An Edinburgh University open day is your best chance to experience the University of Edinburgh and the city before you commit, with campus tours, subject talks and the opportunity to ask staff and students about life here. Since a visit is also the ideal moment to scope out where you will live, browse Student Accommodation in Edinburgh before you come so you can walk past a few options on the day, and read on for the 2026 dates, how to book, and how to make the most of your visit. This guide covers open day dates, booking, what to expect and planning your trip.
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Edinburgh University open day at a glance
| Item | Details |
| University | University of Edinburgh (Russell Group) |
| 2026 undergraduate open days | June (booking open), plus September and October |
| Booking | Required; registration for autumn opens late August |
| Timing | Most activities run 9:30am to 4pm |
| Postgraduate events | Held online |
| Note | No Medical/Vet campus visit on 24 October (after early UCAS deadline) |
Edinburgh University open day 2026 dates
The University of Edinburgh runs several undergraduate open days across 2026: University-wide open days in June (for which booking is already open), plus further dates in September and October. Registration for the September and October events opens in late August, and booking is required for all open days, so you cannot simply turn up. All undergraduate subject areas are represented at every open day with an introductory talk and an information desk, though the exact programme and additional sessions (like taster lectures and subject tours) vary between the June and autumn dates. My tip: join the University's open day mailing list so you are notified the moment autumn registration opens, as popular sessions can fill up.
How to book an Edinburgh University open day
Booking is required for all University of Edinburgh open days in 2026, and you should reserve your place at talks, sample lectures, labs and subject-area tours when you book, since spaces are limited and prospective students are given priority. For many activities you can bring an accompanying guest, though this depends on booking numbers. The University recommends not making travel arrangements until your place is confirmed. My tip: book as early as you can and reserve your specific subject sessions at the same time, do not rely on booking just the general open day and hoping to add sessions later.
What to expect on the day
Open days are run by the people who know the University best, its staff and students, so you can learn about degrees, ask about admissions and accommodation, and get a genuine feel for the Edinburgh experience. Most activities run between 9:30am and 4pm, and you can expect campus tours, subject talks, taster lectures and information desks. Note that specialist campuses have their own arrangements: there are visits to the Medical School at the Chancellor's Building (BioQuarter) and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at Easter Bush, though these are not available on 24 October, which falls after the early UCAS deadline for medicine and veterinary medicine. My tip: plan your day around your subject's talks and any campus visits first, then use the gaps for a general campus tour and a walk around the student areas.
Planning your open day trip and accommodation visit
Because Edinburgh is regularly voted one of the world's most desirable places to live, an open day is also a chance to explore the city and picture your life here. Use the visit to walk around the main student areas, the Old Town, Southside, Newington, Marchmont and Bruntsfield, so you can see where you might live, not just where you will study. My tip: build in time to walk past a few accommodation options on the day, and browse Student Accommodation in Edinburgh beforehand, including central options like 200 Cowgate, so your visit is as useful for housing as it is for choosing a course.
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FAQs
Q: When is the Edinburgh University open day in 2026?
A: The University of Edinburgh runs undergraduate open days in June 2026 (booking already open), plus September and October dates. Registration for the autumn events opens in late August. Booking is required for all open days.
Q: How do I book an Edinburgh University open day?
A: Book through the University of Edinburgh's open day pages, reserving your place at talks, lectures, labs and subject tours at the same time. Spaces are limited and prospective students are prioritised. Do not make travel plans until your place is confirmed.
Q: What happens at an Edinburgh University open day?
A: You can take campus tours, attend subject talks and taster lectures, visit information desks, and ask staff and students about degrees, admissions and accommodation. Most activities run between 9:30am and 4pm.
Q: Can I visit the Medical or Vet School on an open day?
A: Yes, there are visits to the Medical School at the Chancellor's Building (BioQuarter) and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at Easter Bush, but not on 24 October, which falls after the early UCAS deadline for those subjects.
Q: Are Edinburgh University open days free?
A: Yes, open days are free to attend, but booking is required and places are limited. You should reserve your general place and your specific subject sessions in advance to guarantee entry.
Q: Should I look at accommodation during my open day?
A: Yes, an open day is an ideal time to explore Edinburgh's student areas (Old Town, Southside, Newington, Marchmont, Bruntsfield) and picture where you will live. Browse accommodation options beforehand so you can walk past a few on the day.