Inside UAL: Your University of the Arts, London Open Day Guide
How to navigate UAL's six iconic colleges, plan your campus visit, and ask the right questions at this premier prospective student event.
Updated 5 min read
Why Attending the UAL Open Day is a Creative Game-Changer
Choosing where to study art, design, fashion, or communication is one of the most significant decisions a creative student will ever make. As a world-leading institution ranked top two globally for Art and Design, the University of the Arts, London (UAL) offers an unparalleled launching pad. However, because UAL is not a single campus but a massive collective of six prestigious colleges spread across London, attending a University of the Arts, London open day is absolutely essential to finding your perfect fit.
A physical campus visit is more than just a tour of classrooms; it is your first taste of the intense, inspiring, and collaborative environment that defines UAL. Each college has its own distinct culture, heritage, and creative energy. Walking through the studios, seeing the high-end equipment, and witnessing current students at work will help you determine which environment resonates with your artistic vision.
"Visiting Central Saint Martins during the open day completely changed my perspective. Standing in the street-like crossing of the Granary Square building made me realize how dynamic and collaborative the environment truly is." - Sarah Jenkins, BA Graphic Communication Design StudentUnderstanding UAL's Multi-Campus Structure
Before you book your open day dates, it is vital to understand that UAL is decentralized. You cannot simply 'visit UAL' in one afternoon. Instead, you must book specific events at the particular college and campus that hosts your course of interest. Let's break down where these legendary institutions are located:
1. Central Saint Martins (CSM)
Located in the heart of King's Cross, CSM is world-famous for fashion, fine art, and drama. Its industrial, open-plan building fosters an incredibly public and collaborative atmosphere.
2. London College of Fashion (LCF)
Now consolidated at its spectacular new campus in East Bank, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Stratford), LCF is a state-of-the-art hub dedicated entirely to the fashion industry, from design to business and styling.
3. London College of Communication (LCC)
Based in Elephant & Castle, LCC is the creative engine room for journalism, filmmaking, game design, and public relations. It features industry-grade media studios and printmaking facilities.
4. Chelsea College of Arts
Situated right next to the Tate Britain in Pimlico, Chelsea offers a close-knit, fine-art-focused environment overlooking the River Thames.
5. Camberwell College of Arts
Nestled in the vibrant, artistic neighborhood of South London, Camberwell is highly respected for its traditional craft techniques, illustration, and fine art communities.
6. Wimbledon College of Arts
Dedicated to theatre, performance, and screen design, Wimbledon features specialized technical spaces and acts as a dedicated creative sanctuary in Southwest London.
How to Find and Book Open Day Dates
UAL schedules its main prospective student event season throughout the autumn term (typically October to December) and spring term (typically January to March). Because these spots are highly sought-after by domestic and international applicants alike, they book out incredibly fast.
Keep an eye on the official UAL website to register your interest early. If you cannot travel to London, do not worry. UAL offers robust digital options. Taking a virtual tour online is an excellent alternative that provides interactive 360-degree views of the workshops, studios, and accommodation halls. UAL also hosts virtual open days with live Q&A sessions where tutors explain portfolio expectations in detail.
What to Expect at a UAL Prospective Student Event
A typical prospective student event at UAL is structured to give you both inspiration and practical information. Here is what your day will generally look like:
- Course Presentations: Led by course leaders, these sessions break down the curriculum, study abroad options, and industry collaboration opportunities.
- Studio & Workshop Tours: You will get to explore specialized areas like ceramic workshops, darkrooms, high-tech weaving looms, 3D printing labs, and digital editing suites.
- Portfolio Advice Sessions: This is arguably the most valuable part of the day. Tutors will show examples of successful application portfolios and explain how to structure your work.
- Accommodation Showings: You will have the chance to speak with the accommodation team and often visit nearby student halls to see your future living spaces.
Essential Checklist for Your Campus Visit
- Pre-book your tickets for specific course talks (they fill up quickly).
- Wear comfortable shoes—you will easily clock up 10,000 steps exploring the multi-level campuses.
- Bring a digital or physical notepad to jot down specific advice given by tutors.
- Prepare a list of targeted questions to ask current students and staff.
Crucial Questions to Ask Tutors and Students
To make the most of your visit, do not just passively listen. Engage with the community. Here are some of the best questions to ask during your visit to get a realistic picture of student life:
Questions for Tutors:
- What specific qualities are you looking for in an application portfolio for this course?
- How much studio time or workshop access do students get per week?
- Can you share some recent graduate destinations and industry partnerships?
- Are there opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration with other UAL colleges?
Questions for Current Students:
- How do you find the balance between living costs in London and buying art supplies?
- What is the studio culture like—do students work together or mostly independently?
- How easy is it to navigate travel between your accommodation and this campus?
- What has been the most challenging aspect of your first year here?
Planning Your London Travel & Budget
Visiting London can quickly become expensive if you do not plan ahead. Fortunately, all UAL colleges are highly accessible via London's extensive public transport network (TfL). To help you plan your journey, here is an average budget estimation for a single-day campus visit:
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Saving Tips & Advice |
|---|---|---|
| TfL Travel (Zones 1-3) | £8.50 - £12.00 | Use contactless payment or an Oyster card. Do not buy single paper tickets. |
| Lunch & Coffee near campus | £12.00 - £18.00 | Explore local food markets (like Borough Market near LCC or Coal Drops Yard near CSM). |
| Art Shop / Gallery Visit | £0.00 - £15.00 | Most major London galleries are free, but keep a small budget for exhibition booklets. |
| Return Train to London | Varies greatly | Book advanced tickets using a 16-25 Railcard to save up to 1/3 of the fare. |
Final Verdict: Preparing for Your Creative Journey
Attending a University of the Arts, London open day is the ultimate way to demystify the application process and fuel your creative ambition. It turns a prestigious name on a screen into a tangible, breathing community that you can visualize yourself being part of. Whether you attend a physical campus event or dive deep into a virtual tour from home, taking this step ensures you are making an informed, confident choice for your future creative career. Keep an eye on those open day dates, prepare your questions, and get ready to be inspired!