A familiar annual event at universities around the UK, the Fresher's Fair is intended to help initiate the newest influx of students into their new surroundings, providing opportunity to join social groups, sports clubs, and other student-led organisations.
At Platform, we’ve broadened the remit by placing the emphasis on all of the aspects that we think will aid the induction of the brand-new OU student. We’re still highlighting all the clubs and societies you can join, but we’re also drawing your attention to the study support that you can receive, where you can get discounts on your set course books, honest and helpful articles from imminent, current, and previous students, and much, much more.
If you are a new student looking for advice from impartial advice, or want to bestow your experiences of OU study, then this is the place to be…
Interviews from the Birmingham degree ceremony 2011
Two degree ceremonies took place at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in June 2011 as the latest members of the OU alumni excitedly received their awards. Platform caught up with some of them on video - including a professional footballer - to discover why they studied with the OU and what the impact has been so far...
Professional footballer Richard Hinds gains first class honours degree
"Just go for it"
Degree has opened the door to promotion in the Army
Degree has led to new job
Studied following an illness
Now hoping to change career from sales to teaching
Studied to stimulate the intellect
Two degree ceremonies took place at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in June 2011 as the latest members of the OU alumni excitedly received their awards. Platform caught up with some of them on video - including a professional footballer - to discover why they studied with the OU and what the impact has been so far... Professional footballer Richard Hinds gains first class honours ...
From sculpture to economics: a second degree for Sarah, 25, from Edinburgh
Sarah Beattie-Smith, 25, from Edinburgh, already has a degree in sculpture but wanted to venture into the academic world and upskill in a bid to tackle a competitive job market head first.
Sarah has moved out of home and into a flat share, works full time in public affairs and is studying economics with the OU to advance her career.
Sarah Beattie-Smith, 25, from Edinburgh, already has a degree in sculpture but wanted to venture into the academic world and upskill in a bid to tackle a competitive job market head first. Sarah has moved out of home and into a flat share, works full time in public affairs and is studying economics with the OU to advance her career. 2.142855 Average: 2.1 (7 votes)
Just over a year to go before Nikki, 23, achieves her degree
Nikki, 23, is studying towards an Open Degree with the OU, after first dipping her toe into life at a traditional university and deciding it wasn't for her.
Here she talks about what she's studying, how she's finding life with the OU, her forthcoming tutorial at the Tate Modern and the OU's grading system...
Nikki, 23, is studying towards an Open Degree with the OU, after first dipping her toe into life at a traditional university and deciding it wasn't for her. Here she talks about what she's studying, how she's finding life with the OU, her forthcoming tutorial at the Tate Modern and the OU's grading system... 2.5 Average: 2.5 (10 votes)
What's it like to work and study in the Channel Islands? Meet Chloe...
Chloe is the Study Magpie, a young OU student who writes and video blogs about her experiences - why she chose the OU, how she's finding working full time and studying for a degree and what it's like living in the Channel Islands.
She's also thinking about doubling up on courses and talks about the flexibility of OU study; how it suits her lifestyle much better than traditional university which she tried, tested and decided wasn't for her.
But what can the OU improve on? Four course start dates instead of two perhaps? Chloe wants to complete her degree as soon as possible and says the gap between course start dates is slowing her down a little. She also struggles to attend the face-to-face tutorials because of where she lives.
Find out more about Chloe, watch this video:
Chloe is the Study Magpie, a young OU student who writes and video blogs about her experiences - why she chose the OU, how she's finding working full time and studying for a degree and what it's like living in the Channel Islands. She's also thinking about doubling up on courses and talks about the flexibility of OU study; how it suits her lifestyle much better than traditional university ...
NUS Extra card and OUSA Membership card
The NUS Extra Card provides an instantly recognisable student identity when you're on your travels and will be accepted as valid student identification at your OU exams. You also get the opportunity to enter competitions, apply for special offers and receive discount updates all online.
You can find out more about who is eligible for an NUS card here - and apply via OUSA, the Open University Student Association, here.
The NUS Extra Card provides an instantly recognisable student identity when you're on your travels and will be accepted as valid student identification at your OU exams. You also get the opportunity to enter competitions, apply for special offers and receive discount updates all online. You can find out more about who is eligible for an NUS card here - and apply via ...
