University open days

[haveabreakhaveakitkat]

Dd (17) is going into her last year of college so is looking at universities for next year. Most have open days happening in the next few weeks. Three are within 60 miles so can do those quite easily in a day. One is 150 miles and one nearly 200 miles which would involve long drives and probably overnight stays.

We're looking at the next 5/6 weekends being taken up driving around the country. We have two other children to accommodate too.

AIBU to think that in this day and age she can get a good 'feel' for the place online? and ask any questions by email? The websites are very thorough. I haven't said any of this to her. She's excited about the whole thing but I'm thinking just visit the closer ones and check out the others online and if she gets into the further away ones we'll then plan to visit before she starts.

We actually have two excellent universities within our city - just a bus ride away from our house - but she's adamant she wants to move away and do the whole 'going away to uni' thing!

[haveabreakhaveakitkat]

Good luck Dougierose. Dd has just added Salford which is 230 miles

[Moomintroll85]

When I went to open days (about 12 years ago) I think most people had their parents/a parent with them. My mum came with me, we made a day of it each time doing other things too but I appreciate you can't do that.

Still, I don't think it would be a problem for her to go alone if needs must. One kid at mine should have left his mum at home, she was blubbing and filming everything. Every time the guide started speaking we'd all hear the little beeeeeep of her pressing record. God knows what she did at his graduation.

She will definitely not be able to get enough of a feel for a uni just online.

Hope she finds one she loves!

[The80sweregreat]

I went with my son, loads of parents were there and for his interviews too! He is independent, but valued our opinion (and a lift to and from). We stayed out the way while he did the tours -we went to the talks were aimed at parents about finance and accommodation. It didnt seem odd to me to show support and it was good to see so many focused young people with one or more parents milling about.

[SauvignonBlanche]

DS was unable to attend any open days but once he'd made his 5 choices he went an applicant day visit to them all which are held in February or March and are subject-specific.