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Why Attend a PG Open Evening: Exploring Opportunities, Finances, and Lifestyle

Andie Riches

Faculty: Science and Engineering
School: Psychology and Sport Science
Category: Student blogs

2 November 2023

Attending Postgraduate (PG) Open Evenings, whether in-person or virtual, is essential for prospective postgraduate students. These events facilitate one-on-one interactions with lecturers and faculty, offering detailed insights into academic programs and research opportunities.

Choosing to pursue postgraduate studies is a significant decision that can shape your career and future prospects. To make an informed choice, attending a Postgraduate (PG) Open Evening – either in-person or virtually - can be invaluable. These events offer prospective students a unique opportunity to explore academic programmes, connect with lecturers, gain insight into finances and discover how to balance postgraduate education with your current lifestyle. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons why attending a PG Open Evening is a crucial step for aspiring postgraduate students.

Tip No. 1: Connect with Lecturers and Faculty.

One of the primary advantages of attending a PG Open Evening is the chance to engage in one-on-one conversations with lecturers and faculty members. This direct interaction allows you to explore program specifics. You can gain an in-depth understanding of the curriculum, course structure, and research opportunities within your chosen field of study. You can clarify doubts and queries, for instance, if you have questions about course content, admission requirements or potential research projects, an open event is the ideal platform to get answers. Additionally, meeting lecturers enables you to assess their expertise and research interests, which can help you determine if the program aligns with your academic and career goals.

Tip No. 2: Find out about fees and funding.

Understanding the financial aspect of postgraduate education is vital, and PG Open Evenings can shed light on this topic.  You can learn about scholarships and funding opportunities. Many universities offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries for postgraduate students. Attending an open evening can provide information on the various financial aid options available. You can discover part-time work possibilities. If you plan to work part-time while pursuing your postgraduate studies(ARU Temps is a good option), these events often provide guidance on finding suitable employment opportunities within or near the campus. Also, you can explore tuition fees and expenses to help you plan your budget effectively.

Tip No. 3: Get advice on balancing PG study with your lifestyle.

For many prospective postgraduate students, finding the right balance between academic commitments and your current lifestyle is a significant concern. PG Open Evenings can provide information on flexible study options. ARU offers part-time, online or evening classes to accommodate students with various schedules and responsibilities.

During the open evening, you can connect with current postgraduate students who can share their experiences and offer advice on time management and workload. If you have family or work obligations, you can discuss potential support services or accommodations that can be provided to make your postgraduate journey more manageable. All round great advice.

Attending a PG Open Evening is a pivotal step for anyone considering postgraduate education. These events offer a wealth of information, including one-on-one interactions with lecturers, insights into financing your education, and guidance on how to integrate postgraduate studies into your existing lifestyle. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can make a well-informed decision about your academic future and make useful connections within the institution for a successful postgraduate journey.

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Anglia Ruskin University. If you've got any concerns please contact us.