Everything you need to know about a Leeds Beckett Open Day

I remember how important my Open Day experiences were in helping me choose my future course. Now, as a student ambassador, I get to help host them for others, so I know exactly how to make the most of the day. In this blog, I’ll walk you through every step, and by the end, I hope you’ll feel confident that you’ve got everything you need to know about Open Days!

Preparing for your Open Day visits

The first step is to book onto the Open Day. This helps the university know how many people to expect, and you’ll usually receive a timetable in the post with all the subject talks — keep this handy so you don’t miss anything important! When I was booking my Open Days, I didn’t realise just how valuable that timetable would be, but it really helps you stay organised and make the most of your visit.

You’ll often have the option to bring friends or family, but I highly recommend going to at least one Open Day on your own. I did this for one of my visits, and it gave me a real sense of the independence that university life offers. Plus, I found that I asked questions I probably wouldn’t have asked if my parents were with me — questions I needed answers to, but might’ve been too shy to raise in front of them.

And don’t forget to dress comfortably, especially when it comes to shoes! Campus tours can be long, but they’re definitely worth it. On one of my visits, I underestimated the amount of walking and wore uncomfortable shoes — big mistake! Also, check the weather before you go. I got caught in the rain once and let’s just say it wasn’t my finest moment. Better to be prepared!

Travelling and registering

Personally, I'd recommend traveling by public transport for your Open Day visit. Car parks tend to get really busy, and since most students don’t bring a car to university, it’s a great way to get a feel for the local transport options. On one of my visits, I took the train and bus, and it helped me see how easy it was to get around without a car. That said, there is parking available, which will be outlined in your Open Day guide, but just bear in mind that it can fill up quickly!

When you arrive, don’t forget to register. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed at first, but the student ambassadors were super friendly and gave me all the information I needed for the day. They’ll also point you in the right direction for your first talk, which definitely helped ease my nerves and kept me from getting lost!

Subjects and talks

There will be a mix of stalls around campus on Open Day, and I highly recommend checking out as many as possible! You’ll find subject-specific stalls with lecturers and current students from each course, and they’re there to answer any questions you have about the subject you want to study. When I attended, I found these super helpful because it gave me a chance to really dig into what each course offered and get a feel for what to expect.

There are also general stalls for things like student finance, disability support, and the careers team. I definitely recommend stopping by the careers stall — it’s really reassuring to know how Leeds Beckett will support you in getting your first graduate job. I remember chatting with them during my Open Day, and it gave me a lot of confidence that I’d have the right resources to transition into the working world after uni.

Lunchtime!

Most importantly, don’t forget to take a break and give yourself time to soak everything in! I definitely recommend grabbing something to eat on campus — not just because the food is amazing and affordable, but because it’s so close and convenient. Keep an eye out for a food voucher in your Open Day guide too — there’s usually some sort of discount you can use, so don’t miss that! They also cater to a range of dietary needs, and trust me, the vegan pastries are a must-try.

(I’m not saying you should pick your future university based on the quality of the pastries, but it definitely can’t hurt. If you’re there, do yourself a favour and try the blueberry croissants—they’re my personal favourite!)

Student ambassadors

See those people in the purple shirts? They’re real students! They know exactly what’s happening at the university right now and are there to help with directions, lead campus tours, and answer any general questions about life at the uni. You’ll also spot people in green tops — these are your go-to people for course-specific questions. Whether you want to know about teaching, facilities, or extracurriculars related to your course, they’ve got you covered.

Everyone’s super friendly and more than happy to help. If they’re anything like me, they probably can’t stop chatting about their course, so don’t be shy — ask them anything you want!

Campus and Accommodation tours

What better way to get to know the whole campus than by taking a full tour? Be sure to check out the accommodation tours as well! They’re a great way to see where you could be living and what options are available. But if you’re pressed for time, don’t worry — accommodation is something you can finalise later in the year. Once you find the right university, there’s bound to be a place nearby that suits your needs.

You can always explore accommodation online or on an Applicant Day later on. So while it’s worth seeing if you can fit both the campus and accommodation tours in, don’t stress if you can’t — it’s all about getting the bigger picture for now!

Home time

By now, I’m sure you’re feeling a bit tired but hopefully very satisfied! On your journey home, I recommend taking some time to chat about what you’ve seen and experienced throughout the day. Reflecting on what you liked and what you didn’t can really help you process everything and narrow down your options. It’s such a valuable part of the Open Day experience, and you might even discover things you hadn’t thought about before!

From my own experiences and conversations with others, I’ve found that one university will just feel right. I could easily picture myself waking up in the city, strolling past the shops in the morning, hanging out in the Rose Bowl for lunch, and attending seminars in the classrooms. Leeds Beckett had all the equipment I needed for my film course and the career support I wanted to help me learn how to build my own business.

If it doesn’t feel perfect right away, remember there’s always more Open Days and Applicant Days later in the year. Enjoy the university hunting process, and I wish you all the best in deciding where to go!

Book your place at our next undergraduate Open Day here!