Colourful scenes at ECU's Joondalup Campus Open Day
There's a difference between reading about something on a website or in a brochure and experiencing it in person.
Let's call it the 'vibe'.
University campuses are like that.
If the vibe is right, it's easier for you to imagine spending a lot of time there - as you can expect to do over a typical degree course.
The same principle applies to the people who work there.
Do they make you feel welcome?
Do they listen to you and explain how you might become a student?
Do they help you choose possible courses to study?
Do they help you find your way around the campus?
Universities are all about people.
And you'll meet quite a few of them, including some of their students at an Open Day.
You can expect careers and employment advice at a typical Open Day.
Why it's called Open Day
Universities are generally open places, but on these days they really throw open their doors to you.
You'll get to tour some of their amazing facilities that aren't open to the public.
You can watch people demonstrate some of their work - or even join in!
Open Day is also a chance for you to open your mind.
You might discover a career you didn't know existed.
You might find a way to enter a course that you thought was impossible for you to study.
You might meet a staff member whose work is inspiring or even world-famous.
Whatever your situation, this is definitely a day worth investing your time in!
Dance students from the WA Academy of Performing Arts strut their stuff for an audience at ECU's Mount Lawley Open Day.
It's a complete day out
Apart from speaking to people and listening to presentations, an Open Day offers you more than food for thought.
It offers food full-stop.
Food trucks and other vendors will line up to help you feed your brain during the day.
Market stalls are also part of the event, tempting you to pick up a bargain.
And there's usually entertainment of the musical kind adding to the atmosphere.
That may include a local radio station as well as actual musicians.
At an ECU Open Day for example, you may also get to meet a sports star.
That's because ECU has strong links to teams like the West Coast Eagles and Perth Glory.
Of course, it wouldn't be an Open Day without prizes.
You'll have an opportunity to win something awesome – either using a particular skill or just through luck.
Food trucks are an integral part of any Open Day, feeding hungry would-be students.
A small taste of Open Day
An Open Day can really open your mind to what's possible if you're considering university study.
We highly recommend you attend one.
And feel free to bring friends or family too.
Here's a taste of ECU's Joondalup Open Day from 2019.
Open Day 2019 at ECU Joondalup
