In this article, St Mary’s student Liliana shares her experience of Offer Holder Days. She takes you through what to expect, what you’ll gain, and how Offer Holder Days can help you choose the right university.
If you've received an offer from St Mary's University – congratulations! Now, you have to choose whether to make it your first choice.
That's where Offer Holder Days come in. They can give you a real feel for what life is like at St Mary's, helping decide if it's the right university for you.
What is an Offer Holder Day?
An Offer Holder Day is for students who have received an offer from St Mary’s – giving you the chance to explore what your experience here could really look like.
These days have been shaped by student feedback, built around what current students said they wanted from their own university visits. They’re curated by students, for students – so the focus is on what matters most to you.
You’ll get a closer look at your chosen course, while also exploring the wider student experience, including:
- University resources and facilities
- Sport and fitness opportunities
- Societies and clubs
- Day-to-day student life
- Accommodation options
It’s your opportunity to meet lecturers, connect with future classmates, and experience the campus in a more personal way – helping you decide if St Mary’s feels right for you.
My experience at an Offer Holder Day
In 2024, I attended two Open Days and an Offer Holder Day at St Mary's.
The Open Days helped me understand what the University offered, and I got to see what the facilities looked like.
Coming back for the Offer Holder Day was super helpful, because I got to get a much better look at what my course offered. I also met other people on my course, who are my friends now.
I took closer look at the surrounding area and got to see what life around the university had to offer, which was integral to my decision-making process. It was a valuable experience for me, so I highly recommend it for you too.
How is an Offer Holder Day different from an Open Day?
Open Days mostly cover the general running of St Mary’s and what the University offers on the whole, whereas Offer Holder Days are streamlined to your chosen course.
Where an Open Day has lots of general talks and a few course sessions, an Offer Holder Day is much more focused on the course you want to do and what life is like at St Mary’s. It's a great opportunity to get a more in-depth look at what your course covers, as well as the chance to meet your future lecturers, and even your future classmates!
What happens at an Offer Holder Day?
Offer Holder Days at St Mary’s typically run from 10am to 3pm, with designed to help you explore the university and your chosen course efficiently.
You'll be grouped with other future students from your course and other courses in your faculty. For an extra personalised experience, your group will be led by Student Ambassadors who study one of those courses. They're there to guide you through the day and answer any questions that you may have.
Remember, the Student Ambassadors are current students who have been in your shoes. They understand how difficult choosing the right university is, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions.
Here’s an overview of the structure of this year’s Offer Holder Days:
1. Arrival, registration and brunch
The day begins with arrival and registration between 10:00am and 10:30am, where you’ll be welcomed to campus by our lovely Student Ambassadors, and have the chance to enjoy brunch while meeting other offer holders.
This relaxed start allows you to settle in, pick up your event materials, and begin conversations with staff and fellow visitors.
2. Welcome talk from the Dean of Faculty
After registration, you will attend a welcome talk from the Dean of your faculty.
This is an introduction to the academic community you may soon become part of, and it provides an overview of what studying at St Mary’s will involve.
It’s also a great opportunity to hear about the University’s approach to teaching and what student support is available.
3. Academic programme talk
Next, you'll attend a subject-specific programme talk, where academics explain what your course will involve.
These talks usually cover:
- Course structure and modules
- Teaching methods and assessments
- Opportunities, such as placements or work experience
- Skills you’ll develop during your degree
This session is particularly valuable because it gives you detailed insight into your chosen subject.
4. Academic taster session
One of the highlights of the day is the academic taster session, which gives you a glimpse of what studying your chosen subject at St Mary’s actually feels like. These sessions may involve interactive discussions, mini-lectures, or practical activities, depending on the course.
At the same time, there will be a separate Parent and Supporter Session, where they can learn more about the University and ask questions outside of course-specific information.
5. Lunch and networking
From around 1pm onwards, the day becomes more informal, with lunch and networking opportunities. This is the most invaluable part of the day as it really helps you get a feel for the community you'll be part of at St Mary’s!
This is a great opportunity to:
- Speak with current students
- Meet academic staff
- Talk to other offer holders
- Ask questions in a relaxed environment
You may also meet representatives from support services, including admissions, funding teams, and the Students’ Union.
6. Campus and accommodation tours
From 1:30pm onwards, you can take part in campus and/or accommodation tours led by our Student Ambassadors.
These tours allow you to explore:
- Teaching facilities
- Libraries and study spaces
- Social areas on campus
- Student accommodation
You’ll also have the chance to visit academic drop-in desks, where lecturers and staff are available to answer more detailed questions about your chosen course.
Are Offer Holder Days for parents and supporters too?
Parents and supporters are more than welcome to join in at Offer Holder Days, and there is even a dedicated session just for them at the same time as the academic taster session.
However, if a prospective student wants to come alone, they'll be very well supported. The whole point of the Offer Holder Day is to see if St Mary’s is right for you! It’s a chance to picture yourself in our halls, meet your future classmates, see how you fit in.
Don’t be afraid to be independent, but it's common for parents and supporters to come to this event.
Questions to ask at a St Mary’s Offer Holder Day
Preparing a few questions before you attend an Offer Holder Day can help you make the most of your visit.
Here are some questions to consider:
Questions about your course
- What does a typical week of lectures and seminars look like?
- How much independent study is expected?
- Are there opportunities for placements or internships?
- How are modules assessed?
Questions for current students
- What do you enjoy most about studying at St Mary’s?
- How manageable is the workload?
- What do students usually do outside lectures?
- What’s the local area like?
Questions about support
- What academic support is available if students struggle with a module?
- Are there personal tutors or mentoring systems?
- Who can I go to if I have a personal issue?
- Who can I reach out to when I live in halls?
- What career support is available during the degree?
Writing down your questions beforehand ensures you don’t forget anything during the event. If you come up with more questions as you go through the day, don’t forget to make note of them or ask a Student Ambassador.
What can you do aside from attending the Offer Holder Day?
If you have time after your visit, it’s worth exploring the local area around campus. The University is located in Strawberry Hill. It is a 15-minute walk (or 3-minute bus ride) away from both Teddington and Twickenham, which offer so much to explore.
We are located in a beautiful area, known for its riverside views, cafés, restaurants, and local museums.
We are a short bus ride away from the stunning Richmond upon Thames, which is a great place to eat, shop, and take a stroll along the River Thames.
In the other direction, just past Teddington, is Kingston; a vibrant student town, great for shopping, and home to a brand-new arcade that is very popular among students.
We are also a short train ride away from central London, which is an treasure trove of things to explore.
You can read more about the local area ahead of the Offer Holder Day and !
My top 3 tips when attending an Offer Holder Day
As a current student who attended this event 2 years ago, here are a few things I recommend you do:
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is your best chance to have them answered by the most qualified people.
- Talk to the people around you. Everyone there is in the same boat, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the other future students you are grouped with. You may meet a friend!
- Most importantly, have fun. This event is not just here to answer questions, but also to experience a taste of what life is like at St Mary’s, so make the most of the day and enjoy it.
Choosing the right university for you can be a daunting process. Hopefully, by attending an Offer Holder Day, you'll discover if St Mary’s is the right university for you. Make the most of your day, ask away, and have fun.
Your future is in your hands. Are you ready?
See you at Offer Holder Day!