The Open University

Meet the OU Law graduate using his degree to support fellow Windrush survivors

4 October 2021

When Anthony Brown first applied for university aged 21, he was almost deported. Decades later, after achieving a Law degree with The Open University, Anthony is using his skills to passionately fight for others affected by the Windrush scandal. Anthony, now 60, shares his incredible story so far: “I was at college when the 1980s […]

Sports coach and OU graduate Allana shares her advice for new students

The OU graduate and sports coach with a passion to give back

3 October 2021

“The Open University played a huge part in my success and I want to share that,” says sports coach and Open University graduate Allana Francis-Ashmeil. Known as ‘Coach Ace’ to her students, Allana launched her children’s coaching business while studying for her Sport, Fitness and Coaching degree. After struggling with dyslexia at school, she says […]

From one OU student to another: ‘You can do this!’

14 September 2021

Balancing a degree with family and work commitments isn’t easy. Yet the rewards are so worth it. Just ask mum of two and Open University Natural Sciences graduate Gina. After experiencing ups and downs during her degree journey, she’s now a proud graduate and is here to cheer on current OU students with some words […]

No holds barred for Roy when it comes to lifelong learning

13 September 2021

From lessons in cyber security to secrets of the night sky, 93-year-old pensioner Roy Palmer has enjoyed more than 60 free courses online to keep up learning in his later years. The Cheltenham care home resident has gained knowledge and been entertained by the wealth of courses he’s taken on the OU’s home of free […]

OU students share their best study advice

13 September 2021

Whether it’s from a friend, family member or tutor, getting some tried and tested advice can help to get you through those tough study moments. We asked OU students on Instagram to share their best study advice and here’s what they said: 1. Set yourself small goals Setting some achievable goals can help keep you […]

Engineer Lauren: ‘The OU helps me achieve new heights’

9 September 2021

When Lauren Powell, 27, isn’t studying for her BSc (Hons) Combined STEM degree at The Open University, she’s helping to keep planes flying safely as an aeronautical quality engineer. Lauren shares why combining work and study has enabled her to achieve heights she never dreamed possible: “I started a degree at a brick university when I […]

Talk about distance learning – the OU student tackling climate change in Antarctica

8 September 2021

Alex Coniff, 29, is taking supported distance learning to a whole new level by studying for his Open University Engineering degree while tackling climate change in Antarctica. Alex works as a facilities engineer for the Rothera Research Station, the largest British Antarctic facility based in the Antarctic Peninsula. His role sees him spend long periods […]

OU student Charlotte shares her study journey

Studying with Cerebral Palsy – Charlotte shares her OU journey

25 August 2021

“Even though it was hard, I never felt like giving up,” says Open University graduate Charlotte, who achieved her qualifications despite numerous hospital trips and health challenges. Charlotte, who has Cerebral Palsy with Spastic Diplegia, began studying with the OU to boost her confidence and career prospects. She is now a proud graduate, achieving a […]

OU student and MBE recipient Aimee outside the University of Cambridge Primary School

OU student awarded MBE for supporting vulnerable children through the pandemic

16 August 2021

When Open University student Aimee Durning first volunteered at her son’s playgroup, she never imagined it would be the first step in her teaching career. Or that she would one day receive an MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Aimee, who is half-way through her OU Education Studies (Primary) degree, has spent […]

OU graduate Lea shares her story from homeless student to proud businesswoman

‘My degree gave me hope when I was homeless’

11 August 2021

At the start of her Open University (OU) journey, Lea was homeless and suffering with her mental health. She’s now completed a Social Sciences undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Psychology with the OU, is living independently and has started a business to help others in the community to feel less alone. Lea shares how […]

OU News

Category: Student stories