Open Day programme - Stoke-on-Trent

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Open Day programme

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

Parents and supporters' session - your questions answered

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

Artistic impression of the outdoors of the Student Village hub

9:00am-2:00pm

Visit our brand new Student Village

Location: Leek Road Venue

Accommodation tours will run throughout the day, giving you the chance to visit our brand-new Student Village and find out more about living at University of Staffordshire.

Tours will leave from the gazebo outside the Leek Road Venue (21 on map) every hour, with the first tour departing at 10.00am and the final tour departing at 2.00pm.

Each tour will take approximately 90 minutes and visitors must return with their allocated tour group at the end of the tour.

Our ResLife team will be available in the Student Village to answer questions and provide further information about accommodation and student life.

The team includes full-time and part-time student assistants, who focus on promoting a safe, friendly and comfortable environment for other students.

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.

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

Managing your finances

Location: Catalyst Gallery

Our unmissable talk will bust some of the myths about tuition fees and student debt. We’ll also cover student loans and details of our bursaries and scholarships which help make studying affordable.

You can get tips on your money too – including budgeting for accommodation, travel and living expenses – and explore opportunities to find part-time work.

Student ambassador speaking with student

11:00am-11:30am or 1:30pm-2:00pm

Parents and supporters - your questions answered

Location: Catalyst Hall

Our essential guide to higher education for parents and supporters. Meet our panel of parents, students and university professionals, who have lots of useful advice and can answer your key questions.

You’ll discover what a university education can offer and how you can support young people on that milestone journey.

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

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.

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 car park 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. Please note, parking on College Road car park incurs a fee, so you may find it more convenient to use the Leek Road 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.