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Natasha, Roving reporter

Get the Most Out of Open Days

The three words every year 12 student dreads: "University Open Days". Well, maybe "dreads" is an overstatement. I think the only words that could scare year 12s more than university open days are "end of year exams". Terrifying, isn't it?

All jokes aside, though, university open days often create feelings of confusion and apprehension in future university students in a year that already causes its fair share of confusion and apprehension.

An Important Part of Tertiary Study

Year 12s are bombarded with conflicting information all year. They feel like the world is going to end if they don't get the score they want. Well, the world keeps spinning and while it can be intimidating thinking about what might happen, it's important to focus on what you know you can make happen.

While university open days may seem scary, they are actually a very important part of your tertiary education. Open days don't just give you an idea of what the campus is like, how easy it is to get around, and what its courses are all about. They also provide opportunities to check out what student organisations and clubs you might like to join, and how the university campus runs.

While the structure of the course you are looking at taking is of course important, don't forget that there is a social side to university as well. Whether you are a chocolate lover or want to be a cheerleader, there is a club or society to offer something for everyone.

Getting the Most out of Open Days

"That's all fine," I hear you say, "but what do I actually do at an open day when I get there and how do I make the most of it?" Fear not - here are some tips to ensure your visit to an open day is informative and fun.

Plan ahead

Try and have some idea what sort of subject or subjects you want to study and what kind of job you might want to get out of it. Do you want to study English or Engineering? Do you want to be a psychologist or a journalist? Working this out beforehand will give you some idea of what information sessions to go to.

Go to information sessions based on your course of interest and listen carefully to what the speakers say. There may even be past or current students from the course who you can talk to about what it's actually like to study that subject.

If possible, download a timetable of the events at the open day and a campus map from the internet, and highlight what you want to go to so you don't miss out.

Ask Questions

Keep an eye out for students in uni jumpers so you can ask them for advice, or even just have a chat - they are there to help you out.

If you come across representatives from clubs or the student union, have a chat with them. You could make friends before you even start studying.

If your rents want to come with you, let them. You going to uni is a big step and they might feel anxious or nervous about it. Open days often have sessions for parents that are useful.

Try Something New

Even if you're not sure exactly what you want to study yet, go to information sessions that seem like something you might like. You never know - you might discover a new passion!

Grab the Free Stuff!

Open days often involve the handing out of a lot of free stuff, like chocolate, pens and balloons. Part of an open day is about enjoying yourself. Starting university is exciting, so don't turn down the free stuff!

Make the Effort

Last but not least, don't be afraid to go to more than one university open day. Think about the vibe you get from each place and decide which one feels right for you. You will know when you feel it.

More About Open Days

The idea of starting university and attending open days can place a lot of pressure on already stressed students, but with the right attitude and some planning, going to a university open day can alleviate some of that anxiety and give you some peace of mind.

For more information about Open Days, check out the Open Days page on Youth Central. It's got links to sites where you can find the websites of all Victorian universities and TAFEs so you can find out when their open days are happening.

So get organised, go have some fun, and get out there!

For more articles about study and training, check out our Articles Archive.

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