Open Day Made Simple

With Open Day fast approaching the question of where to live is an unanswered one for many rural, interstate and international students. Choosing the right place to live and study for the next stage of your life is a major decision that many 12 students are currently trying to make. With the hustle and bustle of future students and their parents all trying to find their way around an unfamiliar campus on Open Day, it’s necessary to be prepared for the day with a solid plan and the all important questions that need answering.

Here are my tips to get the most out of Open Day –

Ask, ask, ask

Each and every one of our residents has been in a similar position to yourself, which makes them the best representatives of the College experience. The phrase ‘no question is a dumb question’, is often accompanied in conversation with a satiric tone and a laugh, but in this case, it is a fitting quote to use. The whole process can become a bit of a blur, as you’re likely to be overwhelmed with a tonne of mixed emotions with the answers to many different questions buzzing through your head. If you can come prepared with questions and an idea of what you’re looking for then it will make the process that little bit easier. It is important to remember that this trip isn’t the only opportunity to ask questions – if you get home and remember something you forgot to ask, it’s not too late, just email or call the College if you’re after more information.

Spend time getting a feel for the College

Try to take a moment to relax during the day. Whether you decide to eat lunch in the Mannix Dining Hall or spend time at our booth on campus, our goal is to give you a glimpse into the everyday environment of Mannix and a help you visualise how you can make the most of the opportunities the College offers its residents. For many, the move to university is the first time they’re away from home and therefore it is vital to be able to imagine yourself adjusting to life at Mannix to succeed in your university degree.

Ask to speak with residents who are studying your future degree

Mannix accommodates a variety of residents from across all faculties – from medicine to music to arts and everything in between. Often the people studying a similar course to you become some of your greatest assets throughout your time living on campus, whether through Mannix’s Tutorial Program or more informal study groups. Therefore, as much as we want you to spend time getting a feel for the College, it is important to make sure Monash University is everything you’re looking for, and more. The way to achieve this is to plan your visit around the activities occuring across the road at Monash which may interest you, but also spend time exploring the Monash campus to determine whether it suits you and your needs.

Try to stay relaxed and have fun

We want the small glimpse you receive of the College on Open Day to portray the everyday life at Mannix as accurately as possible, and this includes seeing first-hand the relaxed and friendly environment which is embraced by the entirety of the College. We want you to feel comfortable and have as much fun as possible during the tours, but also feel as though you could make Mannix your home. The idea of Mannix becoming a second home to its residents is a little cliche, however that’s essentially what it becomes over time, and we want you to feel as though you are a part of the family from the moment you set foot in the College.

So here’s to a fun, informative and stress-free Open Day!

Words by Ava Kelly