Share your advice to potential OU students for chance to win £50 module voucher and a goody bag

 I started studying at the Open University after dropping out of 2nd year Medicine. I first took it more as an experiment as I could not imagine distance learning being of the same quality as teaching at a standard university, but I anyway had months to kill until I would be able to start another degree, so decided to give it a go. Now, I am so convinced of OU study that I would never go back to a regular university. I heard many people say OU would not be for them as they do not have the discipline, but my tip would be to check out some of the materials first, as the OU materials are so student focused and well written that they really motivate me to study. I would also advise people to make a list with reasons why you want to study a particular subject. If you can come up with many good reasons you are certainly enthusiastic enough to give it a go and keep the list for days when you are stressed and exhausted ! Also read the module description carefully so you know what do expect.

Ultimately the decision is yours, you can ask others their point of view, which may help you decide. However I believe that if you are curious enough to investigate whether to do a course or not, then really the decision has already been made, what you are more likey to be after is some reassurance. I coud tell you about my experience in detail. However you would be overwhelmed by all I have to say about my experience. So here is the refined list:

• I could tell you about how much it has changed my life for the better.
• I could tell you it has given my life a direction and purpose to my life following a life changing disability.
• I could tell you that it has inspired my teenage children to take education seriously and strive to do their best.
• I could tell you how studying with the Open University has boosted my self esteem and confidence.
• I could tell you how excellent the support for students is from the Open University for all students of all capabilities.

I could tell you all of the above. They may help you to make a decision they may not. My biggest advice would be do the list for yourself, find out what is fuelling your curiosity towards studying with the Open University. It is a simple matter of reassurrance and confidence you need, and you can get all of these within the Open University family.

The dreaded should. I've been shoulding all over myself for a lifetime. Then I took a risk and signed up for my first course with the Open University. Just to see, nothing committed. An each year, just to see don't you know, I'm getting closer and closer to achieving a BSc. Me! No more shoulding, it's real action. I don't do this by myself, the amazing world of the Open University encourage, teach, inspire and enthrall.

It's not marketing hype, but if you don't believe me check it out for yourself.

hi its very goodest side in u.k for very less price for a student thank to sharing me.[url=http://www.iamstudent.co.uk/%20/url]student discount[/url]

And the winner is... Jon Weinel, of Stoke on Trent. Prizes are in the post, enjoy

I recommend The Open University. They provide an amazing amount of support, both in terms of the thoroughness of the information and material as well as in responding quickly to enquires. The course materials I've encountered are interesting and the books well laid out (I really appreciate the weight, texture and whitenss of the pages!). They provide a flexible approach to studying and quite a wide range of courses. Plus they have a good reputation and extremely high student satisfaction rates. It's definitely worth a go!

Planning is key... From the start, even before you register for a course, sit back and imagine how studying with the OU will affect your daily routine and commitments, your hobbies, holidays and the other things that currently fill up your available spare time. Because whatever you study, it needs to be a regular part of your life - and if you are thinking of a Degree, that's going to be several years of commitment. There are several short course options, however, and taking these on a one-off or themed basis might be better for you. I am old enough to remember a time when 'O' and 'A' Levels, as they were in the Swingin' 60's, depended entirely on how well you were feeling (I suffered from chronic hayfever) on the day you took the exam., what the questions were, and so on. As a result, I achieved only 3 'O's and 2 'A's - and one of those 'A's was History, which I failed twice at 'O' Level. So, what does that tell someone of my academic ability? Study with the OU is almost the opposite: far from turning up one day and sitting a paper, it's a long-term commitment but one you can control very largely. But make sure that you will be able to find the time first. Once you've done that.........it could be a very pleasurable but challenging doddle!

The Open University is simply a great way to learn things, and offers excellent value for money.  One of the main advantages is flexibility in the way you study, which makes it easy to fit around your other activities such as work.  

Another advantage is the design of the study materials, which are really thorough and excellent.  The materials are second to none, as is the OU's tailor-made Virtual Learning Environment.  The Open University offers quality and clarity when it comes to the presentation of learning materials, whether through paper, audio, video or webpages.  In many cases they are much better than what you will find elsewhere.

