When you’re at a College Open House, you’re trying to figure out if the school you’re visiting is the right place for the next step in your education. Centennial College’s next set of Open House Days are happening July 23 – 29, from 12:30 to 4 P.M, across our different campuses (make sure you pick the orientation that’s right for you by checking which campus the program you’re interested in is at before you register here). If you’re attending (and you should be), here’s a little cheat sheet to make sure you find out all the stuff you can only learn by being here.
What services are there on campus?
It’s important to learn what services a college has, both to make your decision, but also to make sure you know about them once you’re here. This includes the library, for books, media and study space, the gym, for exercise, and all the other unusual things you might not think of, like clothing stores, counselling, and even legal advice (which you can get at Centennial!)
What will the college do to help if you’re having trouble in school?
In other words, you want to know about academic services and academic and personal counselling. If it’s also a concern of yours, you can find out about accessibility services.
Where can I study?
You’ll want to check out the library to answer this one, but you’ll also want to know about any other quiet work areas that you can use to get things done.
What can I do for fun around campus? Where do I go for lunch? What’s the neighbourhood like?
After all, you’ll be spending time on campus, and in the area. You have to make sure you’ll enjoy that time, and have plenty to do, and that might include clubs, athletics, or just visiting the local community.
Do more students live on residence, or off campus? And how’s the commute?
What you’re looking for here really depends on whether you want to live on or off campus (or maybe you’re still deciding). If you’re interested in living at Centennial Place, you’ll want to learn more about it, and maybe even take a tour. And if you’re commuting, you’ll want to figure out if it’s better to drive (how’s the parking?) or take public transit (where’s the nearest train or bus stop, and where does it go?), all things you can find out on the journey over to the campus.
Who’s teaching the program I’m interested in?
Ideally, you’ll know what program, or area of study you’re interested in, and you’ll be attending an open house at the Centennial College campus that hosts it (here’s a link to help you figure that out. Check which campus has the program you’re looking at, and register for that open house). All good college programs are taught by industry experts, so you’ll want to want to find out who’s going to be giving out knowledge in the program you want to take. You’ll have the opportunity to find them, and introduce yourself at the “Applications and Appetizers with your Academic School” event held during each of Centennial’s Open Houses.
Does my program have field placements, or co-op?
Again, you can find this out during that Applications and Appetizers event. They’re the best way to get practical experience, an excellent career connection, and something most Centennial College programs have in one form or another.
How big, or small, are my classes?
You might think bigger classes equals a better program, but smaller class sizes are usually better, since it means you’ll receive more personalized instruction, and get to know your classmates and teacher better, as you move out into the workforce and make them the start of your professional network.
Finally, do I like the location? Does it feel like home? Can I spend a few years here?
That’s the real, important question, one that it’s hard to answer with facts and research, and that comes down to how you feel about the space and the people in it. And that’s why you want to come to any Open House, especially our Summer Open House Days.
By Anthony Geremia