Open Day FAQs

Find answers to the questions we’re asked most often about Open Days.

What’s an Open Day for?

An Open Day is your chance to find out about:

  • The course you’re interested in studying. If you’re interested in more than one, it’s a good way to figure out which one is the best fit for you.

  • What life is like as Abertay student – get the inside track from current students and see if you can picture yourself here.

  • Student funding and the financial support available.

  • What our campus and facilities are like – getting your hands on some of the kit is one of the best things about an Open Day.

  • The support we offer – not only academic support, but help with personal stuff, too.

  • Abertay’s accommodation options.

  • The sports and societies on offer – they’re a great way to meet people.

  • The beautiful and vibrant city of Dundee. Find out why Lonely Planet included Dundee in its Top 10 Destinations in Europe to Visit in 2018.

Do I have to book?

Yes, please do.

Do I need to check in on the day?

Yes. The first thing you should do when you arrive is check in. Follow the signs outside to find the check-in desk.

How will I get information about Open Day after I book?

We’ll send you information via email. You’ll receive emails about the activities that are taking place, directions about getting here and other helpful information. The Open Day schedule will have information about when and where all the sessions, activities, talks and tours are taking place. 

Do I have to pre-book course sessions or tours?

No, they work on a first come, first served basis.

I’m not sure what I want to study.

Don’t worry, Open Days are a great way to narrow down what you want to study. You’ll get a feel for what subject is right for you by speaking to our staff and current students. To help us plan, we ask you to choose a subject when you book a place for Open Day, but you can still attend any course or subject sessions you want to on the day.

Can I attend more than one course and/or subject session?

If you can attend only one course session but are interested in others, here’s what to do: go to the session for the course that's your frontrunner, but also visit the Academic School Basecamp room for the others. You’ll find lecturers and students to speak with who can tell you more.

How is your campus for people with accessibility issues?

In partnership with AccessAble, we've produced a number of Access Routes and Guides to help carers and visitors with accessibility requirements plan their journey to and from campus.

We've also produced maps of our buildings, services and student residences, which highlight accessible toilets, changing facilities, lifts and other key areas. See them at: https://www.accessable.co.uk/abertay-university

Should I bring my parents, a friend or come alone?

It’s up to you. Most people bring parents as understandably they want to be involved. Some prefer to bring a friend or come alone.

Can family and friends attend course/subject sessions?

Seating works on a first come, first served basis. If a course is particularly popular, students will be given priority. There’s plenty of other things family and friends can see and do.

Do I have to be intending to start university next year?

No, lots of students come along who have just started Year 5 or 6 at school. Others are studying an HNC or HND and thinking of progressing to university. We also get younger school students and plenty of mature students, as well. Everyone is welcome.

Will I be able to see Abertay’s student accommodation?

Yes, accommodation tours will run. Before you go on a tour, make sure you first attend the information talk about accommodation and speak to our s staff. Details will be in the Open Day app and the Programme brochure. To find out more about our halls of residence, see our Student Accommodation pages.

Do I have to stay for the whole day?

Although you don’t have to stay for the whole of Open Day, most visitors stay 3-4 hours. There’s a lot to fit in. You’ll definitely want to attend the session and activities for the course you’re interested in, go on a library tour and check out student accommodation if you’re considering staying in our halls of residence. If you’re not from Dundee, make sure you explore the city while you’re here and and don’t miss the new V&A Museum of Design – the building is spectacular.

How do I get to you – bus, train, car?

The bus and train stations are in the city centre and a short walk away from our campus. There’s parking on campus, but there are several carparks nearby. Parking for 4-5 hours upwards will cost approximately £6.

Visit our Find Us page for more information.

What should I wear?

Casual, comfortable clothing – it’s not an interview.

Will there be food?

Complimentary tea, coffee and water will be in the Academic School Basecamp rooms. You can buy lunch and snacks in the Library Café (ground floor left).

Where can I stay overnight?

Dundee has plenty of hotels. Any city centre hotel will be walking distance from our campus.

Do I have to come to an Open Day if I’m interested in studying at Abertay?

Open Days aren’t compulsory, but if you can attend, we’d recommend you do. If you’re trying to decide between a few courses and/or universities, speaking to our lecturers and students will really help you to make your decision. Even if you know exactly which Abertay course you want to study, it’s a great opportunity to explore our campus, chat to people and see whether you can picture yourself fitting in here.

What if I can’t attend an Open Day? Is there another chance to visit?

If you can’t make our Open Days, you can book a campus tour. They generally run at 12 pm on Tuesdays during term time. If you apply to us, you’ll be invited to an Applicant Visit Day, which are held for all our offer holders during March/April each year. Or check out our Virtual Tour with videos and 360 photography of our facilities and student accommodation, as well interviews with our students.

I have a question not covered here, who can I contact?

Call or email our friendly team – 01382 308080 or sro@abertay.ac.uk

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