Starting the process of sending your child off to university can feel a little daunting because it’s such an important process. It’s also quite emotional too. My parents definitely felt concerned when I had to start making my choices.

It’s important that you get all the information you need to make it smooth and successful, so I am here to give you the ins and outs in order to make the most of an Open Day which allows for you find out more about a university and get a feel for whether it’s for you or not. When you sign up to a Bournemouth Open Day you’ll get to find out  BU’s courses, speak to current students and take a tour of the facilities and local area.

Registering for an Open Day 

In order to come along to one of BU’s events, all you need to do is register online for your date of choice. All Open Day dates are regularly updated and can be found here. When you register, you will need to give an indication of what course you are interested in, but don’t worry, if you’re uncertain or want to find out about several that’s absolutely fine too (just make a choice- it’s not set in stone).

You’re guests don’t need a ticket. You will be asked how many people you are bringing along with you.

You should receive your unique Open Day ticket with a QR code on via email. Save it or screenshot it!

Programme sent in the post

A week prior to the Open Day event you will recieve a programme of the day through the post and another email with arrival instructions, which will let you know where you need to park and what time you can register etc.

Arriving at an Open Day

Whether you are using the park and ride, travelling by train, bus or car, there will be pink ambassadors dotted around to help direct you to where you need to go. The staff appreciate that this might be your first visit to BU and/or a university!

Things to do on the day

• Check in. This is really important so that the university can send you the presentations from the day and provide you with any other further information you might need!
• Campus tour. Whether you are at Lansdowne Campus or Talbot Campus there will be the opportunity to look around the different buildings and facilities with a student ambassador. Tours should last somewhere between 30 – 45
• Bus tour. This 40 minute bus ride lets you see a little more of Bournemouth and the local area.
• Course talks. Whilst course talks are often repeated throughout the day, make sure you factor the time of  your talk into your day because this is pretty important. Parents are more than welcome to attend the talks with your child, it’s important that you have the information to make discussions about courses and university easier. You may find with the more interactive tours, such as of our crime scene training facility, that due to space and other factors that you choose to let your child do it alone.
• Accommodation. Depending on the day, different halls of residence will be open for you to see. You can always check out the different options before your arrival to see which you would like see when you get here. Once you are at the various accommodations, there will be a lovely team of ResLife ambassadors to show you around each individual option.Once you are at the various accommodations, there will be a lovely team of ResLife ambassadors to show you around each individual option.

Preparation

• It’s helpful to ensure you have easy access to you QR code on your phone.
• Review the programme  and plan what you most would like to do.
• Bring along any questions you have. They can easily be forgotten on the day.

Other helpful information

• There are plenty of places to grab lunch, snack and drinks when you come to BU. Both campuses offer the choice of hot foods and other refreshments. Complimentary tea and coffee is supplied on arrival so if you’ve traveled a fair distance you can get that caffeine hit pretty quickly. Even with these options available, you are still more than welcome to bring your own food, drink and snacks, and we have seats indoors and outdoors available for you to eat whatever you choose to bring.
• Guests. The university know that Open Days are for the whole family, so you are more than welcome to bring along mum, dad, auntie, your best friend or partner.

I hope that this information helped you for your upcoming Open Day. Any questions you can always email futurestudents@bournemouth.ac.uk.