On open days, universities open their doors to prospective students so they can see facilities, campuses and accommodation, and speak to current students and lecturers. Open days are a chance for students to learn more about the courses they're interested in, and help them imagine their life on campus. For students, open days are a great way to get an insight into a few different universities, and help you when choosing where to go.

While researching universities online is helpful, attending an open day will give you a first-hand experience of what the facilities, campus, and accommodation are like. Key benefits of attending open days include:

• They help you confirm or remove options from your list
• They give you the chance to chat with lecturers
• You can learn about courses you're interested in in more detail
• You get experiences of the university not available online
• They provide a chance to ask questions about things you're unsure on

University choices and applications begin in Year 12 or 13, with most students attending open days in Year 13. However, if you'd like to get ahead, attending open days in Year 12 will give you extra time to view the universities you're interested in.

University open days are open to all prospective students and their parents or guardians. Bringing along a family member is helpful, as they're likely to think of questions you hadn't considered, and will provide a soundboard for you when considering each option throughout your selection process.