My Top Questions to Ask at a University Open Day

Attending an Open Day is a crucial step in choosing where to study and making an informed decision about your future at Warwick, one of the UK’s top-ranked universities. Here are some essential questions to ask to help guide your choice:

Academic Life:

What teaching methods are used in the classroom?    

• Why it matters: Understanding the structure and content of your prospective course is crucial. Depending on the subject department, different courses will have different teaching methods such as live lectures, interactive seminars, case studies and practicals. Additionally, I’d recommend inquiring further about topics such as elective modules, specialised pathways and how the curriculum is updated to ensure learning is regularly improved and stays relevant to today’s trends.

How is the curriculum designed to prepare me for the future?

• Why it matters: Understanding how the curriculum prepares you for the future ensures you gain the right skills, knowledge, and experience for your career. Through asking about cutting-edge theories, hands-on experience, real-world projects, case studies, and industry partnerships, you should gain a clear understanding of the practical skills and insights Warwick offers and how they contribute to your future success.

Support & Mentoring:

What academic support services are available for students?

• Why it matters: Strong academic support can make all the difference to your university experience. Many departments offer tutoring, skills workshops and mentoring programs where first years are paired with experienced student volunteers. Knowing what support is available can significantly ease your transition into university life, so ask about these dedicated support systems, workshops or one-to-one guidance with academic advisors.

What wellbeing support services are available for students?

• Why it matters: University life is exciting but can also be challenging. Warwick offers dedicated wellbeing services, including counselling, drop-in sessions, mindfulness workshopsand the student-run confidential listening service ‘Nightline’. These support services can aid you no matter the issue, with a lot of easily accessible self-help resources online too.

How do the faculty engage with students outside the classroom?

• Why it matters: I’d encourage making the most of the faculty as these professors are experts in their fields, and building a professional relationship can enrich both your academic journey and future career. Within every module, there are teaching staff who would love to meet you! Each professor has weekly office hours, are easily accessible via email and runs occasional drop-in revision sessions for you to ask questions about the content.

Careers:

What opportunities are there for internships and work placements?

• Why it matters: Having industry experience as a student helps to enhance your employability and boost your career prospects after university. Warwick Business School has a range of partnerships with leading companies, so don’t be afraid to ask about them and their recruitment process! The Careers Team also provides support, including CV guidance and interview preparation, as well as keeping students updated with new job opportunities.

How does the university help with networking and career development?

• Why it matters: Career services play a vital role in connecting you with industry professionals through career fairs, networking events and alumni mentoring programs. Utilising these resources can provide invaluable industry insights and connections that often lead to internships or future job opportunities. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, many of those experts have been in the same position as you are previously!

Campus Life & Student Experience:

What does a typical day look like for a student here?

• Why it matters: Knowing a typical day helps you picture student life and see if it fits your expectations. Ask about schedules, class sizes and independent study time to best understand the academic workload. It’s also worth exploring how students balance coursework with extracurriculars, part-time jobs, or social events. Hearing first hand experiences from current students can give you a clearer idea of daily life—whether it’s grabbing coffee, joining a study group, or socialising at society events.

What extracurricular activities are on offer?

• Why it matters: It’s important for your wellbeing to balance your academic workload with time to relax and unwind. The social environment, clubs, societies, and general campus atmosphere are great things to pick up on at an Open Day. Warwick boasts 250+ societies and sports clubs covering a wide range of student interests, so there is bound to be one for you!