It’s a daunting prospect becoming a new student, particularly if it’s been a while since you last studied. So who better to advise you than someone who’s already going through it?
Tricia Waller (pictured), from Hertfordshire, has been studying off and on since 2004 and is working her way through what started as a Literature degree but is keeping her options open. She says it’s easy to think “oh my God, how am I going to get through all of this?” when you first open your box of course materials – but you don’t have to read it all in one go. And don’t get too hung up on the course start date either, no one will wave a flag to get you started.
“Make your tutor your friend,” says Tricia, “Because they’re the people who will help you most of all. Communicate with them so if you have a problem or a concern, tell them so they can help you. Don’t be scared of them because they’re academics, they’re there to help you.”
“Tutorials are also really helpful because you meet other students and realise they are just like you and have just the same problems as you, you’re not alone.”
Tricia works part-time as a dental nurse, has three children and is a student ambassador for The Open University. How does she fit it all in?
“For some people, it’s the evening, for me it’s the mornings so I get up around 5.30am when it’s nice and quiet for an hour of solid study without distractions. And I never study with the TV on.”
But what about when you feel like quitting? “Put it all away and go for a walk because it’s always so much easier when you come back to it, you can’t force it. And don’t forget you can always ask for an extension if you need more time.”
So, what has Tricia found most useful during her years of OU study?
“Post It notes and highlighter pens!” she says. “When you read through your course material, have your TMA in front of you and highlight anything you think is relevant or useful, with that in mind, Otherwise, you’ll have to go back and read it all again so this will save you a lot of time.
“And drink lots of water, your brain needs it when you’re thinking a lot otherwise it gets cloudy. Oh, and one more thing,” says Tricia, “If you’re travelling on a train, don’t forget to take your books because it’s better than sitting there and doing nothing.”