University open day a success

With more than 6000 possible students in attendance, Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT) neighbourly open day, alongside University of Auckland’s (UoA), proved a great success at the weekend.

Over the years, AUT’s open-day events have drawn a far lower turnout of around 3000 people, spread across three campuses, on three different evenings.

“It was dark, usually in the middle of winter and there wasn’t a lot parents and future students could see on the campus,” said AUT spokesperson Luke Patterson.

After taking on board feedback from previous years’ open days, AUT decided to schedule its open day on the last Saturday of August, on a rare weekend between sports codes.

“With University of Auckland having an open day once a year, a lot of people travelled to Auckland from out of town. We thought we should combine it,” said Mr Patterson.

AUT’s open day featured 69 different presentations alongside a number of musical acts including: Sweet Mix Kids, Jamie McDell and Fazerdaze.

During the day, Te Waha Nui talked to a number of potential future students as they attended lectures and explored the campus.

“It’s cool, a really nice environment, friendly people. And the ambassadors are really out there and confident and know the departments well,” said Unity Tanuvasa, who is considering studying law at AUT next year.

After missing her first opportunity to hear about her course, Samantha Johnson was waiting for the next relevant lecture.

“I’m looking at fine arts, and the design area of the school,” said Ms Johnson.

Meanwhile, her friend Jarred Hill was looking at the sports science activities.

Surrounded by her mother and sisters, Ishai Eshna knew exactly where she was going.

“We’re going to the nursing lecture,” said Ms Eshna.

But all the walking was tiring, for one attendee, at least.

“There needs to be more elevators. I’m just so tired, tired of walking,” said Tatiana Fruean, who is considering studying business.

With numbers as high as they were, even with the competition of UoA just up the road, organisers have high hopes for the following year.

“The first thing we’ll do after is ask the students, ‘was it what you expected, did it prove useful?’” said Mr Patterson.

“And at the end of the day people will choose what’s best for them.”