Guest blog by Aliya Navroz, MSc Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology

When I first started looking at universities, I wasn’t convinced open days would make much of a difference. Like a lot of people, I relied heavily on websites, course pages, and rankings. Everything looked good on paper, but also very similar. It was hard to tell what would actually suit me. At the same time, I felt unsure about making such a big decision without seeing anything in person. So, I decided to attend an open day, and now looking back, I realize it played a huge role in where I ended up studying.

What surprised me most was how relaxed everything felt. I expected it to be quite formal or even a bit intimidating, but it was the total opposite. There were campus tours, course talks, and lots of opportunities to speak to current students and staff. The conversations didn’t feel forced. People were open, honest, and happy to answer questions. When I visited Bournemouth University, this stood out straight away. The atmosphere felt welcoming, and it was easy to imagine myself fitting in.

One of the biggest benefits of attending an open day is that everything becomes more real. For me, it was walking around the campus, seeing the facilities, and understanding how my course would actually work. These are things that are difficult to fully grasp online. It also helped me compare universities properly. Some places looked great online but didn’t feel right in person. Bournemouth, on the other hand, felt different. The campus, the facilities, and even the overall environment just clicked for me.

Something I didn’t realise before attending open days is how important the overall experience is. It’s not just about lectures and assignments. It’s also about where you’ll live and spend your time. At Bournemouth, I really noticed the balance. You have strong academic support and facilities, as well as a vibrant town and a nearby beach. That combination made it much easier to picture my life here as a student.

Looking back, the biggest thing open days gave me was confidence. They helped me move from feeling unsure to actually being able to make a decision. Even visiting just one university can give you a clearer idea of what you’re looking for.

Now that I’m studying here, I can say that the open day gave me a realistic picture, which made settling in much easier.

If someone would ask me whether an open day is worth attending I’d definitely say yes. It’s one of the best ways to understand what a university is really like beyond what you see online. If you’re thinking about Bournemouth University, I’d really recommend attending an open day. Walk around the campus, speak to students, explore the area and see how it feels for you.

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