In the forthcoming months, many third-tier institutions in the country will be inviting prospective pupils to visit their campuses for the 2025 student intake. Having the chance to physically get a feel for the university environment, even if it is for a short period, can be an incredible incentive for students to assess their objectives for their A-levels, and to consider the next progression in their career.
It can enhance a student’s interaction with their career advisors at school as they team up to determine the most appropriate course to take on completion of school life in June 2025. Focusing on the compatibility of the course content, the facilities in the university and the accessibility of accommodation or public transportation to their chosen workplace or specific job is critical to a successful transition to further education.
Students can concentrate on this aspect in the next four or five years, when their university life is nearing termination and the labour market conditions for 2030 become apparent. Preliminary research is crucial, regardless of the format of upcoming open days. Before attending each event, ensure to thoroughly investigate the institutions you are considering and their course offerings.
After all, you will be devoting many years of your life to this future stage of your education, depending on the decision you make during the UCAS course selection process on July 1st, 2025 and the course you will accept the following August/ September.
Those examining university options in the Republic of Ireland have likely looked over the 2025 UCAS Handbook online at ucas.ie and are now investigating all university and further education courses offered on qualifax.ie. It’s not only UCAS courses that A-level students are contemplating. Many decide to study at their local Further Education (FE) College, where they can achieve level 5 and 6 QQI awards facilitating entry to employment or those UCAS courses that reserve a portion of their freshman spots for FE graduates.
In 2023, Simon Harris, the Minister for Further and Higher Education at the time, introduced a novel offering, tertiary degrees, to the Central Applications Office. These degrees were developed by educational institutions and training boards to enable a seamless transition from further education to higher education. Several universities were offering these degree programmes by 2025; details of these universities and degree offerings can be found on nto.ie. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about these courses at the universities’ open days.
In the UK, many further education colleges hold multiple open days throughout the academic year, allowing the opportunity for thousands of Irish students, especially those living near the border, to consider studying in Northern Ireland, Scotland and even England, despite the annual fees of £9,250 (€11,036). These students apply via the UK Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, commonly known as ucas.com.
Irish students are also free to study across the EU under the same conditions as their home country. Over the past decade, many have chosen English-taught courses at universities in mainland Europe. The steady increase in Irish students studying in EU universities, like the 1,999 enrolled in the Netherlands, reflects this growth. These EU universities also host in-person open days which can be attended by Irish students, with low-cost air travel reducing any potential financial burden. Further information related to such events can be obtained from the European Universities Central Application Support Service or eunicas.ie.
When evaluating potential college courses, it’s essential to remember that the course itself only comprises a small part of the whole college experience. Upon enrolment in September, students will discover a community ripe with opportunities for personal development and lifelong relationships. Like in personal relationships, it’s essential to take the time to understand all aspects of the potential college community before fully committing.
In deciding upon a course which will require you to become part of a certain community for at least three years, you need to give it a thorough consideration. To understand if a university suits you best, you need to delve into all aspects of its existence on its open day and figure out if it feels right for you. This isn’t just about academic understanding. Over my 40 year career as counsellor and teacher, I saw countless students who could quote facts and figures regarding a range of courses, yet were unable to distinguish between them. They found themselves at sea amidst a surge of information, lacking the direction to choose correctly.
Dressed to the Nines
During an open day, the institution tries its best to project a positive image. The glamorous pamphlets, presentations, friendly student representatives, approachable lecturers and freebies are all there to show the college in its best form. Getting to understand the genuine essence of university life from such occasion can be quite challenging. Still, if you take some time to dig deeper, you can peel back the layers of the polished display an institution puts up on an open day.
If you find yourself particularly drawn to a certain university or course after an open day, and you’re considering placing their degree at the top of your CAO application, it could be beneficial to pay a visit on a typical day to check if the daily life aligns with what was showcased on the open day.
Getting clarity on where you want to embark upon your higher education journey may take anywhere from six to eight months, but following the above recommendations may provide you with the clarity you need by the last date to make final course decisions, which is July 1st, 2025.