Nowadays you don't actually have to leave your bed to find out more about potential unis. Facebook groups and uni-hosted web chats mean you can grill current students about their course, accommodation and more from your bedroom, while YouTube videos and iTunes lectures hosted by unis mean you can watch sample lectures and take campus tours online too. But don't ignore the humble open day: you'll not only find out far more about what to expect from the campus and course, but by speaking to and asking questions of admissions tutors that help you stand out from the crowd, you might also boost your chances of getting in.
Karen Hamm, admissions tutor at St George's, University of London, says prospective undergraduates should use every element of open days to work out whether they'd enjoy spending three years at the institution. "Speak with current students, don't just listen to what tutors and marketing staff have to say about why you should study at a particular university," she says. "Most universities will have current students on hand at open days so take the time to chat with them to get their perspective on what's good and what's not so good about studying there. Take a campus tour, too, to see the lecture theatres, clinical spaces, library, computer equipment and study areas. Look around for clues everywhere don't just ask if the students' union is active. Look at poster boards, canteen and bar areas, and even the inside of toilet doors they often give good insight into what type of trips and entertainment are organised."
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