Martina Mulhall: Choosing what’s next – how students can make college open days count

This week kicks off a brand-new season of CAO college open days, with events running across campuses nationwide from October to December.

For Senior Cycle students, and their parents, these are the first big chances to step inside lecture halls, explore facilities, and experience campus life first-hand before CAO deadlines loom.

In this week’s article you’ll find dates and links for all upcoming open days, along with top tips on how to make the most of them.

Why open days matter

Choosing where to spend the next three or four years of your life is a big decision, and glossy brochures or course websites rarely give the full picture.

Open days bring the campus to life, letting students explore facilities, attend talks, and get a real sense of whether or not a college feels like the right fit.

They’re also an invaluable opportunity to meet lecturers, ask questions, and hear directly from current students about their experience.

Many colleges now also run subject-specific sessions in areas like Business, Law, Engineering and Science.

These focused events dive deeper into course content, assessment, and placement opportunities, helping students see beyond the prospectus to what day-to-day study might actually look like.

Preparing to make the most of it

The number one piece of advice is to plan ahead. The next three months are chock-a-block. The first thing to do is decide which colleges and courses interest you most.

Make use of the CAO handbook as advised in last week’s article. Then register to attend. The listings below are live links that bring you to the registration page for each college.

Register early, study the event timetable, and decide which talks, tours or subject stands matter most to you. Open days can be busy and overwhelming, and without preparation it’s easy to come away having missed the most important details.

Some practical steps to take in advance:

• Research the courses you’re interested in so you can focus on filling the gaps rather than starting from scratch.
• Draw up a list of questions (see below) to ask lecturers, staff and current students. Consider everything from assessment style to placement opportunities.
• Check the campus map so you know where you’re going. There’s nothing worse than missing a talk because you got lost.

What to look for on the day

Beyond academic talks, take time to look at the facilities and supports that will shape your student experience.

Visit the canteen, library, sports facilities, and student support centres. Ask about clubs and societies – they’re a huge part of college life.

Accommodation is another big factor. Check out on-campus options and be sure to ask how allocation works (first come first served, lottery, or reserved for first years).

Also enquire about off-campus alternatives, costs, and transport connections.

Finally, talk to current students about their experience of the course and the college. They’ll give you the most honest view of what day-to-day life is really like.

Key questions to ask at an open day

Write these down and bring them with you – time flies on the day, and a checklist ensures you won’t forget the essentials.

1. Course details

• How many hours of lectures, labs or tutorials per week?
• How is the course assessed — exams, projects, continuous assessment?
• Are there work placements or Erasmus opportunities?

2. Class size and supports

• How many students are accepted each year?
• What academic supports are available (tutoring, study skills, disability services)?

3. Campus life

• What clubs, societies, and sports facilities are on offer?
• What student supports exist (mental health, careers, financial aid)?

4. Accommodation and costs

• Is there on-campus accommodation?
• Is it guaranteed for first years?
• How are places allocated – first-come-first-served or lottery?
• What are the application deadlines?
• What are the options and costs for off-campus housing?

5. Future opportunities

• What career supports or graduate pathways are in place?
• Do past students go directly into employment, postgraduate study, or both?

Virtual events and online resources

If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry. Almost every college now runs virtual open days or webinars, with many available to watch back afterwards.

Some are interactive, allowing you to ask questions in real time; others are more like presentations.

Understanding the format beforehand will help you prepare and get the most from the experience. Remember – follow up with the college admissions office after the event if anything is unclear.

Most colleges also run open days and other information events during the Spring and Summer terms.

Final thoughts

Open days are an invaluable part of the decision-making process. You’ll be investing years of your life in your chosen course and college, so any effort you put into researching now will pay off later.

Take the opportunity, explore wisely and widely, and most importantly – enjoy the process.

Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.

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