THE University of New England is gearing up for its largest Open Day in years, with more than 1300 prospective students registered to explore its Armidale campus on Friday, May 1.

Students will travel from more than 40 schools across New South Wales, alongside individual attendees from Queensland as far north as Townsville and Rockhampton.

Aimed at students in Years 10, 11 and 12, the open day helps young people make informed decisions about further study.

Director of future students and engagement, Bryn Griffiths, said UNE staff will provide practical advice on early entry, course selection and career pathways, while addressing common concerns including relocation, costs and day-to-day student life.

“Choosing a university can feel uncertain, particularly for some students,” Mr Griffiths said.

“Open Day gives them the chance to ask direct questions, understand their options and get a realistic sense of what studying at UNE involves.”

Prospective students can tour UNE’s residential colleges, speak with Residential Services staff and explore accommodation options firsthand.

They can also connect with teams across scholarships, wellbeing and academic support, as well as student clubs, societies and sporting opportunities.

Across the day, attendees can take part in more than 20 tours and experiences, including tours of the UNE SMART Farm, the new nursing simulation labs, the student radio station and the archaeology lab.

Visitors can also join interactive sessions at the UNE Museum of Antiquities, the UNE Business School’s Next Gen Business Leaders session, and activities with the School of Psychology.

UNE’s open day last year.

This year there will be a purpose-built AI bot to support students to make to best out of the day.

Student support services will also be available on the day, including the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, Dixson Library, counselling and wellbeing teams, the Academic Skills Office and the Learning Abroad study exchange team.

Complimentary food will be available on campus, including breakfast, morning tea and lunch.

Food trucks will also operate across the day, including The Herd Bar, Super Strawberry and Burger Bulls.

“UNE Open Day is the most significant student recruitment activity for the university,” Mr Griffiths said.

“There will be more people on the campus on this day than any other day of the year.”

A range of external organisations will also attend, including Armidale Regional Council, TeachNSW, Kurri Kurri Study Hub, Headspace Armidale, Centacare, Burraga and the Army Reserve.

To register and view the full Open Day program, including tour times and session details, go to Open Day.