The Open University

‘I just kept going, I didn’t want to quit’

16 March 2022

When it comes to helping her community, EAL Coordinator Mihaela Popa, 37, has been described as a ‘force of nature’. Despite battling COVID multiple times, even while pregnant, Mihaela won’t let anything get in the way of her dream teaching career. She shares how studying with The Open University is helping to make that dream […]

English Language and video game creator Faye studying

‘My first OU module inspired a video game’

14 March 2022

When Faye isn’t studying for her English Language degree with The Open University, she’s creating video games that celebrate her love of words. Faye shares how her first OU module material gave her the creative spark and confidence to take the plunge into the world of gaming. “I’m definitely a gamer girl,” said Faye, who […]

OU student and food poverty campaigner Rachel

Confronting food poverty, one meal at a time

8 March 2022

When 39-year-old Rachel Bresnahan from Stockport isn’t studying towards her Open University BA (Hons) Degree in Youth Work, she’s out tackling food poverty in her local community. Here, she takes a brief pause to share her story. “I love my community,” says Rachel. “I grew up here in Cherry Tree, Romiley. As the council estate […]

“I studied science so I’d feel confident discussing my condition with medical professionals”

21 February 2022

Karolien Verheyen, a teacher and musician from Belgium, was already educated to Master’s-degree level when she began studying with The Open University. After being diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare illness affecting her organs, Karolien was inspired to learn more about the human body and its functions. Initially signing up for a module in Human Biology, […]

‘The OU helped me realise that it’s never too late to start a new career’

14 February 2022

Entrepreneur Jean Bustinza, originally from Spain, was working as an Edinburgh tour guide when the pandemic dealt a devastating blow to tourism. Forced to rethink his options, Jean, 26, credits The Open University for giving him the tools he needed to pivot fast. Jean now plans to apply everything he learns during his BSc (Hons) […]

New to the OU? Top tips from fellow students

2 February 2022

Starting a new qualification can be daunting – whether you’re new to higher education or a seasoned lifelong learner. From battling nerves to learning how to squeeze in study around the rest of your life, there’s a lot to think about. Thankfully, you have a whole community of brilliant OU students who know exactly what […]

OU student Luke travelled the world while completing his degree

‘I got to work, study and travel the world thanks to the flexibility of the OU!”

31 January 2022

When Luke Simmons began studying with The Open University, he had a thirst for knowledge but no specific career goal. Picking up on his passion for fiction writing and travel during his Open Degree, one of his “magnificent” OU tutors suggested he use his travel experiences as inspiration for his writing, something which Luke says […]

‘I won’t let dyslexia stop me’ – the degree apprentice building a new career

28 January 2022

When Martyn Carroll left school at 16, he didn’t realise he had dyslexia and simply thought higher education wasn’t for him. He’s now proving just what he’s capable of thanks to a degree apprenticeship with The Open University and South Western Railway. It means he can finally achieve his degree dream – and apply his […]

‘My MBA has made me believe in myself again’

24 January 2022

Mother-of-two Kellie Stockenström says her MBA with The Open University has given her the self-confidence to achieve her life goals. With more than 12 years’ experience working in supply chain in the African mining industry, she signed up for an OU MBA as an international student after her brother-in-law recommended OU study to her. Having […]

NHS worker and OU student Joe shows his study space

NHS worker by day, student by night

18 January 2022

When it comes to choosing a career or a qualification, why not have the best of both worlds? That’s exactly what Open University Psychology student Joe Acaye, 23, decided when choosing his next step after college. “My dad is a retired NHS psychiatrist and the whole field of mental health intrigued me,” explains Joe. “I […]

OU News

Category: Student stories