Mastering Your University of Central Lancashire Open Day: Essential Tips
Your ultimate playbook for navigating the University of Central Lancashire open day, exploring the Preston campus, and securing your student future.
Updated 5 min readUniversity of Central Lancashire
Introduction to Your UCLan Journey
Stepping onto a university campus for the very first time is a massive milestone. If you are eyeing up the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) for your undergraduate studies, attending a University of Central Lancashire open day should be right at the top of your priority list. Based in the vibrant heart of Preston, UCLan is renowned for its industry-aligned courses, state-of-the-art facilities like the multi-million pound Student Centre and Harris Building, and a fiercely welcoming student community. Whether you are coming straight from college or returning to education as a mature student, a well-planned campus visit will give you an authentic taste of what living and learning in Lancashire is really like.
Preparing properly for this prospective student event ensures you don't miss out on crucial insights regarding accommodation, finance, lecture halls, and social life. Let us walk you through everything you need to know to make your visit count.
Why Attending a UCLan Open Day Matters
Websites, prospectuses, and promotional videos can only show you so much. Nothing compares to walking the corridors, smelling the coffee in the students' union, and chatting face-to-face with the academics who might be grading your essays in a few months' time. During a University of Central Lancashire open day, you get exclusive access to subject-specific masterclasses, campus tours led by current undergraduates, and dedicated finance advisors who can demystify tuition fees and maintenance loans.
"I wasn't sure between two universities until I visited UCLan. The staff in the School of Journalism were so welcoming and showed off the TV studios—it completely sealed the deal for me." - Chloe, BA (Hons) JournalismPlanning Your Trip: Open Day Dates and Travel
UCLan hosts multiple open days throughout the academic year, typically spanning autumn (September to November) and summer (June). Checking the official open day dates well in advance allows you to secure travel and accommodation without breaking the bank.
Preston is exceptionally well-connected. The Preston railway station is a mere 10-15 minute walk from the main campus, making train travel a breeze from cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and London. If you are driving, the university provides designated visitor parking information on their booking portal, though spaces fill up fast on event days.
What to Expect on the Day
A typical UCLan open day runs from around 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Here is a rough breakdown of what your itinerary might look like:
- Welcome Talks: An energetic introduction to the university, student life, and why Preston is a fantastic student city.
- Subject Sessions: Deep dives into your chosen course, sample lectures, and interactive workshops in specialized labs or studios.
- Campus and Accommodation Tours: Walkthroughs of the library, the Students' Union, and typical halls of residence.
- Drop-in Zones: Information fairs covering disability support, careers service, study abroad opportunities, and sports clubs.
Essential Questions to Ask
To get the most out of your campus visit, avoid just nodding along. Come prepared with a notepad and a list of targeted questions to ask current students and academic staff:
Top Questions for Your UCLan Visit
- How many contact hours (lectures, seminars, practicals) will I have per week for my specific course?
- What kind of industry placement or sandwich year opportunities are built into this degree?
- How accessible is academic support if I am struggling with module content or assessments?
- What is the average cost of university-managed accommodation, and are bills included?
- How active is the specific subject society, and what social events do they run?
Exploring Preston as a Student City
Your university experience is defined just as much by the city you live in as the lectures you attend. Preston offers a fantastic blend of green spaces (like Avenham and Miller Parks), a buzzing nightlife, independent cafes, and shopping centres—all while remaining remarkably affordable compared to southern university cities.
| Expense Category | Estimated Weekly Cost in Preston | Estimated Weekly Cost in London |
|---|---|---|
| University Accommodation | £110 - £150 | £220 - £320 |
| Groceries & Food | £35 - £50 | £50 - £70 |
| Public Transport / Walking | £0 - £15 (Mostly walkable) | £30 - £50 |
| Socialising & Leisure | £25 - £45 | £50 - £80 |
As illustrated in the table above, studying at UCLan provides exceptional value for money, allowing your maintenance loan to stretch significantly further than it would in larger metropolitan capitals.
Can’t Make It? The Virtual Tour Alternative
Life happens, and sometimes you simply cannot make the physical journey to Lancashire. If you miss the live open day dates, don't panic! UCLan offers a comprehensive virtual tour platform. This immersive digital experience allows you to explore 360-degree views of lecture theatres, student accommodation rooms, social hubs, and sports facilities right from your laptop or smartphone. While a virtual tour cannot replace the energy of a live prospective student event, it is a brilliant backup plan for international students or those with scheduling conflicts.
"I used the virtual tour during my initial research, which helped me narrow down my choices before booking a late campus visit just before submitting my UCAS application." - Liam, BSc Computer ScienceFinal Checklist Before You Go
Before you set off for your University of Central Lancashire open day, make sure you have ticked off these final preparation steps:
Open Day Prep Checklist
- Download the UCLan open day app or print your personalised itinerary and campus map.
- Charge your phone fully—you will be taking plenty of photos and scanning QR codes.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the Preston campus spans a wide area and you will be on your feet for hours.
- Prepare a list of specific questions for your department heads and accommodation staff.
By treating your open day as an investigative mission rather than just a casual day out, you will walk away with absolute clarity on whether UCLan is your future academic home. Good luck, and enjoy exploring Preston!