Video blogger and young OU student Hayley says hi!
Say hi to Hayley, a young student studying towards a Humanities Degree with a Philosophy specialism at The Open University. You can check out her blog about her student journey at My Open Experience.
Say hi to Hayley, a young student studying towards a Humanities Degree with a Philosophy specialism at The Open University. You can check out her blog about her student journey at My Open Experience. 3 Average: 3 (9 votes)
What new-student queries do you need answering?
Student Services have told us some of the most frequently asked questions that they receive from brand-new students. But what questions about your study do you have that need answering? Post your question(s) as a comment below and we'll seek out a reply for you.
Student Services have told us some of the most frequently asked questions that they receive from brand-new students. But what questions about your study do you have that need answering? Post your question(s) as a comment below and we'll seek out a reply for you. 2.2 Average: 2.2 (5 votes)
I'm a nervous first-time student, get me out of here?
For brand-new OU student Michele, the wait to start her first course with the OU is an anxious, angst-filled one. Here she reveals her motivation to study, her many worries and why she withdrew from the same course before it had even started in 2010…
I have yearned for a degree qualification for a long time, especially as I had to withdraw from a modern languages degree in my early twenties due to ill health. Despite completing two years of study, I was too ill to continue and was forced to abandon my course. It is a decision I have lamented ever since and one that has saddled me with the pressing weight of failure.
Twenty years later, at 42, having survived and fought my illness, I am finally returning to higher education. Of course, the world of education has evolved considerably since the 1980s with the advancement of technology and, as a self-confessed technophobe, the prospect of learning in a virtual environment imbues me with mounting dread.
I will be studying intermediate Spanish, En Rumbo (L140) during my first year with the OU. This module cannot be counted towards my credit award for previous university study but I have taken the decision to study it for revision purposes and am reconciled to studying for five years instead of four to attain my degree.
In truth, it is the second time I have registered for this module – my escalating anxiety surrounding the computer component eventually defeated me and I submitted my withdrawal a few weeks before its commencement in 2010.
Doubts
I also doubted my ability to learn Spanish again, given that 20 years had elapsed since first studying it. Determined not to relinquish my dream, I decided to revise my Spanish throughout the ensuing year and to improve my computer skills so that I could register for the same module in 2011. I undertook a long-distance learning course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, as this study programme advocated a gentler pace thereby boosting my confidence and improving my computer use .
Despite having the luxury of another year to prepare and revise, my confidence remains frighteningly low. With the arrival of materials in the post and information pertaining to the course populating my inbox, I feel horribly overwhelmed. I have come frighteningly close to withdrawing again.
One aspect that does stand me in good stead is that I have discussed my fears with a lovely, empathic lady from the OU’s Learner Support team in Bristol. I confided my fears regarding the computer aspect and trusted her enough to speak of more personal issues relating to my health, which could be exacerbated by the demands of studying. Her response was very helpful and insightful and I felt fully supported. Knowing that there is somebody who is aware of my anxieties and who I can talk to at any time is a hugely motivating force at this very vulnerable time. I am aware that this information has also been relayed to my tutor in the strictest confidence, which is also reassuring. To know that I am not travelling alone on this journey is tremendously comforting and is the most prevailing factor in keeping me motivated and strong. As someone who is reticent to ask for help, I realise the imperativeness of doing so and hope I can when occasions demand it.
My experience of the OU since registration has been exceptionally good. Staff have received my enquiries with enthusiasm, warmth, politeness and attentiveness. The whole process has been very efficient and professional. I have benefitted from perusing the OU website but, at times, felt overwhelmed by the comprehensiveness of the site. Given my lack of confidence in computing, I have spent many hours attempting to digest information regarding the requisite skills in this area and often felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of instruction and information, resulting in moments of quiet despair and defeat. Instead of allaying my fears it served only to add to them and forced me to question my ability even closer. I am aware that there is a computing helpdesk but confess to worrying that I won’t be able to follow their instruction and am evading such humiliation. Fortunately, my children are all computer literate and have patiently guided me.
Anxious
I know that many people are exhilarated on receiving their course materials and are anxious to devour the contents. My fear impeded me from opening them until several weeks after their arrival. In procrastinating, I did not have to confront my fears. It felt as if the box contained not only my study materials but also my many anxieties and, by keeping the lid firmly shut, I did not have to confront them. Opening the box was not the ominous experience I had anticipated, though, and I enjoyed browsing the material.
