Facts & figures
News_
Open Day cheat sheet: five tips for success
How to make the most of Open Day
Join us on Open Day to find out everything being a Sydney student has to offer and where it can lead you in the future.
If you are thinking about university, Open Day is the one day you should plan for. It’s a day packed with information to help you prepare for university. With curated events, opportunities to explore your interests and a chance to talk to your future lecturers, Open Day is brimming with activity.
What is Open Day?
Open Day is when the University opens its campus to the public. It's an opportunity for prospective students and their parents to explore the university, attend information sessions and talk to staff and students about what it’s like to study there.
Why attend Open Day?
Some of the benefits of attending Open Day include:
- soaking up the campus atmosphere
- chatting to current students about their experience
- attending valuable information sessions about courses or entry pathways
- exploring opportunities you might have never considered, like going on exchange or getting a scholarship
- getting to know your future teachers
- getting immediate answers to your questions.
.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.web.1280.1280.jpeg)
How to make the most of a university open day
Here are our top five tips for a successful Open Day experience.
With so much happening on campus, it’s crucial to plan ahead to make the most of this jam-packed day.
The easiest way to navigate Open Day is by building a personalised schedule. At the University of Sydney, you can do this by registering your attendance. Then, simply add and remove sessions to curate your own program.
Please be aware that adding an activity, talk or tour to your schedule is an expression of interest and events may reach capacity. Arrive with plenty of time to guarantee your place.
Tip: Build a schedule that suits your interests, even if it looks a little different to that of your peers.
Open Day is one of the few days of the year when academics and current students gather to offer you personalised advice. There’s no better way to ask your burning questions than to speak with someone who knows what it’s like to be in your shoes.
Got course-specific questions? Drop into a course advice booth and talk to an academic from the faculty or school you're interested in.
Got questions about entry pathways or student life? Chat with our student ambassadors and staff who will explore your options with you.
What to ask at a university open day
Asking whatever’s on your mind is the best way to make an informed decision about your future study. Here’s a list of questions to help you get started:
- What subjects can I study in a degree?
- What’s it really like to live on campus?
- Where can I go on exchange?
- What if I don’t get the right ATAR?
- What does a day at uni look like?
- What kinds of jobs can I get from this course?
- What scholarship opportunities are available?
- What support services does the university have?
Tip: Prepare a list of questions in advance so you finish the day with everything you came for.
Choosing a degree might feel like a tricky decision, but staying informed is key to avoiding feeling overwhelmed. We’ve designed our course advice sessions to give you everything you need to make a confident choice about your future.
Tip: Explore our course advice sessions by areas of interest to get exclusive insights into the courses you’d like to study.
Depending on your personalised schedule, you might be in for a long day on campus. Packing a well-stocked bag will help ensure you're comfortable, prepared, and ready to get the most out of the sessions.
What to bring on Open Day
- Note-taking device, whether that's a laptop, tablet or good old-fashioned pen and paper
- Your personalised schedule
- A list of questions
- Depending on the forecast, an umbrella, rain jacket, hat and/or sunscreen
Tip: You may leave Open Day with a pile of brochures, leaflets and freebies. Make sure you have enough room to take everything home.
Open Day is an exciting event, so why not make a day of it? Bring a group of friends or invite your parents along. Not only are they great company, they’ll also be a valuable sounding board. They can help you navigate campus, reflect on the sessions, and may ask questions you hadn’t even thought of.
That said, no one’s stopping you from flying solo the whole day either. If you’d prefer to tackle Open Day on your own, go for it.
Tip: Make it a social event by having lunch with friends or family on the University of Sydney Quadrangle or at many of the cafes on campus.
Open Day is especially helpful if you're tossing up between a few different areas of interest. You can talk to students in each field and learn from their personal experiences.
Molly Riordan, Bachelor of Health Sciences
Bonus tip: enjoy it!
University isn't just what happens inside the classroom. A world of opportunities await you, so take the time to explore and experience the campus for yourself!
Our advice: don't rush. Enjoy the fun that comes with exploring all your options, starting with Open Day.
Register for Open Day and discover what your future at the University of Sydney holds.
Last updated 11 July 2024
13 August 2021