How to get the most out of an Open Day

The best piece of advice we can give is to prepare. If you arrive at the university with a rough plan of what you would like to see and learn about, it can help you navigate what can be a busy day of talks, tours and exploring.

We will share a schedule a couple of weeks ahead of each Open Day. Take a look at the Open Day schedule before you arrive and think about which sessions are most important to you. It's worth prioritising your subject talk and making time to explore the facilities that interest you, whether that's student accommodation, the library, study spaces or sports facilities.

You don't need to plan every minute, but having an idea of what you'd like to see will help you make the most of your visit.

Planning ahead also means planning your route to the university. Do you intend to travel by public transport? We’d recommend booking your train travel in advance, for instance, since booking on the day can be much more expensive, and it means you can have the reassurance of having your tickets ready to go when you start your journey. 

If you are driving, think about allowing extra time for getting lost or being delayed in traffic, and checking the estimated time in Google Maps. Most Open Days take place on weekends, so even though you probably won’t be contending with rush-hour commuters, you may find that travelling by car takes longer than you expected.  

It is also a good idea to find out what parking provision is in place at your chosen university. Most universities, like Leeds Trinity, will have this information on their website, or it will have been emailed to you before the Open Day, so take a look before setting off. Make sure you know which campus you're visiting and where you need to go when you arrive.

We’d recommend bringing along a parent, guardian, relative or friend. It helps to have a second opinion when choosing a university, even though it is ultimately your decision. They should have your best interests at heart and can be a good sounding board for you on the day. It also helps to have someone there who might have questions to ask that you hadn’t consider.

You don't have to make every decision on the day, so take your time, talk through your impressions afterwards and think about what feels right for you. If you'd prefer to attend on your own, that's fine too. The important thing is that you feel comfortable asking questions and exploring your options.

You may be sent instructions about how to check in when you arrive at the Open Day, so make sure you have your booking confirmation email or any other arrival information to hand. It's worth checking this before you leave home so you know what to expect when you arrive.

If you have your check-in details on your mobile or another device, consider packing a portable charger. Open Days can be a long day out, especially if you've travelled from far away, and being caught without battery power can make your day a bit more awkward than it needs to be.

A notebook or your phone can also be useful for jotting down information, making a note of questions and recording your first impressions. And don't forget to check the weather forecast before you set off!

You can never ask us too many questions. Think about what you'd like to ask our tutors or the student ambassadors who'll be on hand to help you. You might want to know more about the course, how you'll be taught and assessed, placement opportunities or what a typical week as a student looks like.

If you have questions about your UCAS application or personal statement, you can chat with our Admissions team. If finding the right career after your studies is a big priority for you, speak to our Careers+Placements team or course tutors about the industries and jobs your degree could lead to.

It's also worth asking current students about their own experiences. They can give you a feel for what studying at Leeds Trinity is really like, from balancing your workload to making friends and getting involved in university life. If something matters to you, don't be afraid to ask about it.

Once you've started to get a feel for student life at the university, the subject talks are one of the most important parts of an Open Day. These sessions focus specifically on the subject you're thinking about studying and give you valuable insight into what you'll learn, the assignments you might complete, what a typical timetable could look like and any professional work placement opportunities available on your course.

This is your chance to get up close and personal with the subject you're keen to study and ask the questions you've prepared beforehand. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about the teaching team and what makes the course distinctive.

If you have time, explore beyond the campus too. If you choose to live in student accommodation, getting a feel for where you'll be spending the next few years of your life is a good idea. Think about what your day-to-day life might look like, not just what happens in the classroom.

Consider these points:

• Where is the local supermarket?
• If you're planning to live elsewhere and travel to campus each day, what transport options are available?
• Are there cafés, places to eat or things to do nearby?
• Are there green spaces where you can relax and unwind?
• How easy is it to get between the places you'll use regularly?

You don't need to work everything out during one visit, but exploring your surroundings can help you picture what living and studying at Leeds Trinity might be like.

If you're visiting a university in the UK, the weather can be unpredictable. A waterproof coat or umbrella might prove invaluable, particularly if you're planning to explore the campus or take part in outdoor tours.

Comfortable shoes are also a good idea, as you'll probably be doing plenty of walking throughout the day. If you're lucky enough to visit us on a sunny day, remember your sunscreen and sunglasses, and make sure you drink plenty of water between sessions and tours.

In addition your subject talk, think about what you'd like to see on campus. You might want to look around student accommodation, visit the library and study spaces, or find out more about sports facilities and student support.

Check the schedule before your visit so you can identify the sessions you're most interested in and allow enough time to get between them. If there are activities you'd particularly like to attend, make a note of their timings and locations. You don't need to fit everything in; focus on the things that will help you decide whether Leeds Trinity is right for you.

Give yourself enough time to explore the campus and its facilities beyond your course sessions. Think about the places you'll use regularly, from teaching spaces and the library to social areas where you could meet friends or relax between lectures.

It's worth allowing time to get between different buildings and activities, too. Rather than rushing from one session to the next, take a moment to look around and imagine what an ordinary day at university might feel like.

If you're visiting several universities, it can be difficult to remember the details of each one afterwards. Jot down useful information, make a note of your first impressions and take photos where permitted so you have something to look back on when you're comparing your options.

Think about what stood out to you, what you enjoyed and whether there are any questions you still need answered. You might find it helpful to make a few notes about your course, the campus, accommodation and the atmosphere. There's no need to make a decision on the day; the aim is to gather the information you need to make the right choice for you.

Choosing a university is personal, and what matters most to you might be different from what matters to someone else. Take time to consider the course, atmosphere, location, facilities, accommodation and support available.

Before your visit, it might help to make a list of your priorities and the things you'd like to find out. Afterwards, think about which of those priorities the university met and what you still need to know. Keep an open mind, ask questions and remember that the right choice is the one that feels right for you.

Leeds Trinity has accessible facilities to support students with a range of needs. These include accessible toilets, lifts to all floors and accessible PC study spaces across both campuses.

If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to discuss the support you may need during your visit, please contact our team before the Open Day at hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk.