Virtual Open Days: A Guide for Higher-Ed Marketing Teams

In an increasingly competitive higher education landscape, standing out to prospective students is essential. Virtual open days, virtual campus tours, and other virtual tools are becoming key components of university recruitment strategies. As marketing teams in higher education, harnessing the power of virtual technology can boost student engagement, increase international reach, and provide a flexible, accessible way to attract new applicants. Here’s everything you need to know about virtual open days and how they can help you.

Virtual open days are no longer a novel idea—they’re fast becoming the norm. Whether it’s because of geographical constraints, pandemic-related restrictions, or the sheer convenience of attending an event from the comfort of one’s own home, virtual open days provide a flexible option for prospective students to explore your institution. They allow for wider reach, attracting both local and international students who may not have been able to attend a physical event.

Here are our latest virtual open days, each unique and in their own personalised formats:

• University of Kent
• Staffordshire University
• University of East London
• Goldsmiths University of London
• London Business School 
• University of St Andrews
• Royal Holloway University 
• Box Hill School

Virtual open days offer a number of benefits over their in-person counterparts. They allow students to explore a university’s offerings at their own pace, accessing the content they find most relevant. With features like live Q&A sessions, interactive campus maps, and 360° video tours, these events can create engaging and memorable experiences for potential students.

For higher education marketing teams, virtual open days offer unparalleled data insights. You can track user engagement, discover which aspects of the virtual experience resonate most with students, and refine your recruitment strategies accordingly.

One of the key advantages of virtual open days is the ability to connect with international students. Geographical barriers disappear, and students from anywhere in the world can experience your campus without having to travel. This is particularly important for institutions looking to expand their global reach and boost international student enrolment. Virtual tours and events provide an immersive, culturally inclusive platform where prospective students can get a taste of campus life, academic programs, and the community vibe, no matter where they are located.

A high-quality, immersive virtual campus tour is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit, especially for students unable to visit in person. These tours provide an engaging, interactive experience that allows prospective students to explore your facilities, student housing, lecture halls, and communal spaces as if they were physically there. By incorporating 360° videos, clickable hotspots with information, live tour guides, and interactive elements like chat features or Q&A panels with faculty and students, you can create an experience that not only captivates but inspires. Additional features like polls, gamified content, and live chats can further boost engagement, making students feel more connected and excited about your institution.

Take a look at our St Mary’s University Twickenham London example here.

Virtual platforms can go beyond recruitment—they can also play a key role in supporting student wellbeing. Virtual wellbeing tools, such as virtual counselling rooms, mental health resources, and guided relaxation sessions, provide essential support to students, even before they set foot on campus. As universities place increasing importance on student welfare, virtual platforms that offer support and guidance help create a nurturing environment that prospective students and their families will appreciate.

While virtual events can seem like a significant investment, the return on investment (ROI) is often considerable. Virtual open days can be more cost-effective than physical events, eliminating the need for travel, accommodations, and large on-site teams. Additionally, these events have the potential to reach thousands of students, both locally and internationally, who might not have otherwise engaged with your institution. By creating a tailored virtual experience that is accessible and scalable, you can see a significant uptick in student applications.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, virtual open days and tools like campus tours will play an increasingly important role in higher education marketing strategies. They provide a dynamic, flexible, and accessible way to engage prospective students, boost applications, and increase international reach. By partnering with the right virtual technology specialists, you can create a memorable and impactful experience that sets your institution apart.

• Virtual open days increase accessibility and international student reach.
• Virtual campus tours create an immersive experience that engages students.
• Wellbeing tools on virtual platforms offer essential support to prospective students.
• Measuring success is key to refining and improving future virtual events.

By embracing virtual technology, your institution can enhance its recruitment strategies, attract a diverse student body, and create a more inclusive and engaging experience for all students.

Ready to transform your recruitment strategy with virtual open days? Contact us today to learn more! [email protected]