Have an idea of the stands you’d like to visit

To make your experience less overwhelming, I would recommend having an idea of what universities you’d like to visit before arriving. Most large fairs tend to send out a map ahead of the event so take advantage of this as it will save you plenty of time on the day.

Prepare Questions

University fairs are your opportunity to understand more about higher education giving you the chance to make a more informed decision on your next steps. When I was in school, I had a few universities in mind that I wanted to go to, but I regret not preparing questions beforehand. If you’re stuck for ideas, personally I would recommend asking about:

·  Course structure

·  Accommodation

·  Location

·  Student life

·  Career prospects

·  Entry requirements

Take Notes

You will likely receive a lot of information from different universities, so it is best to take notes. As you will be walking around, I recommend using the notes app on your phone.

I think that after talking with the university students and finding out more about the university, you get an initial impression which will help you make your decision when the time comes. You wouldn’t want to forget all this!

Go to the presentations and panel sessions

While there are plenty of universities to see at fairs, I really suggest going to some of the presentation and panel sessions. These usually happen at the larger fairs and are based on UCAS applications, CVs, career advice and much more. They are usually run by university staff and careers advisors so you’ll get a great inside scoop on what makes a great application or even some tips for the future.

Escape Studios at a Careers Fair!

Don’t Shy Away!

Don't shy away from visiting the university stands that you may not have considered beforehand! While I’m sure you’ll have an idea of where you might want to go, don’t rule everything else out at this stage.

On the other hand, if you’re not sure where you might want to go or exactly what you want to study, still have those conversations with the staff and students on the stand. They may be able to help you narrow down your options. Remember, don't be afraid to ask questions because this is your chance to get more information.

Hopefully, these tips can help if you’re attending a university fair soon. My final piece of advice would be prepared to carry lots of prospectuses and freebies home!

By Riya Shrestha (final year student)