The St Mary’s campus was buzzing this week as we opened our doors wide to welcome prospective students from across Ireland and beyond to our annual College Open Days. Over one thousand Year 14 students representing seventy different post-primary schools came to find out more about undergraduate courses and, indeed, all aspects of life at St Mary’s.
"Such a lovely, welcoming Open Day - student focused and very informative."
"Very welcoming.…I feel well informed after the talk, and getting to talk one-to-one with current students was good. Thank you!”
Choosing the right university and course is a major decision, and this was reflected by the growing number of parents who came along with their son or daughter to experience Open Days as a family. There really is no substitute for visiting St Mary’s and getting a feel for the place. It’s important during open days to get clear information on the different undergraduate options and to have the opportunity to meet current staff and students. A PowerPoint Presentation, therefore, was offered on the BEd (Hons) degree for primary school teaching, the BEd (Hons) degree for post-primary school teaching and on the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts degree.
“Received a good overview of courses available, insight into student life, friendly and informative student ambassadors.”
“Everything was well organised with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.”
Open days are also a great opportunity to talk to lecturers and current students about the course or courses prospective students are interested in studying and to perhaps learn about subjects and courses you hadn’t previously considered. After the main presentation, a student ambassador shared their experience of life at St Mary’s, both academic and social.
“Very informative – questions were well answered. Have really fallen in love with the friendly atmosphere of St Mary’s. Glad we came!”
“Students were all lovely and very passionate about the College.”
Open Days are also really important in that they offer a chance to view the College Campus. During the Campus Tours organised by the Students’ Union and led by student ambassadors, the visitors were also able to see, first-hand, the many facilities. The tour included a visit to the library, the Writing Centre, the Careers Guidance Centre, the Open Access Suite and other ICT facilities, the chapel, the Performance Enhancement Centre, Sports Hall and, of course, the Students’ Union and the Student Centre. Visiting students also were able to chat to St Mary’s staff in the various departments and to seek answers to subject specific questions.
“Great tour guides! Very informative and really helped answer questions.”
“Tour guides were excellent and really sold the school to me. Well done!”
The Open Days can really help prospective students to get a genuine flavour of life at St Mary’s and allow them to visualise studying, living and socialising as a St Mary’s student. Hopefully, it also inspires and motivates students to reach higher and to strive to achieve entry into a Higher Education Institution (HEI).
“Excellent Open Day! Friendly students, great insight into St Mary’s Campus. The tour guides are a credit to St Mary’s.”