Choosing a university is a big decision, and attending an open day is one of the best ways to work out if a place truly feels right for you. Whether you’re a school leaver, a mature student returning to education, or you’re supporting someone else on their journey, an open day gives you the chance to experience university life first-hand.
At the University of Cumbria, our open days are designed to be welcoming and informative. We know that choosing where to study is about more than just your course – it’s about finding an environment where you feel comfortable, valued, and supported to reach your potential.
To help you make the most of your visit and leave with the answers you need to move forward with confidence, read our handy open day guide.
Why Attend a University Open Day?
Whilst our website can tell you what we offer, an open day will show you who we are and what we’re about.
An open day at the University of Cumbria allows you to:
- Meet the academic staff who teach your course
- Talk to current students about their real experiences
- Explore our campuses and facilities
- Visit our accommodation options
- Learn about student support, finance options, and careers
- Get a genuine feel for our friendly, close-knit community
Most importantly, it’s your chance to imagine what your future at Cumbria could look like.
Be Prepared
Planning ahead can help you relax, enjoy the day, and make sure you get the most out of the open day experience.
What to do:
- Book your place in advance
- Check your travel options and arrival times
- Have a look at the digital open day programme
- Look at the courses you’re interested in on our website
- Make a note of any questions you have
- Wear something comfortable – there’s lots to explore
- Bring a notebook or take notes on your phone
Talk to People
One of the biggest advantages of an open day is a chance to have real conversations. At Cumbria, our staff and students are approachable and very happy to help!
Make time to speak with our academic staff about course content and learning style, current students about life at university, and support teams about finance, wellbeing, accommodation and study support.
If something matters to you, ask about it. There’s no such thing as a silly question.
Explore the Campus and Local Area
You’ll be studying at university for at least three years, so it’s important to take time to explore the campus surroundings – can you picture yourself here?
- Make the most of campus and accommodation tours to explore teaching spaces, facilities and halls of residence up close.
- Take a moment to soak up the atmosphere – is it a campus university or a city university? Which setting feels more like home to you?
- And don’t forget to step beyond campus. Grab a bite to eat or take a walk around the local area to see what’s on offer beyond libraries and lecture theatres.
Attend the Activities and Sessions That Matter Most to You
Open days are packed with talks and activities, so it’s worth planning your day around the sessions that will help you most.
- Course talks let you explore subject content in more depth and get a feel for teaching styles, learning approaches, and assessment methods.
- Support services drop-ins offer one-to-one advice from teams such as Admissions, Money Advice, Disability & SpLD, and more, so you can ask questions that are personal to you.
- Student life sessions give an honest insight into what it’s really like to live and study at university, straight from those who know it best.
- University application talks share practical tips on writing a strong application and standing out for the right reasons.
- Student finance talks break down how funding works, how to apply, and the key deadlines you’ll need to keep in mind.
- Campus and accommodation tours give you the chance to explore facilities, teaching spaces, and halls of residence.
At the University of Cumbria, we focus on practical learning, close-knit class sizes, and preparing students for real-world careers – and our open days are a great chance to explore how we do that.
Questions to Ask at an Open Day
You will get the chance to ask questions to a range of people; here are a few that might help you.
About your course of interest
- What does a typical week look like on the course?
- How will I be assessed?
- How practical is the course?
- What support is available if I need help?
About student support
- What academic and personal support is offered?
- What wellbeing and mental health services are available?
- How do you support students to settle in and succeed?
About careers and the future
- What do graduates from this course go on to do?
- Are placements or work-based learning included?
- How does the university support employability?
About student life
- What is the community like on campus?
- What clubs, societies or outdoor opportunities are available?
- What is it like living in the local area?
Information for Parents and Supporters
Open days are for you, too. We welcome parents, carers and supporters, and encourage you to ask questions around:
- Accommodation and safety
- Student wellbeing and support services
- Finance, funding, and the cost of living
- Graduate outcomes and careers support
At Cumbria, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive space, where students are known as individuals and supported throughout their journey.
After the Open Day: Take Time to Reflect
Once the day is over, think about:
- How did the university make you feel?
- Could you see yourself studying there?
- Did you feel supported and welcomed?
- Did the course and environment match what you’re looking for?
Visit us at an Open Day
An open day is about more than just gathering information; it’s about finding a place where you will thrive.
We’d love to welcome you to one of our upcoming Open Days so you can experience our supportive community, inspiring locations, and career-focused learning for yourself.
Explore all the available dates and book your place today. We’re excited to help you take the next step towards your future.
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