By now you’ll know it’s important to take a deep dive into courses you are thinking of doing post-school. One way to do this is to go to Open Days and Course Information events run by:
- Universities
- TAFEs
- Private colleges
- The Australian Defence Force Academy
What’s in it for me?
Going to Open Days or course information events gives a feel for:
- Life at the university, TAFE or college.
- The teachers, staff and other students that you might meet and work with
- The lay-out of the campus and how to find your way around
- What’s involved in the courses you’re thinking about choosing.
- The other clubs, societies and groups that you can be a part of,
This can help you decide:
- If the university, TAFE or college is somewhere you would like to study.
- If the courses you are thinking about will meet your needs.
- Faculties, Departments and Programs/Courses
- Find out about courses or programs offered by different faculties* and departments.
- Learn about what’s involved courses that interest you from:
- people who actually teach the courses
- current students
- course advisers
- recruitment staff
- Get the details of what you will learn in courses (and entry requirements if you don’t know yet)
- Find out compulsory and elective subjects, specialisations, majors and minors. Not sure what these are? You can find out more here link
- Learn how you may be able to shape a course to meet your needs and career ideas.
- Attend talks and mini-lectures.
2. Facilities
You can check out:
- Student accommodation services and where you can live on or near campus
- The library
- On-campus retailers – The Bookshop, places to eat, pharmacies, banks, and more
- Student medical and health facilities
- Childcare
- Sport and fitness facilities
- Access to public transport
3. Student Support Services
You can browse:
- Study skills and academic help
- Counselling
- Careers and employability services
- Indigenous support
- Disability support
- International student support
- Peer mentoring and support
- Religious and spiritual support
- LGBTQIA+ support
- The Student Union
- The array of clubs and societies that you can join
Tips for Open Days
There is such a lot to do in a short time at an Open Day. It is helpful to plan ahead. Make the most of your Open Day experience. Get tips from these myfuture career articles.
- 8 ways to a great university open day
- How to make the most of open days and career expos
- Preparing for an open day
You might find you get a ‘gut feel’ as soon as visit or engage with the institution that says ‘yes! I see myself here’ or perhaps ‘nah, this is not my place or people at the moment’.
Virtual Open Days
Virtual open days (also known as “virtual fairs”) allow prospective students to tour educational institutions online using their computer or phone. As well as keeping you safe from COVID-19, virtual open days will give you access to education providers across the globe free of charge. You’ll have the benefit of visiting as many educational institutions as you’d like in places you may never have thought possible.
Many interstate universities offer virtual experiences. So, if it’s not possible to jump on a flight, a virtual open day could be just as good. This will give you confidence about making the big move.
When Are Open Days Happening?
- Bookmark the Careerify Calendar to keep track of education events happening in Tasmania
- Locate dates for Open Days for universities and TAFEs in each state or territory on myfuture.
- Register for the Australian Defence Forces Academy Open Day
It’s a good idea to take a parent/carer or other trusted adult when you go to Open Days. You may even want to get a few friends together – safety in numbers!
Key takeaway
Find out about courses or programs offered by different education providers. Learn how you may be able to shape a course to meet your needs and career ideas.