Should I Attend a College Open House?

What can you expect during your open house?

While there’s certainly a lot to take in, we’ll break it down to show what you can expect. We’ll also offer tips on how to make the most of your visit. 

Introduction

It starts with a warm welcome and continues with an overview of your day—which will be rich with opportunities to learn more about SHU’s academics and campus culture, residential life, admissions, application process and overall University experience. You’ll learn about all these features of SHU from members of the SHU community, including current students who were once in your shoes.

Pro Tip: Take notes on anything that stands out to you—whether it’s a cool club you’d love to join or a spot on campus you want to check out. Be sure to jot down questions, too. There are plenty of people ready to answer them.

Campus Tours

No matter how much you’ve researched a college online, the best way to get a firsthand feel for the community and fit is to step foot on campus. During SHU’s Open House, you’ll get a look at campus and some of the residence halls where current Pioneers live. 

Pro Tip: As you walk through key areas, like dining halls, SHU’s bookstore, student gathering places and academic buildings, pay attention to how you feel. Ask yourself, “Is this the place where I feel at home?”

Breakout Sessions

Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse, an accountant, a financial analyst, an artist, an educator, an engineer, a psychologist, a biologist, occupational therapist, a musician, an entrepreneur, a lawyer, an athletic trainer or plan to pursue another profession, there will be breakout sessions that help you to explore specific majors. Meet faculty, learn about each program’s curriculum, ask questions about internships or research opportunities and connect with current students in the same field.

Pro Tip: Come prepared with questions! Ask about things like class size, hands-on learning opportunities and what kinds of career paths grads follow. If you’re undecided, this is also a great time to ask about double majors, minors and interdisciplinary programs.

Meet the Students

One of the most valuable aspects of an open house is the chance to chat with students. During SHU’s Open House, you’ll see Pioneers throughout the tour walking around campus, meeting in dining halls, studying in the library, hanging out in student lounges, working out and hanging in the residence halls, which can help you see what life is really like at Sacred Heart. 

In addition, SHU Student Ambassadors will be your knowledgeable guides, leading you on tours and providing the answers to your questions.  

Pro Tip: Ask questions that are important to you. Do you want to see the best study spots? Are you interested in learning more about social life on campus? Actual SHU students are the best resource for a better understanding of the everyday experience of a SHU student.

Admissions and Financial Aid

An open house also offers opportunities to learn more about admissions and financial aid assistance. SHU representatives will be answering questions about the application process, scholarships, grants and student loans. You can ask admissions counselors about deadlines and application tips and what they look for in future students.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask about specific scholarships or financial aid options. You may not need to know everything about financial aid just yet, but getting some clarity from the experts now will help you plan.

Dining and Social Spaces

Let’s talk about food and fun! Life is about balance and at an open house you’ll visit dining halls, student gathering places and other fun spots. Grab a bite to eat and soak in SHU’s social atmosphere. 

Pro Tip: Get a feel for the diversity of food options and student spaces. Pop into more than one dining venue to see if the food fits your tastes and dietary needs. Are students hanging out across campus or heading straight to the library? A little bit of both? The way students use their downtime can give you a sense of campus culture.

What if you don’t experience everything you wanted to?

Balance fun with being strategic. Open houses are designed to give you a snapshot of college life, but you may not have a chance to see everything. Prioritize what matters to you most. Decide what sessions are a must and work with the open house team to see everything you want to see. 

Pro Tip: Focus on the areas that will best help you make an informed decision. Do you play an instrument or want to keep up with dance? Make sure to see the John & Sabina Petillo Center for the Performing Arts. Planning to major in exercise science? You’ll need to visit SHU’s Center for Healthcare Education. Business major? SHU’s West Campus is where you want to be.

What are your next steps?

Once your open house is history, how will you use what you learned to make your decision?

All those notes and observations, the questions asked and answers given, will help you to make the best decision about your future. Ultimately, does the campus feel like a place where you can imagine yourself growing, learning and having fun? Does SHU get you, and do you get SHU?  

A college open house can be a lot to take in, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll walk away with a much clearer picture of what to expect during your college years. Get out there and explore.

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