Making the most of Open Day

So you’re thinking about uni? Or maybe TAFE? Or maybe you’re just here for the snacks (that's fine too!).

Whatever brings you to VU Open Day, we’re here to help you get the most out of it – and you could even walk away with a $ grant towards your course*.

Here’s your handy go-to guide for prepping like a pro and making the most of Open Days on the, well, day. Trust us, you'll want to save this one in your bookmarks bar – especially with those prizes on the line!

*T&Cs apply

student busting a move on dancefloor at Block Party while 6 students cheer on

← This could be you this year!

Don't miss out, lock your spot in at VU Open day now. Hit the button below to register, and put yourself in the draw for the prize too (as long as you attend the event itself!)

Before you go

1. Nail down your path

Make a shortlist of courses or study areas you're interested in. Not sure yet? No problem – check out our courses page to browse through all our options, across TAFE and higher education. Or, chat to our team on the day, and they'll be able to help you figure out your options.

2. Register (and throw your hat in the ring for a grant)

August might feel like a while away, but it'll be here before you know it – register for the event now so you can add it to your calendar and you don't double book yourself! Plus, the added bonus is you'll go into the running to win one of our grants (ie. win money you can put towards your course).

3. Plan your journey

Once it's getting closer to event time, best to get organised: Check out our campus info and get your transport Plan A (and maybe Plan B) sorted early, whether that's driving or public transport. Hot tip: no on-site parking at the VU City Tower, so train/tram it if you can!

4. Lock in your game plan

Use our VU Open Day planner tool to create your dream day – it’ll have all the sessions, tours and demos that you can't wait experience, and you can add them to your schedule so you don’t miss a thing. (Keep an eye out – it launches soon!)

5. Prep your questions

Prepare a list of questions for teachers, students and admissions staff who'll be there on the day (we’ve suggested some below...)

Open Day questions: your starter pack

Not sure what to say when you rock up to a booth or tour? No worries – we’ve got you. Open Day is your chance to ask anything and everything. Here’s a starter guide of questions that’ll help you get real answers about life at VU, your course options, and where this whole uni/TAFE thing could take you. Scroll down for what to ask whom!

Current students

What are some of the best things about studying here?
What do you think of the VU Block Model?
What do you wish you’d known before you started studying?
Can you tell me about what support is available if I struggle a bit?
Could you tell me about your favourite/least favourite subjects?

Teachers

How many hours in class are there?
How long is the course?
How many hours of study and reading outside class is required?
How is the course assessed?
Are there pathway options in and out of this course?

Industry partners

Do you offer work placements or internships for students?
Are you a partner that has a presence on campus?
What is the predicted growth in this industry over the next 3 to 5 years?
What's a typical day in the life in this particular industry/job like?
How can I make myself stand-out for employment in this field?

On the day

1. Pack smart

Make sure you have the following with you on the day:

your phone – we recommend installing our way-finding app, which will provide easy-to-access maps of buildings, bathrooms and accessibility features
your Open Day guide – we’ll give you this as you enter and it will be a handy run-down of how to get around and what to see
a pen
details of events you plan to attend – have that timetable info handy!
a carry bag for papers, course guides and brochures
an umbrella (it is winter in Melbourne so it's good to be prepared)
a bottle of water is always a great idea – but we’ll have your coffee and snack needs sorted!

2. Get your answers

Start with your quick guide of questions above, but don't forget to think about what you really want to know about uni.

The best thing about Open Day is it's your easiest opportunity to meet course and careers advisors, staff from your future faculty, and experts from admissions to give you all the small (but important) details you'll need.

Make sure you find out about:

Our VU Early Entry program, and how it can give you a foot in the door pre-exams
Admission criteria, including auditions, interviews or portfolios (best to know early!)
Prerequisite VCE subjects or scores – many of our courses have no ATAR requirement
Our multiple entry points throughout the year (you might not be ready to start in February, and that's ok)
The number of places available, in case you're aiming to do a course that is in-demand
Scholarships you may be eligible for, so you can give yourself the best helping hand possible.

Did you know: VU also has numerous pathways between TAFE and Higher Education courses, and many courses will let you use past study and skills credits to complete your course earlier?

3. Explore the campus & surrounds

In-person Open Days are a great opportunity to check out student libraries and computer labs, campus employment, leadership opportunities, student clubs and facilities. At VU Open Day, you’ll also be able to check out the surroundings of our campuses across vibrant and bustling Footscray and the thriving heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

Consider things like accessibility by public transport or car, study assistance offerings and accessibility services support. And let’s not forget the fun stuff like the cafés, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and community hubs in the area – both Footscray and the CBD are bustling with all of the above.

There's a lot to see on the day, but it all comes down to something pretty simple: grab a coffee, talk to people, and imagine what your future here could feel like.