University Open Day Handheld Signs: Why Every Marketing Team Needs Them

University Open Days Are More Competitive Than Ever

University open days have become one of the most important student recruitment tools available to higher education institutions. For many prospective students, an open day is their first real experience of campus life and often plays a major role in their final university decision. It’s that first impression that gives them a feel for their next big step.

Behind every successful open day is a marketing team juggling countless responsibilities:

• Managing visitor numbers
• Creating memorable experiences
• Supporting student ambassadors
• Maintaining brand consistency
• Improving campus navigation
• Maximising recruitment opportunities

While digital tools and event apps receive a lot of attention, one of the simplest and most effective solutions remains the humble handheld sign.

Custom handheld signs, lollipop signs and paddle signs help universities create organised, professional and welcoming events while ensuring visitors can quickly find the information they need.

The Open Day Challenge

A university campus can be overwhelming for visitors.

Prospective students and their families are often arriving for the first time, unfamiliar with:

• Campus layouts
• Faculty buildings
• Accommodation locations
• Registration areas
• Presentation venues
• Tour meeting points

Even with maps and digital guides, visitors frequently need reassurance that they are heading in the right direction.

This is where handheld signs become invaluable.

Visible above crowds and easy to carry, they instantly identify staff, student ambassadors and information points throughout the event.

Why Marketing Teams Invest in Handheld Signs

Better Visitor Experience

The visitor experience directly impacts how prospective students perceive a university.

When guests can quickly find help, locate departments and navigate campus confidently, they are more likely to leave with a positive impression.

Handheld signs create visible touchpoints around campus where visitors can seek assistance.

Popular examples include:

• Ask Me About Accommodation
• Student Ambassador
• Campus Tours
• Welcome Team
• Information Point

These simple signs help visitors feel supported throughout their journey. They are a great addition to your open day signage pack and can be used year after year.

Stronger University Branding

Every element of an open day contributes to brand perception.

Custom handheld signs can incorporate:

• University logos
• Faculty colours
• Department branding
• Recruitment campaign messaging
• QR codes
• Social media handles

Rather than relying on generic event signage, universities can reinforce their visual identity at every stage of the visitor experience.

Improved Crowd Management

Open days often involve thousands of visitors moving between multiple buildings.

Handheld signs help teams:

• Direct queues
• Organise tour groups
• Manage registration points
• Identify meeting areas
• Separate subject-specific visitors

This improves event flow and reduces pressure on staff.

The Most Popular Handheld Signs for Universities

Custom Lollipop Signs

Lollipop signs remain one of the most popular options for higher education events.

Their large circular display area makes them highly visible from a distance.

Typical uses include:

• Accommodation teams
• Student ambassadors
• Department representatives
• Tour leaders

The circular shape also provides excellent opportunities for bold university branding.

Handheld Paddle Signs

Paddle signs offer a more versatile shape and can be manufactured in bespoke designs.

Universities often use paddle signs for:

• Course information
• Event directions
• Welcome messaging
• Queue management

Their lightweight design makes them comfortable for ambassadors carrying them throughout the day.

Double-Sided Placards

Double-sided signs, complete with pole 1m to maximise messaging opportunities.

One side may display a department name, while the reverse provides directional information or a call-to-action, or make them identical for greater visibility.

How Handheld Signs Support Student Ambassadors

Student ambassadors are among the most important assets during an open day.

They provide authentic insights into university life and answer questions prospective students may feel uncomfortable asking academic staff.

Handheld signs help ambassadors become instantly identifiable.

Instead of waiting to be approached, ambassadors can actively encourage conversations simply by displaying messages such as:

• Ask Me About Student Life
• Ask Me About Accommodation
• International Student Support
• Clearing Advice

This improves engagement and creates more opportunities for meaningful interactions and reaches the target audience quickly.

Department-Specific Signage

Many universities create bespoke handheld signs for individual faculties and departments.

Examples include:

• Engineering
• Law
• Business School
• Physiotherapy
• Nursing
• Radiography
• Computer Science

Department-specific signs help prospective students quickly locate the people most relevant to their interests, creating a more personalised open day experience.

Why Universities Choose Top Notch Signs & Graphics

At Top Notch Signs & Graphics, we manufacture custom handheld signs designed specifically for educational institutions.

Our signs are:

• Fully customised
• Printed in full colour
• Available single or double-sided
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor events
• Manufactured in the UK
• Produced with fast turnaround times

Whether you require a small batch of ambassador signs or a complete open day signage package, we can help create a solution tailored to your event.

Get Ready for Your Next Open Day

A successful open day is about more than attracting visitors. It’s about helping prospective students feel welcomed, informed and excited about their future.

Custom handheld signs provide a simple yet highly effective way to improve navigation, support ambassadors and strengthen your university brand.

If you’re planning your next open day, speak to the team at Top Notch Signs & Graphics about creating bespoke handheld signs that deliver a professional and memorable visitor experience.