Key Questions to Ask at A University Campus Open Day 

The goal of attending an Open Day is to gain a better understanding of the institution, its offerings, and its community. It’s a great opportunity to gather information and make an informed decision about the university where you are thinking of enrolling. Approach your interactions with a positive and respectful attitude and use your questions to genuinely learn about the aspects that matter most to you. 

Before asking any of these questions, make sure the information isn’t already provided in brochures, presentations, or online materials. Asking something that has been covered could make you appear unprepared. 

The same caution goes for asking overly basic questions about easily accessible information, such as the location of a certain building or the date of an event. 

Here are some questions you might consider asking – and also some to avoid: 

1. General Information: 

• What is the overall mission and vision of the institution/organization? 

• Can you provide an overview of the academic programs offered here? 

• How is the campus/organization structured in terms of departments or divisions? 

• What is the student-to-faculty ratio in various programs? 

• What is the average class size? 
  

2. Admissions and Application: 

1. What are the admission requirements for the program I’m interested in? 

2. Are there any specific prerequisites or standardized tests required? 

3. What is the application deadline and process? 

4. Are there any specific scholarships or financial aid opportunities available? 

5. Can you provide information about international student admissions, if applicable? 
   

3. Academic Experience: 

1. Can you describe the teaching methods and approaches used by instructors? 

2. Are there opportunities for undergraduate/graduate research or hands-on projects? 

3. What kind of academic support services are available, such as tutoring or academic advising? 

4. Are there opportunities for internships, co-op programs, or industry partnerships? 
   

4. Campus Life and Facilities: 

1. Can you show me around the campus or provide a virtual tour of the facilities? 

2. What kind of student housing options are available? 

3. Are there on-campus clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities? 

4. What sports and recreational facilities are available for students? 

5. Is there a library or resource center with extensive materials for research and studying?
   

5. Career and Alumni Support: 

1. How does the institution assist students in finding post-graduation employment? 

2. Can you provide information about the career services office and its offerings? 

3. What is the success rate of graduates in terms of job placement or further education? 

4. Do you have any notable alumni who have excelled in their fields? 
   

6. Diversity and Inclusion: 

1. What efforts does the institution make to promote diversity and inclusion on campus? 

2. Are there any cultural or affinity groups that support underrepresented students? 
   

7. Student Support: 

1. Are there counselling or mental health services available for students? 

2. How does the institution support students in terms of health and well-being? 

3. Is there a dedicated office for handling student concerns or grievances? 
   

8. Research Opportunities: 

1. Can you provide information about ongoing research projects at the institution? 

2. How are students involved in research initiatives alongside faculty members? 
   

9. Technology and Resources: 

1. What kind of technology resources are available to students (computers, software, labs)? 

2. Does the university assist students to buy their own laptops? 

3. Is there free Wi-Fi coverage across the campus and the residence halls? 
   

10. Study Abroad and Exchange Programs: 

1. Are there opportunities for students to study abroad or participate in exchange programs? 

2. What kind of partnerships does the institution have with international universities? 
   

11. Graduation and Retention Rates: 

1. What percentage of students typically graduate within the expected time frame? 

2. How does the institution support student retention and academic progress? 
   

Questions to Avoid 

Asking questions is a crucial part of making the most of an Open Day, but it’s important to approach the event with a respectful and thoughtful attitude. Avoid asking questions that could come across as rude, irrelevant, or overly critical. Here are some types of questions to avoid: 

1. Negative or Critical Questions: 

• Avoid asking questions that focus solely on the institution’s shortcomings or negative aspects. These could be perceived as confrontational or intended to criticize. 
• Avoid questions that assume a negative stance, such as “Why is your reputation so bad in this area?” 

2. Inappropriate Personal Questions: 

• Don’t ask overly personal questions about staff members, faculty, or students. 

• Some sources encourage prospective students to seek feedback from current students and staff on their first-hand experience of the campus and its teaching, both the good and the bad. But it’s probably best to avoid getting too personal about someone’s personal background or history. 

3. Questions Unrelated to the Institution: 

• While it’s okay to ask about the local area, city, or culture, avoid asking questions completely unrelated to the institution’s offerings. 

4. Hypothetical Situations: 

• Avoid asking questions that involve hypothetical scenarios that might not be relevant to the institution’s actual practices or policies. 

5. Questions About Controversial Topics: 

• Avoid bringing up controversial or sensitive topics that are not directly related to the purpose of the Open Day, such as the university’s stance on gender-based violence or the war in Ukraine. 

6. Highly Technical Questions in General Presentations: 

• Save very specific, technical questions for one-on-one sessions with appropriate faculty members. 

These questions should serve as a starting point. Tailor them to your specific interests and needs to ensure you gather the most relevant information during the Open Day.