What questions should you ask at Open Day?

Open Day lets you experience campus life and get answers to your biggest uni questions.

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 Open Day?

Open Day is your chance to discover everything on offer at university. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the campus, hear from current students, speak with academics, attend lectures and learn about the opportunities that can shape your life after graduation.

Read more about what Open Day is all about.

What to ask at a uni Open Day

At Open Day, you can speak with academics, current students and staff. They share different perspectives on what university life is like and can provide personalised advice for your unique journey to uni.

Beyond learning about course details, Open Day is a great opportunity to understand other factors that could influence your decision to study at a university. These might include factors such as campus vibe, student life, and the academic, career or wellbeing support available.

We’ve put together some questions that cover a range of topics from accommodation and courses to student life and admissions.

What should I ask about studying?

Open Day is a great chance to gather information to make an informed choice about your preferences.

Still not sure what to study? Here are seven tips to help you decide what to study at university, or take our two minute quiz to find the right degree for you.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

Are there opportunities to study overseas?
Are there placement or internship opportunities?
Can I change degrees after I’ve started one?
How can I get real-world experience in and out of the classroom?
How long are lectures, tutorials or classes?
How many days do I need to be on campus and can I take classes online?
How much studying is expected outside of the classroom
What are the benefits of completing a double degree?
What are the career outcomes like?
What are the entry requirements and what happens if I don’t meet them?
What are the learning facilities like?
What does the timetable for [degree] look like?
What jobs can I get after graduating and how does the degree prepare me for the workforce?
What links does the faculty have with employers, industry partners or community organisations?
What’s the split between lectures, tutorials and independent study?
What software or tools will I use during my course?
Will I build job-ready skills throughout the degree?

What questions should I ask about accommodation?

Thinking about living on or near campus? Uni accommodation can help you settle into university life and ensures you’re part of a diverse, supportive student community from day one. Whether you're interested in college living and making friends from around the world, or have more of an independent lifestyle, there’s a lot to consider with accommodation.

Some accommodation questions you can ask include:

What are the advantages of living on campus compared to off campus?
What are the different accommodation options available on campus?
Are the rooms shared?
Can you stay in the accommodation over the university holidays?
How and when can I apply?
How secure is it?
Is accommodation close to transport options?
Is the accommodation close to campus?
Is there parking available with accommodation?

What questions should I ask about pathways and admissions?

There’s more than one way to get into university, because everyone’s journey is different. Admission pathways can help you enter your dream degree, based on your goals and circumstances. Chat to the university staff to find out what options you might be eligible for.

Some questions you may want to ask about pathways and admissions:

Can I still go to uni even if I don’t get the ATAR I need?
Do admission pathways automatically gain you entry into a degree?
How do I know if I’m eligible for a pathway?
If I want to get into a specific degree, are there alternate entry options?
Is there early entry?
What pathways can I take to get into uni?
What scholarships are available and how can I apply?
What subjects do I need to study in high school to study [degree]?

What questions should I ask about the campus?

Open Day is a great opportunity to get a feel for the campus and see how learning, wellbeing and student support come together to help you thrive at uni. You can see what facilities are available, where to rest, where you can study, where to grab a bite to eat and where to hang out with friends in between classes.

Some campus questions to ask:

Does the library stay open late?
What sport and recreation facilities are available to students?
What’s accessibility like on campus?
Where can I get food on campus?
Where can I go in between classes?
Where can I study on campus?

What questions should I ask about student life?

Uni isn’t just about classes, it's also about building skills, connections and experiences that shape who you'll become. You'll have the chance to see what kinds of support and social activities are available, so you can make the most of your university life.

Some student life questions to ask:

Are there jobs on campus available for students?
Are there volunteering opportunities?
What clubs and societies can I join?
Is it free to join a club or society?
What’s the social life like?
Where can I go for help with my workload?
Where can I go for student support?

What questions should I ask current students?

Current students were once in your position and can provide firsthand advice. They can share insights on what their uni schedule looks like, how they balance this with working and socialising, and everything else you’d want to know about student life.

Questions to ask current students and student ambassadors:

Should I get involved in extracurricular activities?
Do you have any tips on transitioning from high school to uni?
How do I get the most out of uni?
How can I prepare for first year?
How is the commute to campus?
What do you like most about campus?
What do you wish you knew before starting uni?
What does a day in your life look like?
Why did you choose to study here?

Discover the progress you can make at UNSW Open Day

Spend the day exploring your options, asking questions and taking the first step towards a future that matters to you. UNSW Open Day is our biggest event of the year and takes place in September each year at our Kensington and Paddington campuses, giving you the chance to experience UNSW for yourself.

You can sign up to our newsletter to get updates on Open Day and other key events throughout the year. By signing up you'll receive your Open Day invite straight to your inbox as soon as registrations open.