University of Gloucestershire Open Day: Your Complete Campus Guide
Discover beautiful campuses, vibrant student life, and how to plan your perfect University of Gloucestershire open day visit.
Updated 5 min readUniversity of Gloucestershire
Why Attending the University of Gloucestershire Open Day is Essential
Choosing where to spend your university years is one of the biggest decisions you will make. While websites, brochures, and a virtual tour can give you a digital glimpse of student life, nothing compares to the real-life experience of a physical campus visit. Attending a University of Gloucestershire open day allows you to walk the corridors, chat with future lecturers, explore modern facilities, and get a genuine feel for the unique atmosphere across the historic regency town of Cheltenham and the vibrant city of Gloucester.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help prospective students and their families navigate the open day experience, from selecting the right campus to asking the most critical questions to secure your future.
Understanding the Multi-Campus Setup
The University of Gloucestershire is unique because it does not have just one single campus. Instead, its faculties are spread across distinct locations in Cheltenham and Gloucester. Each campus has its own unique heritage, academic focus, and social vibe. When booking your prospective student event, you must identify which campus hosts your chosen subject area.
1. The Park Campus (Cheltenham)
Located in the leafy, fashionable town of Cheltenham, The Park is the hub for Media, Computing, Design, and Creative industries. Originally designed as a botanic garden in the 19th century, this stunning campus features its own lake, abundant wildlife, and a blend of historic architecture with cutting-edge digital labs.
2. Francis Close Hall Campus (Cheltenham)
Often described by students as having a 'Hogwarts-like' atmosphere, Francis Close Hall (FCH) is historic, gothic, and incredibly picturesque. Situated close to Cheltenham town centre, FCH is home to Humanities, Education, Natural and Social Sciences, and Art and Design courses.
3. Oxstalls Campus (Gloucester)
Located in the historic city of Gloucester, Oxstalls is a modern, high-energy campus focused on Business, Sports, Health, and Social Care. It features world-class sports science laboratories, clinical simulation suites for nursing students, and a state-of-the-art business school building.
4. City Campus (Gloucester City Centre)
The university's newest development is the City Campus, located in the heart of Gloucester. This multi-million-pound regeneration project of the former Debenhams building is a training ground for the next generation of healthcare professionals, complete with cutting-edge nursing and public health facilities.
"I was split between two universities until I stood in the courtyard at Francis Close Hall. The historic vibe mixed with the modern labs convinced me immediately that this was where I wanted to study." - Megan Davies, BA (Hons) History GraduateHow to Find Open Day Dates and Book Your Slot
To make the most of your visit, you must register in advance. The university hosts several scheduled open days throughout the Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms. You can find the latest official open day dates on the university's official website and reserve a free ticket for yourself and any guests (such as parents or guardians) who are accompanying you.
What to Expect on the Day
A typical University of Gloucestershire open day is packed with interactive events, designed to give you a 360-degree view of student life. Here is what you can expect to find on your schedule:
- Welcome & Finance Talks: Crucial briefings on tuition fees, student loans, scholarships, and the university's generous accommodation guarantees.
- Subject-Specific Presentations: Meet the academic tutors who will write your references and grade your papers. You will discover how modules are taught and assessed.
- Campus & Accommodation Tours: Current student ambassadors will guide you through lecture theatres, libraries, and student halls of residence.
- The Student Union (SU) Fair: Discover the massive range of sports clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities on offer.
Crucial Questions to Ask During Your Visit
Don't be passive during your visit. This is your chance to interview the university. To help you get the most out of your day, make sure to seek out lecturers, current students, and housing advisors to ask these targeted questions.
Key Questions to Ask on Open Day
- To Academic Tutors: What industry connections or work placement opportunities are integrated directly into this course?
- To Current Students: What is the realistic cost of living in Cheltenham versus Gloucester, and how easy is it to find part-time work?
- To Accommodation Staff: Are all first-year students guaranteed accommodation on or near their specific teaching campus?
- To Careers Advisors: What support is available for students wanting to launch their own business or freelance career after graduating?
Travel & Logistics: Navigating Between Cheltenham and Gloucester
If you are exploring courses that cross over campuses, or if you want to see both towns, you will need to understand the local transit. Fortunately, the university is well-connected by local bus routes, specifically the frequent '94' and '94U' services operated by Stagecoach, which run directly between Cheltenham and Gloucester.
| Travel Method | Route / Connection | Average Travel Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94U University Bus | Cheltenham (The Park/FCH) to Gloucester (Oxstalls) | 25-35 minutes | Free with student ID / Discounted event passes available |
| Train | Cheltenham Spa Station to Gloucester Central | 10 minutes | £3.50 - £6.00 (with Railcard) |
| Car / Driving | A40 Golden Valley Bypass | 15-20 minutes | Varies (Parking must be pre-booked for open days) |
What If You Can't Attend in Person?
If you live internationally or cannot make the scheduled physical open day dates, the university offers an incredibly detailed virtual tour portal online. This digital platform provides 360-degree panoramic views of accommodation halls, specialized science labs, media suites, and green outdoor social areas. While it can't completely replace the physical atmosphere of a campus visit, it is an exceptional resource to narrow down your choices before booking a formal prospective student event.
Final Verdict: Making Your Decision
The University of Gloucestershire offers an inspiring mix of historic charm, modern facilities, and a supportive community. By preparing your schedule, planning your travel between Cheltenham and Gloucester, and arriving armed with the right questions, your open day visit will give you all the clarity you need to make your UCAS application with confidence.