Mastering Your University of Roehampton Open Day Visit
Your ultimate playbook for exploring south-west London's parkland campus and maximizing your prospective student event.
Updated 4 min readUniversity of Roehampton
Discovering South-West London's Parkland Gem
Choosing where to spend the next three or four years of your life is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. For prospective undergraduates, stepping onto a physical campus brings abstract prospectuses to life. When attending a University of Roehampton open day, you aren't just checking out lecture halls; you are immersing yourself in a unique community that blends historic parkland beauty with modern, career-focused education right in south-west London.
Roehampton offers a collegiate-style student experience that is exceptionally rare in the capital. Unlike concrete inner-city universities, Roehampton's campus spans 54 acres of parkland, lakes, and woodland at Whitelands, Digby Stuart, Froebel, and Southlands colleges. Preparing properly for your campus visit ensures you look beyond the stunning autumn leaves or summer lawns to evaluate the academic support, accommodation quality, and overall student vibe.
Why Your University of Roehampton Open Day Matters
Attending a prospective student event gives you unrestricted access to current undergraduates, leading academics, and support services. Websites and prospectuses can only show you so much. Experiencing the atmosphere firsthand allows you to test out the commute, sample the campus coffee, and visualize yourself living and studying here.
"I wasn't sure if I wanted a London university because I thought it would be too overwhelming, but walking around Roehampton during the open day changed my mind completely. It felt like a secure community with all the benefits of the capital." - Maya, English Literature Undergraduate
Key Open Day Dates and Planning Your Journey
The University of Roehampton hosts multiple open days throughout the autumn and spring terms. Keeping track of open day dates is crucial because booking slots fill up fast, especially for popular subject talks and campus tours.
Essential Pre-Visit Checklist
- Book your core subject sessions in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Plan your travel route ahead of time (Barnes and Putney stations are the closest mainline hubs).
- Download the campus map or the official event app.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—remember, you will be exploring a sprawling 54-acre estate!
If you cannot make it in person, the university also provides an immersive virtual tour option. While a digital walkthrough is fantastic for checking out accommodation rooms and science labs from your sofa, nothing quite replaces walking the grounds yourself.
What to Expect During Your Campus Visit
A typical open day runs from around 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will check in at the welcome hub, grab your welcome pack, and map out your schedule. Here is what your day will generally include:
- Subject Presentations & Taster Lectures: Hear directly from professors about course structures, assessment methods, and placement opportunities.
- Campus & Accommodation Tours: Student ambassadors will show you around the historic colleges, libraries, social spaces, and student rooms.
- Student Life & Support Fairs: Chat with representatives from the Students' Union, disability support, careers service, and study abroad teams.
Essential Questions to Ask on the Day
To get the most out of your University of Roehampton open day, you need to ask targeted, meaningful questions. Do not just ask what is already written on the website. Dig deeper into student satisfaction, employability, and teaching hours.
Top Questions for Academic Staff
- How many contact hours (lectures, seminars, workshops) will I have per week?
- What kind of academic support is available if I fall behind?
- Are there opportunities for international study or a professional placement year?
- How are assessments weighted between coursework and exams?
Top Questions for Student Ambassadors
- What is the social life like on campus and in the local area?
- What are the hidden costs of studying here (e.g., printing, equipment, travel)?
- How easy is it to find part-time work in London while studying?
- Which college accommodation is best for first-year socialising?
Understanding Living Costs and Budgeting
Studying in London requires careful financial planning. Roehampton offers some of the most competitive on-campus accommodation rates for a London-based institution because of its green, collegiate campus setting.
| Expense Category | Estimated Weekly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Accommodation | £145 - £210 | Varies by room type and college |
| Groceries & Food | £45 - £60 | Depends on self-catered vs meal plans |
| Local Transport (TfL) | £20 - £35 | Student Oyster card discount applied |
| Social & Leisure | £25 - £40 | Societies, nights out, and coffee |
Making the Decision After the Event
Once your campus visit concludes, take some time that evening to review your notes while the experience is fresh in your mind. Compare Roehampton against your other university choices using factors like course content, campus vibe, travel logistics, and community feel. By approaching your University of Roehampton open day with curiosity, preparation, and a clear list of questions, you will walk away with the absolute clarity needed to make the right choice for your future.