Open Day at University - Why its important to attend

How Visiting Universities on Open Day Can Help with Application Decisions

Choosing the right university is a significant decision that impacts not just your academic journey but your future career path. I recently went to both the NYU-AD and University of Birmingham open days to check out the campus for myself, meet admissions and get some questions answered. Nothing compares to the firsthand experience of visiting a university on its open day.

1. Experience the Campus Atmosphere
Each university has its own unique vibe. Walking through the campus, seeing the facilities, and observing students and faculty in action give you a feel for whether you could see yourself thriving in that environment.

2. Interact with Faculty and Current Students
Open days provide an invaluable opportunity to meet professors, admissions staff, and current students. Their insights can answer questions about courses, support systems, and student life that aren’t always apparent online. I got a lot of great advice from freshman students who just got in. They gave me insights on what they did to make their application competitive.

Faculty members at both universities were approachable, willing to share their expertise, and enthusiastic about their fields, which assured me of the quality of education.
Talking to students helped me understand campus life, workload, and how the universities support extracurricular interests.

3. Understand Course Offerings
Hearing directly from program coordinators about course structures, opportunities for research, internships, and post-graduation support clarified how these universities align with my career goals. Both NYUAD and Birmingham Dubai showcased impressive resources, from cutting-edge labs to mentorship programs.

4. Explore the Facilities
Its important to see for yourself where you will be living for the next 4+ years. I took time to see the labs, the student areas, the lecture halls and even had a tour of the campus to see all the different program areas.

5. Discover the Local Community
Location matters! Both universities are situated in vibrant, growing cities. Exploring Abu Dhabi and Dubai during my visits gave me a sense of what life beyond the campus could be like, including cultural opportunities and professional networks.

Final Thoughts
Attending open days at NYU Abu Dhabi and the University of Birmingham Dubai was an enriching experience. It’s one thing to read about a university and another to walk its halls, meet its people, and picture yourself there. Open days help bridge that gap between uncertainty and confidence, making application decisions less daunting and more exciting.

If you’re considering a university, don’t miss the chance to visit it on an open day. It could be the first step toward your dream future!