1. Book a place to stay and sort out how you'll get here

If you’re already in Canberra, then lucky you. You can make your way to the ANU campus easily by car, bike, tram, bus or scooter.

But if you're coming from interstate, why not make a weekend of it? You'll need to think about accommodation and transport. Luckily, there are hotels close to ANU and getting to campus from your room will be a breeze.

Here are two local hotel groups offering discounts for Open Day visitors:

• DOMA Hotels – 20% discount. Provide this promo code when you make your booking: ANUEVENT.
• Canberra Accommodation Centre — 10% discount. Just tell them you’re attending ANU Open Day when you book via phone: 1800 317 537.

If you're coming from Sydney or the surrounding capital region, this may be your only chance to discover what living and studying here is like. Still, it’s a relatively easy drive so you can just come for the day.

If you're travelling by car, Canberra's roads are easy to navigate and there's free parking at ANU on the day. If you rely on buses, they regularly come by ANU – and riding them will give you an idea of what the public transport is like in Canberra. Most students don't drive a car to campus.

If you’re flying in, buy a MyWay fare card at the airport. They’re also available from newsagents and convenience shops near the tram terminus along Northbourne Avenue and around the city.

2. Check out events in advance

There's a lot to do at ANU Open Day and, if you prepare, you can be sure to tick off the activities you're keen on. Luckily, we post a list of Open Day events in advance — so check this out and create a schedule in your calendar.

You’ll find exciting events to attend even if you don’t know what to study yet. Check out what's happening at our academic colleges to help you narrow down what you're interested in learning more about. There’s heaps of must-catch events to choose from. And before you know it, you’ll have a personalised program of things to do and learn about come March.

3. Get ready to ask questions

At ANU Open Day, you've got the most access to academics you'll have until you start uni. Being face-to-face with them and other staff members is an excellent opportunity to get your burning questions answered.

Hearing from staff about what our courses are like and what you’ll learn in them is a great way to start narrowing down the degrees you'll list in your application.

You’ll also have the chance to talk with students currently studying at ANU and ask them what their average day at uni looks like or what it's like to live in student accommodation.

It's a great idea to think of some questions in advance. That way, you'll be ready and won't end up wishing you asked something after Open Day is over. Planning your questions is one of the best ways to prepare for Open Day. Make sure you save these in your device too.

4. Organise people to come with you

ANU Open Day is a big, fun event, and bringing some people along with you is a good idea. If your friends are also thinking about ANU, even more reason to come as a group.

It's also a good event for your parents – they can see how you'll be supported at uni and put any worries about you leaving the nest to rest.

Having a group of supporters helps, but don't stress if you're coming alone. We've got plenty of staff and students who'll help you get where you need to go – and you'll likely meet others you can join up with as you make your way around.

5. Bring supplies

Check the forecast the day before and dress appropriately. You'll spend a fair bit of time outside and want to be as comfortable as possible. You should also bring your device (or a notebook) to take down all the information you’ll learn.

You'll likely get pamphlets and some other cool stuff too, so bring a bag with enough space for it all.