University Conventions

Student fairs and university conventions present ideal opportunities for students to shop around, as it were, learning about what various universities across the country can offer you. With a variety of booths set-up around the room, prospective students are able to vastly increase their knowledge about the exciting array of academic avenues open to them, whilst obtaining materials such as prospectuses, which can help shape their shortlist.

With student fairs and university conventions presenting an unparalleled opportunity to network and liaise with representatives, it is important to be well-prepared and know what it is that you are hoping to gain from the experience.

For some, having a clear picture of what they want to study and where, is an alien concept, and as such the student fair presents an opportunity to browse the possibilities, hoping for inspiration. By browsing the various booths present at the event, you are likely to gain an insight into what courses and locations appeal to you, allowing you to seek more information about these options. Student fairs can also provide uncertain attendees with guidance as to what courses and universities are likely to suit their preferences and academic capabilities. It is therefore good preparation to have a series of questions lined up, as well as an account of your skill-sets.

However, some people will have a clear idea of what and where they would like to study. Student fairs and university conventions therefore present a valuable opportunity to seek further information on the options you are considering. Through preparation on the courses or universities which hold significant appeal to you, you can make the most of your time at the convention, seeking out the information which is likely to prove particularly helpful to your decision making. Such preparation is likely to include research into which courses are best linked to your skill-sets, as some universities may divide broad disciplines into different courses, or offer certain variations. An example of this is Media Studies. Although this may have been the title of the course at college, and subsequently the course you are eager to pursue, different universities may focus on specific aspects of media, such as Digital Media, Media Journalism, or Media and Communication. By researching into which variation of the course most accurately reflects your aspirations and interests, you are able to be more selective regarding which courses you are looking out for during the convention.

Similarly, researching into which universities hold particular appeal to you can help your route around the convention run smoothly, as you will have a shortlist of institutions in your mind, enabling you to scout out the appropriate booths. Preparation for this should involve you checking which universities offer the course you wish to enrol upon, to ensure your time is focussed on liaising with representatives from the institutions which relate to your academic ambitions. As well as ensuring the booths you visit offer your desired course, it is also a good idea to check the rankings of various universities for certain courses. This can further focus your day, as you will be armed with the knowledge of which universities are held in the highest regard for certain courses, and will therefore provide you with an attractive academic history for employers.