Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions many students will make. While visiting a campus in person can be valuable, virtual open days have become an established part of the application process, allowing prospective students to explore colleges from anywhere.
A virtual event can provide a good overview of a college's courses, facilities, student support services, and campus life. Preparing in advance helps you gather the information you need to compare institutions and make informed choices.
Most colleges publish an agenda before the event.
Take a few minutes to review the schedule and identify the sessions that are most relevant to your interests. Course presentations, admissions talks, student support sessions, accommodation information, and question-and-answer events may all be available throughout the day.
Having a plan makes it easier to fit everything into your schedule.
Before attending, spend some time reading about the courses you are considering.
Knowing the basics allows you to ask more specific questions during presentations or live chats. You might want to find out about optional modules, assessment methods, work placements, study abroad opportunities, or graduate destinations.
The more informed your questions are, the more useful the answers will be.
Virtual open days usually include opportunities to interact with lecturers, admissions staff, or current students.
If something is unclear, ask.
Questions could include:
The answers may help you distinguish between courses that appear similar on paper.
Current students often provide insights that are different from official presentations.
They can talk about teaching, workload, societies, accommodation, commuting, and everyday campus life from personal experience. Listening to these sessions can help you understand what studying at the college is actually like.
Academic success depends on more than the course itself.
Many virtual open days include presentations on careers services, disability support, counselling, financial advice, academic skills, and wellbeing services. These resources can make a significant difference throughout your time in college.
Make a note of the services that are most important to your circumstances.
If you are considering several institutions, attend more than one virtual open day where possible.
Comparing course content, teaching approaches, facilities, and student services makes it easier to identify the differences between colleges. Looking at several options also helps you decide which environment feels like the best fit.
Taking notes after each event can be useful, particularly if you are attending multiple sessions over several weeks.
The event does not have to be the end of your research.
Most colleges provide contact details for admissions teams or course coordinators. If additional questions arise after the event, you can usually get in touch for further information.
You may also decide to attend an on-campus open day later in the year to experience the facilities in person.
Virtual open days provide an accessible way to explore colleges, compare courses, and speak with the people who teach and support students. While they cannot replace walking around a campus, they offer an excellent opportunity to gather information before making important decisions about higher education.
Combining virtual events with independent research, course comparisons, and, where possible, campus visits will help you choose a college with confidence.
WhichCollege.ie helps prospective students compare colleges, universities, and higher education providers across Ireland. Browse courses, explore campus information, and find the study options that match your interests, career plans, and learning goals.
