companion can ask obvious questions which you may have initially ignored.

Ask someone you trust to attend the virtual open days with you, so you have someone to bounce your ideas off. Making such a big decision on your own can be hard, so you’ll definitely benefit from talking things through.

Remember, choosing your university is a big decision, and it shouldn’t be rushed. Take time to reflect on your open day and give it a while before you make any permanent decisions. If you’re unsure about anything at all, simply get in touch with your university, as they’ll be happy to help.

When is your next open day?

Here’s a guide to virtual open days and opportunities at some of the UK’s most popular student locations.

• Bath

The University of Bath has created an Undergraduate Virtual Experience for those who’ve missed out on open days this year. The experience has a bunch of online events on offer over the coming weeks, as well as virtual tours and informational videos. Check out more information about the University of Bath’s virtual open days.

Alternatively, learn more about Bath Spa University's open days.

• Brighton

The University of Brighton offers virtual 360 tours of its three campuses, enabling students to have a proper look at student accommodation, labs, and workshops. There are also online information and advice events to look out for.

The University of Sussex’s virtual tours are available for prospective students, as well as a range of virtual events for postgraduates.

• Bristol

The University of Bristol's virtual events allow potential students to take a deeper look into undergraduate and postgraduate study. You’re able to book a spot now and meet staff, learn more about studying in Bristol, and explore the campus in a 360 tour.

The University of the West of England gives students a chance to explore a 360-degree tour of the campus and register for a virtual open day.

• Coventry

Coventry University has a few upcoming undergraduate events. The university has also created a Virtual Experience so you can explore the campus and get to know the spirit of the city. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Alternatively, check out the University of Warwick’s open day information for undergraduates.

• Leeds

The University of Leeds is helping you discover the whole of Leeds from home, with specialist postgraduate virtual open days. Everything from live chats to Q&A sessions will be available. Talks from the days will be available afterwards for those who can’t make it.

Virtual open days at Leeds Beckett University involve a virtual tour of campus, as well as the opportunity to chat to a current student about your course and life in Leeds.

• Newcastle

Learn more about open days at Newcastle University, events, student insights and expert advice. They also have a series of virtual tours of the city and campus, available online.

Northumbria University has virtual tours on offer so you can visit the city, explore the campus, and meet the community, all from your home.

• Norwich

The University of East Anglia hosts virtual open days, where you can learn what it’s like to study in Norwich. You’ll have the chance to explore the campus and facilities, chat to current students and find out more about your course.

Online open days at Norwich University of the Arts are also available. These include tours of facilities, a look at student work, visits to studios and workshops, course-specific talks and advice.

• Sheffield

The University of Sheffield’s online events allow you to discover Sheffield from home with videos of the city, interactive campus tours, and the opportunity to speak to staff and students at UoS.

Alternatively, learn about Sheffield Hallam University’s open days for more information.

• Southampton

The University of Southampton provides virtual open days each year, where you can get key information from the comfort of your home. From live chats and course talks, you’ll be able to find out more about life in Southampton. Learn more about the University of Southampton’s open days.

Solent University gives you the chance to book a virtual tour if you can’t make an open day, so you can still find out more about life in Southampton. Take a virtual tour of campus, find out about courses and ask questions if you need to.

• Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth has virtual experiences available for those who want to get a feel for student life in Portsmouth. You’ll be able to tour the campus and the facilities on offer, speak with lecturers and chat with students, as well as learning more about life in Portsmouth.

• Manchester

The University of Manchester's virtual events allow you to get a flavour of what studying in the northern capital is really like – all from the comfort of your own home.

Manchester Metropolitan’s virtual experience for prospective students also offers a great way to explore student life here digitally.

Book your student accommodation

Now that you know more about how virtual open days work and what they’re all about, you’ll be able to get to know different cities and choose your favourite university. The next step after this? Checking out your favourite student accommodation!

At UniHomes, we work with letting agents and landlords all over the UK, so you can always find your preferred student home in your new city. Browse our accommodation listings by budget and location to get started!