Adapted from
http://university.which.co.uk/advice/open-days/top-questions-to-ask-at-a-university-open-dayQuestions to ask about applying for the course* What grades do you need – and can you still get a place if you don't quite get the grades?
* Which prerequisites are necessary? Are there other subjects that are recommended?
* Is it worth applying for more than one course?
* How do they select which candidates to make offers to?
* What do they look for in your application and personal statement?
* Can they recommend any reading or activities to inform your personal statement?
* Do they hold interviews or what is selection based on?
* How do they feel about gap years and deferred entry applications?
* Is it an advantage to get your application in early? (for scholarships, courses that require written applications)
Questions to ask about your career prospectsKnowing what the degree course can offer you in the long-term is an important part of deciding if a course is right for you – now's the chance to hear about real-life examples of what could come next.
* How will the course make you more employable? Do they offer or arrange placements?
* What have previous students gone on to do after graduating?
* What proportion go on to postgraduate study? Do you need to a postgraduate course to get a job?
* Do they know what past students are doing two or three years later?
* What careers guidance facilities are there?
* Do they run job fairs?
Questions to ask about the accommodationSome open days let you look around typical halls of residence. The likelihood is you'll probably be touring the best on offer, but it's a great time to do some fact-finding.
* Is a place in Halls/Colleges guaranteed? What accommodation is available off-campus?
* Would a place still be guaranteed if you made the uni your insurance choice?
* What does it cost – and what’s included in that cost?
* Will you have to move in and out each term?
* What are the pros and cons of catered versus self-catered?
* How big are the rooms – are some bigger than others?
* How quiet are they?
* How secure is it?
* Do most students stay on campus at weekends?
* What happens in years two and three?
* How far will you have to travel to get into uni and around town? Can you bring a car?
Questions to ask current studentsDon't be afraid to ask student ambassadors some probing questions, or politely approach a student on campus for a real-life student view of the uni and course. Swap notes with other visiting students.
* What are the best and worst things about uni in your opinion?
* How have you found the course so far – what are the teaching / facilities / support / field trips like?
* What are the people like in the course/societies/clubs?
* Are some halls of residence better or worse than others?
* What’s the town / city like?
Questions to ask about societies and things on campusA big part of the university experience is the activities you'll get involved with outside the classroom. What's on offer here that will provide opportunities for you to develop your employability skills, contribute to uni life or the wider community or extend your social network?
It's also good to get a feel for other day-to-day facilities available nearby – such as libraries, academic support, language centre, shops, banks, sport, cultural, creative, religious, recreational and entertainment facilities or whatever else you need.
Questions to ask about your everyday costsThis is another area that could be useful to discuss with current students who are already managing their finances.
* How do the costs actually break down? How much money will you need to survive?
* To what extent will you need / be able to find part-time work?
* What bursaries, scholarships or fee waivers are there and how do you apply?
* How do placements or a year abroad or a year in industry affect your costs or tuition fees?
* What's on offer in terms of cheap student deals / nights out / places to eat?
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