Although study with the OU can involve less face-to-face contact than what you might find at other universities, there is actually more opportunity for social interaction and learning than you may realise: through online discussion forums and tutorials (for example).  You also have a tutor who you can call upon, who typically you will be able to email or ring for very prompt help when you get stuck on something.  As a result, it never feels like you are 'on your own', and my experience has been that the tutors are brilliant, as are the other students on your modules.  There might be less beer drinking than you will find at brick universities (The Young Ones it is not), but in terms of the benefits to learning which social interactions offer, mostly they are still there with the OU.

Perhaps above all the Open University makes learning a thoroughly enjoyable experience.  I would not hesitate to recommend the OU to anyone looking to learn something, whether for a qualification or simply for interest and enjoyment. 

In terms of advice about studying, the main thing is to make sure you will have enough hours to allow for the study, and a suitable place to do so without too many distractions.  If a module says it needs 'x' hours per week, assume it does!

My advice would ultimately be:

Give it a go: The OU is flexible and allows people who cannot attend a Uni full time to study at a pace that suits their commitments so everyone has the opportunity to achieve a new career or simply get recogniton for studying a subject they love!

• Start with an openings course to get an idea of how you are going to go about fitting study in around the commitments you already have and to get an idea of how the OU works but most importantly to find out if you enjoy the content. If you enjoy the topic you are studying it makes it so much easier!
• Be prepared: although you may only do one module at a time its still higher education study and gets harder as you go on.
• Remember your finances: it can end up quite expenisve when you are funding a full degree yourself but there is a budget account available which allows you to pay in instalments.
• Make use of services, tutors and others! Everyone is really supportive so use this to your advantage! The large online community and smaller face to face tutorials can really assist your learning as its an opportunity to clarify, discuss and meet like minded people.

Most importantly though ENJOY IT!

 The Open University provides opportunity to everyone, not just those who have done successful in school and education, for those who have had an unfortunate past to those which are working and would like more knowledgeable skills the OU is designed to suit you with no judgements and all the help and support you could need!

Fantastic!

Hi

Doing a 10 week course with Open University is a good way to get you back into education.  There are so many to choose from and here (http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/atoz/next-3-months.htm ) you can see some are starting this month or next.  I have done a few of these; they are fun and not taxing.  The support is great too; and there is no exam for these.  Have a look and see what you think, there is never any pressure.

Good luck, Sam

It's simply the best - better than all the rest... Once you start you'll never look back

From small acorns grow great oak trees, and whilst you may not wish to become the academic eqiuvalent of a great oak tree, the courses the OU offer allow you to at least branch out and explore. I would recommend a look at Openlearn to any prospective student. Try parts of the courses out and see what you really enjoy, instead of what you thought you might - and the Openlearn units are free!

My advice to potential students would be to take advantage of the affordability and flexibility that The Open University has to offer but not to underestimate the committment that each module requires.  Additionally, I would assure them how easy it is to fit studying into a very busy life because of the diversity of learning techniques offered for each course.

What would I say to someone who was thinking of studying with the OU to help them make their decision?

Well, I would say start small.

The decision isn't always easy, but if you start with an openings course you'll find out that it is really not that difficult to study at a distance when you have an excellent support network like the OU in place.

It doesn't matter who you are, where you live or what you have done before, the OU is for everyone.

There is a wide range of courses to choose from and help is always available, whether it is deciding which courses to study, help with coursework, financial issues or you just want to chat to fellow students.

If you don't try it you'll never know how far you can go!

 Give it a go, you've nothing to loose and everything to gain. Study when you want and for how long you want. Even if you just do one module, it's great on a CV to show that you've done recent study. If you're looking to change career direction, this is the place to be. You do need to be organised, but if time is a problem, start with a short course and see how the study fits around your life. Once you get into it, you'll wonder why you didn't try it sooner, and you'll be wanting more.

Here goes – this is an essay! Started writing it and went on and on …………….

Quite honestly what I would say would depend on who I was advising. People study with the Open University for many different reasons and under many differing circumstances so advice for one may not be quite the same as advice for another and under the current climate I fear it’s a very different ‘animal’ to what it used to be. That said however I think we could probably all agree on a few points, many of which have been mentioned.

