Finding the right fit: What I looked for at university open days
Faheem Patel
English BA(Hons)
Hi, I’m Faheem, and I’m about to finish my degree in English BA(Hons) at the University of Huddersfield. Looking back at my university search, I remember how exciting but also overwhelming it felt trying to decide where I wanted to spend the next few years of my life.
What should you be thinking about?
There are so many things to think about when applying to university, not just the course itself, but also the place, the people, and whether you can genuinely picture yourself feeling comfortable there.
For me, open days were one of the biggest parts of making that decision. They gave me the chance to experience a university properly rather than just reading about it online. It was important for me and my family to get a real feel for the environment and understand what daily life would actually be like.
What mattered to me when choosing a university
One of the biggest factors for me was finding a university that suited my situation as a commuter student. I knew I wanted somewhere that was practical and accessible, where travelling in and out wouldn’t become a major challenge. Sustainability, closeness, and ways to save money were also important considerations.
University life is a big investment, so I wanted to make sure I was choosing somewhere that worked both academically and personally. I looked at things like transport links, how easy it was to get around campus, and whether the university had spaces where students could spend time between lectures.
Huddersfield stood out to me because it was an area that I was already familiar with. Being somewhere I knew helped make the transition into university feel much less daunting. I could imagine myself studying there, getting involved, and building confidence while still having that sense of familiarity.
Of course, the course itself was also a major factor. I wanted to study English in an environment where I could develop my skills, explore different areas of the subject, and have support from lecturers and staff.
What we (my parents and I) looked for at open days
When I attended open days, one of the main things I noticed was the atmosphere. You can learn a lot about a university from the way people interact with you. At Huddersfield, the ambassadors were incredibly inviting and welcoming. They made it feel easy to ask questions and talk honestly about student life.
That was something I really valued because, as a prospective student, you can sometimes feel unsure about what questions to ask or whether you’ll fit in. Having students there who were friendly, approachable, and willing to share their experiences made a huge difference.
The campus itself was another important part of the open day experience. I wanted to see where I would actually be spending my time. Visiting lecture spaces, the library, and student areas helped me imagine what my everyday routine could look like. It wasn’t just about seeing impressive buildings; it was about seeing whether the university felt like somewhere I could comfortably study and grow.
For my parents, different things mattered. They wanted to know that I would be supported and that the university was a safe and positive environment. They were interested in things like accessibility, facilities, travel, and whether I would have everything I needed to succeed. Like many parents, they wanted reassurance that I was making a choice that would benefit me in the long term.
The open day helped answer a lot of those questions. Being able to walk around the campus, speak to staff and students, and see the facilities in person gave both me and my parents more confidence in my decision.
Advice for parents and students attending open days
For parents and tutors supporting students through the university application process, I think the biggest piece of advice is to look beyond the course information. The academic side is obviously important, but students are choosing a place where they will spend a huge part of their lives.
At an open day, try to notice how the university makes you feel. Do the staff and students seem welcoming? Can you imagine yourself being comfortable there? Are there spaces where students can relax, study, and meet others? These small details can make a big difference.
It is also worth thinking practically. Consider things like travel, costs, accessibility, and the support available. Every student has different needs, so finding a university that matches those needs is key.
For me, visiting Huddersfield helped turn a big decision into a much clearer one. An open day gave me the chance to see the university for myself, meet the people behind it, and understand what student life could really be like.
My advice to anyone attending an open day is simple: ask questions, explore everything, and trust your instincts. The right university should feel like somewhere you can see yourself becoming more confident, learning new things, and enjoying the journey along the way.
Talking about my time on my English BA(Hons) degree
Open Days at Huddersfield
What is life like as a student in Huddersfield? Hear it straight from our current students as they write about their Open Day experience when they attended.
What's Faheem up to now?
Since graduating in July 2026 Faheem has poured everything into his enterprise - Cookingwithfeem - keep up with his journey via Instagram!