On Student Finance Day 2011, and with student fees and loans high on the agenda for those considering university, Platform caught up with some prospective students via Twitter to find out how fees were influencing their decision-making. One year later, ahead of Student Finance Day 2012 (20 September), we caught up with them to see how they’re getting on now...
Age: 35
Location: Luton
Are you starting more study this Sept/October? If so have your course books arrived?
Yes. I am starting in October the S104 (Exploring Science) and S155 (Scientific Investigations). The material for the S104 arrived about a month ago and I have already started studying the first book.
How has flexible learning worked for you this year?
Flexible learning has worked great for me and I attribute it to the way the course material was planned and the tutors. The tutors have been instrumental in my experience. I was booked on to the MST121 (Using Mathematics), but after an evaluation the tutor suggested I took the MU123 (Discovering Mathematics) first to brush up my skills, and I was able to switch courses in time.
How did you find adapting to studying whilst also working part/full time?
It's been a very easy transition. I was worried that I would not have the discipline, but the way the course was laid out made it very easy to get into a routine of studying the units and working on assignments.
Have the changes in fees affected your studies at all?
I qualified for the transitional arrangement and continue with the pre-2012 fees, which for me has been a great help. The combination of financial support, OUSBA loans and transitional fees made it possible for me to continue with my studies.
Any other thoughts?
I have only praises for the way the courses are planned and the level of support and service I have received from The Open University. I have my studies planned and set out until 2016, and I feel very confident that I can achieve my goals based on my current experience with the OU.
Age: 28
Location: Welwyn Garden City
As yet I haven't signed up for a course, I have been a little too busy with work and I've had to pay for other unexpected expenses which has had to put back my plans too, as well as not being sure of where to start or what to do first. It's something I'm still thinking about , but as yet I haven't had the time or money to take it further.
