Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
What to wear to an Open Day
Hi, I’m Molly - a final-year student at Leeds Beckett University, I’ll be graduating in Public Relations with Journalism next month. Before I leave behind academia, I wanted to share some of my insights about Open Days, particularly what to wear.
My 2019 Open Day outfit
I attended my first Open Day as an aspiring student back in 2019, and five years later I now help out at Leeds Beckett Open Days as a Student Ambassador.
I remember when I was getting ready for my first Leeds Beckett Open Day, so many things were racing through my mind, like ‘am I going to meet my future lecturers?’ Will I bump into my future course mates? Maybe my future flatmates will be there too! I have to make a great first impression!’ I obviously know that what you look like doesn’t really matter at all when creating a first impression, but a big decision of mine was choosing what I was going to wear.
I was travelling into Leeds from my hometown, Derby, so I knew my outfit had to be practical enough to survive a car journey and walking around the university campuses and the city.
My Leeds Beckett Open Day took place on 23rd November 2019, so it was pretty cold - I paired some comfy jeans with a turtle neck, a black belt and my favourite fluffy trench coat at the time. I even wore a pair of black heeled ankle boots! Although I felt super confident with what I was wearing, I can’t help but wonder how I lasted so long in those heeled boots.
Importance of comfort
Take into consideration that an Open Day will probably consist of lots of standing, sitting, walking, or even waiting around for lectures and elevators, etc. The purpose of an Open Day is for you to get a real sense of the university where you might possibly be spending the next years of your academic journey. So you certainly don’t want to be stuck in an uncomfortable pair of tight jeans all day!
Having experienced the event from both sides, as a student and an ambassador, I now know that comfort is key! So, my biggest top tip for what to wear would honestly be whatever you feel comfortable in.
Less fancy, more practical footwear
Comfy day-to-day trainers are always my best bet when I’m helping out at Open Days now, they make sure my feet stay comfortable while standing up for most of the day.
If athleisure clothing and trainers make you feel most yourself, go with that. A pair of leggings, baggy jeans, cargos or joggers, a comfortable jacket or hoodie, and trainers are sure to keep you comfortable throughout the day. If trainers just aren’t your thing, style your outfit with any kind of shoe that suits you. Whether it’s a casual pair of loafers, sturdy boots, or slip-on shoes, choose what makes you feel good and keeps you comfortable.
Watch that weather
Make sure to check your weather app too. If you’re getting the train into Leeds, you’ll be walking to City Campus and you’ll probably be going outside to look around the Leeds Beckett buildings, especially if you book onto campus and accommodation tours. If it’s raining, dress for the rain! And don’t forget to bring a coat—Leeds weather can be pretty unpredictable. It might be sunny one minute and raining the next, so it’s always good to be prepared.
Just a heads up...
Perhaps you’re applying to a fashion degree, or just any degree for that matter, and you’re wondering whether your outfit choice on an Open Day will impact your offer from Leeds Beckett. Well, just know that what you wear has nothing to do with whether or not you’ll be accepted, the university is looking for standout applications not stylish clothing.
To round up my top tips, wear whatever makes you feel good. University is all about being yourself and studying something you love in a great environment, and an Open Day is the first step into that journey.
