Why you should go to Open Days with your child

With lots of Open Days coming up, you might be wondering whether it’s worth going along with your children – isn’t the day just meant for them? Well, yes and no! Although Open Days are designed for students to work out which university and course is right for them, you’ll feel at ease having your questions answered and having a better idea where your kids will be spending the next few years.

You’ll also be able to give them your opinions and advice on where you think might suit them best – after all, you have known them for a while…However, don’t forget that this is their opportunity for independence, so take a little step back and let your kids shine and enjoy the day!

Here’s a few reasons to go to university Open Days with your sprogs.

1. Course, staff and facilities

At an Open Day, you can ask your kids’ potential future tutors questions about the course so you can understand what they’ll be up to. On top of that, you can have a nose around facilities and buildings to make sure they’re top notch. Did you know BCU has spent over £400 million revamping our campuses? Anyway, where were we…

2. Accommodation

If your child is leaving home for the first time and moving into university accommodation, it’s good for you to have a look around on a guided tour during an Open Day to ensure they won’t be living in squalor (however, we can’t speak for the state of their rooms after a couple of days living there…). It can put your mind at ease to know they’ll have access to a clean kitchen and spacious room.

3. Explore the area

Your kids may well be going to a uni away from home, in area you and they don’t know very well. Open Days are an ideal opportunity to take a look around the local area to make sure it’s safe and somewhere your children would like to live and study in for the next few years. Go for some dinner before you head home and you’ll get a great feel for the area and its ambiance and local residents.

4. Transport links

Connected to the exploration of the local area, it’s a good idea to take a look round after the Open Day to make sure the uni is easily accessible so that a) you don’t have to come and pick your kids up all the time and b) it’s easier for them to come home to visit for some pampering! For example, BCU’s City Centre Campus is less than 10 minutes’ walk from all the city’s main transport links. More rural institutions may mean your child will need a car to get them around, which can be expensive.

5. Practical questions

At our Open Days, we have plenty of talks and people for you to talk to about the practical things: finances, term dates, deadlines, and so on. If anything’s confusing you or you want some questions answered, the Open Day is the perfect day to get this all straightened out with our friendly and helpful staff.