Another source of anxiety emanated from receiving my tutorial schedule. Viewing it on StudentHome filled me with dread, especially given that the first face-to-face tutorial was only weeks away. Seeing the long list of tutorials awakened me to the reality of studying for my degree and I felt overwhelming and unabating panic. In the days leading up to the launch of the module website, I have felt a little overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information. The unannounced growing information on StudentHome, such as the cut off dates for the TMAs and the sudden emails populating my inbox, has taken me by surprise. I enjoyed reading the email from my tutor introducing herself but was surprised to learn at this premature stage that it was in Spanish. Immediately, I fretted that my reply should be in the language but was terrifed my tutor would deem it not proficient enough and I would be asked to leave the course! Since receiving it, I have been submerged under waves of undulating anxiety, repeatedly questioning my abiilty in the language and the computer as well as struggling with doubts that my fellow students will like me and wondering whether my tutor will be personable and patient!
And finally, as a single mother of three teenagers I am also anxious that I will not be able to juggle my daily responsibilities as a mother in conjunction with studying. I am also penning a book of utmost importance to me and fret that there will not be sufficient time to manage these demands every day.
As I am sure is now evident, my apprehension as I anticipate the start of my module is tremendous. However, I also wish to convey that superseding that terror is deep excitement as I contemplate the challenges of higher education again.
I wish all new students a successful start to their modules and an exhilarating, rewarding journey.
Useful links
For brand-new OU student Michele, the wait to start her first course with the OU is an anxious, angst-filled one. Here she reveals her motivation to study, her many worries and why she withdrew from the same course before it had even started in 2010… My name is Michele Jowett and I am about to embark on an exhilarating yet terrifying adventure: studying for an open ...
Early starters... applaud or avoid?
More from newbie student Robyn Slingsby, not sure whether to applaud or avoid those who've already made a start on the course...
It was a bit daunting to see that although my course didn’t start for a good week or so, people were already chatting in the forums, saying hello and tackling the icebreaker exercise – to write in 50 words what excuses they find to put off writing.
What disturbed me even more is that some people had even listened to the audio CD we received in the post and made comments on some of the excerpts in the forums. This clearly means I am supposed to listen to the CD. But the course hasn’t even started yet! Cripes, I’m going to have to get on top of my game and get organised here.
So, more about the forums… When I last looked there were three separate forums relating to my course, the first one the chill out room, a “hello, and introduce yourself” kinda thing. Here, our tutor started us off by saying who she was and then students – those in my tutor group presumably – introduced themselves in a few short sentences. One common theme in the introductions was that everyone seemed a bit nervous; some even made reference to their first days at school and fear of being shouted at for being late/not doing their homework. I’m guessing this forum is where we talk about whatever we want, be it course-related or not.
The second forum was the ice-breaker, where our tutor asked us – in no more than 50 – words to explain what excuses we used not to sit down and write; a nice and simple exercise to warm us up. The third forum mentioned something to do with blocks. I think this means study blocks and refers to our source of study – but as I skim read my info I’m not sure. Some folk have commented on a couple of passages, presumably from these blocks, and how they feel about the writing.
And considering the course doesn’t start for another week, people are keen to get cracking it seems. While I have contributed to the hello forum and the ice-breaker I’m not so worried about the blocks one as there’s still time yet. But one poor soul did comment they she wondered if it was a good idea for people to go storming ahead and shouldn’t we all be studying together, when the course formally begins? It’s a good point. No one wants to feel stupid during their study and it’s easy to feel like you’re lagging behind when others are keen to storm ahead and lead the pack. Hmmmm.
Course website
Okay, from what I can gather the course website it where you get all your info – links to your tutor group, course calendar, those blocks of study I mentioned earlier, the lot.
Today I was chatting with a work buddy who started his course before Christmas, a 30-pointer Languages jobby. He showed me his course website and woah did it look different to mine. I assumed that all course websites would have the same look and feel about them, with links and tools in the same places. But oh no, they couldn’t have been further apart. This must be tricky for people studying towards a degree, with each separate course they study having a totally different looking website, which means leaning how to navigate from scratch each time.
