As a mature student, you'll have a wealth of skills, knowledge, and experience.
As a human being, you might have doubts and feel out of place attending an Open Day. You may feel embarrassed about your age and think that Open Days are only for younger people.
Let’s cut the stigma around going to university as a mature student. We are never too old to obtain knowledge; knowledge is power, and therefore education should be accessible for all.
What is an Open Day?
An Open Day is when a university welcomes prospective students and allows them to explore the academic facilities, accommodation, and social areas. It gives you the opportunity to speak with lecturers and current students about the courses and campus life.
Example of an Open Day programme:
- Check in at the Student Centre
- Welcome talk about the university
- Different subjects talk
- Facilities tours and taster sessions
- Subject stands
- Student advice talks
- Meet the student support teams
- Check the campus map
My experience attending an Open Day
I knew I wanted to change careers. Though I was happy to have so many possibilities to consider, I had to decide which one to pursue. When I realised that pursuing a foundation year in medical science wasn't for me, I opted to attend an Open Day. My interests were in the relationship between behaviour and brain functioning, and I had no knowledge about the neuropsychology course until I checked the Open Day programme.
The first thing that caught my attention on the day was how this university prioritises your mental health. UCLan rank third in the UK for mental health support for students, showing how inclusive and supportive they are.
The most important thing was that no one judged me by my age or ethnic background. I was able to ask questions about the course, go on a campus tour and meet other older students and their families. I was safe and felt like I belonged. Going to UCLan’s Open Day helped me find the right course for me and changed my mind regarding who can attend open days. The staff was helpful, and there was plenty of entertainment, music, and freebies.
The campus
Preston is a small city with so much to do. You won’t be bored here. The city centre and public transport are approximately ten minutes from campus. The campus is large but easy to navigate, staff are always around and happy to help with directions. There are plenty of restaurants with student discounts and a nice park if you fancy a walk or picnic.
Overall, I had a nice experience. Having an open mind makes it easier to feel at ease about attending an open day. You will learn a lot and hear about other people's experiences. The staff's non-judgmental, non-discriminatory attitude make it more pleasant and interactive. Don't forget that your degree will affect your career, but your university experience will change you mentally. It will benefit your personal and academic development, as well as your self-confidence and independence.
