Open Days - try before you buy

We have all seen those programmes where initially optimistic and jovial holidaymakers are gradually reduced to a state of rank desperation as the chasmic differences between the brochure and reality become ever clearer. Nobody is comparing the factual and informative brochures of Ireland’s excellent colleges to those of a dodgy travel operator. Rather, the moral here is to research intensively so that no nasty surprises arise.

If you’re unpleasantly surprised to discover that quantum physics involves working with numbers, well then there is nobody to blame but yourself really. Research carried out by DIT for instance, has shown that lack of knowledge about what is actually involved in a course is the main cause of people dropping out.

Attending an open day is one of the best ways to get a feel for a college and a specific course. It is best therefore, to arrive well prepared; a complete checklist of every single query you feel is relevant is a handy accompaniment. That way, you can be sure you are making a well-informed choice when CAO time comes around. Be determined to get answers to every one of your queries; the colleges are eager for your application so don’t be hesitant in approaching any members of staff on the day.

It is also worth remember that university campuses in particular are very big places, and it is easy to waste a good portion of the day wandering aimlessly when you don’t know what you’re looking for.

When you choose a particular college, its campus is going to be your ‘home from home’ for the foreseeable future. A college Open Day enables you to take your time and soak up the atmosphere. Try to imagine yourself as a student there. Would you feel comfortable? Does the place seem welcoming? Is this a modern and challenging learning environment where you want to spend the next three or four years?

As well as exploring the location, an Open Day is also a great chance to learn about the courses for which you may apply. There are usually lots of seminars and talks on the individual courses available. You should go to as many as possible, even if you are sure of the course you are going to take. You might find a similar course that will suit you better, or even have your interest piqued by something totally different.

Both lecturers and students give presentations and answer questions at course seminars. You might sit in a college lecture theatre and find out about different subjects taught, assessment methods used and the career options available for the different courses you are considering. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the lecturers; they are generally very interested in their own subject, and like nothing more than sharing their enthusiasm and passion.

Open Day also often features stands representing the various subject areas, manned by student ambassadors. Talking to current students to get their perspective of the college is a very useful part of an Open Day. If you know someone studying at the college already, see if they have time for a quick tour or a chat about their experiences. They can offer invaluable insights and advice to people who haven’t yet made up their mind about the subject they want to study. The social aspect of college life is very important too, so ask what student life is like. Be sure to pay a visit to the social and recreational areas such as restaurants bars and sports facilities, and have a look at the stands representing the various student societies and sports clubs.

You should spend plenty of time checking out the different facilities and services on the campus by talking to staff in student services such as the accommodation office, the library and the IT department. This opportunity is especially important if you will be studying a course or subject that requires specialised facilities and equipment. Open Days should be more or less ‘access all areas’ so you can see how modern the science labs are, or what kind of multimedia or IT equipment is available. Many colleges will have presentations and chances for you to try out the equipment yourself. Don’t be shy about asking for a go on the X-ray machine or to sample the produce from the culinary arts course presentation. Remember, they are trying to sell their college to you and will usually be happy to oblige your requests.

Open Days are also very useful for students who have needs and requests that are outside the usual run of things, and to offer a chance to gather information that is perhaps not featured in the prospectus. If you have specific questions about support services, access schemes or scholarship opportunities, an Open Day is an ideal opportunity to discover how the campus can cater for your own particular circumstances.

So, if you want to discover the best place to pursue your chosen area of study, attend an Open Day. Don’t rely on the glossy brochures or second-hand rumours. Investigate the place for yourself and get a taste of what third-level life is like, and you’ll be able to make your CAO choices with more confidence.

In the unfortunate event that you can’t attend on the Open Day, you should contact the institution in question as many can facilitate tours specifically organised for a class or individual, or they may be able to send a college representative to speak to your class.