Open Day programme - Stoke-on-Trent - University of Staffordshire

Build your personal Open Day and uncover the amazing opportunities you’ll have as a student at University of Staffordshire.

Put your skills into action through challenges, tasters or simulated scenarios. Stage a games jam, participate in a psychology experiment or record film sound effects. Lead marketing and finance operations for a coffee shop – or feel what it’s like to pilot a flight simulator at 30,000ft. Just some of the experiences awaiting you on the day.

We’ve also got invaluable talks and tours and so much more. You’re in charge. Plan your day.

Registration

Subject immersion and general talks

Drop in activities

Things to do on the day

Where to park

Catering outlets open on the day

9:00am

Registration

Location

Main registration: The Catalyst foyer
Quiet registration: The Catalyst, Level 1

Ready to start exploring? The main registration point is in the foyer of The Catalyst. If you’re interested in our ‘quiet’ registration, which supports people who are neurodiverse, just head to Level 1 and you can avoid the crowds.

Our quiet programme

Learn and explore with smaller groups and quieter events.

Our Open Days are really popular and so can be busy events. Some of our visitors may benefit from a more reflective time, so that's why we offer a quiet programme. This inclusive and supportive programme is designed for students who are impacted by sensory overload, have autism spectrum condition, hearing or visual impairments, and applicants who may struggle with communication or have anxiety.

Quiet programme

Subject immersions

10:30-12:00pm or 1:00pm-2:30pm

Location

11:00am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:00pm

Location

What to expect

Immerse yourself in one of our action-packed subject sessions. Full of hands-on, real-world learning that brings your future subject to life. You’ll get to try out our cutting-edge kit too.

Whether you’re putting on surgical gloves to learn about infection control or following an athlete’s journey from injury to recovery, there’s something for everyone. You could also be building your own Android app, creating a comic or exploring the aftermath of a shoplifting incident.

9:30am-10:00am or 12:30pm-1:00pm

Placements and your future career talk

Location: Catalyst Gallery

Discover why students rated us 3^rd in the UK for career prospects (2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards). During our talk, we’ll introduce you to an array of projects that help you gain industry exposure, build professional connections and prepare you for your dream career.

You can also explore some brilliant placements in the UK and abroad. Our student employment agency Unitemps offers opportunities to work while you study as well.

10:15am-10:45am

Find out more about our Student Village

Location: Catalyst Gallery

Find out more about our £100m investment in the student experience, and why the Student Village is a great place to make new friends, get involved in student activities and feel like you belong.

11:00am-11:30am

Student life

Location: Catalyst Gallery

Experience university through the eyes of our students and ask them anything - live!

11:30am-12:00pm or 2:00pm-2:30pm

Student Finance

Location: Catalyst Gallery

Get a clear and practical overview of student finance, from tuition fees and loans tobudgeting for accommodation, travel and living expenses. You can also find out moreabout scholarships and bursaries to support your studies.

9:00am-3:00pm

Drop in activities

Your application journey

Location: Catalyst Hall

Meet our pre-application and admissions teams to get expert advice on applying, writing personal statements and understanding entry requirements. You can even start your application journey on the day. We’ll cover alternative pathways as well, such as our Step Up to HE programme.

Supporting your student experience

Location: Catalyst Hall

Chat to our Student Life Team about your unique needs and find out more about our comprehensive support services. Areas include wellbeing, student inclusion, cost-of-living help and academic support.

Placements and your future career hub

Location: Catalyst Hall

Explore everything from industry placements to opportunities to study or volunteer abroad. At our Career Hub, you can also find out about our student employment agency Unitemps and meet expert advisors.

Meet your lecturers

Location: Catalyst Hall

Ask questions, explore stands and get a feel for the subject that will shape your future career. You’ll also meet the knowledgeable and talented academic staff who will be teaching your course.

Tour your campus

Location: Meet outside Catalyst

The tours run every 20 minutes. The last tour of the day is at 2.30pm

Start creating a student experience that’s yours. Take a tour with our student ambassadors and get a taste of your future life here. From the equipment you’ll be using on your course to the cafes and social spaces.

Accomodation tours

Location: Student Village, The Hub

The tours run every 30 minutes. The last tour of the day is at 2.30pm

Explore what it’s like to live in our brand new Student Village. Chat to ouraccommodation staff and find out about different room options before choosingyour new home. Inside our Village Hub, you can also imagine movie nights with friends,wellbeing activities and staging your own student events.

Your student community

Location: Catalyst Hall

Discover how you can get involved in clubs and societies, sports activities and volunteering opportunities. It’s an ideal way to make new friends and build your student community.

Car parking

Parking on our Leek Road and College Road car parks is free of charge on Open Days. Use the postcode ST4 2DF which will take you to our main entrance, where our ambassadors will direct you to the nearest car park.

Catering outlets open on the day

Catalyst Kitchen Deli

Opening hours: 8:00-3:00pm

Location: The Catalyst, Leek Road

The Deli Kitchen offers a delicious breakfast and lunch menu, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.

We serve artisan sandwiches, fresh salads, and a variety of smoothies, shakes, and craft coffee. Our full hot drink selection ensures there's something for every coffee lover.

Pavilion Burrito and Wrap Bar

Opening hours: 10:30-2:30pm

Location: Beacon Building, College Road

Pavilion Burrito and Wrap Bar is a Mexican-style restaurant offering a delicious lunch menu.

For lunch, you have the freedom to build your own burrito, nachos, flatbread, or fries, with six protein fillings, including a daily special, vegan, and halal options. We cater to all dietary needs and are happy to assist with any special requirements.

Coffee Lab

Opening hours: 8:00-3:00pm

Location: Science Centre, Leek Road

Coffee Lab offers a full Costa Coffee range of hot and cold drinks as well as sandwiches and hot food snacks such as toasties, pies, and paninis.

Ember Lounge

Café and bar at the heart of the College Road site, serving up burgers, karaoke and quizzes.

Squeezebox

Healthy smoothies, hearty oatcakes and the best coffee around can be found in Squeezebox on College Road campus.

Union shops

There are two convenient shops on-campus, both ran by the Students' Union, ensuring the best prices. Read more

A smaller convenience store on Leek Road will help keep you stocked up with essentials, while the College Road store is a great place to pick up lunch-on-the-go or practice sustainability with the weigh and pay offerings.