Attending an open day for medicine at a UK university can be one of the most essential steps in deciding where to study. It’s a chance to see the campus and dive deeper into your future life as a medical student. Here’s why it’s a must, as well as some examples of what to expect on open days for top UK medical schools.

Why Attend a Medical School Open Day?

Get a feel for the place.

• You can read all the brochures you want, but nothing beats experiencing the campus atmosphere in person. You’ll have the chance to tour the medical school, including the lecture halls, libraries, research centres, and state-of-the-art simulation labs. Some universities even let you observe medical simulations or tour teaching hospitals associated with the school.

• At King’s College London, their open day includes tours of Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospitals, giving you a first-hand look at where you could be training in real clinical settings.

• It would help if you took notes of everything you have experienced and reflect on this, as this information could help in your medical school interview.

Meet your future tutors and lecturers.

• Open days often include talks or Q&A sessions with the faculty, where you can get a feel for their teaching style and philosophy. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the course structure, assessment methods, and what the school expects from its students.

• Medical school interviews can assess knowledge of the medical school curriculum and teaching methods.

• The University of Edinburgh offers open days to meet faculty and attend subject-specific talks. During these talks, you can learn about the university’s curriculum, which integrates medical sciences and clinical teaching from the very start of the program.

Talk to current medical students.

• Nobody knows the course better than the students already taking it. During open days, you’ll have the chance to chat with current med students who can share their experiences—how they manage the workload, what it’s like balancing study with life, and what the social side of being a medical student looks like. It’s a great way to get the inside scoop!

• You can speak to like-minded current medical students if you have any particular hobbies or interests or a religious affiliation. For example, if you are a practising Muslim, you can ask about the locations of prayer rooms.

• At the University of Bristol, student ambassadors lead tours and are available to talk to prospective students about student life, the workload, and support systems in place, such as peer mentoring and well-being services.

Understand the admissions process.

• Open days often feature detailed presentations on the medical school’s admissions process. This includes (likely generic) advice on how to ace the UCAT, stand out in your UCAS personal statement, and what they look for in interviews. Knowing this information can help you target your application and make it more competitive.

• The open day may also give you insight into the medical school interview process, sometimes giving tips on which areas to cover and even example interview questions.

• The University of Birmingham includes a talk on "Preparing Your Medicine Application," with tips on approaching the personal statement, performing well in interviews, and understanding the expectations for the UCAT.

Explore the city and student vibe.

• Medicine is a long and challenging course, so feeling comfortable with the school and the city is essential. Open days allow you to explore the surrounding area, check out the accommodation, and see what student life is like outside the classroom. Is the city lively? Are there parks, restaurants, and cafes where you can relax and unwind after long study sessions? Most universities offer students accommodation for the first year and some longer than this.

• Many medical schools are located in the centre of major cities, whereas others are more rural. Some medical schools may offer more facilities for students than others, such as car parking facilities.

• If you’re attending an open day at the University of Manchester, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city life, from its diverse food scene to its thriving arts and culture.

Tailor your application

• Attending an open day can demonstrate commitment to a university, which you can mention in your UCAS personal statement or during interviews. You’ll also have the chance to speak with admissions staff directly and ask any detailed questions about the program, giving you extra insights that can help you tailor your application to fit their specific requirements.

• Imperial College London’s open days include admissions-specific sessions, during which prospective students can meet one-on-one with admissions tutors, helping them better understand what the school is looking for in applicants.

Examples of Medical School Open Days in the UK

University of Cambridge

Cambridge’s medical school open day includes tours of their cutting-edge research facilities, sessions with medical faculty, and opportunities to talk to current students about their experiences. You can also explore Cambridge’s historic colleges and beautiful riverside setting.

University of Oxford

Oxford offers an immersive open-day experience where you can attend lectures, tour the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre, and meet pre-clinical and clinical teaching staff. It’s also a chance to explore Oxford’s world-renowned libraries and the city’s rich academic atmosphere.

Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry)

At Queen Mary’s open day, you’ll tour the medical school’s London campus, explore their cutting-edge dental and medical simulation centres, and learn the real-life hospital settings where you'll train. It’s a chance to experience life in the heart of London while gaining valuable insights into their problem-based learning approach.

University of Glasgow

Glasgow’s open days are known for their comprehensive approach. They offer tours of the Wolfson Medical School Building, talks with faculty, and opportunities to meet current students. You can also explore Glasgow's beautiful and bustling city, which offers a mix of culture, nightlife, and stunning landscapes.

Final Thoughts

Attending an open day is critical in choosing the right medical school for you. It’s a chance to see the facilities, meet the people teaching and supporting you, and figure out whether you’ll feel comfortable in the environment. Plus, it can help you build confidence for your application by gathering valuable insider knowledge about the admissions process.

By experiencing the atmosphere first-hand, you’ll be much better equipped to decide where to spend the next 5-6 years of medical education!

• We have some historical videos below from our previous medical conferences to give you an idea of what you can gain from an open day about the admissions process.

• Please note that these likely contain outdated information, so you must always check directly with the medical school for the latest guidance.