The real difference between an Offer Holder Day and an Open Day

What is an Open Day?

Open Days are your introduction to the university, your first impression so to speak. They’re open to everyone and are a great starting point if you’re still figuring things out — whether it’s deciding on a course, choosing between universities, or even deciding if uni is the right path for you.

Open Days generally run from July to December and are packed with opportunities to explore. You can check out the campus, see the accommodation, and chat with Student Ambassadors (at Leeds Beckett, we’re the ones in purple!). It’s all about gathering information and getting a feel for the university’s vibe — whether you prefer a city campus or a quieter one, being close to home or a little further away, it helps you put things into perspective. 

But Open Days are just the first step. They give you a broad overview, but if you really want to dig deeper into your course and get a proper sense of what studying there will be like, Offer Holder Days are where the magic happens.

What are Offer Holder Days (and why you should 100% attend)?

Offer Holder Days are a game-changer. By the time you’re invited to one, you’ll have already applied to your top universities and likely to have received offers, so now it’s all about deciding which one feels right for you. And let me tell you, nothing beats seeing your course and your future university up close.

Here’s why Offer Holder Days are so valuable:

• You’ll attend talks from the actual lecturers who will likely be teaching you and get a breakdown of the course structure. It’s such a great way to see if the teaching style and content match what you’re looking for.

• At Leeds Beckett, you’ll meet Course Ambassadors (look for the green shirts!). They’re students already on your course and can give you real-life insights into what studying here is actually like — what the workload’s like, how assessments are structured, and even what their favourite parts of the course are.

• Whether it’s state-of-the-art labs, creative studios, or hands-on workshops, Offer Holder Days let you see and experience the spaces where you’ll be spending most of your time. For me, seeing the filmmaking equipment and editing suites during my Offer Holder Day was what sealed the deal. 

• Unlike Open Days, which are more general, Offer Holder Days are tailored to you. It’s a smaller, more focused experience, meaning you’ll have more opportunities to ask questions and get a real sense of what your day-to-day life as a student will look like. It's almost like you get to be a Leeds Beckett student for a day. 

Why attending an Offer Holder Day made all the difference for me

Leeds Beckett wasn’t at the top of my list initially. I’d heard good things but didn’t know much about it, and I was leaning toward other universities. But when I attended the Offer Holder Day, everything changed.

The moment I stepped on to campus, I felt at home. Meeting the lecturers and Course Ambassadors gave me such a clear picture of what my course and life would be like, seeing the facilities in action made me realise how well-equipped the university was to help me achieve my goals. By the end of the day, I just knew this was where I was meant to be.

Looking back, I can’t imagine not having that experience. It gave me the confidence to say yes to Leeds Beckett, and I’ve never regretted it for a second.

How to make the most of Open Days and Offer Holder Days

Open Days:
Use these as your chance to explore. Visit the campus, check out the local area, and gather as much general information as you can. It’s about seeing if the university feels like a good fit overall. 

Offer Holder Days:
Be prepared to focus. This is your time to really dig into your course and see how it aligns with your interests and goals. Ask questions, explore the facilities, and take advantage of the smaller, more tailored setting. Lean into the student experience for the day and see if you can picture yourself here.

Why you shouldn't skip an Offer Holder Day

If you've already attended an Open Day, you might be thinking, “Do I really need to go to an Offer Holder Day?”.
My answer: Absolutely.

It’s easy to get caught up in glossy brochures and websites, but nothing compares to experiencing a day in the life of a student and seeing your course come to life.

Offer Holder Days are your chance to get a proper feel for what life will be like as a student. They’re more personal, more specific, and — if you’re anything like me — they can completely transform how you feel about a university.

With Leeds Beckett's first Offer Holder Day kicking off in February, now’s the perfect time to get registered. Whether LBU is already at the top of your list or you’re just curious to learn more, I promise it’ll be worth it. You might just find your future here — just like I did.

Register for our upcoming Applicant Days here!