Why attending an Open Day or Decision Day can make all the difference

Attending an Open Day or Decision Day is a fantastic opportunity to get to know your future university and feel more confident about your decision to study there. As someone who couldn’t attend these events before starting my studies, I can tell you firsthand what I missed out on and why you should seize the chance to participate—whether in person or online.

Hi, I’m Maria, a Marketing and Digital Experience Graduate Intern here at York St John University (YSJ). Back in 2019, I came from Greece to study Korean, TESOL & Linguistics at YSJ. Because of the challenges of traveling during the school year, I couldn’t attend an Open Day or Decision Day before starting university.

I managed to visit York in August 2019, just a month before the beginning of term. Although I saw the campus, YSJ wasn’t officially “open” at the time. I didn’t have the chance to talk to any staff, meet fellow students, or even explore my accommodation properly. I knew where it was located, but I had no idea how far it actually was from the university. The one positive outcome of that visit was getting a feel for the city of York itself—a beautiful and vibrant place to live.

However, when it came to starting my university journey, I faced a lot of challenges:

• Navigating the Campus: On my first day during Fresher’s Week, we had our inductions. No matter how early I set off from my accommodation, I struggled to find the right building. I didn’t know where the amphitheatre for my induction was and, lacking a sense of orientation, I ended up being late and embarrassed as I entered the hall last.
• Feeling Overwhelmed: The first week was particularly hard as I tried to learn my way around the university. Not being familiar with the campus layout made things unnecessarily stressful.
• Course Expectations: Since I hadn’t attended any subject area talks, I didn’t really know what to expect from my course. I missed the chance to ask questions and properly prepare, which made the first few weeks more challenging.
• Accommodation Tours: Because I didn’t attend these events, I chose my accommodation solely based on pictures from the website. I didn’t have the chance to tour different options or get a sense of how far each was from the university. This made the decision-making process harder and added to my initial stress.
• Social Connections: People who had attended Open Days or Decision Days already had a dynamic. They were more comfortable during the first week because they knew each other or had met people from other courses at these events. It was easier for them to start conversations and settle in. Don’t get me wrong—I managed to make friends with my course mates and students from other courses as well, but I believe attending one of these events would have made the process smoother and less intimidating.

Had I attended an Open Day or Decision Day, I would have been much more prepared for my first week. These events offer so much value:

• Explore the Campus: You can familiarize yourself with the buildings, lecture halls, and key facilities, so you won’t feel lost when you arrive.
• Meet Staff and Students: It’s a chance to ask questions, hear from lecturers, and connect with current students who can share valuable insights.
• Get Accommodation Insights: You can visit different accommodation options and get a real sense of what your living situation will be like.
• Experience the Atmosphere: There’s something special about feeling the vibe of a university in person, which helps you imagine yourself studying there.
• Build Social Connections: Meeting future classmates and other students can make the first week far less intimidating.

I completely understand that traveling to York may not be possible for everyone—it wasn’t for me either. That’s why I strongly recommend attending YSJ’s Online Decision Day on 21st May. It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for the university from the comfort of your home.

1. Virtual Campus Tours: Explore YSJ’s beautiful campus and facilities online.
2. Interactive Q&A Sessions: Get your questions answered by academic staff, current students, and support teams.
3. Learn About Your Course: Gain valuable insights into your chosen subject area.
4. Connect with Fellow Applicants: Start building connections with other future students.

If you can’t make it to an Open Day or Decision Day, here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Explore Online Resources: YSJ’s website has plenty of information, including virtual campus tours, course details, and videos featuring current students.
• Reach Out to Staff: Don’t hesitate to email the admissions or student support teams with any questions.
• Connect with Current Students: Use social media platforms or student forums to chat with those already studying at YSJ.
• Plan a Self-Guided Visit: If you can visit York on your own schedule, take a walk around campus and explore the city to get a feel for your new environment.
• Join Online Communities: Many universities, including YSJ, have social media groups for new students where you can meet people and ask questions.

Don’t worry too much if you can’t attend an Open Day or Decision Day. YSJ is a close-knit community where everyone is friendly and helpful. If you get lost, there will always be someone willing to point you in the right direction. And if you’re feeling shy, don’t stress—people here are easy-going, and you’ll manage to make friends pretty easily.

So, while attending these events is incredibly valuable, remember that YSJ is a supportive place where everyone looks out for each other. You’ll find your way and thrive, no matter how you start.