University open days - same one twice?

[tatt]

Do universities allow you to book more than one open days for the same person? I have one child undecided about what to study and being able to go early then if necessary return when they have more idea would be useful.

I haven't done it, but I don't see why not-hundreds go through the door so I don't think they would notice-if they do then just explain.

There are usually thousands of would be students at open days for the larger universities so if you booked for one in June and then booked separately for one in September, I doubt whether you'd be stopped. But the main point of open days is for the potential student to see whether they like the place rather than the course e.g do they like the feel of a campus university in a small city - such as UEA, York, Exeter or a big city university - Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield.

We've already talked about big city versus small but I don't think that matters all that much. But getting them to a discussion about the courses on offer does.

Think I'll try and book some.

Don't think it would be a problem. Last year my DS went to some unis in the summer / early autumn for open days / subject taster days and then went back for the post-offer open days this spring.

If its the subject you are undecided about try and book on a departmental open day, not just the general one. When DS1 went on this he got a talk from the head of department about the degree itself in a small room with about 6 of them. ie it was personal and you could ask questions and got a real feel for the course. I would say this really sold it to him.

Unless you go on Saturdays you might find your school puts a limit on the no. of open days your DS can take out of school time - just worth ebing aware that some schools do this.

All the ones that my DS went on had slots where you could go to a department talk and there was chance at the end to ask individual questions. He had to have interviews for his course and so that was a second visit and then his insurance choice invited him back for another visit. Most were on Saturdays-just as well because, as sandripples says, his school had a limit on visits. I would go to one visit first-you get an enormous amount out of it if you use the time wisely. If you are still unsure I really don't think anyone would mind you going back-they are trying to sell their course.

my dh is the admissions tutor for his department at a uni this year and from his descriptions of open days I think it would be fair to say that they would not at all mind you booking for two - the whole point is for the students to get a good feel for the uni. And anyway there are thousands of people at these things and no one is going to stop you at the door!

thank you all, especially fairylights. We have booked on one open day (on a Saturday, I'm pretty sure the school will restrict time off for visits and we'll use that when they have more idea what they want). There are short talks on both the subjects that interest them. It will be a longish journey but I think its worth it.

They won't stop you at the door. DS made a real cock up at one and hadn't booked for the right day! He wasn't on any of the lists to register, but it didn't matter.

Thanks piscesmoon. I think we're going to have to go to as many open days as we can physically get to. I'm not keen on long journeys so this is going to be a lot of fun

I've been to lots (two DS, one about to go to Uni) and it was great fun but do wear comfy shoes!

It's best to view yourself as transport for the potential student and let them see exactly what they want to. Your other role is to encourage them to go up to tutors and ask questions about courses. There is lots of information that isn't written down.

One son says that they are "selling" themselves to you so you can ask what you want (politely of course). Don't focus on accomodation too much as it's usually a bit of a lottery as to what you get allocated.

Don't be bowled over by a vast and beautiful green campus in the sunshine. Imagine it in autumn or winter with the wind blowing and the rain lashing down. Students are not at Uni in the summer.

We saw quite a lot of Unis and I suggested DS1 and 2 made a list with their own categories allocating points out of ten for each.

E.G. course, location (distance from home, large town, city, suburb, remoteness), transport issues at Uni, atmosphere, facilities that are important to DS (e.g. sports - not so good in some London Unis), food (try out Uni cafe), clubs and societies available, reputation of Uni and course in various league tables, grades required etc.)

Have a great time.

There was an endless thread on whether parents should go too a while back (don't go there it was judgey mcjudgey). My son wants and is happy to go alone but DH or I are playing taxi for one of them due to train timetables. He is going to one big city, one modern campus, one London and one former poly. He is hoping that is a broad enough range to give him some idea. Scary though isn't it?

Does your DC know what course they want to do ?
When I went to Uni I did History and English but my DS is doing Sciences and I'm finding it soooo hard to be helpful .
He's thinking " zoology " at present but to be honest I think main criteria is going to be which unis aren't asking for high grades .
So I guess that's the unpopular ones ?
Or maybe a college - article in Ed Guardian was suggesting degrees at colleges as cheaper .
If anyone any views or advice ,much appreciated .
And others thinking - why is it me doing the research ,shouldn't it be DC ?

Violetqueen what sort of grades is your DS likely to get? DD1 has just finished her first year at uni doing Biology and I think the same grades were being asked for Zoology when she applied so I may be able to help a bit.

I went to 3 - no worries - registered on-line b4 but all were walk in too - you need to be sure and if it takes a 2nd visit that's good. My 3rd was to reassure myself had made right choice - actually helped me decide I hadn't and have gone totally different now. It's a big decision - whatever helps you get there