Seven reasons to attend Open Day in person

After experiencing virtual schooling and online events, you might be wondering why Open Day is important to attend in person.

Open Day is important because it’s designed to help you form connections to your goals during and after high school, whether you’re in Year 12 and researching your future course or in Year 9 and preparing to choose your subjects.

RMIT’s Open Day (also known as NextFest) is your chance to come on campus, explore the facilities and chat to the friendly staff and students about study options and advice on your next steps.

You don’t even need to know what you want to study before checking out a university campus. In fact, coming along to a university Open Day might be the quickest and most exciting way to discover exactly what’s out there!

Two future student standing in front of an RMIT stall at Open Day

#1: See the facilities and find out what’s on offer

The thought of going to university may stress you out a bit, even if it’s still a few years away. This might be because it’s a big step outside your comfort zone or because you aren’t sure what is actually on offer.

At university, you’ll find there are study options beyond what you’ve ever considered. For example, at RMIT you could find yourself studying game design or nanotechnology. Exploring the facilities on your own terms and understanding the possibilities of university study will be an absolute rush, and it’ll make you eager to jump into your future studies.

#2: Meet your future teachers and university staff

Meeting your future teachers (also known as lecturers or academics) in person and chatting about your options can be a great way to test the waters for future study. Academics are experts in their fields, so meeting them can also give you a chance to learn more about a certain topic and if it’s for you.

#3: Speak to current university students

You’ll find passionate university students around every corner at Open Day. Current university students have been in your shoes and can be less intimidating to speak to than a lecturer. Not only are current students able to fill you in on how they got their uni studies started, but you can also tap into their knowledge to figure out what challenges and opportunities they’ve had along the way.

#4: Explore student life and non-academic opportunities

You can get a lot from attending Open Day in person because it gives you a taste of what campus life is really like. For example, RMIT has a slew of curious clubs and societies with everything from a DJ Club to a Science Fiction and Gaming Association. You’re guaranteed to find some hidden gems that will appeal to your specific interests.

Courtyard filled with students at the Melbourne city campus

#5: Investigate what can you find nearby

University campuses have plenty of food options, hangouts and study spots, but you’ll also want to know what can be found nearby. Open Day is a good chance to check out the area around a university and what it’s got to offer.

It’s not just about finding places you want to visit – it's also about convenience. You might need to know about parking, public transport or other amenities that you may not be able to find on campus. For example, RMIT’s Melbourne City campus has several public transport options nearby, and some excellent choices for dedicated foodies.

#6: Hear from your future employers

Open Day isn’t just for finding out about uni, it's also a time to begin building towards a career by finding out what future employers are looking for. At RMIT’s Open Day, industry is everywhere, so you’ll find heaps of chances to learn about the exciting careers you never knew you wanted.

Work experience at uni can give you invaluable skills and knowledge during your studies and get you a foothold in the industry of your choice.

#7: Discover what’s next for you

About to go to Open Day and not sure what you want to learn or where you want to go? Don’t panic. Exploring campuses and finding out what’s on offer is part of the process of deciding whether university is for you.

Open Day is important for everyone, even for those who are still in the middle of their high school studies. High schoolers of any age will find excellent opportunities around every corner. If you are in Year 12, you’ll get a great idea of what things will be like next year, and students earlier in high school will get a head start on planning their university journey. The earlier you know what you are interested in pursuing, the longer you have to plan what’s next.

Story: Jacob Johnston

Explore more

You may be interested in...

Five tips to nail RMIT’s Open Day

Discover how to make the most of the face-to-face line-up at RMIT’s Open Day events on 7 and 14 August, plus our virtual events throughout the month.

Your guide to VTAC and RMIT terms

Uni lingo can seem like an entirely different language sometimes, but with this glossary, you’ll be fluent in no time.

Five students sitting in front of a mural

Five things I wish I knew before starting uni 

Ever wish you could share some wisdom with your younger self? We’ve gathered the advice of our students and alumni to give you some top tips for uni.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information

Acknowledgement of Country

More information