Get the most out of your campus visit to LSBU in the heart of London, from exploring top-tier facilities to finding key open day dates.
Choosing where to spend your university years is one of the most pivotal decisions you will make. While websites, brochures, and league tables can give you a statistical breakdown of an institution, nothing quite compares to stepping onto the pavement, smelling the coffee at the local student union, and walking through the lecture halls. For prospective students looking at Central London, a London South Bank University open day is the ultimate way to demystify higher education and experience this vibrant campus firsthand.
Located in the culturally rich and rapidly evolving district of Elephant & Castle, London South Bank University (LSBU) has been preparing graduates for professional success since 1892. Known for its practical, career-focused degrees, strong industry links, and diverse student body, LSBU is a top choice for students who want to study in the heart of the capital. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your prospective student event, ensuring you make the most of your campus visit.
An open day is more than just a tour; it is a trial run of your potential future. Reading about a course online cannot replicate the experience of speaking directly with the academics who will write your exams and grade your papers. At an LSBU open day, you have a unique opportunity to experience the campus's professional-grade facilities, explore the local area, and understand what makes the university tick.
LSBU prides itself on its applied learning model. This means that whether you are studying nursing, engineering, business, or the creative arts, you will spend a significant portion of your time in simulated work environments. Visiting the campus allows you to see these spaces, such as the state-of-the-art nursing simulation suites, the acoustic labs, or the Bloomberg-equipped trading floor, with your own eyes.
"I was undecided between three London universities, but the moment I walked into the LSBU engineering labs during the open day and spoke to the senior lecturers, I knew this was where I belonged. The practical focus was exactly what I wanted." - Marcus Vance, BEng Mechanical Engineering AlumnusTo help you prepare, it is useful to know how a typical prospective student event at LSBU is structured. While schedules can vary depending on whether you are visiting for undergraduate or postgraduate study, most open days follow a structured layout designed to give you a complete picture of university life.
Upon arrival at the main campus hub, you will register and receive a welcome pack, which usually includes a campus map, a schedule of talks, and some LSBU merchandise. Friendly student ambassadors in bright t-shirts will be on hand to point you in the right direction.
These are arguably the most critical sessions of the day. Led by course directors and senior lecturers, these talks go beyond what is written in the prospectus. You will learn about module options, assessment methods, placement opportunities, and potential career paths. Be sure to note down any course-specific questions to ask during the Q&A sessions.
Led by current students, these tours give you a look at the teaching buildings, the library, social spaces, and student accommodation options. It is an excellent opportunity to ask about real student life, the cost of living, and how to balance studying with a social life in London.
LSBU provides comprehensive support for its student body. During the open day, you can visit dedicated stands for student finance, accommodation, disability support, mental health services, and the employability hub. You can also chat with representatives from the Students' Union (LSBSU) about sports clubs, societies, and student campaigns.
Traveling to Central London can be expensive if you do not plan ahead. Because the LSBU campus is located directly next to major transport hubs in Elephant & Castle (Zones 1 and 2), getting there is relatively straightforward. It is served by the Northern and Bakerloo Underground lines, as well as an extensive network of buses and Thameslink rail services.
To help you manage your expenses, we have put together an estimated budget for a day out at an LSBU open day, assuming travel from outside the immediate London area.
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (Super Off-Peak / Advance) | Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Train/Coach Travel to London | £15.00 - £45.00 | Book in advance and use a 16-25 Railcard to get 1/3 off fares. |
| TfL Tube/Bus Travel (within London) | £5.60 - £8.50 | Use contactless or Oyster card daily capping. Avoid paper tickets. |
| Lunch / Refreshments on Campus | £6.00 - £12.00 | Check out local food stalls in Elephant & Castle or the student union cafe. |
| Event Material & Guide | Free | All brochures, campus guides, and prospectus copies are free of charge. |
Sometimes, travel restrictions, financial constraints, or clashing open day dates make it impossible to visit in person. Fortunately, London South Bank University offers an immersive virtual tour platform. Accessible from anywhere in the world, the virtual tour allows you to explore 360-degree views of the campus buildings, lecture theatres, laboratory spaces, and halls of residence.
While it cannot entirely replace the sensory experience of a physical campus visit, the virtual tour is a fantastic tool for narrowing down your university choices before committing to a long-distance journey. It is also an excellent resource to revisit after you have attended an in-person event to remind yourself of the campus layout.
Do not let your open day go by in a blur of free pens and polite nods. To truly understand if LSBU is the right fit for your academic and personal goals, you must engage with the staff and students. Here is a curated list of crucial questions to ask during your visit.
To ensure your campus visit runs as smoothly as possible, preparation is key. Here is a quick checklist of things to do before, during, and after your visit to London South Bank University:
Attending a London South Bank University open day is your first real step toward embarking on an exciting academic adventure in one of the world's most dynamic cities. By asking the right questions, exploring the facilities, and soaking up the unique South London atmosphere, you can confidently decide if LSBU is the launchpad your future career deserves.