Virtual university fairs are online events where a number of universities come together to provide potential students with the opportunity to learn more about their institution through speeches, workshops, sample seminars, and one-on-one conversations with admissions and academic staff.

In contrast to conventional on-campus open days, these online offers have remained popular since they became the standard during Covid-19. This is because they make it simpler for prospective students to speak with several schools at once.

How therefore can you maximize a virtual university fair? What steps should you take to get ready and what questions should you have?

For advice from our experts on how to get prepped for a virtual university fair, see below.

Ask about student life at the institution

Find out what makes the school special and what the three most important aspects of the school and its culture are. By inquiring about this upfront, you allow the representative to begin their sales presentation and gain a feel of how the school views (and markets!) itself.

Has the university attained any local, national, or global recognition? Maybe a prize for excellence in instruction or another type of professional honor? Although schools like to brag about this sort of stuff, it never hurts to inquire as well.

How many unique opportunities are in line for international students?

Even if you don't intend to take advantage of the chances, think about inquiring about study abroad and exchange programs. You'll discover a little bit about the contacts the institution has all around the world.

Ask about transfer agreements in a similar spirit. Some schools have continuous connections with other organizations that make credit transfers simple and straightforward - ideal if you think you might desire a move in the future!

Ask about available internship and co-op education options as well. These can vary depending on the curriculum, but many institutions have agreements in place with businesses and organizations to assist students to acquire work experience, which can be important as you develop your professional credentials. How many coop positions are offered annually? Which collaborations does the school have with businesses and organizations?

How’s the vibe of the school and what’s in for students?

It's significant and important to consider the "vibe" of a school or student body. Schools typically have a reputation; it might be that it's recognized for being fun schools, serious institutions where students focus merely on their studies, or maybe everything in between. Try to discover the school's atmosphere as best you can.

You should also learn how many students study on campus, how many live on or off campus, and how many pursue their education mostly online. With the help of this information, you may get a feel of how vibrant the setting will likely be and the kind of community your classmates will form.

Asking about a student's normal free time activities is another option. When the school is not locked down, do they go out to the bars, participate in clubs or extracurricular activities, or do they study nonstop? This will enable you to determine whether the school's community atmosphere is a suitable fit for you.

What are the options for housing/accommodation?

If you intend to study in person, you should be aware of accommodations. Ask about the number of beds available, if rooms are set aside for new students, and the cost of the resident placements, which are common at institutions, especially for first-year students. Remember that you could require a parking pass, a food plan, and other things. Obtain as much information as you can to aid with budgeting.

Even if you don't want to live on campus, you might be interested in learning about off-campus housing. Schools and student unions may have connections with off-campus housing providers, or they can help you find student housing. It's important to be aware of the costs and location of student housing in relation to the school. Even if you live on campus your first year, you'll undoubtedly want to leave after that.

What students support services are there in the institution?

Academic assistance, writing centers, and wellness programs are just a few of the many services that are included under the umbrella term "student services." Find out as much as you can about the institution's 3D printing capabilities, athletic facilities, employment placement for recent graduates, and access to libraries and labs—anything you believe would be beneficial to you during your time there.

Who do you contact when you need assistance? What interventions does the school have in place to help you if you're lagging in your coursework? What should you do if you're feeling stressed out and need help with your mental health? How does the school encourage camaraderie among its pupils, particularly when learning takes place virtually?

Much of this will still be applicable if you are taking your classes online, including things like library access in addition to academic and career aids. Perhaps you'll be able to borrow ebooks in their place, which could allow you to avoid paying for textbooks.

The alumni network is connected to the support of students. What are the circumstances like for recent graduates? Are graduates part of a close community that offers networking opportunities and professional advancement, or will you mostly only receive emails requesting donations? (Probably, it's a little of both!)

Inquire all about the application process

Inquire regarding the application procedure! If you feel comfortable doing so, describe your academic background in high school and beyond. Find out which route students often take from application to admissions. How much time does it typically take? When can you anticipate hearing about an admissions offer?

Ask the admissions team what qualities they are looking for in applicants and how you may improve your application. Ask whether there are any seats reserved for equity-seeking groups, such as Native American students. Ask about wait lists as well, including how quickly (or slowly!) they move, so you'll know what to anticipate if you're placed on one.

Know everything about the tuition and fees

Find out the approximate tuition rates for the various types of qualifications. Diplomas and bachelor's degrees have varied costs, and full-time students may have to pay more in tuition than part-time students.

Learn about auxiliary costs as well, including how many are optional. Try to estimate the cost of the student union, health insurance, sports facilities, and other expenses.

Also, remember your textbooks! Will you need to purchase a brand-new set each semester? Can you acquire the majority of what you need from the library or school? To assist you to save money, does the school provide an ebook program instead?

Money matters! Ask away everything

Learn what types of financial help the institution provides to students in your situation. Are there admission prizes for academic excellence or volunteerism, and if so, are they awarded automatically or do you have to apply? Is the deadline for general admission and financial assistance applications the same? What proportion of students win an entry prize, and what is the typical sum? How many of the prizes are renewable, meaning that the winners continue to receive funds beyond the first year?

Remember that a "bursary" is determined by financial necessity, but a "scholarship" is often determined by academic merit.

Inquire as well about incentives for students like you, who are (clearly!) in great demand and have a variety of educational options. What can the school provide you to persuade you to attend? Play a little hardball here without fear!

Working while you study, how can the institute help in this?

Your preferred school could provide job-study opportunities, research positions, or other opportunities for you to work on- or off-campus while you attend classes. Find out what kinds of jobs are available, such as those in the library, as tutors, or perhaps as teaching assistants yourself in your later years.

Grad Employment, what are the scopes and limits?

Ask about the career possibilities for grads as well. Within a year following graduation, what proportion of graduates find work in their field? Which of these occupations have recent graduates landed in is interesting? What does the usual pipeline from graduation to a profession look like for your program of interest?

Some additional questions that you can ask

What matters to you most about studying abroad? Here are some questions to get you started if you don't know where to begin:

• How many of your foreign students work internships while they are enrolled?
• What kinds of resources are available to you to assist students from abroad?
• What is the cost of your tuition? Do you provide any financial aid?
• Can you provide me with further information about this program that interests me?
• What kinds of professions do graduates of the program I'm interested in pursuing?
• When is the deadline for applications? Can you send me the URL for your application portal?
• What qualifications do you have for students from my nation? For instance, what grades to convert or which standardized examinations you would have to take.
• What features of your school do foreign students appreciate the most?

Wishing you success in locating the information you want from school representatives during virtual education fairs! With inquiries like these at the back of your pockets, you may discover a lot about your prospects.