How to Get the Most Out of a University Fair: A Guide for Students and Parents

Thinking about university but not sure where to start? In this guide, DCIS Careers and Higher Education Counsellors Hani Rahman and Andrew O'Reilly share practical advice to help students and parents make the most of university fairs, explore study options and navigate future university choices with confidence.

Written by Hani Rahman and Andrew O'Reilly, Careers and Higher Education Counsellors at Dover Court International School, Singapore.

For many families, the journey to university can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With thousands of courses, hundreds of institutions, and study destinations spread across the globe, knowing where to begin is often the hardest part.

This is why university fairs remain one of the most valuable experiences in the university preparation process. They provide students with the opportunity to explore options, ask questions, and gain first-hand insights from admissions representatives, all in a single afternoon.

On 22 September 2026, Dover Court International School students in Years 9-13 will have the opportunity to attend the Lion City University Fair, where more than 180 universities from around the world will be represented. While students are not expected to leave with all the answers, they will leave with something equally important: a broader understanding of the possibilities available to them.

University Planning Starts Earlier Than You Think

One of the most common misconceptions about university admissions is that students only need to start thinking about higher education in their final years of school.

In reality, meaningful university exploration begins much earlier. Students who start researching academic routes in Key Stage 3 (years 7 and 8) and Key Stage 4 (years 9 – 11) are often better able to make informed choices about subject selections, co-curricular involvement, and future goals.

University fairs provide a low-pressure environment for this early exploration. Rather than focusing solely on admissions requirements or rankings, students can begin discovering what genuinely interests them and what kind of university experience they may be looking for.

For younger students especially, the goal is not to make decisions. It is to ask questions, explore possibilities, and develop a better understanding of what opportunities might exist beyond school.

Five Ways Students Can Make the Most of a University Fair

1. Arrive with an Open Mind

Many students attend a university fair with a shortlist of universities already in mind. While this is a good starting point, some of the most valuable conversations happen with institutions they had never previously considered.

Students may discover a course, destination, or route that aligns perfectly with their interests but was not on their radar before. Being open to unexpected opportunities can significantly broaden future options.

2. Prepare a Few Key Questions

University representatives speak to hundreds of students during fairs, so thoughtful questions help create more meaningful conversations. Students may want to ask:

• What makes your university unique?
• What career options do graduates typically pursue?
• What support is available for international students?
• Are there opportunities for internships, research, or study abroad?
• What qualities do you look for in applicants?

These conversations often provide insights that cannot be found on a university website.

3. Look Beyond Rankings

While rankings can be useful, they are only one part of the university decision-making process. Students should also consider:

• Course content
• Teaching style
• Campus environment
• Location
• Student support services
• Internship and employment opportunities
• Co-curricular experiences

The best university is not necessarily the highest-ranked one. It is the institution that provides the right environment for an individual student's goals, interests, and aspirations.

4. Explore Different Countries and Programmes

Today's students have access to an extraordinary range of higher education options. Beyond traditional destinations such as the UK, US, Australia, and Canada, there are increasingly attractive opportunities across Europe and Asia.

University fairs allow students to compare these options side by side, helping them better understand different application systems, degree structures, and student experiences around the world.

5. Reflect Afterwards

The learning does not end when the fair closes. At Dover Court, we encourage students to spend time afterwards reflecting on what they learned:

• Which conversations stood out?
• Did any universities surprise them?
• What courses or subjects generated excitement?
• What questions remain unanswered?

Often, the biggest value of a university fair comes from the discussions and reflections that follow.

How Parents Can Support the Process

Parents play an important role in helping students navigate future planning. However, support does not need to mean having all the answers. Sometimes the most valuable contribution is simply starting conversations at home. Ask your child:

• Which universities would you like to learn more about?
• What subjects do you enjoy most?
• What kind of career or lifestyle appeals to you?
• Is there a particular country where you might like to study?

These discussions encourage students to think critically about their future while helping them develop ownership of the process.

The Value of Personalised University Guidance

At Dover Court International School, university preparation is not a one-off event. It is an ongoing journey that develops throughout a student's secondary education.

Experiences such as university fairs complement the personalised guidance students receive through our careers and higher education programme. By encouraging exploration, self-reflection, and informed decision-making, we help students identify options that align with their individual strengths, interests, and ambitions.

The Lion City University Fair offers a unique opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, challenge assumptions, and discover opportunities they may never have previously considered. Whether it confirms an existing ambition or inspires a completely new one, every conversation is a step towards a more informed and confident future.

After all, university preparation is not simply about choosing a university. It is about discovering the possibilities that lie ahead and finding the pathway that feels right for each individual student.

About the Authors: Hani Rahman and Andrew O'Reilly are Careers and Higher Education Counsellors at Dover Court International School, Singapore. They support students and families throughout the university exploration and application process, helping students identify higher education opportunities that align with their interests, strengths and aspirations.