Everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to London's most historic and breathtaking riverside campus.
Stepping onto a university campus for the very first time is a massive milestone in any prospective student's journey. When that campus happens to be the breathtaking, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Royal Naval College in southeast London, the experience is nothing short of cinematic. Attending The University of Greenwich open day is your ultimate opportunity to look beyond the striking baroque architecture and Hollywood film backdrops to discover what student life, academic rigour, and future employability truly look like here.
Whether you are eyeing up a competitive business degree, diving into computing and mathematical sciences, or joining the prestigious Greenwich Maritime Institute, preparing for your visit is essential. This guide takes you through everything you need to know to navigate your campus visit like a seasoned pro, ensuring you gather all the vital information required to make one of the biggest decisions of your life.
Before you pack your bags for London, getting your logistics sorted is paramount. The university typically runs major weekend and weekday undergraduate open events throughout the autumn and summer terms. Securing your booking early is critical because popular course talks and guided tours book out weeks in advance.
If you cannot make it in person due to international travel, financial constraints, or scheduling conflicts, the institution offers a robust virtual tour option. While a digital walkthrough cannot replicate the feeling of standing in the iconic Painted Hall or smelling the fresh coffee in the Stockwell Street library, it is a fantastic second-best option for initial exploration.
A standard prospective student event at Greenwich is packed from morning to afternoon. When you arrive at the registration hub, usually centered around the magnificent Queen Mary Court, you will be handed a welcome pack filled with prospectuses, timetables, and freebies.
Here is a breakdown of what your day will typically look like:
One of the biggest mistakes freshers make on open days is simply nodding along without asking probing questions. To truly evaluate if this is the right academic and social home for you, you need to dig deeper. Make sure you use the opportunity to ask targeted questions.
Don't forget to ask the student ambassadors the real questions too! Ask them about the best local cheap eats, what the nightlife is like around Greenwich and nearby Deptford, and how easy it is to commute between the main Greenwich campus and the Avery Hill or Medway campuses if your course spans multiple sites.
Studying in the capital comes with unique financial considerations. During your visit, take time to explore the local area, check out local supermarkets, and understand what your weekly outlays might look like compared to other UK university towns.
| Expense Category | Estimated Weekly Cost (London Average) | Greenwich Student Tip |
|---|---|---|
| University Halls Accommodation | £160 - £240 | Book early; ensuite rooms cost more, while shared facilities save money. |
| Groceries & Household | £40 - £60 | Shop at local Greenwich markets near closing time for bargains. |
| Transport (TfL Student Rate) | £25 - £35 | Apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Card for 30% off travel. |
| Socialising & Leisure | £30 - £50 | Make use of student discounts at local pubs and the Students' Union bar. |
Once the open day wraps up and you take the train or bus back home, do not let your notes sit gathering dust. Sit down that evening or the next day while the experience is still fresh in your mind and debrief. Write down your pros and cons list, compare Greenwich with any other universities you have visited, and trust your gut feeling. A successful campus visit should leave you feeling inspired, informed, and genuinely excited about the next chapter of your educational journey.