Firstly, yes, go for it! I’ve heard a lot of problems, disappointments etc but I’ve never heard anyone who has actually done it say it was a waste of time (even if they only learned something from one module they hadn’t before). It is very addictive, can be great fun and it’s not just about a course or degree – you learn a lot about yourself! Don’t be put off by others if it’s what you want and don’t feel inferior – you are not!

But, think about it VERY carefully. Time spent at the beginning, particularly doing a couple of short courses may well prove to be the most beneficial way to decide on which path to go. You will obviously do better if you are genuinely interested in what you are studying but there are circumstances where you might have to do a course that perhaps you think you don’t really want to in order to achieve your ultimate goal (and these often turn out to be the ones you gain most from!) or as your circumstances change or studies progress, you may find you wished you had taken another path – the choice of an open degree is a fundamental open university winner compared to traditional universities and may well be exactly what you need, but it depends where you want to get to as to how useful that will be, so you do need to really sit down and think about exactly what it is you want. If you don’t have a ‘goal’ think carefully about why you want to do it and realise this may change as time passes.

The biggest hurdles and I’m sure the majority encounter them are:

(a) Time – speak to students rather than the OU [sorry OU but it WILL take you longer than they say, or at least the assignments will :) ] – it requires a LOT of commitment and it’s not always easy to juggle everything when unexpected circumstances turn up. You do need to be disciplined. If you are in a relationship and have children you are likely to feel this the most. Partners may often start out supportive but can often become the opposite when problems arise and they see your study as getting in the way of ‘the whole’ and then you yourself can become a little ‘selfish’ because you resent the fact that others can’t see that it is important to you. Before you start, accept it’s like a 2nd job (or 3rd or 4th!) and thoroughly discuss all the implications of that. [Better still, get your partner to do it too and have your children adopted – just kidding :) ]

(b) Following on from this:  Be prepared to ask for help! – you may have to and that isn’t always easy but the OU are very supportive and it really is worth ‘plucking up the courage’. Incidentally the OU can usually be as sociable or non-sociable as you wish but you will usually with a named degree be asked to work with others at some point (obviously this is something of benefit to your life). If you find this daunting, try not to be put off by it and just go for it because it is usually where you will gain a lot personally and find you are not alone – OU students are on the whole friendly, positive and supportive. You will ALWAYS find people who give the impression they know it all (from experience with these there are a couple of geniuses who quite frankly are cleverer than you – just accept it and don’t try to keep up – and the others just blog it and get much lower grades than you do). And educationally, if you don’t know it/can’t do it – ASK! That’s what you are paying for. That’s why you are doing it. Never be deterred by anyone running on ahead from you or the fact you feel you will never grasp something – just keep at it, badger people, read more – and most probably it will suddenly dawn on you and you will know it better than most. Having said all that, do be aware of your limitations – if you are getting really low grades all the time then maybe your ideas about what you want or are good at are not feasible and you should seek advice as to what might be better for you – earlier rather than later.

(c) And the ultimate – FINANCE! Can you really afford it? I’m afraid I cannot agree more with Joseph Lynch on this one except to add that it has been a huge struggle and quite detrimental to me personally to try to afford it even before the new fees and now I have the added worry that transitional fees are a commitment in themselves – I can’t foresee the future and if my roof falls off etc I will be up that creek! It’s difficult not to transgress from advice here as it is a very sore point and I agree that it seems like the OU has become a mainstream uni and isolated its demographic, but I know that for new students there may in some circumstances be some far more positive advice points to make with the new arrangements and there are good provisions for ‘free’ students and instalment plans etc. But just be aware that you really need to prepare your financial position if necessary as it can take a long time and many things happen before you reach your goal.

I’m quite sure this has ended up sounding more negative than positive but ‘at the end of the day’, if you go into this with your eyes open, prepared to commit and work hard, the rewards are brilliant – and you can play too if you want to! I love it and have learned so much and in so many ways – IT’S WORTH IT! (I think if I’m not bankrupt soon!).

 The best advise is to be organised. The more organised you are, the easier it is to stay on top of your studies. I found this out the hard way :D

Most importantly, prepare - get organised! Make a study space in your home in which you can concentrate. Plan out days on which you are able to put in a couple of hours of study and try to figure out some kind of routine. Self motivated study takes a lot of motivation, so by committing to a routine you are giving yourself less to think and worry about and therefore enabling yourself to concentrate more on your studies. Keep well informed - read, explore, be inspired and turn that inspiration into motivation!