More from newbie student Robyn Slingsby, not sure whether to applaud or avoid those who've already made a start on the course... It was a bit daunting to see that although my course didn’t start for a good week or so, people were already chatting in the forums, saying hello and tackling the icebreaker exercise – to write in 50 words what excuses they find to put off ...
Top 10 tips for students
Sarah Porter (a nursing student from Portsmouth) and her cohort of "older, tired and a little bit wiser students" offer their top 10 tips for new students…
Always believe in yourself and your abilities
Even when it feels like you can’t do it – take a few deep breaths, phone a friend, have a glass of wine! And you will see that you can!
Keep in touch with your tutor group
Swap phone numbers and email addresses. You will find that you will get a lot of help from your fellow students. Even if it’s just to air a thought or swap ideas, or even someone to just share your moans with.
Don’t leave things to the last minute
It is easy to think – I´ve got loads of time to do that, I will leave it a while.
DON’T! Anything could happen and put you off course. Give yourself plenty of time.
Be organised
Buy a diary, calendar, wall planner or all three and use them. Have lots of folders and organise your work into their relevant subjects – it makes life so much easier when trying to find something later on.
Try to stay on schedule or if possible one week ahead of the calendar
You never know what might crop up, and it is easy to fall behind.
Know when the closing dates are for ICMAs and TMAs
Keep a close eye on these. These dates are set in stone, but your life isn´t. Plan around them.
Don’t be disheartened by your marks or your tutor’s comments
When you receive your marked TMAs, don’t be disheartened by all the red (or blue or green) comments all over your essay. Your tutor makes comments on your work to help you, not to put you off. You will find that if you take on board their comments and apply them to your next TMA, your marks will improve.
If you don’t understand – ASK!
It is so much better to ask a fellow student or a tutor rather than plodding along not really understanding something.
Keep on track with your placement hours
As the course goes on you will see that there are quite a lot of placement hours to be done. Keep on schedule. It is easy to fall behind if you are sick or something crops up.
Keep your sense of humour
You will need it!
Sarah Porter (a nursing student from Portsmouth) and her cohort of "older, tired and a little bit wiser students" offer their top 10 tips for new students… Always believe in yourself and your abilities Even when it feels like you can’t do it – take a few deep breaths, phone a friend, have a glass of wine! And you will see that you can! Keep in touch with your ...
New student FAQs
Every year, Student Services receives more than 1.25 million phone calls and 580,000 emails. With more than 200,000 students studying one or more of over 500 courses, the range of queries is vast. Here, though, is a look at some of the more commonly asked questions and appropriate response...
I’m a new student – where do I start?
There is an online induction for all new students, giving you access to everything you need to know to get started with OU study. The New to OU study website is available to provide both an undergraduate induction and a postgraduate induction via StudentHome. The website can also provide a useful information for our continuing students who would like to know more about studying with the OU and the resources we have available.
When and where will my tutorials be held?
A list of tutorial dates and locations will be displayed in your Modules page in StudentHome. This page lists the tutorials that you are due to attend, and gives a link for venue details. You're welcome to attend wherever is convenient, however, and you can use the Tutorial Finder on your Modules page to identify alternative locations.
When will my study materials be delivered?
Information about the scheduled despatch dates for your study materials can be found on our Study Materials Despatch website. You can check your personal despatch information on StudentHome, under 'Materials despatch'.
Every year, Student Services receives more than 1.25 million phone calls and 580,000 emails. With more than 200,000 students studying one or more of over 500 courses, the range of queries is vast. Here, though, is a look at some of the more commonly asked questions and appropriate response... I’m a new student – where do I start? There is an online induction for all new ...
Study tips from someone who's been there
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.”
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 ...
Podcast: The OU is for younger students too
Did you know that the largest growing cohort of students at The Open University is the under 25s?
Documentally chats to Liz Manning, Head of Younger Student Services at the OU, about the growth in numbers of younger students, how gifted school students are studying OU courses alongside their school curriculum and why there’s no need to dumb down content for the young.
Useful links
Did you know that the largest growing cohort of students at The Open University is the under 25s? Documentally chats to Liz Manning, Head of Younger Student Services at the OU, about the growth in numbers of younger students, how gifted school students are studying OU courses alongside their school curriculum and why there’s no need to dumb down content for the ...
