By Sakul Kundra
The University’s Open Day is a decisive and exciting occasion in the University’s calendar that offers prospective students a unique opportunity to explore, experience and envision their future. It is not an ordinary day but a gateway to understanding the options of different academic offerings, their prerequisites and future opportunities. The Open Day tour helps shape students’ learning experience at the University.
This op-ed explains the benefits and impact of Open Day in students’ lives and spreads the word about Fiji National University’s ongoing Open Days at different campuses around Fiji. For Fiji National University (FNU), Open Day 2025 transcends a mere calendar event; it represents a celebration of education, culture, job opportunities, and community involvement.
The decision to choose any career is not easy—often a daunting task—as it requires knowledge of learning content, mode of study, units offered, and the confidence that enrolling in a particular course will lead to the career of one’s dreams. The choice is often intertwined with considerations of cost, prospective employment, lifestyle adjustments, and individual interests. It is more than just selecting a programme from a prospectus; it is an investment in one’s life journey. Prospective students can experience the breadth of the University during their tour, ask questions, clarify doubts, and gain insights into the courses they wish to pursue. These interactions empower them to make informed, confident decisions and allow them to enjoy a genuine feel of campus life. Such personal engagement helps reduce anxieties and fosters informed academic and career choices.
Open Day also fosters a sense of community and belonging towards the University. It highlights activities such as extra-curricular clubs, cultural societies, student support services, library facilities, and other aspects that often remain unnoticed. It is an exciting opportunity to establish networks with teachers and potential peers, motivating students to get involved in campus life. This engagement also helps identify resources that enhance personal growth and academic success.
Students have the chance to explore lecture rooms, laboratories, libraries and sports facilities, gaining first-hand experience of the University environment. Such encounters motivate students to commit to their academic journey and inspire them to strive for personal and professional development. Unlike a glossy brochure or website, Open Day offers a real, face-to-face experience. Current students volunteering as guides share their own journeys and successes, providing clarity and confidence to future students.
Open Day is also an opportunity for students to speak directly with experienced lecturers, associate professors, deans and other staff, enabling them to understand course details thoroughly and empowering them to make one of the most important academic decisions of their lives. This ensures students gain maximum benefit from this critical overview of higher education. For many, it is a pivotal moment in the decision-making process.
At the same time, institutions use Open Day to showcase their unique advantages, such as facilities, faculty expertise, and student experiences, while addressing prospective students’ concerns—from financial matters to social life. This direct engagement communicates the institution’s values and programme strengths, while building trust and interest. By reducing uncertainties and boosting confidence, these personalised interactions prove far more effective than online resources. Booths set up by different stakeholders also allow students to engage with products and opportunities linked to their future studies and careers.
Open Day not only attracts enrolments but also helps build long-term trust and relationships. The University demonstrates its strengths through internal partnerships, highly qualified faculty, international collaborations, and a strong commitment to Pacific communities.
Beyond academics, the University’s vibrant culture is on display. Students may participate in live performances, cultural events, and quizzes with prizes, reflecting FNU’s commitment to community and nation-building. Open Day is both an academic showcase and a festival—an intellectual extravaganza enriched by cultural activities, interactive demonstrations, and displays by industry collaborators.
The ongoing 2025 Fiji National University Open Days across different campuses highlight career opportunities and guide students towards achieving their higher education dreams. FNU has successfully conducted such events in the past to help students shape their careers and become part of the FNU family and future alumni network. The 2025 Open Day is an exciting opportunity for prospective students and their parents or guardians to engage with experienced staff, learn about scholarships, and explore support services. Readers of Australia Today, nationals of Fiji, international students, and social media users are encouraged to spread the word and take part in this transformative experience. This is an opportunity to unlock exciting career opportunities while enjoying a festival of knowledge.
Disclaimer: Contributing Author – Dr Sakul Kundra is an Associate Professor at the College of Humanities, Education and Law, Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not those of this newspaper or his employer.
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