How to get the most of Open Day

We know that university open days can be exciting, yet daunting. Student representative and second-year commerce student Liana Allan shares her tips for getting the most out of Victoria University of Wellington’s Open Day.

Keep an eye out for Victoria University student representatives carrying our Open Day photo frame—post an Instagram photo of yourself in the frame using #VicUniWgtn and you’ll have the chance to win an iPad.

The end is near: you’ve nearly gotten through 13 years of schooling and end of year exams are quickly approaching, but a big challenge remains—deciding which university to go to. Open Day is one of the best ways to help you decide.

Victoria University’s Open Day is a massive event, with hundreds of staff, current students and over 4,000 prospective students in attendance. This can be overwhelming, but having attended four open days and worked at one, I’ve collected several tips along the way.

Here’s my advice for making the most of your day at Victoria University of Wellington:

Be prepared and have a plan

Open Day is jam-packed with tours, talks and activities. There simply isn’t enough time to do everything, so prioritising is key. Use the University’s website to make a rough plan before Open Day and be sure to maximise your time by arriving early.

Explore our campuses

Campus tours provide an excellent overview of each campus and can help you decide what you want to find out more about. Victoria University of Wellington has three campuses—Kelburn, Pipitea and Te Aro.

Most first year courses are taught at Kelburn, but if you’re studying commerce, for example, you will be based at Pipitea for your second and third years.

It pays to check out other campuses—if you have time and aren’t from Wellington, walking between them is a great way to get a feel for the city.

Check out accommodation options

Finding the right place to live will help you make the most of your university experience. Halls are a great option for first-year students—you get to meet lots of new people, make friends and are provided with plenty of support.

Halls have tours on Open Day to help you decide which place feels like home to you.

Ask questions

Open Day is your chance to find out what’s not on the website and brochures. Staff will be able to answer questions about course planning and give advice. Students in ASK ME t-shirts can help you plan your day, or help you if you get lost, and can provide insight into what life at this University is actually like.

Find out what else the University offers

University is much more than classes. There are tonnes of student clubs and societies here as well as recreation and fitness services. As part of Open Day, ClubZone will help you discover clubs like Lacrosse Victoria and Victoria Business Consulting. Joining a club is a great way to make friends, learn new things, provide balance and make your student experience more fulfilling.

Remember Open Day is Victoria University of Wellington’s chance to impress you. There will be entertainment, freebies and food. Get involved, have fun and take in all the University has to offer. I look forward to seeing you there!

Liana Allan is a second-year commerce student and a student representative.

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