Explore Hendon: Ultimate Middlesex University Open Day Guide
Get ready for your Middlesex University open day with our comprehensive campus visit guide, including key dates, travel tips, and essential questions to ask.
Updated 6 min readMiddlesex University
Why Attending the Middlesex University Open Day is Crucial for Your Future
Choosing where to spend your university years is one of the biggest decisions you will make. While websites, brochures, and rankings provide essential data, nothing beats the feeling of physically stepping onto a campus. Attending a Middlesex University open day allows you to experience the atmosphere of this vibrant North London institution firsthand, helping you decide if it is the right fit for your academic and personal journey.
Located in Hendon, North London, Middlesex University (MDX) combines historic architecture with cutting-edge, modern facilities. Famous for its diverse student body and strong emphasis on practical, industry-led learning, the university opens its doors several times a year to welcome prospective applicants. This guide is designed to help you navigate your upcoming campus visit, prepare the right questions to ask, and make the most out of this crucial prospective student event.
"I was on the fence about moving to London, but the moment I walked into the Grove building during the open day, the energy and high-end creative facilities completely sold the course to me." - Amara, BA Film GraduateFinding Middlesex University Open Day Dates and Registering
Middlesex University hosts several open days throughout the autumn and spring terms, typically aligned with key UCAS application windows. Knowing the exact open day dates and booking your slot early is essential, as popular subject talks can fill up quickly.
To register, you will need to visit the official Middlesex University website, select your preferred date, and input your subject of interest. This ensures you receive a personalized itinerary tailored to your chosen faculty—whether that is Art and Design, Science and Technology, Business, or Health and Education. If you cannot attend in person due to travel constraints or international location, the university also provides a comprehensive virtual tour and online information sessions to help you explore the campus remotely.
How to Get to the Hendon Campus (Travel & Logistics)
The main Middlesex University campus is located in Hendon, North London (Postcode: NW4 4BT). It is incredibly well-connected to central London and the rest of the UK, making your campus visit straightforward to plan.
Traveling by Underground (Tube)
The easiest way to reach the campus is via the London Underground. Hendon Central station is on the Northern Line (Edgware branch) and is situated in Zone 3/4. From the station, the campus is a clearly signposted, flat 10-minute walk. Simply turn right out of the station, walk up Vivian Avenue, cross Hendon Way, and follow the signs along The Burroughs.
Traveling by Train and Bus
Hendon railway station is served by Thameslink trains, connecting you to central hubs like St Pancras International, Farringdon, and Blackfriars. From Hendon station, you can take the 183 bus directly to the campus entrance. Several other local bus routes (including the 143, 326, and 113) stop right outside or very close to the university gates.
Traveling by Car
Driving in London can be challenging, and parking space around Hendon is highly restricted. Middlesex University has limited on-site parking, which is typically reserved for blue badge holders during open days. If you must drive, check local council websites for nearby pay-and-display zones, or consider parking at an outer tube station and taking the Northern Line directly to Hendon Central.
| Travel Method | Average Journey Time (from Central London) | Estimated Cost (One-Way / Off-Peak) | Key Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Underground (Northern Line) | 25 minutes (from Euston) | £3.70 - £5.60 | Use Contactless or Oyster to get the cheapest fare automatically. |
| Thameslink Rail (to Hendon Station) | 20 minutes (from St Pancras) | £4.50 - £7.00 | Link your 16-25 Railcard to your Oyster card for a 33% discount. |
| Local Bus Services | Varies by starting point | £1.75 (Flat Rate) | Hop-on/Hop-off bus Hopper fare applies within one hour of tapping. |
What to Expect on the Day: The Ideal Itinerary
A typical Middlesex University open day is packed with activities, presentations, and tours. To prevent feeling overwhelmed, it helps to plan a loose itinerary before you arrive on campus. Here is what your day should ideally look like:
1. Arrival and Registration
When you arrive at the College Building or the Ritterman Building, you will be greeted by student ambassadors dressed in bright red t-shirts. After scanning your registration QR code, you will receive a campus map, a guide booklet, and potentially vouchers for free refreshments at the campus cafes.
2. The Welcome & Keynote Talk
Do not skip the general welcome presentation. This session, usually led by senior university leaders, provides an excellent overview of Middlesex's teaching philosophy, student support services, employability initiatives, and what life is like as a student in North London.
3. Subject-Specific Presentations and Facilities Tours
This is the core of your prospective student event experience. You will head to the specific department or building where your course is taught. You will meet the lecturers, see the lecture theatres, and explore specialized spaces such as:
- The Grove Building: A state-of-the-art hub for creative courses, featuring industry-standard recording studios, TV sets, digital editing suites, and workshops.
- The Ritterman Building: Home to high-tech science, technology, and health labs, showcasing advanced simulation equipment.
- The Sheppard Library: The 24/7 learning resource center packed with study spaces, digital resources, and dedicated subject librarians.
4. Accommodation Viewings
Seeing where you will live is just as important as where you will study. During the open day, regular shuttle buses or guided walking tours will take you to view the university's halls of residence, such as Platt Hall, Writtle House, and Ivy Hall. You will be able to see the bedrooms, communal kitchens, and social areas firsthand.
Crucial Questions to Ask During Your Visit
One of the biggest mistakes prospective students make is walking through an open day passively. To truly evaluate if MDX is right for you, you need to engage with lecturers, current students, and support staff. Prepare a list of targeted questions to ask before you set off.
Top Questions to Ask at the MDX Open Day
- To Academics: How is this course assessed (e.g., exams, practical work, coursework)? Are there opportunities for professional industry placements built into the curriculum?
- To Current Students: What is the realistic weekly workload for this course? How easy is it to commute between student halls and the main Hendon campus?
- To the Accommodation Team: Are utility bills, Wi-Fi, and basic contents insurance fully included in the weekly rent? What security measures are in place at the halls?
- To Careers & Employability Staff: What percentage of graduates from this specific course find employment or enter further study within six months of graduating?
- To the Students' Union (MDXSU): What active clubs, societies, and sports teams are available, and how can I start my own if my interest isn't represented?
What to Do If You Miss the Physical Event
If you cannot make the official physical open day dates, don't worry. Middlesex University offers several alternatives to ensure you do not miss out on vital insights:
- Take a Virtual Tour: The interactive 360-degree virtual tour on the MDX website allows you to explore the Sheppard Library, the Grove creative studios, recreational facilities, and accommodation blocks from the comfort of your home.
- Book a Weekly Campus Tour: The university runs smaller, student-led campus tours most Wednesdays during term time. These are highly personal and offer a quieter environment to ask your questions.
- Chat with Current Students Online: Use the 'Unibuddy' platform integrated into the Middlesex website to chat directly with students currently studying your prospective course.
Final Checklist: Preparing for Your Visit
To make your day at Hendon as smooth and stress-free as possible, run through this quick preparation checklist the night before:
- Download Your Ticket: Keep your registration QR code saved on your phone or printed out for speedy entry.
- Check the Weather & Dress Comfortably: You will be walking between several buildings and potentially walking to the halls of residence. Wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella.
- Charge Your Phone: You will want to take photos of accommodation rooms, campus facilities, and slide presentations.
- Plan Your Route: Check Transport for London (TfL) for any planned weekend engineering works on the Northern Line or local railway routes.