How to Make the Most of an Open Event

Find out all you need to know about coming to a college open event. Open events provide a fantastic opportunity to explore your options, meet future tutors and classmates, and see firsthand what your desired courses are really like.

It’s important that you can picture yourself coming to college as you will be spending a significant amount of time here over the next few years. Planning ahead ensures you get the most out of your visit to the college.

1. Getting to college

College courses are split across Chaffron Way Campus, in Woughton and Bletchley Campus, in Bletchley (obvs). Please make sure you check which campus you need to go to, based on which courses you are interested in learning more about.

You can get to college on foot, by car, bus or train. We have free car parking available at each campus. Or you can find out more about public transport options on our travel page. Plan your journey in advance to ensure you arrive on time and with minimal stress.

2. Arrival on the day

Look out for signposts directing you to reception, where our friendly staff and student ambassadors will greet you.

When you arrive please have your Eventbrite ticket and QR code ready to show the entrance staff. This makes it much quicker to get everyone through and into the event.

We will have loads of staff dotted around to help so don’t hesitate to ask any questions or seek assistance. Please note it can get quite busy at the beginning of the event and you may need to queue.

3. Presentation Talks

At various times throughout the Open Event, we will have talks given by the Leadership Team in the Refectory. You’ll hear about all the different courses on offer, college life and what we expect from you as students, college in the community, student support services available and about our vast range of work experience opportunities.

There will be screens in reception displaying the talk times.

4. Check out the different course areas

Open Events are your opportunity to check out all the options available at college. You’ll visit the actual classrooms or workshops where you may end up and gain a deeper understanding of what each course entails.

Each course has something different – you may find interactive displays, student projects, or even live demonstrations, showcasing the impressive hands-on learning opportunities awaiting you.

Keep an open mind as you venture through each area as you never know what inspiration you may find!

On arrival you will receive a copy of our School Leaver Guide, which has a helpful map of each campus on page 7 and 9.

5. Pick up course information

Make sure you pick up course sheets from areas you are interested in, as well as a copy of our School Leaver Guide. You’ll get more information about the course’s structure, entry requirements, and potential career paths.

6. Meet the tutors

College Open Events allow you to speak with tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and years of industry experience under their belts. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions about course content, assessment methods, timetables and any concerns you may have.

Tutors are not only there to inspire and instruct but also to support your academic journey. It is a good idea to take down the tutors’ name and email address in case you think of any other questions when you get home.

7. Meet our student ambassadors

The best people to tell you what life at college is like are the people who do it every day! Our friendly Student Ambassadors attend every Open Event and are ready to answer any of your questions and take you through a day in the life of a student MK College. They can give you the inside scoop on where to get the best food, the best areas to chill out in and travel tips to get to and from college.

8. Student Support & Careers Advice

Head to the Study Centre to meet our Student Support teams and the Careers team.

If you need some inspiration on what you should study, our amazing Careers Advisors can help you narrow down your choices.

You can also get more information on academic support, inclusive learning for students with an EHCP, additional help with your studies, and funding and bursaries.

9. Make an application!

After you’ve had a good look around and are feeling really inspired, you can seal the deal and make an application!

Our Admissions Team will be on hand in the Study Centre to help you with your online course application. You can apply to more than one course to secure your place until you get your GCSE results.

Keep an eye on your inbox over the summer for more updates on your college interview, application progress, life at college and key dates.

We can’t wait to see you there! If you have any questions not addressed here, please get in touch with events@mkcollege.ac.uk

You can register for our upcoming Open Events here.