Are you preparing yourself for the next step into student life? Do you want to orientate on what to do next? Join us at the Bachelor’s Open Day on Friday 14 April! After registering via this link, it’s time to prepare yourself. In this blog, I will give you some tips of the absolute things not to forget during this day. 

1. Plan ahead: come well prepared 

Dutchies often use the expression ‘well begun is half done’ and this is definitely the case for the Bachelor’s Open Day. Plan the day well ahead and figure out the public transport schedule. Our doors open at 10 a.m., so you will probably start moving early in the day. Take a look at the map of Groningen for the different UG locations and plan on how to get there, perhaps with the free bus or an OV bike. Once you arrive at our buildings, always have your presentation schedule with you. This way, you know where to be at what time. It will prevent you from having unnecessary stress over small things you could have prepared beforehand. Take a look here for important information regarding the Bachelor’s Open Day. 

2. Bring a parent/friend/guardian to drag along with you

You are allowed to take a person with you during the day, even to the presentations. So make good use of this, drag someone along, but don’t let them ask embarrassing questions in front of everyone! It can be useful to hear other people’s opinions and ideas about certain study programmes. Their voices might help to shape your own opinion and discover what exactly you like. Besides, good company on a day out is everything you need! 

3. Wear comfortable shoes 

You might know that Groningen is a small town compared to other cities, but you will definitely run lots of metres through the UG buildings, the city centre and in between. You obviously don’t want to be bothered and distracted by hurting feet, so put on comfortable walking shoes and own them! 

4. Bring a notebook and pen 

The Bachelor’s Open Day will definitely feel overwhelming because of the large amount of information given. Sometimes, the small details can help you get to the final decision. It will be a pity if you forget these small, but important, details about the programmes and UG. Pack a pen or two and a notebook, make notes and write pros and cons down while listening to the presentations. Besides, it might be useful to prepare some questions beforehand. You’ll get the opportunity to ask anything to current students and professors of all the programmes. This way, you’ll get all the information you need and won’t forget anything.

5. Take advantage of free drinks and cakes 

This is not something to take from home with you, but not unimportant to mention. In between presentations, or while wandering around the information markets, you will be offered a lot of free drinks and cakes. Don’t miss out on them and treat yourself during this intense day. 

6. Collect flyers and brochures 

You will find flyers and brochures of everything during the day: study programmes, student associations and activities, the city of Groningen and practical information. All the impressions will be overwhelming, it might be smart to just grab some flyers and let it all sink in once you return back home. 

7. Discover Groningen

Visiting the UG and our Bachelor’s Open Day also means visiting the city of Groningen. Discovering the city is just as important during this day as the University itself. It will be the atmosphere in which you will live, do activities and make new friends. This is the reason why it’s extremely important to have a proper idea of the city and its facilities. Groningen is very walkable, strolling down the city centre gives you the perfect impression of the city. Take a break at one of the nice cafes and don’t forget to visit the Forum or Martinitoren! 

I hope that these tips will help you to make the most of your visit to the Bachelor’s Open Day. If you have any questions about this day, or studying at the University of Groningen in general, send us an email or personal message on Instagram. Last but not least: don’t forget to have fun and we hope to see you there!