Navigating Your Ravensbourne University Open Day: The Ultimate Guide
Everything you need to know to make the most of your Greenwich campus visit and creative exploration.
Updated 4 min readRavensbourne University
Discovering London's Creative Powerhouse
Stepping onto the Greenwich Peninsula for a Ravensbourne University open day is unlike visiting any traditional red-brick university. Nestled right next to the iconic O2 Arena, Ravensbourne is a digital media and design powerhouse with industry-standard facilities that mirror professional design agencies, broadcast studios, and tech incubators. For any prospective student eyeing a future in fashion, architecture, broadcasting, digital design, or TV production, attending a prospective student event here is an absolute essential step in your higher education journey.
Preparing properly for your campus visit ensures you don't just wander aimlessly through the striking Pearson Lloyd-designed building, but instead gather crucial insights regarding courses, portfolio requirements, student finance, and accommodation. Whether you are looking at the published open day dates for the upcoming term or exploring the digital alternative via a virtual tour, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to maximize your experience.
What to Expect on the Day
From the moment you walk through the doors into the striking atrium, you will be greeted by current student ambassadors and academic staff. A typical Ravensbourne University open day includes a packed itinerary designed to give you a 360-degree view of student life. You can expect welcome talks from senior leadership, subject-specific presentations, portfolio workshops, and guided tours of the incredible workspace floors.
Unlike traditional lecture-based universities, Ravensbourne's campus is built around open-plan studios, high-spec Mac labs, green screen rooms, and cutting-edge 3D printing suites. During your campus visit, make sure you take time to look closely at the equipment. You will see industry-standard tools that graduates use daily in professional environments, from motion-capture rigs to professional audio mixing desks.
Essential Open Day Checklist
- Pre-book your ticket and specific subject talk online well in advance.
- Bring a digital or physical copy of your portfolio if you are applying for creative arts courses.
- Prepare a list of targeted questions for course leaders and admissions staff.
- Explore the local Greenwich Peninsula area to gauge the student living environment.
- Check out the student support, careers, and wellbeing hubs on campus.
Exploring Courses and Portfolio Guidance
One of the most valuable aspects of attending a Ravensbourne University open day is the direct access you get to the tutors who actually grade your work. Because creative courses rely heavily on portfolios, faculty members are usually on hand to review your work-in-progress and give you honest, actionable feedback.
"Bringing my sketchbooks and digital portfolio to the open day was terrifying, but the tutor spent twenty minutes giving me tips on how to layout my graphic design projects. It completely changed my application for the better!" - Maya, BA Graphic Design StudentMake sure you ask about the balance between practical studio time, theoretical lectures, and live industry briefs. Ravensbourne has deep ties with major brands like the BBC, Apple, and various design agencies, meaning many courses feature live industry projects that look incredible on a CV.
Virtual Tour vs. In-Person Campus Visit
Can't make it to Greenwich in person? Ravensbourne offers a comprehensive virtual tour option for international students or those unable to travel. While online tours are fantastic for checking out the architectural layout, 360-degree rooms, and basic facilities from home, nothing quite beats the sensory experience of walking the physical halls, feeling the vibrant creative energy, and chatting informally with current students over a coffee.
Key Questions to Ask on Your Visit
To ensure you get the absolute most out of your campus visit, don't just nod along to the presentations. Use the opportunity to ask specific, probing questions that will help you decide if Ravensbourne is truly the right fit for your future career.
Top Questions for Tutors and Student Ambassadors
- How many hours per week are scheduled in the specialist studios versus independent study?
- What software licenses or hardware do students need to purchase independently?
- What percentage of the course assessment is project-based versus written exams?
- How does the university help students secure final-year industry placements or internships?
- What kind of mental health and learning support is available for students juggling high-pressure creative workloads?
Financial Planning and Living Costs in Greenwich
Studying in London is an incredible adventure, but budgeting is a critical reality check for any fresher. While Ravensbourne does not have traditional sprawling campus halls of residence, they partner with trusted accommodation providers across London, particularly in zones 2 and 3, to secure secure student housing.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (London Zone 2/3) |
|---|---|
| Student Accommodation Rent | £750 - £1,100 |
| Groceries & Household Goods | £160 - £220 |
| Transport (with Student Oyster card) | £90 - £130 |
| Socialising & Entertainment | £100 - £180 |
| Total Estimated Monthly Budget | £1,100 - £1,630 |
When you attend a prospective student event, make sure to visit the student finance stand. They can guide you through tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and hardship funds, alongside tips on finding part-time work in creative fields across London.
Making the Most of Your Journey
Attending a Ravensbourne University open day is your first real test drive of independent student life. Take photos, grab prospectuses, talk to strangers who might end up being your flatmates or course peers, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Greenwich creative district. With careful planning, your campus visit will give you the clarity and inspiration you need to ace your application and step confidently into your higher education journey.