University hosts Visit Day for prospective students

Thousands of youngsters from across the country and beyond came to Lancaster University for a Visit Day aimed at giving them the chance to find out more about life on campus before completing their UCAS forms this autumn.

Faculty staff members were on hand to talk about courses and subjects, and visits to laboratories and lecture theatres were held. The students, aged between 17 and 18 and studying for their A levels, were also able to see computing facilities, visit student accommodation, tour the library, see sports facilities and call in at the Students’ Union.

“This event is a pre-application opportunity to visit an institution before completing UCAS forms,” said Sue Hubbard, Events Manager, Schools and Colleges Liaison Office. “The students can talk to representatives from all departments, see accommodation and tour the campus to get a feel for the University, to see whether it’s the kind of place where they would like to spend the next three or four years.

“It was a very successful day. We had some very good feedback – the students were extremely positive about the campus, the facilities and the staff. Out of all the feedback forms that were returned, we had only one negative comment, from someone who got lost!”

Around 2,000 students and their parents visited the university – parents have wanted to become more involved in their child’s higher education with the introduction of tuition fees, said Sue. “Now that money is involved, parents want to see what their children are getting. But also it’s reassuring for them to see the place where their child will be studying – ultimately it’s the student’s choice but parents are very influential.”

The George Fox building was at the centre of the event with displays, information and subject stands – but only days before it was flooded and under six inches of water. “I’d like to thank Estates and Cleaning staff who pulled out all the stops to get George Fox operational,” said Sue. “People worked very hard to get it ready.

“But I would also like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in making the day such a huge success – department staff, students, catering, college staff, porters and security.”

The next Visit Day will be on Saturday, October 9 when youngsters and their parents are expected in even greater numbers.