2 males and a female laughing outside a campus building

Events and fairs

Explore the different universities, colleges and employers by attending exhibitions and open days. 

What to expect from an event

Rather than having to attend every open day across the country, you can find out about different universities, colleges and employers in the one place. If you're not quite sure what you want to do, it's a great place to explore. 

If you're already set on what you want to do, you can use the day to get as much information as possible to help with your application. 

In the exhibition, you can:

  • chat with people from the colleges, universities and employers you're interested in
  • ask all about the courses or jobs they offer, what they're looking for in an ideal candidate and what life's like on campus
  • make contacts who might be able to help you after the event
  • attend online seminars on everything from gap years to UCAS applications

Being prepared will help you make the most of the event.

Event preparation

How to prepare before the event

No matter what event you're attending, preparation is important. A little bit of organisation will help you make the most of the experience.

Here are 4 steps to help you prepare. 

  1. Think about what you're actually looking for from the day.
  2. Check who will be attending.
  3. Find out if there are any seminars or talks you can join.
  4. Decide in advance who you most want to talk to and which seminars you'd like to attend.

How My World of Work can help you prepare

The strengths and about me sections of your account will help you find job profiles and courses which would suit you. This can help when you're making a decision about what course to do.

The learn and train search lets you find a huge range of courses, including UCAS information. This will give you an idea of who to talk to and what you want to focus on at an event.

The college and university page gives you information about:

  • college and uni
  • what the differences are
  • how to pick a course that's right for you

What to do during the event

Make sure you:

  • attend all the virtual seminars you want to and pick up some digital prospectus' (check the list you made to make sure you've covered everything you wanted to do)
  • talk to people - it's your chance to learn some really useful information.
  • do not be afraid to ask questions - college and uni reps and employers are there to see you
  • take notes - you'll be getting a lot of details at once

10 questions you should be asking

This starter list will help you get the information you want from an event - but do not forget to think about any others you could add.

1. How is the course taught? 

If you're a practical person but the course is mainly lectures, it may not be for you. 

2. Is there a work placement? 

This could be good if you're hands-on. It'll also help you make contacts for when you graduate.

3. Can I choose my other subjects?

Find out what you can pick outwith your core subjects. It might help you choose between similar courses.

4. How do I stand out?

That is - are minimum entry requirements enough or do you need to show relevant work experience or extracurricular activities.

5. What are the deadlines?

​​​​​​​Some courses have earlier application deadlines and you do not want to miss them.

6. What about accommodation?

Find out if there's guaranteed accommodation for first year students and what costs are involved.

7. Is it easy to find a student house?

Good to know if you're moving away from home. Even if you're in halls in first year, you'll need somewhere to stay for the rest of your course.

8. How are the campus facilities? 

Ask about:

  • lecture halls
  • labs
  • workshops
  • the library
  • cafeterias
  • shops

9. What's the social life like?

It's about more than classes. Ask for information about societies and clubs, the union and local night life. 

10. What have graduates gone on to?

Knowing where your course can lead helps when you're making decisions. 

After the event

Now that you've spent some time with lecturers and other students, use your new insight to narrow down you search. Here are 3 useful things to do after the event.

  1. Research your preferred courses, universities, colleges and employers - the colleges and universities guide can help.
  2. Use sites such as Unistats to find out how students rate their courses.
  3. Email course tutors and find out what you can from current students.