Open Days Open Doors

Most institutional Open Days are held in July and August. However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution to arrange a visit any time.
What happens on an Open Day?
On Open Day you can visit an institution when it’s at its best. Everyone is there – academics, lecturers, current students and information officers. More importantly, you can talk with academics, lecturers and current students about what certain courses actually like, and what is required to get into them.
Who should attend an Open Day?
Anyone who is thinking of studying at a tertiary level in the next few years.
Why should you attend an Open Day?
Apart from the opportunity to obtain course information there are many other reasons why attending an Open Day is a good idea:
• You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have been there before.
• What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in?
• If you have to move away from home, where are you going to live?
• Will you be happier studying in a large metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps rural institution?
• What does the place ‘feel’ like? Is it a bustling environment with lots of activity or a quieter, more relaxed campus set in landscaped grounds?
• How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport or should you start saving now for a car?
If you don’t know the answers to any of these questions, then you should attend an Open Day!
How to make the best of Open Days
To make your Open Day visits fun and informative, here are some pointers:
• Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses
• Be there early. Crowds tend to develop as the day progresses
• On arrival, get a map from a central point and ask for directions to the relevant faculties or schools
• Ask questions!
• Don’t spend the day collecting printed information only. Use the opportunity to speak directly with academics before applications close
• Introduce yourself to selection officers if you feel it is appropriate, but don’t be pushy
• Check out the residential colleges, if available. After all, it is you they need to live there.
• Walk around the campus. Have a good look! See what sporting facilities and other services are available.
Not everyone can attend every Open Day and various instutions’ Open Days often clash with each other. If you can’t attend Open Day and you are interested in a particular institution, you may visit at other times. If you wish to speak to a particular person, it is essential to make an appointment first.

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