There are plenty of considerations when it comes to picking a uni. Here’s a comprehensive cheat sheet to take to Open Day – based on the latest research!
It’s Open Day season! It’s the perfect opportunity to check out a wide range of potential unis, but it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this cheat sheet to help you decide.
Firstly, the good news is that you’re not alone! The Universities Admission Centre (UAC) Student Lifestyle and Learning Report 2025 is based on a survey of 17,794 Year 12 students across every state and territory in Australia, asking what students are looking for when picking a uni. We’ve found four themes in this report that will help to guide your Open Day adventures.
✔️ What’s your passion?
Turns out there’s one thing that stays the same every time UAC runs their survey. For about 75% of students, feeling passionate and ready to make a difference in the world is the most important factor in choosing university studies. You’ll want to pick a uni that specialises in your passion.
Open Day is your chance to speak to teachers and students in various subjects. It’s your chance to talk to lots of people and try to find your spark.
Bonus tip: Here at Careers with STEM, we call your passion or hobby your ‘X’. If you’re still not sure what your X is, take our quiz to help you work it out.
✔️ Landing your first job
Graduate employment matters to 66% of school leavers. So even if you’re still deciding where to study, you want to think ahead to your first job. After all, if you’re committing years of your life to study, you want a job waiting for you at the end!
At Open Day, you can ask a uni if it offers support that will set you up for an exciting career. It might include employment services, industry partnerships for work experience (often called work integrated learning or WIL), placements, career coaching, and mentoring opportunities.
Bonus tip: Looking for in-demand fields to study, with a focus on job growth? Check out our Job Kits.
✔️ Ensure dollars make sense
Cost of living bites. You’re not alone if financial pressures are affecting your decision to attend uni – it’s a significant factor for 42% of students right now.
While you’re already thinking about landing your first job, Open Day is also an opportunity to see what scholarship opportunities are available to you. It can make a big difference to your bottom line!
Bonus tip: Uni isn’t the only pathway to a great career. The Australian Government has recently committed $86.4 million to deliver bonus Fee-Free TAFE and VET places! So check out your Fee-Free TAFE options too.
✔️ Location, location, location!
Location is essential: 56% of students want to study on campus, 42% are after blended learning, with just 2% wanting to study solely online. While convenience is a great plus when it comes to picking a uni, it’s not the only factor.
Make sure you check the following when visiting a uni campus:
- Vibe and campus culture
- Student clubs and societies
- Accommodation options (if choosing a uni far from home)
Plus, you’ll want to check out these facilities:
- Labs and lecture theatres
- Library
- Free wi-fi
- Tasty and cheap food options
- 24/7 access
- Cheap gym access
- Student lounges
- Low-cost parking
- Free sanitary products in bathrooms
Bonus tip: Looking at locations further afield? International exchange is an opportunity to experience different perspectives and cultures. Plus you can study subjects not taught locally. If that sounds like you, ask about international exchange opportunities this Open Day!
Most importantly, enjoy your Open Day adventures, soak up those campus vibes and ask plenty of questions! It’s an exciting opportunity to explore all your options.
