What are university Open Days?

University Open Days help you experience campus life and understand what studying at uni could be like for you.

Thinking about life after school can feel exciting and a little nerve‑wracking. You may be wondering what course to choose or what university to study at. Open Day helps you explore your options and see how different study paths can support your goals.

What is a university Open Day?

A university Open Day is a one-day event where you can learn about courses, explore the campus and see what university life is like. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, chat with students and staff, and take part in activities designed to help you decide if a university is right for you.

Who can go to a university Open Day?

Open Day is open to everyone! It can be attended by high school students, mature age students, parents and carers, prospective postgraduate students and alumni. You don’t have to be interested in studying at university to attend – Open Day is a great opportunity to explore everything a university has to offer.

Why go to a university Open Day?

Open Day helps you imagine what your future could look like. It’s your chance to step onto campus and explore your study options. Whether you already know what you want to study or still weighing up your options, Open Day can help you:

compare degrees and discover what suits your interests and goals
understand how different study areas connect to real-world careers
learn about entry requirements and pathways into university
explore opportunities you may not have considered.

After attending UNSW Open Day, all my questions were answered. I was drawn in by the diversity across faculties, societies, and extracurriculars—UNSW just felt like a more dynamic and welcoming environment.

Ava Legge
Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

What do you do at university Open Days?

University Open Days are designed to be flexible so you can plan a day that suits you. With plenty happening across campus, you decide what you want to explore. On the day you might:

explore the campus in a guided tour and check out the facilities including the library, on-campus accommodation, labs and lecture theatres
attend information sessions on courses and study areas that interest you
get advice on degrees, entry requirements and career pathways
interact with current students and academics about their experiences
visit clubs and societies stalls to see how you can get involved.

How to prepare for a university Open Day

You don’t need much preparation for Open Day, but these tips can help ensure you make the most out of the day.

There's plenty happening on Open Day, so it helps to plan ahead. If you already have a career in mind, look for lectures that show how different degrees can help you get there.

UNSW offers an Open Day Planner in the weeks preceding the event. By registering for the event, you can browse all the activities we have to offer in advance, including campus tours, advisory zones, lectures and more. The planner also specifies when sessions are occurring and directions for where to go. There’s a lot on – saving these details to your planner can help ensure you don’t miss out on the sessions that interest you.
Open Day is your chance to get your university questions answered. From course advice and campus life to hangout spots and where to eat, prepare some questions ahead of time.

Not sure what to ask? Read our guide on what questions you should ask at Open Day.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you’ll be walking around campus all day.
Pack a bag with essentials like something to take notes on, a portable charger and refillable water bottle. Depending on the forecast, you may also want to pack a hat, sunscreen, a raincoat or an umbrella.
You’re welcome to bring your parents or come with friends to experience campus life together – they can help you think about how university fits into your long‑term goals.

When is UNSW Open Day?

UNSW Open Day takes place on Saturday, 5 September 2026 and it’s a great first step if you’re starting to think about what progress looks like for you after school.

If you’re interested in attending UNSW Open Day, you can sign up to our newsletter so you can be ready for when registrations open. Visit our campus and see how UNSW supports students to learn, grow and make a real-world difference.

Frequently asked questions about Open Day

Yes, you can go to Open Days in Year 12. Beyond Year 12, Open Day is for anyone interested in learning more about university. This includes all year groups, parents, carers and other family members, teachers and career advisers, mature age students and those who are considering postgraduate study.
The number of Open Days can vary depending on the university. You can check the university’s website for more information.

At UNSW, our main Open Day occurs in September each year at our Kensington and Paddington campuses. At UNSW Canberra, the Open Day is in August each year, and at UNSW College, the Open Day is in March each year.
As you’ll be walking around all day, it’s ideal to wear comfortable footwear and clothing. Depending on the forecast, you may also want to wear a hat.
For Open Day you may want to bring a bag, something to take notes on, a portable charger and a refillable water bottle. You may also want to bring some sun protection and an umbrella, depending on the forecast of the day.
Parents are welcome to attend university Open Days. It’s a great chance to explore the campus and better understand your child’s study options. You can also take part in activities such as campus tours and lectures, designed to help you support your child in making an informed decision.