What is the purpose of the Cambridge Open Days?
The Open Days are intended to give prospective students the opportunity to find out more about studying and living at the University of Cambridge.
Who are the Open Days for?
The Open Days are aimed at prospective applicants from Year 12 and 13 (or equivalent) and mature applicants (aged 21 or over), together with their parents or supporters, to help them learn more about the University before submitting their application for 2025 entry.
The Open Day in September has a primary focus on helping applicants finalise their College choice, and is aimed at Year 12 and Year 13 (or equivalent) and mature applicants.
Do I need to book?
Yes – booking is essential. You will need to register via the online booking form. Please note that each prospective applicant can bring a maximum of one guest with them to the Open Day.
Once registered you will receive a booking confirmation via email. We will also send you more information in the lead up to the Open Day.
How do I get to Cambridge?
Due to limited parking options in and around the city of Cambridge, we strongly recommend that you travel to Cambridge via train or bus.
If you decide to drive to Cambridge, you should use city’s Park and Ride (P&R) services to travel into the city. As we are expecting the Open Day to be busy, the P&R sites may fill up early in the day; as a result, please allow plenty of time to travel in case your intended P&R site is full.
For travelling around the city, we advise you to travel by public transport or walking. Many of the sites in the city centre will take between 10-20 minutes to walk between – we would recommend planning out your day so you know where you’re going and how long it will take to travel between each location.
For further details about travelling to and within Cambridge, please see our travel information page.
Once you arrive in Cambridge, detailed maps will be available on the day to help you navigate the city.
I am disabled. Is there anything I need to know?
Parking:
Disabled parking is available in the city’s car parks and on some streets. Please check in advance with the Cambridge Tourist Information Centre or visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/parking.
Access:
You may find it helpful to review the ADRC’s online Building Access Guide ahead of your visit.
Please get in touch to let us know about any specific ways we can support you. You can contact us via: caoevents@admin.cam.ac.uk
Can parents and supporters attend in person?
Yes. Each prospective applicant can bring a maximum of one guest with them, although students can also attend without a parent/guardian.
Where should I register on the day?
Instead of visiting a central registration point, you can simply check in online yourself when you arrive in Cambridge.
There is no in-person registration point during the Open Days, so you can start your day wherever you like. There will be information point gazebos around the city where you can check in if you’re not able to do it yourself, and you can also ask questions about navigating the city and the Open Day at the information points.
Are all the undergraduate Colleges involved?
Yes, all the undergraduate Colleges will be open for you to drop-in and look around during the Open Day. The programme will include exact timings and activities at each College.
How can I find out more about my subject?
All the undergraduate subject departments will be represented at the Open Day, with most offering an information stand, course presentations and sample lectures. Some departments will also offer tours and demonstrations. Further details will be provided in the programme.
I’m a teacher/HE adviser. Can I bring a group of students?
We are happy to welcome school groups to our Open Days for students in Y12 (or equivalent).
Although we understand some teachers would like to bring their whole class for aspiration-raising, the Open Days are very popular. To ensure the health and safety of our visitors, we politely request that group size is restricted to likely applicants only. For aspiration-raising activity throughout the academic year, we recommend contacting the Link College for your area.
Please note, that to capture all the information we need, both yourself and your students must make individual bookings via our website, so that everyone receives their own ticket.
If you are intending to bring a group of students and you require coach parking, please let us know at CAOevents@admin.cam.ac.uk
I’m currently in Year 11 or below, can I attend the Open Day?
No, the Open Day is for Year 12 (or equivalent) students and prospective mature students (aged 21 or over) who are thinking of applying to Cambridge in October 2024 for entry in 2025, or deferred entry in 2026. We are unable to accommodate younger students at these events. However, you would be very welcome to attend one of our Open Days when you are in Year 12.
If you are an international student who will be considering applying to Cambridge in the next three years and would like to visit, please email CAOevents@admin.cam.ac.uk for more information.
I’m interested in postgraduate study at the University. Can I attend the Open Day?
No. The Cambridge Open Day is for prospective undergraduate applicants only. You would be very welcome to attend our Postgraduate Open Days later this year. To receive updates about our Postgraduate Open Days, alongside other events which may be of interest, please sign up to our Postgraduate Newsletter.
If you would like to find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge, please visit the University’s Postgraduate Admissions website and the Course Directory.
Is accommodation available?
We are unable to provide or arrange accommodation for visitors. Some Colleges may be able to offer accommodation – please contact them directly for further information. If you are a school group looking for accommodation, we would recommend contacting your College Area Link (link: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges/college-contacts) first. Cambridge Tourist Information can provide details of accommodation in the city (01223 791 500; www.visitcambridge.org).
Will there be storage available (e.g., for luggage, coats etc)?
For security reasons, there won’t be any storage facilities available to visitors – you must keep your personal belongings with you at all times. Any items left unattended will be disposed of.
If you are staying in Cambridge, you should ask your accommodation provider if they have any storage facilities where you can leave your luggage. Additionally there are luggage storage companies within Cambridge, but please note that the University cannot take responsibility for any companies used by visitors.
I can’t make the Open Day. Can I visit the University at another time?
Most Colleges and some departments offer a variety of Open Days and other events throughout the year, at which you can have almost any question about undergraduate studies (e.g., courses, entry requirements, the application process and more) answered. Further details are available on the Open Days and Events pages of our website.
Please note that you will need to book in advance for some of these events, and not all of them are open to parents/supporters.
I’ve booked to attend the Open Day but want to amend my booking, what should I do?
You can amend your original booking by clicking the button in your confirmation email. If you have any difficulties, please contact us at CAOEvents@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Can I bring my dog to the Open Day?
Only assistance dogs are allowed at this event.
Can young children attend the Open Day?
Children and siblings can attend the Open Day with you if included as your guests. Please keep in mind that these are long days with lots of talks and walking around, which isn't ideal for very young children.