Everything you need to plan your campus visit, explore courses, and make the most of your prospective student event at ARU.
Choosing where to study for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree is one of the biggest decisions you will make. While prospectuses and websites can tell you a lot about modules, tuition fees, and accommodation, nothing quite compares to experiencing the atmosphere firsthand. An Anglia Ruskin University open day gives you the unique opportunity to step onto campus, meet the academics who could be teaching you, and chat with current students who walk the very same corridors every day.
ARU has campuses in vibrant student cities like Cambridge and Chelmsford, each offering a distinct vibe, modern facilities, and a thriving community. Whether you are aiming for a career in healthcare, engineering, the arts, or business, attending a prospective student event helps you visualize your future and ensures you make an informed choice.
Preparing ahead of time makes all the difference. When you book your spot for an Anglia Ruskin University open day, you will usually be given access to a personalized portal or app to plan your day. ARU hosts events throughout the academic year, with key open day dates typically falling in June, October, and November. Make sure to check the official ARU website to secure your booking early, as popular subject talks fill up fast.
ARU's primary campuses are modern, dynamic, and equipped with industry-standard facilities. Depending on your course, your campus visit will take you to either the historic, academic hub of Cambridge or the sleek, contemporary facilities in Chelmsford.
In Cambridge, you will find cutting-edge science labs, the Ruskin Gallery, and a brilliant biomedical hub. Meanwhile, the Chelmsford campus features a simulated NHS hospital ward for nursing students, television studios, and modern engineering workshops. If you cannot make it in person, ARU also provides an immersive virtual tour option on their website so you can explore campus grounds from the comfort of your home.
"Visiting the Cambridge campus during an open day completely changed my mind. Seeing the labs and talking to second-year students made me realize ARU was the exact fit for my biomedical science degree." - Chloe, BSc Biomedical ScienceDon't be shy! Academic staff, admissions teams, and student ambassadors are there to help. To get the most out of your campus visit, make sure you ask the right questions about your academic journey and student life.
While exploring the campus, it is also smart to consider the cost of living in cities like Cambridge or Chelmsford. Understanding your potential weekly outgoings helps you budget effectively before accepting an offer.
| Expense Category | Estimated Weekly Cost (Cambridge) | Estimated Weekly Cost (Chelmsford) |
|---|---|---|
| University Accommodation (En-suite) | £165 - £210 | £145 - £185 |
| Groceries & Supermarket Shopping | £40 - £55 | £35 - £50 |
| Socialising & Entertainment | £30 - £50 | £25 - £45 |
| Local Transport / Cycling | £10 - £20 | £10 - £15 |
After attending your Anglia Ruskin University open day, take some time to reflect on your experience. How did you feel walking around the campus? Did the lecturers inspire confidence? Did the student ambassadors seem genuinely happy? Compiling your notes from the day alongside insights from your virtual tour will give you a well-rounded perspective to finalize your UCAS choices with confidence.