As a postgraduate student ambassador at Durham University, I’ve had the opportunity to both attend and work during online open day events, and I can say from experience that they are incredibly valuable for anyone considering further studies.
When I was making my own decision about where to pursue my postgraduate degree, what the course looks like, what Durham is like, online open days played a pivotal role in helping me make an informed choice.
How online events helped my decision
Coming from Pakistan and not living in the UK at the time, attending online events was a game-changer.
These sessions provided a platform to engage with faculty, current students, and the recruitment team without the need to be physically present on campus. It felt reassuring to be able to ask questions directly, explore courses in depth, and get a real sense of what Durham University is about. The ability to attend from home gave me the flexibility I needed to make my decision, especially when considering to have a degree from abroad.
There are two particular online events that I remember while deciding whether I would be joining Durham University or not, one was an online one-on-one with the Program Director of my course where I was able to ask in depth questions about my course, the opportunities in the university and out of it and the support all the departments in the university would provide. And the second online event was about Living in Durham, which gave me a pretty much detailed insight of the transport facilities that are available in Durham, the benefits of living in and living out and the student life Durham brings.
What I enjoy about working online events
Working at these events as an ambassador has been equally rewarding. I enjoy helping prospective students get the answers they need to make confident decisions. The enthusiasm and curiosity of those attending are contagious, and I find it fulfilling to share my experiences with others.
Many attendees seem to appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to ask real-time questions, which is often a significant factor in their decision-making process.
My advice for prospective students
For those of you who are thinking about attending an online open day, here’s some advice from someone who has both attended and worked at them:
- Come prepared: Make a list of questions in advance. Whether it’s about your course of interest, funding opportunities, or life in the UK as an international student, having specific queries will help you get the most out of the event.
- Engage actively: Don’t hesitate to participate in discussions or ask follow-up questions. The people running these sessions are there to help you, and engaging in real-time can clarify things that might not be immediately obvious from a website or brochure.
- Explore beyond academics: Take advantage of sessions focused on student life, accommodations, and support services. These are all important factors in creating a holistic university experience, especially for international students who may be unfamiliar with the local culture.
- Take notes: With so much information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take notes during the sessions, particularly on key points about your course of interest, deadlines, and available support.
Final thoughts
Postgraduate online open days are more than just information sessions; they provide a glimpse into what your future could look like. Whether you’re attending from the UK or halfway across the world, these events offer a valuable chance to explore your options, get a feel for the community, and make an informed choice.
As someone who was once in your shoes, I highly encourage you to make the most of these opportunities.
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