5 Tips for Organising a University Open Day

A university open day is more than just an event — it’s often a turning point in a student’s decision-making process. According to Ubrik, open days play a crucial role in boosting student engagement and influencing enrolment outcomes. Prospective students are increasingly looking for personalised, meaningful experiences to help them make informed choices.

Open days give your university the chance to showcase its strengths, atmosphere, and people. From academic talks and campus tours to student meet-and-greets, it’s an opportunity to help applicants see themselves as part of your community.

So, how can you make sure your open day leaves a lasting impression?

Here are five practical tips to help you deliver an inspiring, informative, and authentic event.

1. Track Registrations and Attendance

Start by creating a clear, engaging landing page on your website that promotes your open day. This should include:

• A compelling event overview.
• A simple registration form to capture contact details.
• Session or interest-based questions to help with segmentation.

Once students register, use the data to send pre-event reminders and follow-up content. On the day itself, digital check-in forms — ideally loaded onto tablets — can help you keep accurate attendance records and monitor engagement levels.

This not only improves the attendee experience, but also gives your admissions team valuable insight into your most engaged leads.

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2. Provide Useful Pre-Event Content

Once someone has signed up, don’t leave them in the dark. Providing practical information beforehand helps students feel prepared and valued.

Content to consider sending:

• Campus map (PDF or interactive). So they can navigate with confidence.
• Travel recommendations. Segment your audience by location and share local routes, public transport options, and travel tips.
• Event prep tips. Offer guidance on what to bring, sessions to attend, or questions to ask during the day.

Make everything visually engaging and mobile-friendly, and point them to key resources without overwhelming them.

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3. Be Honest and Authentic

It’s natural to want to show your university in the best possible light — but make sure you’re also being real.

Prospects don’t expect perfection. In fact, they’re more likely to trust you if you acknowledge the quirks and challenges of university life alongside the highlights. There’s no need to hide older buildings or pretend campus is always quiet — students value honesty.

Think of your open day as a reflection of student life, not just a marketing campaign. You’ll build stronger trust by being transparent about the full university experience.

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4. Involve a Variety of Voices

While academic talks are a great way to showcase your programmes, don’t stop at faculty.

To give a well-rounded view of student life, involve:

• Current students. Let them act as tour guides, panel members, or speakers. Their stories resonate more than any prospectus ever could.
• Alumni. Invite graduates to talk about their student experience and career journey.
• Support staff. Teams from student services, accommodation, careers, and wellbeing can provide crucial insight into the wraparound support your university offers.

A diverse set of perspectives creates a more engaging and relatable experience for attendees.

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5. Offer a Digital Alternative

Not every student can attend in person — and in an increasingly digital world, that shouldn’t be a barrier.

Here’s how to bring your open day to those at a distance:

• Host a live webinar. Cover the main themes of your on-campus event and offer a Q&A session for interaction.
• Create a virtual campus tour. Use 3D or VR technology to let students explore your campus online.
• Record and share content. Capture key talks, student interviews, and walking tours to distribute on-demand.

These digital tools are especially useful for international prospects or those who can’t afford travel — and they show that your institution values accessibility and innovation.

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Final Thoughts

An open day is a unique opportunity to bring your university to life — to help prospects feel seen, informed, and genuinely excited about what lies ahead.

With thoughtful planning, a commitment to authenticity, and the right content strategy, you’ll create an experience that builds trust, strengthens engagement, and supports higher conversion rates.

Want to simplify your open day communications and follow-ups? Book a demo to discover how Full Fabric helps institutions engage students before, during and after events.