University open days are a crucial opportunity for parents and students to assess campus life, academic fit, and support services. By preparing targeted questions, reviewing course requirements, and using tools that keep you informed on your child's academic progress, you can ensure your family makes confident, well-informed university choices.
Quick Answer: Parents can get the most from university open days by preparing key questions, understanding course requirements, and using progress-tracking tools to support their child's academic journey without being overbearing.
Why university open days matter for parents
University open days are more than campus tours, they are your chance to see if a university truly fits your child's needs and ambitions. For parents, these events offer a rare window into academic standards, student support, and the realities of student life. With university choices shaping future careers, your involvement and preparation can make a real difference.
In the UK, most universities host open days between June and October, ahead of the UCAS application deadline in January. These events often fill quickly, so booking early is essential. Use the open day to check not just facilities, but also the course content, support systems, and the general atmosphere your child will experience.
If your child is considering competitive subjects or universities, it’s even more important to use open days to ask about grade boundaries, interview processes, and additional requirements. For example, many Russell Group universities expect A-level grades of ABB or higher, and some courses may have specific subject prerequisites.
What to look for and ask on the day
To get the most from a university open day, parents should focus on three key areas: academic fit, student support, and practicalities. Here’s a practical checklist to guide your visit:
- Course content and teaching: Ask about module choices, assessment methods, and how the course is structured across years. For example, does the course offer flexibility to switch modules or specialisms? Are lectures recorded for revision, or are seminars compulsory?
- Entry requirements: Confirm the specific A-level grades and subjects needed. Some courses require a grade 6 in GCSE maths, or a specific science at A-level. Ask about contextual offers, which can sometimes be lower for students from certain backgrounds.
- Student support: Find out about academic support, wellbeing services, and careers advice. Ask how students struggling with coursework are supported.
- Facilities: Tour the libraries, labs, and study spaces. Check opening hours and resources for your child’s subject.
- Accommodation and cost of living: Ask about accommodation options, costs, and how far they are from campus. Some universities guarantee first-year accommodation, others don’t.
- Graduate outcomes: What percentage of graduates go on to employment or further study? Are there placement years or internships built into the course?
Bringing a prepared list of questions ensures you won’t forget key points in the moment. Encourage your child to ask questions, but don’t be afraid to step in if something is unclear or overlooked.
Tracking academic readiness: staying informed without micromanaging
One of the biggest concerns for parents is knowing whether their child is truly ready for university-level study. It’s natural to want to support without hovering. Modern tutoring platforms like StudyGuru can help by providing clear, regular updates on your child’s academic progress.
StudyGuru’s Parent Visibility Dashboard gives you a real-time overview of all upcoming and past tutoring sessions, student progress over time, and direct communication with tutors. After each session, parents receive an AI-generated lesson summary by email, detailing topics covered, time spent, and your child’s confidence level in each area (rated as Struggling, Progressing, or Confident). This means you can spot gaps in knowledge early, well before application deadlines or exams.
For example, if your child is aiming for an A in A-level Chemistry but AI lesson summaries consistently show “Struggling” in organic chemistry, you can encourage targeted revision or ask the tutor for extra support. This approach keeps you informed and proactive, without needing to micromanage daily study.
Every StudyGuru session includes these AI-generated lesson summaries, and all tutors are Enhanced DBS-checked through a 7-step process, only 1 in 14 applicants are accepted. This ensures your child is supported by qualified, trustworthy professionals as they prepare for university.
Preparing for open days: practical steps for parents and students
Preparation is key to making open days count. Here’s how you can help your child get ready:
- Review course requirements together: Check UCAS and university websites for entry grades, subject prerequisites, and important dates. For example, some medicine courses require UCAT or BMAT tests with registration deadlines as early as July.
- List your priorities: What matters most: academic reputation, location, student support, or extracurricular opportunities? Rank these together to guide your questions on the day.
- Plan your route: Many open days include multiple talks and tours. Download campus maps and timetables in advance. Wear comfortable shoes!
- Take notes and photos: Encourage your child to jot down impressions and key facts. Photos of accommodation or facilities help when comparing universities later.
- Debrief after the visit: Discuss what stood out, what felt right or wrong, and any follow-up questions. Use this to refine your shortlist.
If your child is working with a tutor, share your open day findings with them. Tutors can help address any academic gaps identified during the visit, or adapt revision plans to meet specific university requirements. For more on supporting the transition, see our A-level to university transition guide.
Staying on track after open days: deadlines, decisions, and support
After open days, the real work begins: finalising choices, preparing applications, and ensuring your child meets academic targets. As a parent, you can help by keeping track of key dates and supporting your child’s revision without taking over.
Modern tutoring services like StudyGuru make this easier. The Weekly Parent Digest summarises recent tutoring sessions, progress updates, and what your child should focus on next, delivered straight to your inbox. This helps you stay in the loop and offer timely encouragement, especially as deadlines approach.
StudyGuru sessions start from £24 per hour with no subscription or contract required. There’s also a £15 Starter Pack (4 sessions at £15 each), making it easy to get tailored support during the crucial months before university. Every active StudyGuru tutor holds a 5-star rating from verified parent reviews, giving you confidence in the quality of support.
If you’re new to online tutoring, you can learn how it works in our how tutoring works guide. Many families find that regular, targeted tutoring helps keep students on track for university offers, especially in challenging A-level subjects.
Balancing support and independence: your role as a parent
Supporting your child’s university journey is about balance. You want to be involved, but not overbearing. Open days are a chance to listen, ask questions, and share your perspective, while letting your child lead the process. Encourage them to reflect on what feels right, and respect their growing independence.
Using tools like StudyGuru’s Parent Visibility Dashboard and Weekly Parent Digest allows you to stay informed and supportive, without needing to check in constantly. This approach builds trust and confidence on both sides.
If you’re unsure about your child’s academic readiness or want to boost their confidence before application season, consider booking a free 15-minute intro session with a StudyGuru tutor. You can view our tutors and choose someone who fits your child’s needs and personality.
FAQs
Q: What should parents look for at a university open day?
A: Parents should focus on course content, entry requirements, student support services, and accommodation options. It’s also important to assess the general campus atmosphere and ask about graduate outcomes.
Q: How can I help my child prepare for university applications?
A: Help your child research entry requirements, gather necessary documents, and plan revision for predicted grades. Using tutoring platforms with progress tracking can highlight areas needing improvement before application deadlines.
Q: How do I know if my child is academically ready for university?
A: Regular progress updates from teachers or tutors, such as AI-generated lesson summaries from StudyGuru, can show whether your child is on track with their target grades and confident in key subjects.
Q: What questions should I ask university staff during open days?
A: Ask about course structure, assessment methods, support services, placement opportunities, and specific entry requirements. Don’t forget to clarify any subject prerequisites or grade boundaries.
Q: How can tutoring support my child's university ambitions?
A: Tutoring provides targeted support in challenging subjects, helps boost predicted grades, and builds confidence. StudyGuru’s AI lesson summaries and parent dashboards keep you informed on progress, so you can support your child’s ambitions effectively.
Maximising university open days is about preparation, asking the right questions, and staying informed on your child’s academic journey. For families seeking extra support, StudyGuru offers transparent progress tracking, trusted tutors, and flexible pay-as-you-go sessions. Ready to find the right academic support? View our tutors today.