Keep your studying a secret from your employers and colleagues, as they're bound to be jealous and will try to discourage you. Also your managers will think that instead of putting in 10-20-30 hours of studying at home, that time would be better spent doing unpaid overtime at work. In over 5 years in the UK, 5 companies, and 6 departments, I have never encountered a single employer or colleague who approved of my OU studies, and only 1 manager (who was promoted after 6 months). Worse, I've never had a fellow colleague who studied at the OU... or if they did, they kept it well hidden as I've learnt to do. If you want to better your career prospects, or just stretch your brain after a day/week of drudge work, it's going to be considered as negatively as if you had a drug addiction or worked as an escort! 

Just do it! 

OU modules are of a very high standard, the materials are fantastic, the tutors are really helpful and the flexibility of studying when you want makes it so easy to fit round work - as long as you don't take on too big a commitment at once.  Just remember, it's hard work (it is university level study after all) but it can be enormously fun.

And if you're not sure, there are Openings modules and other more gentle modules to ease you into studying with the OU.  I started with little 10 credit science modules and I'm now addicted.

Most importantly - just enjoy the learning experience - it's nothing like being at school

My advice is simple. Just do it. The Open University works around you. I have two young daughters, I juggle work and looking after them with my studies but find the OU very supportive in my work. Make a difference to your life. :-)

Scared your not smart enough?Start with a  short course ,you can start studying at a level below gcse, and take your study as far as you want at a pace you can cope with.

Not enough time? Study on the train to work, when the kids are asleep, anytime infact that suits you!

Cant afford it? OU have a budget account ,you can pay in instalments, and you can  do one module at a time so you never have to find a huge lump sum, you might even get your course free!

Now for the really difficult bit WHAT will you study? Simply, whatever takes your fancy! An open degree allows you to pick and choose a wide variety of topics, and you can change your mind as you go along ,  now what are you waiting for.....

Oh by the way you dont even have to wait until september, courses run all year long with various start dates

Okay, I won't win with this one BUT:

To the student about to embark on an OU degree or qualification: DO IT BEFORE AUGUST 2012.

You see, you'll be one of a dying breed once this date has passed. The reason for me saying this is that the OU is planning on increasing it's fees significantly. So a 60 credit module at level one from then on will cost you £2500. For 360 credits needed to get a degree, that's around £15,000.

The point of the Open University was that it was meant for all. You could in fact say....Open. Now, it may be that it meant open to all, regardless of qualifications, but I'd like to think it had a secondary purpose: Open to anyone regardless of their financial situation. I fear that this almost quadrupling of fees (well more actually) will put of the very demographic that the OU set out to educate.

This is a massive upset to me, not just practically and financially, but also the idea of it being another deterrant of education for those who didn't have the opportunity to study at university for a myriad of reasons. It's sad, because I've seen my Mum get such a boost from her tutors, and seeing her mood uplift when she's given a load of advice from the OU...well that's fantastic. The problem is that if you don't sign up to the OU  before August, I fear you may be put off, and while I recognise that the OU probably didn't want to increase its fees, it should also relise what it has done. I wish you all the best in your studies. To be put off by the fees would deny you a world of enthusiasm and passion for knowledge, something lacking in many HE institutes. So do it now, be inspirered, and consider yourself extremily lucky. Lots of luck with your life.

I think my advice would be tailored depending on what the person wanted to achieve by studying at the Open University.  If the person concerned what to studying short courses or take an Openings course I would say launch straight in, get really involved with your fellow students & tutor and try to enjoy the whole experience of learning through study at the OU.

If however, the person wanted to start down the long road, and I think it’s always best to make sure that a newbie must understand that six years study, even if carried through in consecutive years, is quite a daunting prospect for many, so everyone is in the same boat when they start, needs some very careful consideration. There are many important factors for a prospective student to ‘get sorted’ in the head before any Diploma, or Degree course should be embarked upon. Their own lifestyle is one of the most important factors; can you give yourself the time it takes to study at this level? Any degree course will need quite a lot of ‘me time’.
 
