Choosing the right university and course is a major decision, and this was reflected by the growing number of parents who came along with their son or daughter to experience the Open Days as a family. There really is no substitute for visiting St Mary’s and getting a feel for the place. It’s important during Open Days to get clear information on the different undergraduate options and to have the opportunity to meet current staff and students. A talk, therefore, was offered on the BEd (Hons) Primary Teaching and the BEd (Hons) Post-Primary Teaching degree programmes and on the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts degree programme.
‘My school had made me extremely unsure about university, but this [Open Day] has really put my mind at ease. PowerPoint was very informative. A reassuring day – loved it!’
Open Days are also a great opportunity to talk to lecturers about the course or courses you are interested in studying and perhaps to learn about subjects or courses you hadn’t previously considered. A number of College staff met with prospective students in the Student Centre to answer any specific enquires including subject or course-related questions about finances.
Open Days are also really important in that they offer a chance to chat to current students about student life—the studies and the craic! During the campus tours, organised by the Students’ Union and led by our student ambassadors, the visitors also were able to see, first-hand, the many facilities. The tour included a visit to the Library, the Writing Centre, the Careers Guidance Centre, the Open Access Suite and other ICT facilities, the Chapel, the Performance Enhancement Centre and Sports Hall and, of course, the Students’ Union and the Student Centre. Visiting pupils were also able to chat to current St Mary’s students afterwards over refreshments in the Student Centre.
‘Great tour guides. Provided us with very useful information and gave us a true insight into what student life is like!’
The Open Days can really help prospective students to get a genuine flavour of life at St Mary’s and allow them the to visualise studying, living and socialising as a St Mary’s student. Hopefully, it also inspires and motivates students to reach higher and to strive to achieve entry into a higher education institution.
