Schoolgoers to get taste of campus life at UCC open day

SCHOOL students will get a taste of campus life when University College Cork holds its annual open day for schools next Saturday.

The event will attract around 5,000 students, parents and teachers from around the country and give them an idea what to expect from the courses being considered.

Although course choices are not due to be submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) until the end of January, most Leaving Certificate students are already weighing up their options.

The open day provides second level students with the opportunity to see what university life is all about, to meet lecturers and gather as much information as they need about the honours degree programmes they may later pursue.

“The aim is to give students a feel for what the university has to offer when they come here. Lecturers from all departments will give presentations on programme content and this will be followed by a question and answer session,” said Nóirín Deady from the UCC admissions office.

“Students can visit the information stands to meet lecturers and post-graduate students, raise any questions they might have and find out more about their area of interest. It’s an opportunity to look around, tour the facilities and get information on everything from accommodation, to fees, careers, grants and scholarships,” she said.

Representatives from UCC’s disability resource centre will also be available to answer queries about the facilities and structures available to enable students with disabilities successfully pursue their chosen courses.

As well as the information on academic life, prospective students will be able to visit the Mardyke sports arena, the Glucksman Art Gallery and the visitors’ centre.

Open Day timetables are available in schools or online at www.ucc.ie/en/ProspectiveStudents/WorkingwithSchools