Once the course has started make sure that you are happy with everything. If there is a problem for heaven’s sake ask your tutor or telephone the OU. Don’t suffer in silence, don’t worry that your new friend who you have met at the first tutorial seems to be miles ahead of you in understanding the course and what is required. Study at your own pace keeping half an eye on the eTMA dates as you progress through your first course. But most importantly try to ENJOY the own experience, learning at the OU is supposed to fun as well as mentally challenging.

Studying at OU gives you the flexibility to reach your goals without having "give up" one's life, work commitments, family commitments and or even adding to health issues! How amazing it is to have the availability and flexibility to study without worrying about huge loss in finances, how to get there, time lost in work, or whether you can make all the lectures. It is all there for you to succeed with OU if you have the determination, no matter whether it is one course or a whole degree!  Just OU it!

Your future - although a mystery  - is still very much changeable. Study with the Open University.

I always thought that university was not an option for me. I was never an academic student, and struggled though my GCSEs with a few good results. My school found out, mid way through yr11 that I had dyslexia, which of course was no shock to me or my family.  I started adult life thinking I was deemed for a job with no or little progression and ‘simple’ jobs as I could never develop my learning.
Then I found The Open University.
They guided me through the first stages of deciding what I wanted to study. Discussed what they could offer me and most of all give me the support I need to access the learning on the modules. I am now part way through a Business Studies and Accounting degree in the hope to finish in the next two years. I may not be the top f the class but with the help, support and guidance from the module tutors and Learning support team I am on my way to gain a 2:1.
I can now fulfil my dream. I am working in an upper school in Bedfordshire with the aim of becoming a teacher of Business Studies. Without the OU, This dream could not have happened!!!

To help someone make a decision as to whether to embark on an OU course, I would firstly ask them to think about their financial and life responsibilities and how other types of study would fit in with those.

The OU is by far the most convenient way to study especially if you have lots of other commitments and in my experience, it completely out-performs any other type of institution in terms on financial help and flexibility of payment options.

After taking these important points into consideration, I would then ask them to think about which subjects they most enjoyed as a youngster and only think about taking subjects that truly get them fired up!  

I feel that it is better to change or choose a career based on what it is you are most passionate about - you only get one life so choose to learn what it is you love!

Open University is life changing just try it and see.

It's a cliche but the OU is life changing.  I started studying with the OU when I was at my lowest - health problems that caused me to lose my job, a failed degree from a brick uni and all my plans for the future destroyed.  5 years later and I almost have a degree and am starting to think about the future again.  Thats reason enough for me to recommend the OU.

The idea of studying something as big as a degree just filled me with terror when I first joined OU, I thought I'd never get there and that it was a massive commitment.  However, I soon came to realise that I didn't have to think of the whole degree, I didn't have to think of a whole module or even an essay - all I had to think about was what I had to do today.  Today I have to read a bit of my text book and make a few notes...and that's all the commitment I need today - just that.  The rest will come in its own good time, one day at a time. 

Don't be scared. We all start with anxiety, trepidation and a feeling that six years is a very long time to commit to something. Make sure you follow the timetable and don't get behind with your work - you have to be disciplined - but enjoy the experience.  I recently graduated and it was one of the best and proudest days of my life and I have alrady signed up for my nextg course.  So take a deep breath and begin... 

The Open University is a great opportunity if you wish to study but your lifestyle does not allow for convential academic study at a physical university.

If you are genuinely interested in and have a passion to learn about a subject, then choosing to study with the Open University can only achieve to stoke your curiousity still further! The psychology course that I did was incredibly well organised, explained, and I was superbly supported both from university staff, and by the written materials which were delivered as part of the course in textbook form and online. Assignments for me have been extremely manageable - I found them to be challenging, exciting, and they furthered my learning greatly. Feedback from course tutors is very constructive, supportive, and encouraging, and if you are committed to learning, I am sure you will make it all the way!

Open University study will open up your world as your mind starts to expand in areas of interest you may not have realised were inside you. The Open University allows you to take back the power in your life, gain control and make plans for your future, whilst being supported by The Open University team. Other than having children, studying here has been the best thing I have achieved.

 Go for it! Studying with the OU is a great confidence booster. You can study more flexibly than at any other university, at times and places that suit you. The course materials are very clear and well-designed, and your tutor will also be very helpful. No other uni can beat the OU for accessibility.

