Prospectuses And Open Days

The University Prospectus

They all look great, and every prospectus you look at makes you think: "I'd like to go there." But do remember that they are glossy exercises in marketing, and some can be very gimmicky. Dig around in a prospectus and you can find much of the information you require, in particular the factual information relating to courses on offer and facilities. Alternative prospectuses (written by students) will often fill in the gaps and reveal some of the negatives omitted in the official prospectus, but are naturally highly subjective. (Ask five people to write an alternative prospectus for Tonbridge School, and the five accounts could all appear to be about a totally different place)! You may find this website helpful.

Open Days

You really need to visit a university and find out for yourself. We limit the number of Open Days you can attend (no point visiting twenty universities if you can't then get the grades), which means that the easter and summer holidays and half terms are almost certainly the best time to arrange visits. And don't forget that if you receive interesting offers from universities that you haven't yet seen, it's never too late.

Don't accept a place from a university you haven't visited.

There is a booklet listing all the university open days, and also a website giving all the details.

When you visit a university, take the opportunity to have a good look around (not just at the places on the "official" programme) and ask lots of questions. If possible, find some students and ask them questions too:

• What's the quality of the teaching like? Is there plenty of feedback on your work?
• What are the departmental facilities like? Opening hours? Computer access?
• How well are new students looked after?
• How easy is it to find accommodation? Which are the best halls of residence? Transport?
• Are there any rules about part-time work? Is it easy to get work?
• What's the cost of living like? Are there good shops close by, and places to eat?