Maybe you’re the first in your family to apply to go to university, or you’ve never set foot on a campus before. If you don’t know what university Open Days are all about, then this guide is for you.
The basics
Let’s start at the beginning, why should you attend a university Open Day? Well, if you’re researching which universities to apply for, nothing can replace the feeling of walking on to that campus and experiencing it for yourself.
You’ve decided to attend, what’s next?
Book your place. Although you can just show up on the day, it is better to book a place at the Open Day in advance. That way you’ll receive information about what’s happening on the day, and you’ll much have a better idea of what to expect. You can book a place through a university’s website or via an email if you’re on their mailing list.
Before the Open Day
Pay attention to any emails/texts you get with instructions about the event. These will help you plan how you’re going to get there and how to make the most out of your visit. Watch our video on What happens at an Open Day to get some ideas of what you can do at the event.
Plan your journey
You’ll want to think about how you’re going to get to a university Open Day such as by car or public transport. Most universities will send you information about how you can get to campus, where to park or which station to get off at. For example, Edge Hill offers free parking on campus and a free bus service to campus running from Ormskirk Bus Station. You may also be able to get some of your travel costs covered, like the travel reimbursement we offer at Edge Hill.
Plan your day
To make the most of your time at the university Open Day, it’s best to plan your visit. This means thinking about what you might need to bring, such as umbrellas or comfortable shoes if you’re going to be walking between buildings. You could also create a priority list of what you want to do, including a timetable of talks or tours you want to go to. First on your priority list should be learning more about the course(s) you’re interested in, and you may also want to think about getting information about accommodation or commuting options.
If you’re unsure what to do and who to speak to at an Open Day, read about the ‘Top five things to do at an Edge Hill Open Day’ according to our current students.
Read the article
On the day
Don’t forget you may need to prioritize your time, especially if there are talks that clash or you only have a half day rather than a full day to attend the Open Day. Here’s a few things you might want to do during your visit; attend welcome talks, visit subject areas and talk to academics, tour accommodation options or find out about parking. Remember to take the opportunity to talk to current students too, as they are the best people to tell you what it is like to be a student there.
Follow up
Don’t forget to explore the town or city where the university you’re interested in is based, you’re likely to be spending a lot of time there. We always recommend visiting the vibrant market town of Ormskirk, only a 10 minute walk from campus, when attending an Edge Hill University Open Day.
It’s definitely worthwhile taking a look around Ormskirk to see what else the local area has to offer our students. Whether you’re interested in places to eat and drink, evening entertainment or somewhere outdoors, we have a number of suggestions for you to check out during your visit.
Find out more about Ormskirk
Your next steps
If you didn’t get all your questions answered or didn’t have time to look around a particular building you wanted to visit. Get in touch, you can book a place on another Open Day, book a campus tour ask any questions.
Contact us
Have further questions? Our dedicated Course Enquiries team can help you to find out more about the University and the programmes that we offer.
May 15, 2026
