News & Events

Making the most of virtual university open days

Online open events are ideal for international students. Whether you’re in Bangalore or Bangkok, you can simply log in to get a feel for a UK university and the jobs it could lead to – without having to leave your home.

Even though you’re not spending thousands of pounds in travel costs, you should still take virtual open events seriously. After all, they could determine where and what you end up studying, and the course that your future career will take.

So read on for our top tips for making the most of virtual open events for international students!

1. Register for your virtual open day

It’s free, quick and straightforward to register – but easy to overlook. Do it now!

Once you’re registered, you’ll be sent an email containing links that you’ll click on to enter the open day. Remember to check the dates and times – and don’t be caught out by time zone differences.

2. Do your research in advance

University websites should provide you with all the basic information you need. By carrying out your background research into courses, industry placements, careers and so on beforehand, you can save time during your open day for the trickier or more individual questions you might have.

3. Prepare a list of questions

No doubt your mind will be full of queries about admissions, courses, life on campus, employability, links with employers and much, much more. Jot them all down so you’re ready on the day.

4. Plan the virtual open day events that interest you

You’ll be sent a programme of events in advance. It’s tempting to register for as many as possible, but you can easily become overloaded that way. So pick out several, and give them your undivided attention.

If you change your mind, it should be easy to amend your options before the virtual open day.

5. Check your tech

On the day, you’ll need a device, a reliable internet connection, a quiet place to sit, something to take notes with – and that’s it.

6. Take a virtual university tour

A great way to start is to take an online 360° tour of some of the main areas of campus. It should give you a flavour of the university and whet your appetite for your studies.

Plus, it will help you consider what kind of a university is right for you: small, large, campus, city… there’s a huge choice across the UK.

7. Attend the live talks

Talks on offer will cover everything from a general welcome from the vice-chancellor to subject introductions from academics. You should come away buzzing, with a far clearer idea of whether this university and course is right for you and your career aspirations.

8. Join in the live chats

These are perhaps the biggest pull factor for open days – Q&As with academics in your field, as well as chances to converse with current students and university advisors.

Many international students find it less intimidating to type questions in live chat than to ask them out loud, making this another big advantage of online over in-person open days. (In fact, many native English speakers feel the same way!)

9. Watch webinars on university services

Living, studying and finding jobs in the UK can be bewildering for international students. Fortunately, your university will help you, offering services dedicated to international students and careers advice, among others.

Find out more at your virtual open day so you’ll know who to turn to when the time comes. For example, if you already know about your university careers service, then you’ll be able to hit the ground running when you begin: read our blog on how to get the most out of your first time for future employability.

10. Get extra support for international students

Essential advice will be on offer about applying for permission to study in the UK – don’t miss it! Experts will be able to give you up-to-date information tailored to international students, including the right to stay in the UK for work for two or three years after graduation.

11. Look out for follow-up activities

Ever been to an event and only afterwards thought of the questions you wished you’d asked? Yes, us too! Fortunately, virtual open days aren’t your only chance to find out about the universities on your wishlist.

Connect after the event through social media, newsletter and email. Any university will be pleased to hear from you, get feedback on the open day, and answer your questions.

Hopefully they’ll soon be welcoming you in person too!

Register with Gradlink today

For career-minded students, it’s wise to choose your university with employability in mind. You can get further support from Gradlink, which offers free global advice, an employer database, a jobs board and news for international students. Register with Gradlink today.