How to make the most of your Open Day experience

Open Day is your opportunity to experience uni life for yourself but with so much on, where do you even start?

To help you make the most of the day, we've pulled together some tips to plan, explore and discover everything Melbourne has to offer.

Get to know us before Open Day

Our curriculum is a little different from most other universities in Australia, so it’s worth taking a moment to see how it all works before you attend Open Day. On the day, you'll have a chance to experience the study areas you're most interested in, with sample lectures, info sessions and hands-on workshops on offer.

Start by making a list of courses or study areas that interest you. You can:

Once you’ve narrowed down your interests, it’s time to build your schedule. Register to access the Open Day event planner and full program, so you can create a personalised shortlist of the sessions, tours and other experiences you're most interested in attending. Adding a session to your planner doesn't reserve a place, so we recommend arriving early for anything you don’t want miss. Some sessions may fill up, but many sessions will run multiple times throughout the day, making it easier to fit them into your schedule.

Students chat to staff at Open Day

Next, have a think about what questions you might have for academics, Future Student teams and current students on the day. If you have trouble thinking about what to ask, here are some suggested questions to ask at Open Day to guide your conversations and get the answers you need.

Get a feel for life on campus

Open Day isn't just about discovering your course options, it's also an opportunity to get a feel for our campuses. From historic sandstone buildings to state-of -the art facilities, from libraries and labs to studios and student precincts – it's all open for you to explore.

Throughout the day, there are experiences planned across our Southbank and Parkville campuses, showcasing the places where you'll learn, study and socialise. Friendly student guides will be handing out programs and maps to help you navigate your way around.

Meeting up with friends? Head to South Lawn at our Parkville campus – a great spot to relax and soak up the Open Day vibes.

You can check out some of our clubs and societies on the day. Have fun by trying something new, exploring our community and meeting other students with shared interests.

If you’re planning to live on campus, don't miss the guided and self-guided tours to learn more about the available student accommodation options and residential support offered to our students.

What to bring on the day

We've got you covered with plenty of food and drink options available across our campuses, but bringing a few essentials will help your day run smoothly:

  • A notepad and pen to write down any important information you learn during the day
  • A backpack or small bag to carry course guides, brochures and flyers you may collect
  • An umbrella just in case – Open Day is built for all weather but it is winter in Melbourne after all
  • A water bottle to keep yourself hydrated (there are refill stations located around the campus)
  • A comfortable pair of shoes to walk in - there's so much ground to cover!
  • A printed map and program (these will be available on the day). You can grab one from our student volunteers – they’re in the blue vests.

Are you a parent coming to support your teen? Here's how you can help

Open Day is a valuable opportunity for your teen to ask questions, build confidence and get clarity on anything they’re unsure about. Our welcoming community of staff, academics and student volunteers are here to help, ready to answer questions, share experiences and offer advice.

Help your teen prepare by encouraging them to think about what they want to know – from course information and entry requirements to campus life and support services. The transition from high school to university can be stressful and they might be nervous and feel overwhelmed.

Of course, this transition can feel overwhelming for parents too. Our information for parents page covers everything you need to know about student life at Melbourne, such as their study experience, application process, accommodation options and other frequently asked questions.

Finally, at Open Day, you and your teen may come across many new terms related to studying at Melbourne. To make sure you and your teen have a full understanding of all the lingo, check out our glossary for future students.

We can't wait to welcome you

Open Day is your chance to see what studying at Melbourne is really like,  to ask questions, explore your interests and picture yourself on campus. With a little planning, you’ll get the most out of every moment. See you in August!