Questions to ask at Open Day

I’m still figuring out what I want to study. 

Choosing a course can feel overwhelming, especially if you have multiple interests or are still exploring different pathways. Open Day is a chance to ask questions, compare options and better understand what different study areas are really like.

What’s unique about studying this course at UTS?

Every university approaches teaching and learning differently. Ask academics and current students what makes the course experience at UTS distinctive, including:

• practical learning opportunities
• industry projects and placements
• teaching styles
• access to specialist facilities
• collaboration opportunities across disciplines

Understanding how the course is delivered can help you decide whether it feels like the right fit for your interests and learning style.

Can I combine this course with another interest area?

If you enjoy more than one subject area, ask about:

• double degrees
• majors and minors
• elective subjects
• interdisciplinary learning opportunities
• pathway options between courses

Exploring flexible study options can help you keep your future options open while discovering what interests you most.

What kinds of students enjoy this course?

Current students and academics can often provide useful insight into the types of interests, strengths and learning styles that suit different courses.

You might ask:

• what students enjoy most about the course
• what challenges students commonly experience
• what skills are helpful before starting
• what types of projects or assignments students work on

These conversations can help you picture yourself studying in that area.

What if I change my mind later?

It’s common for students to refine their interests during university.
Ask about:

• changing majors or specialisations
• transferring between courses
• pathway programs
• elective flexibility
• academic support and course planning

Understanding your options can make choosing a course feel less overwhelming.

I want to know what studying here is actually like

University learning can feel very different from school. Open Day is a good opportunity to better understand what day-to-day study at UTS might look like.

How much study is involved each week?

Workloads vary depending on the course and subjects selected.

You might ask:

• how many classes students attend each week
• how much independent study is expected
• whether workloads change throughout semester
• how students balance study with work or personal commitments

Having realistic expectations can help students feel more prepared for university life.

Is the course more practical or theory-based?

Some students prefer hands-on learning, while others enjoy more theoretical or research-focused study.

Ask about:

• workshops, labs or studio classes
• practical projects
• group work and presentations
• industry-based learning
• research or theory-focused subjects

Understanding how students learn can help you decide whether the course suits your preferred learning style.

How are students assessed?

Assessment styles can vary significantly between courses.

Useful questions include:

• are there exams, presentations or group projects?
• how much assessment happens throughout semester?
• are students assessed through practical work or portfolios?
• how do students receive feedback on assignments?

Learning how assessment works can help students understand course expectations more clearly.

What does a typical timetable look like?

University schedules are often more flexible than school timetables.

Ask about:

• class frequency
• online or hybrid learning options
• contact hours
• evening classes or intensive subjects
• expectations for attending campus

This can help students understand how university fits alongside work, travel and other commitments.

I want to know where this course could lead

For many students, Open Day is about exploring future career possibilities as much as choosing a course.

What careers can this course lead to?

Understanding potential career pathways can help connect study interests with future opportunities.

You might ask:

• where graduates work
• what industries recruit from the course
• what roles graduates typically pursue
• whether further study pathways exist

Speaking with academics and current students can make career pathways feel more tangible and realistic.

Are internships or placements included?

Practical learning experiences can help students build confidence and industry connections before graduating. Ask whether the course includes:

• internships
• placements
• live industry projects
• work-integrated learning
• opportunities to collaborate with employers

You can also ask how students are supported in finding placement opportunities.

What industry experience will students gain?

Many UTS courses include opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.

Consider asking:

• how often students work on practical projects
• whether industry professionals contribute to teaching
• what professional skills students develop
• how students build industry connections during their degree

These experiences can help students feel more prepared for employment after graduation.

I’m moving to Sydney 

Relocating for university can feel exciting, unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming. Open Day is a chance to explore the campus and learn more about student life in Sydney.

What accommodation options are available near campus?

Accommodation can play a major role in the university experience.

Ask about:

• student residences
• shared accommodation options
• accommodation costs
• transport connections
• application processes

Exploring accommodation options early can help students prepare for life at university.

Is it easy to get around Sydney without a car?

UTS is located in central Sydney with access to trains, buses, light rail and major transport hubs.

You may want to ask:

• what transport options students commonly use
• how long commutes typically take
• whether students need a car
• how accessible the campus is by public transport

Understanding transport options can help students feel more confident about relocating.

What helps students settle into university life?

Starting in a new city often means adjusting to new routines, friendships and environments.

Ask about:

• orientation activities
• social events
• peer mentoring
• clubs and societies
• support services for new students

These experiences can help students feel more connected and supported during the transition to university life.

I want to find my people

University is not only about study, it’s also about community, friendships and finding spaces where you feel comfortable and supported.

What’s student culture like?

Every university and faculty has its own culture and atmosphere.

Current students can often provide honest insight into:

• what campus life feels like
• how students connect outside class
• what the community is like
• how collaborative or social courses feel

These conversations can help students understand whether the environment feels like the right fit.

Are there clubs, societies or student communities?

Clubs and student groups can help students build friendships, explore interests and feel connected to university life.

Ask about:

• clubs and societies
• creative communities
• sporting groups
• volunteering opportunities
• faculty-based events and activities

These experiences often become an important part of university life outside the classroom.

I want to know what support is available

Starting university can feel like a big transition. Understanding what support is available can help students feel more confident about university life.

What academic support is available?

Students may need support at different stages of their degree.

Ask about:

• academic skills workshops
• tutoring and study support
• writing assistance
• learning access plans
• transition support programs

Knowing support exists can help students navigate challenges more confidently.

What wellbeing and accessibility services are available?

Student wellbeing is an important part of the university experience.

Consider asking:

• what counselling and wellbeing services are available
• how students access support
• what disability and accessibility services exist
• whether peer mentoring programs are available
• what support exists during stressful periods like exams

Understanding available support services can help students feel more prepared and supported throughout their studies.

Questions to ask current students

Current students can often provide the most honest insights into university life and what studying at UTS is really like.

What surprised you most about first year?

This can help students better understand:

• the transition from school to university
• managing workloads
• independent learning
• making friends
• balancing study and personal commitments

What do you wish you knew before starting university?

Students often share practical advice about:

• study expectations
• time management
• finding support
• choosing subjects
• settling into university life

These conversations can help future students feel more informed and prepared.

What’s your favourite part of studying at UTS?

This question can help students learn more about:

• campus culture
• practical learning experiences
• student communities
• memorable projects or opportunities
• life outside the classroom

Hearing personal experiences can make university feel more real and relatable.

How to make the most of Open Day

Before Open Day:

• review course information
• shortlist study areas
• check session times
• prepare questions
• plan which facilities or talks you want to visit

Having a plan can help you make the most of your time on campus.

On the day
Speak with a range of people

Try to speak with:

• academics
• current students
• support staff
• admission staff
• accommodation teams

Different perspectives can help students build a more complete understanding of university life.

After Open Day
Compare your options afterwards

After Open Day, it can help to compare:

• course structure
• practical learning opportunities
• support services
• campus culture
• flexibility and study options
• career pathways

Students may also want to revisit course information, reflect on their experience on campus and discuss options with family, teachers or careers advisors.