Make sure you  know the time commitments your course needs - you can't halve the time by doubling your effort later on.

Once the work starts to snowball, you can cut your losses by not allowing future work to be impaired by past work.

Many people never reach their true potential through a lack of confidence, a fear of failure often through limited beliefs.

 "We are often imprisoned by the chains of our thoughts and we allow ourselves to think ourselves into problems. However, since most problems are created by our imaginations and are thus imaginary, all we need are imaginary solutions..." Richard Bandler Co-creator of NLP"  "Get The Life You Want"

What I have discovered and learned over the years is that each of us has the ability to be amazing. Through imagination, hard work and determination, any one of us can bring about any mental and physical changes that we wish, and manifest many great things in our lives. This is a quote that I ofen use in life coaching posts on my website.

Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. 

Doing an OU course is living the dream and fun. A journey into the unknown of limitless possibliites.

 Just do it.

I am a  mature student who has done very little studying since I left school and was slightly nervous about not knowing  what I was letting myself in for. The help and support I have had from the OU is absolutely second  to none. Through participating in the on line forums on the module, I have always felt 'part of it' and  never felt alone. My tutor was always at the end of the phone if needed and the forums  are there to help me with anything I was unsure about, always making me feel welcome. I do have other family commitments so studying with the OU suites me down to the ground, its flexible hours to suite me, with deadlines to meet that are managable when I stick to the study planner !

I have found my course throughly enjoyable, and have already enrolled for next years course!!

One regret...I should have done this years ago.

Mike. 

The Open University suits anyone for studying. You can study full time, part time and the support is fantastic. The advice and help that you can recieve is more plenty more than what I expected. Like alot of people, I felt concerned that I wouldnt be able to complete a degree, but now I am studying, I have met new people, learnt new things and feel great confidence and achievement from registering and studying.

Go for it, if you dont, you may regret it in the future. I feel so proud of myself that I am doing this and I know you will too.

I never thought I would be intelligent enoughto study for a degree, especially since English is not my first language. However, I started with just one course at level one and soon found my way into studying. With no entry requirements for most courses, affordable fees and the flexibility to study in my own time, it was the best thing I ever did, and I wouldn't be where I am now, be it professionally or as a person, if I didn't make that first step to just go for it and try it. A little warning though, studying with the OU is addictive in the best possible way!

Undertaking an OU course is an excellent way of getting back into study.  It allows the flexibility to work and learn at the same time and importantly provides the support you need to keep on track.  You don't have to sign up to a degree from the outset if this seems daunting to you but can work your way towards this as your confidence grows.  I kick myself for leaving it so long before signing up but don't regret it one bit.  My advice... get signed up now!!  You will be surprised how much enjoyment and the sense of accomplishment you will get out of it!!

Don't even give it a second thought just register and choose your career path, it is the best thing I have done in a long time. I wish I'd known about it sooner, I would of done it years ago. Great flexible learning at an easy pace in the comfort of your own surroundings and it's nice to be apart of an OU communtiy partcipating online.

Just GO FOR IT!  You will never look back once you have the 'study bug'.  Your confidence will increase, and as your qualifications grow, you may find that you can apply to better jobs and your income will grow too :)

Just GO FOR IT!  You will never look back once you have the 'study bug'.  Your confidence will increase, and as your qualifications grow, you may find that you can apply to better jobs and your income will grow too :)

The Open University is a great place to study, because it is so versatile. If you're not really sure what you want to study, or you have in mind a few different options, it's really good to be able to try a few of the short 10-credit modules to see what you really enjoy. If you like the module, great, it can both help you decide and put you a step closer towards a degree! If not, you haven't wasted alot of time or money finding that out  and as abonus, with the number of "free choice" credits you have for degrees, you can probably still count the credits anyway!

Even if you know what you want to do, the OU is a great choice because of the wide-ranging choice of modules for the compulsory part of each course and the fact that your remaining credits can be made up from practically anything that takes your fancy - perhaps you'll find something you want to do as a second degree even!

It's such a versatile way to learn and the ability to work full-time (or be a parent full-time without having to worry about childcare costs so much) gives you so much freedom. Plus the ability to only pay for modules as you do them takes the financial pressure off, especially given how much traditional university fees are climbing.