1ST OCT 2026
Open Evening Ready? 7 Tips to Make Your Visit Count
Open evenings are your chance to find out what college is really like. You can explore the campus, ask your questions, meet your future lecturers and see if it feels like the right fit for you.
A little preparation will help you make the most of the evening and decide where you'd love to study. Not sure where to start or what to ask? Don't worry, we've put together our top tips to help you get the most out of your visit.
1. Get Prepared
Before you go, think about the subject areas you'd like to see and what you want to find out. Lecturers and students will be on hand to talk about the college and their courses, so a little planning means you won't leave with unanswered questions.
It's also a good idea to have a backup in mind. You might have your heart set on one subject, but an open evening is the perfect chance to explore other options too. Pop along to see what another course covers. You might just surprise yourself!
2. Don’t forget to ask questions
There are three main areas you'll want answers on. Here are some questions to get you started:
Life at College
How will I get to campus? What will my week look like, and will I be at college every day? How is college different to school?
Subjects and Course Details
What does this course cover? What are the career prospects after completing it? How do I apply?
Support and Student Life
What do student mentors do? What grades will I need to get into college? What facilities does the college have?
Your questions matter, and lecturers and students are always happy to answer them, so don't be shy. Asking is the best way to get the most out of your open evening.
3. Explore the campus
You'll be spending a lot of time on campus, so it's worth getting a feel for the place. Wander around the buildings, classrooms and student spaces, see what current students are working on and check out the canteen areas where you'll spend your breaks.
Many of our campuses have something special too. Our Forest of Dean Campus sits beside the stunning Steam Mills Lake, our Gloucester Campus is home to the historic Priory buildings, and our Cheltenham Campus is where you'll find ADA, our Advanced Digital Academy. Take your time to look around and see where you feel most at home.
4. Attend a welcome talk
Kick off your visit with a welcome talk at the start of the open event. It's a great introduction to the college, covering our courses, student support, student successes and more. Whether you've got your heart set on your next steps or are still weighing up your options, it will help you decide if GC is the right place for you to achieve your goals.
5. Bring company
Bringing a parent, guardian or friend along can boost your confidence and help you think of questions you might not have considered. They may have faced similar decisions when choosing their own next steps, so they can be a great sounding board when you're making yours. And whoever comes with you, we're here to answer any and all questions!
6. Take a Course Card
Our Course Cards and Welcome Cards let you 'pick and mix' the information you need, listing our qualifications and entry requirements.
Course cards are available at our campus open events and can be picked up from Student Services at each campus.
7. Note down what you’ve learned
It's easy to leave an open evening and forget most of what you've seen and heard. Jot down your gut feelings and reactions as you go, as they'll be a big help when you look back after visiting several colleges and schools.
Even the simple things count, like what you liked about the campus or a career that sparked your interest. Every thought helps you work out what's best for you.
Ready to see what GC has to offer? Join us at our next open evening and sign up in under 60 seconds via the link below:
