Making the most of Open Day

Each year, Open Day season hits around August – where universities around the state prepare to give you their inside scoops.

While VU's three big 2024 Open Day events are over now (and were a roaring success!) it's never too early to start getting prepared for next year.

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to get a vibe for campus life, explore your course options and get all your questions answered – so as well as having fun (unavoidable!), it's a great idea to do some prep beforehand too.

We’ve compiled a handy list of how to make the most of your day – or days – and we can't wait to see you at our next year events, so stay tuned!

Four students standing together outside, looking and the camera and smiling. Event stalls and people walking around in the background, out of focus.
Keep in touch for more updates!
Connect with us to be the first to hear Open Day updates for 2025.
Keep in touch

Before you go

  1. Make a list of courses or study areas you're interested in – check out our courses page to browse through all our options, across TAFE and higher education.
  2. Make sure you register before you attend our Open Day events to confirm your place – and go into the running for any prizes we're offering!
  3. Have a look at our campus info to plan your route around the event/s, and find out what your best transport options in and out are.
  4. Create your game plan! Personalised Open Day planner tools allow you to design your own day with sessions all timetabled for you, so you don’t miss a thing. Keep an eye out for ours each year when we launch it.
  5. Prepare a list of questions for teachers, students and admissions staff who'll be there on the day (we’ve suggested some below...)
student busting a move on dancefloor at Block Party while 6 students cheer on

On the day

1. Pack smart

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

  • your phone – we recommend installing the VU app, which will provide easy-to-access maps of buildings, bathrooms and accessibility features
  • ​your Open Day A4 brochure – 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 the lowdown from those in the know

Open Day is a perfect setting to pick the brains of teachers, students and industry contacts.

Our students and staff will be on hand at our info stands, sharing their experiences and the ins and outs of courses – they’re there to answer all your burning questions.

Also make sure you get to know our partners who'll be there on the day, from whom you can learn all about how we connect you with opportunities in your industry, and help you step into your dream career.

What to ask 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?
  • Tell me about your favourite/least favourite subjects, and why you like them?

What to ask 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?
  • Is there a double degree option?
  • Are there pathway options in and out of this course?

What to ask industry reps

  • Do you offer work placements or internship programs 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 through non-uni achievements (like coaching, volunteering or community work)?

3. Tackle the tough questions

On Open Day, you can meet course and careers advisers and staff from student administration and admissions for all the important information about getting into a course.

Make sure you find out about:

  • admission criteria, including auditions, interviews or portfolios
  • prerequisite VCE subjects or scores - many of our courses have no ATAR requirement
  • our multiple entry points throughout the year
  • the number of places available
  • the likelihood of second-round offers
  • scholarships you may be eligible for.

Also ask us about alternative entry schemes and opportunities to transfer between courses.

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.

4. 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 Days, you’ll also be able to check out the surroundings of our campuses across vibrant and bustling Footscray, to the 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.

See you at Open Day 2025!

A smiling woman in a Victoria University t-shirt and lanyard helps with information