Why the University of St Mark & St John Open Day Matters
Located in the heart of London’s vibrant Southwark district, the University of St Mark and St John (often simply called St Mark’s) blends historic charm with cutting‑edge creative programmes. An open day is the most efficient way to feel the campus pulse, meet staff, and gauge whether the university’s culture aligns with your ambitions.
Key Open Day Dates for 2027
The university typically hosts several sessions throughout the academic year to accommodate different schedules. For 2027 the confirmed dates are:
2027 Open Day Calendar
- Monday, 12 February – Morning session (09:00‑12:30)
- Saturday, 25 March – Full‑day experience (09:00‑16:00)
- Wednesday, 14 May – Evening preview (17:00‑20:00)
- Thursday, 6 September – Freshers’ welcome open day (10:00‑15:00)
All dates are subject to change, so keep an eye on the official open day page and sign up for email alerts.
How to Register – Step‑by‑Step
Booking your slot is straightforward, but a few details can save you time:
Registration Checklist
- Visit the university’s open‑day portal and create a free account.
- Select your preferred date and time slot (capacity is limited).
- Indicate the courses you’re interested in – this triggers tailored session invites.
- Confirm your attendance via the email link; you’ll receive a QR code for entry.
- Optional: Add a virtual tour link if you can’t attend in person.
What to Expect on the Day
1. Campus Tour – From Historic Halls to Modern Studios
Guided walks start at the iconic St Mark’s Hall, a Grade‑II listed building dating back to 1855. You’ll then move to the state‑of‑the‑art Creative Media Centre, the newly refurbished Library, and the on‑site student accommodation blocks.
"The campus tour showed me how historic architecture can coexist with cutting‑edge tech labs – it felt exactly like the environment I want to study in." - Maya Patel, 2024 intake
2. Academic Sessions – Sample Lectures & Workshops
Each faculty runs a short, interactive showcase. For example, the Fine Arts department offers a live painting demonstration, while the Business School presents a case‑study workshop on sustainable entrepreneurship.
3. Student Life – Clubs, Societies & Support Services
Meet current students at the Student Union’s pop‑up café. You’ll hear about societies ranging from the Urban Photography Club to the LGBTQ+ Alliance, and discover the university’s mental‑health and career‑development resources.
"I loved chatting with the student mentors – they gave honest advice about balancing coursework and part‑time work." - James O'Connor, final‑year Graphic Design
4. Virtual Tour – If You Can’t Be There in Person
The university offers a 360° virtual experience accessible via the open‑day registration email. It includes clickable hotspots for each building, video interviews with staff, and a live Q&A chat with current students.
Essential Questions to Ask During Your Visit
Top 10 Questions for Prospective Students
- What are the average class sizes for my chosen programme?
- How does the university support work‑placement opportunities?
- What scholarships or bursaries are available for first‑year students?
- Can I see examples of recent student projects or dissertations?
- What are the accommodation options and typical rent ranges?
- How accessible are the campus facilities for students with disabilities?
- What is the graduate employment rate for my course?
- How does the university integrate industry partners into the curriculum?
- What support is offered for international students?
- Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary study?
Budget‑Friendly Tips for Your Campus Visit
👉 Pro Tip: Book the free campus shuttle from London Bridge station – it runs every 15 minutes on open‑day dates and saves you £5 on travel.
London can be pricey, but with a little planning you can keep costs low:
| Expense | Average Cost | Saving Tips |
|---|
| Transport (round‑trip) | £12 | Use Oyster card daily cap or university shuttle |
| Coffee/Refreshments | £5 | Bring a reusable bottle; campus cafés offer student discounts |
| Lunch (sandwich) | £8 | Eat at nearby market stalls – cheaper than on‑site canteen |
| Souvenir (university merch) | £10 | Buy online after the day for 10% off |
Day‑Of Checklist – Don’t Forget These Essentials
What to Pack
- Printed QR code or mobile ticket
- Notebook & pen for taking notes
- Comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot
- Reusable water bottle (refill stations are everywhere)
- List of your top‑3 questions (see section above)
- Portable charger – you’ll likely be using your phone for maps
After the Open Day – Next Steps
Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere, follow these actions to keep the momentum:
- Send a thank‑you email to any staff members you spoke with – it helps you stand out.
- Download the programme brochures and add them to your university comparison spreadsheet.
- If you attended a virtual tour, schedule a one‑to‑one virtual meeting with a course adviser.
- Apply for any scholarships you discovered within the next 48 hours – many have early‑deadline windows.
Final Thoughts
The University of St Mark and St John open day is more than a showcase; it’s a chance to test‑drive your future academic life. By planning ahead, asking the right questions, and using the budget‑saving tips above, you’ll leave with a clear picture of whether St Mark’s is the right fit for you.
FAQs – Insider Guide to the University of St Mark & St John Open Day
Q1: Can I attend the University of St Mark and St John open day if I live outside the UK?
Yes. The university offers both in‑person sessions in London and a comprehensive virtual tour that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Q2: Do I need to book a campus tour in advance, or are they walk‑ins on the open day?
Tours are scheduled and limited to maintain small group sizes, so you should book your slot during the open‑day registration process to guarantee a spot.