Freebies!

The best thing about going to a UCAS open event is definitely the freebies that come with it. But how can you make the most of these events and come back with all the goods? The last event I went to I got 32 pens, 7 tote bags, 2 containers of chip spice, 1 rubber duck, 1 cap, a pair of sunglasses, lip balm and lots of sweets. My dad taught me on my first event how to do this and I shall now teach you. 

When you enter the event scope out the best freebies first. The best method of this is doing a quick lap to assess your strategy. Also, don't be afraid to ask people where they get their goods. The best, most unique freebies will go first so you must act quickly. Go for the Queen-Bee. For me, this was a rubber duck. Most people make the mistake of outrightly asking for them; this will NOT always work and isn’t the best strategy. I recommend preparing at least 3 questions you can ask all unis to pretend to be interested in their course. Mine were: What is the best thing about your campus? What is the student union like? What is the most unique thing about your uni? After this you're friends with them and they think you are genuinely going to apply to the uni. Then we go in for the kill. Do NOT just ask them for the freebie but say “That’s really interesting, can I grab a flyer and oh would it also be okay if I grab a (insert freebie).” This method has never failed me. Don’t panic about all the little booklets you’ll get, there's a bin outside the event. 

Now rare finds are hard to come by and should be valued. If there’s a particular object you want two of, you have a few options. Firstly get a friend or friends to come with you who don’t want that peculiar freebie. Top tip: befriend the drama students (they can act interested). They must look entertained and interested if you are all going to get a freebie. They don’t all need to ask a question but I would recommend it to increase the probability of extra freebies. This is where your true friends come through, so pay attention. Your second option is great for people whose friends are wimps. Pay attention to who you speak to when you get your freebie and wait until the staff rotates and then strike again. This is how I secured two lots of chip spice (from the University of Hull, by the way) which I am still using to this day. 

Once the best and unique freebies have been secured I recommend moving around in a snake formation in order to make sure you don’t miss out on any freebies. Also, it’s great to help others (#LasB) at the event so I helped get 4 boys caps. You have to remember not everyone has an article like this to help them. Also, please do speak to the Universities you're interested in, these events do have other value than just freebies.  

So in short: scope, engage, booklet, kill. 

I really hope this helps and please let me know what freebies you secure. You can do this!!!

By Jess Shorter