If you aren’t inspired with this year’s Big Brother, there is an alternative programme on offer from the University of Aberdeen that is guaranteed to grab your attention.
The University is holding its annual Open Day and has launched its new-look web pages giving details on this hugely popular event.
The University-wide pre-application Open Day is one of the biggest events in the University calendar and will be held on Tuesday, August 23. It is aimed mainly at those interested in coming to study at the University in September 2006 although late applicants for 2005 entry will also be very welcome to attend.
Sarah Fryett attended the 2000 Open Day and will start the final year of her MA French and Management Studies degree in September. She commented: "The Open Day was one of the things which made me decide to study at the University of Aberdeen. I really enjoyed the day and found that everyone was really friendly - it was a bit different to others I'd been to which made Aberdeen have a bit of an edge. I decided to come to study at Aberdeen on the strength of the Open Day and I’m really glad I did!"
Last year’s event attracted more than 4,000 visitors from throughout the UK and Europe and this year’s event looks set to be even more popular.
It will be an Open Day with a difference featuring a comprehensive programme ranging from presentations and departmental activities, to exhibitions, demonstrations and campus tours.
Visitors will be able to attend a party at The Union, stay overnight in University Halls of Residence, meet with staff, attend mini-lectures and overall sample student life. A Parents’ Evening has also been arranged for the night before the Open Day, to be held at Marischal Museum.
The University’s Marketing Officer, Lesley MacLennan, said: “We aim to make the day as much fun as possible for visitors and try to give them a real flavour for what life as a student at the University of Aberdeen is like.
“A whole host of interesting activities will be on offer throughout the Open Day both at the King’s College campus and at the School of Medicine at Foresterhill. Musicians will be performing across the campus, whilst budding musicians will have the opportunity for hands-on sessions in electro-acoustic music. All-in-all, the day will feature a packed programme and I hope that prospective visitors take the chance to book their place for this year’s Open Day on the website www.abdn.ac.uk/openday which is now up and running.”
“We will show how Aberdeen is becoming one of the UK’s most popular universities.”
The School of Medicine at Foresterhill will have an interesting programme, including interactive demonstrations at the Clinical Skills Centre, a careers presentation and general information on the University.
Throughout the day a roving reporter will be talking to visitors, trying to find out what they think of the Open Day. There will be a prize for the best comments and the edited footage will be displayed on the Open Day website.
Student Ambassadors will also be on-hand to show visitors around the campus throughout the day.
Visitors can come on their own or as part of a school party. Parents, teachers and guidance staff are also invited to join us. There will be a Chill Out Zone especially for them to get away from their pupils or kids. Selectors and other staff will be visiting the Chill Out Zone throughout the day to chat informally to them.
If you would like to learn more about the Open Day, or would like further details about the full programme of departmental tours and activities, contact Student Recruitment and Admissions on: 0800 027 1495, email: openday@abdn.ac.uk or visit the website: www.abdn.ac.uk/openday