Ontario University Open House FAQs

Discover how an Open House can help you find the university that feels right for you.

Endless webpages, virtual tours and social media posts can tell you a lot when you begin to research universities, but many students are still left wondering ?Can I actually see myself there??

That's where an Open House can make all the difference. Attending a university Open House is one of the single greatest opportunities to get the answers you're looking for, explore campus and get a feel for what it's really like to be a university student.

Still on the fence? The answers to these five frequently asked questions may help you see why attending an Open House event can be one of the most valuable parts of your university search.

What Happens at a University Open House?

At an Open House, the campus is yours to explore. After checking in at a main welcome area, you can build your day around what matters most to you, whether that's attending program presentations, touring residences, exploring campus or learning about student services. There's a lot to choose from. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to meet current students, faculty and staff who can answer your questions and give you a firsthand look at what your future university experience could look like.

TL; DR: Open Houses are designed to help you gather information and get a real feel for campus life.

Is an Open House Worth Attending If I've Already Researched Online?

Online research can provide facts, stats and statistics but it can't replace firsthand experience. Actually walking around campus and soaking in the atmosphere and community in person can help you figure out if you belong there. While on campus, you can ask students, staff and faculty personalized questions that aren't answered online, so you can compare universities beyond brochures and websites.

Once you've walked the campus and had those conversations, trust your instincts. Sometimes you just know when you've found the right fit.

TL; DR: Open Houses help you move from "I know about this university" to "I can see myself here."

Who Should I Bring with Me?

You may have a great plan and some exceptional questions, but bringing your parents, guardians, family or other supporters will give you a fresh perspective. Different people notice different things and ask different questions. Students are focused on finding the right program that will help them achieve their goals while supporters often want more specific information about safety, finances, housing and student supports.

TL; DR: Bringing a supporter can make the experience more informative and less overwhelming.

What Questions Should I Ask During an Open House?

If you're planning to visit an Open House, planning ahead can make all the difference in your experience. Knowing which questions to ask (and how to ask them) help you leave feeling more informed and confident. Here are five sample questions to help get your list of questions started:

• How can this university help me achieve my career goals?
• What are the admission requirements for my program?
• What can I do to improve my chances of admission?
• What bursaries, scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available?
• What kind of hands-on learning and work experiences do you offer?

TL; DR: Preparing questions ahead of time helps you get the most from your visit.

Conclusion

Choosing a university is a major decision that requires careful research and thoughtful introspection. Beyond what you can find online, Open Houses provide you the opportunity to not only get answers, but to also get confidence and a real sense of belonging.

TL; DR: Ready to picture yourself at Wilfrid Laurier University? Register for one of our Open Houses today and take the next step toward finding the university that feels right for you.