Our Bachelor’s Open Day is taking place on location again this year! On 12^th November 2021, we will be opening our doors to prospective students considering studying their Bachelor’s Degree with us!  From programme-specific presentations to general sessions and on studying at the UG to information booths and interactive fun, this is the best way to experience a day in the life of a student at the UG. If you’ve never attended an open day before, take a look through this blog to get some tips about how to prepare for and experience this kind of event.

Before the Open Day

Although preparation for an open day is not mandatory (there will be no exam on the day, phew!). A little bit of preparation beforehand will definitely help you experience the day as smoothly as possible.

1) Brainstorm your interests

Although this point might seem a little obvious, it can be super helpful in channelling your sights into a certain direction / field of study. I know I didn’t know what I wanted to study after high school (I still don’t know what I want ‘to be’ when I grow up) but asking yourself some quick questions can help you narrow down your scope a little.

Writing down your favourite subjects and asking yourself what you’d like to become an expert in can help put you in the right direction. For example, if you know that you really enjoy mathematics, but you’re not really into history or loads of writing, something offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering might be better suited to you than something like Law. (As a Law student, I know a Chemistry Bachelor’s programme probably wouldn’t have been in line with my interests).

After you’ve compiled your list of interests, take a look at our Bachelor’s programmes and make a list of possible favourites (you’ll need this for later).

2) Check the Admissions Requirements

After you’ve come up with a list of your possible Bachelor’s programmes, the next step would be to check out the admission requirements. It would be a shame to get your hopes up for a certain programme only to realise you aren’t eligible on the open day! I would also suggest checking out the step-by-step admissions guide for an overview on how to apply. For some programmes, you will need to follow specific subjects in high school, and knowing this in advance is quite important. Also remember that if you’d like to study in English, you will need to provide proof of proficiency – you can find language requirements for each faculty here.

After you’ve looked through the requirements, you might find that you have a question or two about specific points. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to visit one of the Admissions Officers at the Open Day and ask your questions.

3) Prepare your questions

Would you like to know more about the size of the course you are interested in? Do you want to know how each programme is structured and assessed? Or do you just want to know about where to find the UG’s university cat in the city?

In addition to general presentations, you’ll be able to chat to professors and current students of each of our programmes. Making a list of questions is a great way to ensure that you get all the information you need, and don’t forget to ask something. A great rule is to stick to questions you can’t find the answers to on our website – like the questions above.

4) Don’t forget to register!

Spaces are limited at this year’s Bachelor’s Open Day as the UG is once again allowing prospective students into the buildings. Registrations officially open today (15^th October 2021), so make sure you get your spot and sign up now!

On the Open Day (woohoo!)

1) Where should I go?

The Bachelor’s Open Day will officially run from 10am to 5pm on Friday 12 November 2021, which means that you’ll be in and around Groningen the whole day. If you’ve never been here before, the building names and numbers might be a little confusing at first. But don’t worry, there is a really nice building guide that shows you exactly where you need to be on the map! Just click the building you want to be at, and you’ll be able to plan your route on your smartphone’s map app. After you’ve registered you’ll also receive an official programme of events to help you organise your day and plan where you need to be. If you’re lost during the Open Day, just ask someone wearing a UG shirt for directions and we’ll help you find the way to your next presentation.

2) How will the Open Day be structured?

Bachelor’s degree programme presentations will be divided into four sessions throughout the day; 10:00-11:00, 12:00-13:00, 14:00-15:00 and 16:00-17:00.  During these sessions, our 11 faculties will present their programmes in their faculty buildings. You'll receive information about the contents of the study programme and can participate in trial lectures and speak to lecturers and students. You might even meet some people who could follow the same programme as you in the future.

During the course of the day, there will also be general presentations for international students – be on the lookout for the “All about studying in Groningen” session. During this presentation, you’ll be given information about studying in Groningen and Leeuwarden, applying for accommodation, as well as admission requirements. (For German students: look out for “Alles über Studieren und Leben in Groningen”).

Between programme presentations, you’ll have plenty of time to get to the next location, take in some of the sights or have a snack in one of the canteens. You can also visit the information market during these breaks.

3) Visit the information market

In addition to the presentations given to prospective students, you’ll find loads of information booths at two locations. From 11:00 - 16:00, the canteen of the Harmony Building, in Groningen’s city centre, and the Student Plaza in the Duisenberg Building on Zernike Campus will host information markets. Here you’ll find booths related to specific Bachelor’s programmes, as well as different student associations, ranging from sports to culture and those specifically dedicated to international students. At the international student booth, you’ll be able to find out more about housing, admissions and student life at the UG.

I generally find that information booths are more one-on-one and allow you to ask the more specific questions you might have on the list of questions you compiled before the open day.

4) Have some fun!

At this point, you might get a sense that the Bachelor’s Open day is basically just a wave of information crashing against you, but don’t worry – there are some really cool surfboards out there to help you ride the wave all the way to victory! (as you can tell, I’m not a surfer… but I do surf the internet for memes.)

If you’re interested in anything to do with chemical reactions, or some fun physics demonstrations – you should definitely check out the Science Truck on Zernike Campus! You’ll find it near the Duisenberg and Kapteynborg Buildings.

If it’s your first time in Groningen, I’d recommend taking one of the 45-minute-long city walks. You’ll be able to get acquainted with Groningen’s city centre, the location of some of the UG buildings as well as learn some cool facts along the way!

After what feels like an age of online events, it’s so exciting to know that new students will be able to get a feel for what it’s actually like to experience student life here at the UG. My final piece of advice to you is to not be afraid to ask questions. Everybody at the Open Day is there to help you get more information about coming to the UG. No question is too big or too small. So register now! If you see my face on the day, make sure to say hello!

Do you have any questions about the Bachelor’s Open Day? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram.