Questions to ask at Open Days

If your son or daughter is considering going to university, the chances are that you’ve got a series of open days coming your way. Getting swept up in the buzz of the day is incredibly easy for any prospective student, so here’s where you can prove your worth. Preparing a list of questions is a good way to ensure that you both get the most out of your day, and don’t come away with any burning queries left unanswered. We’ve put together some suggestions of things you could ask to get you started.

Questions for student ambassadors

You’ll find student ambassadors all over the university on Open Days. In fact, they’ll probably be some of the first people you meet. They’re an invaluable source of information, so make sure to ask them questions and get an honest review of student life, their course, or their experience of moving away from home.

• What are the best things about studying at BCU?
• How have you found your course?
• What’s the one thing we should make sure we see whilst we’re here?
• What do you get up to in your spare time?

Questions for academics

The course is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a university, and who better to tell you all about it than our expert academics. If you’re sitting in on a subject talk, our academics will always allow time for questions. Keep in mind that your child may shudder at the idea of you putting your hand up in the middle of a lecture hall, so it may be best to save your questions and ask them discretely at the end. You know your child best; use your judgement and try to avoid causing any flushed faces on the day.

• What kind of jobs do your graduates go on to do?
• Does your course offer a placement/sandwich year?
• What are the contact teaching hours like?
• How can my child enhance their application/personal statement?
• What kind of industry experience do your academics have?

Questions for student support

Our Open Days are supported by representatives from all of our student services, and talking to them can really put your mind at ease about your child’s transition to university.

• Will my child have access to academic support with their work?
• How can you support my child’s mental health and wellbeing?
• What disability support can you offer?
• Do you offer any scholarships or grants?
• What is the accommodation like? Can you explain the different options and their locations?

Questions for our Students' Union

We run a number of talks about our Students’ Union on Open Days, which are a great place for you to pick up a load of information about student life and our different societies. As well as talks, we always make sure there are representatives from our SU on hand to answer any questions you might have.

• What societies do you have on offer?
• What are the social opportunities like outside of studies?
• How do you find city living?
• Does the SU offer any employment opportunities?

If you’re looking for other ways to get the most out of your visit to us, why not check out our suggestions for things you can see and do on open days.