Open days are a brilliant way to explore your options, meet tutors and students, and picture yourself studying at college. But they can also feel busy, noisy, and a bit overwhelming if you’re naturally more introverted.
The good news? You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make the most of an open day. With a little preparation, you can take it at your own pace and still leave with all the answers you need.
Here’s our guide to surviving (and enjoying!) your open day as an introvert.
Before you arrive
- Plan your route and timings – Knowing how to get here and what’s on will give you confidence and cut down on stress. Make sure you register for the event so that you receive our email updates on arrival and parking information. Follow our social media accounts to keep up with the latest open day news.
- Arrive later - Coming later in the day is often quieter, giving you more space and time to explore without the crowds.
- Pick your priorities – Choose two or three must-see talks, tours, or people to speak to. That way you won’t feel like you have to do everything.
- Bring someone with you – A friend or family member can help with questions and make things feel less daunting.
During the open day
- Find quiet moments – Our ALS Hub has a quiet area, or pick a seat in a quiet corridor or even a bench outside which will give you space to recharge between sessions.
- Use a checklist – Having ready-made questions written down saves you from thinking of them on the spot. (We’ve even created one for you 👉 click here)
- Listen as well as ask – Sometimes you’ll overhear others ask exactly what you were wondering. It’s fine to absorb the answers without speaking up every time.
- Chat with current students – They’re often the easiest people to approach, and they’ll give you the most honest insight into life here.
After the open day
- Reflect in your own time – Write down how you felt, what stood out, and whether the college atmosphere suited you.
- Follow up later – Didn’t get a chance to ask something? You or your parents/carers can always email tutors or support teams afterwards. Find out more about our Transitions Officers and how they can support you in the move to College here
- Compare notes – If you brought someone with you, ask what they noticed. They may have spotted things you missed.
Ready to take the next step?
Now that you know how to make an open day work for you, it’s time to put it into practice. Join us at one of our upcoming events and see MidKent College for yourself.
