Planning your open day visit

Open days If you can, visit at least one college and your subject department on the open day. This will give you the best chance to find out what it’s like to live and study in Oxford.

We hope you will find all the information you need in the colleges and departments, but if you have any more questions at all, please come and visit us in the Open Day Information Centre.

You may also like to visit libraries and museums during the day, where relevant to your subject. The University Sports Centre in Iffley Road and many other venues such as the Oxford Playhouse theatre, the Language Centre and the Oxford Union Society will also be open.

Plan ahead

It is easy to feel that there is just too much to do and see at our open days. In our experience people who plan their day in advance often feel they have made the most of their visit.

With this in mind, please note:

Colleges and departments may require you to book in advance for some of their events.

Unfortunately, in order to give priority to potential applicants, it may not be possible for parents and/or other companions to attend events in colleges and departments where places are strictly limited but they are very welcome to come visit the Open Day Information Centre at any time.

There are many other drop-in events and opportunities which everyone is welcome to attend, including all afternoon talks and events at the Open Day Information Centre at the Examination Schools in the High Street. Details for all these drop-in events will be listed in our Open Days Guide when it becomes available.

Check whether or not you need to book!

Some departments and colleges hold specific events for which booking is required, so do check the details for the departments and colleges you want to visit. Booking a place may be the best way to make sure you can speak to the right people while you are here. Colleges may also offer lunch (and even accommodation if you have a long way to travel), which is a great way to experience a little of Oxford life for yourself. There is no need to book at the libraries, museums, sports centre or the Open Day Information Centre.

Your course

The most important decision you have to make about university is which subject or subjects you would like to study.

If you haven’t decided yet, we strongly recommend that you read all you can about the courses you’re interested in before you come to Oxford. There are details of these in the course pages.

When you come to Oxford, you can find out more about your course from the subject department or departments, and also from any colleges that offer that course.

Can’t decide on a course?

If you are trying to decide between two courses or are thinking about a joint course, you may like to visit both departments during the open day, or perhaps visit a college which offers both courses.

Joint courses

Some joint courses hold specific events in a single location, so that you do not need to visit more than one department.

What to bring

Sign post Details of any events you have booked to attend.

A copy of the open days guide – highlight the events you want to go to. However, don’t worry too much if you forget this as it will be freely available on the day.

A raincoat, sun cream or both!
A pen for taking notes
A bag to carry all your papers

Don’t bring

The car, if you can avoid it. Parking in Oxford isn’t always easy especially on open days!

See our travel advice