Virtual Q&As and Open Days

At this point in the year university open days would be in full swing, but how was this going to happen when no one could go anywhere?

The answer.....

ZOOM!

I had the privilege of working some of these virtual events for the incoming years to answer any questions on the student experience. I've worked a few open days in the past and I wasn't sure how this format was going to go. Would people ask questions? How could we help without supplementary materials? How could I answer questions on how things work when its all changing and no one knows how things will work? All of this was an interesting dilemma to have but ones I didn't need to worry about.

The zoom sessions for applicants due to start in September went very well and we were inundated with loads of fantastic questions. It appeared that the applicants found it easier to ask questions through a screen rather than walking up to someone and asking. They were able to have their cameras off and ask in chat boxes rather than speak if they chose. This meant it was more inclusive for everyone and was a fantastic experience.

The wider virtual open day was run slightly differently. 'Visitors' could browse and tour different areas and events before joining a live chat session with ambassadors from their course on Unibuddy. This gave them the opportunity to ask questions without having to speak aloud or have a camera on. This way is more accessible for those who are uncomfortable with video chat as so many people are - this was a nice way to engage with the prospective students and create an environment everyone could take advantage.

Overall, these events worked well in the circumstances we were given and it was fantastic to be able to provide an open day online. This will, sadly, never make up for and an actual visit to the city and university (many do not know if it is the right place until they have visited) but it is a good placeholder until the prospective students can one again visit us.