The Open University

‘I dream of being named partner of a law firm – that’s what keeps me motivated’

23 August 2023

Open University (OU) Law student Sade, 27, has big plans for the future. With savvy advice for squeezing study into a busy life, Sade shares how she manages to fit everything in and keep her eye on the prize. A mother of two young children and NHS administrator, Sade knew that going to a campus […]

‘The OU creates a space where you can be yourself’

16 August 2023

Political activist and psychology student Emma, 19, shares why they think The Open University (OU) is a smart choice for school leavers who want to get ahead in all aspects of their life. “I wasn’t in a great place before I discovered the OU. I’d had a tough time in the last couple of years […]

‘Everything has fallen into place since I discovered the OU’

7 August 2023

Committed health practitioner Aoife, developed the confidence and self-belief she was lacking during her time at The Open University (OU). At 22, Aoife reflects on how she grew as a person and transformed her career. “School wasn’t easy for me for lots of reasons. I experienced some bullying, which really knocked my confidence,” Aoife says. […]

‘Don’t let exam results hold you back – you can still succeed’

17 July 2023

With Results Day on everybody’s mind, OU graduate Jess Barrett, 30, knows all too well how it feels to not get the results you’d hoped for. Despite failing two of her exams, Jess has since gone on to succeed, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) last April. “Failing felt like a punch in the face” […]

‘Can’t decide between work experience or a degree – why not have both?’

14 July 2023

After finishing his A Levels, Abiola, 28 was on course to take up his place at a brick university, until a “eureka” moment changed his path completely. Abiola recalls the U-turn that transformed his career prospects and set him apart from his peers. “I always thought I’d take the traditional route to university. I got […]

‘I’m supporting young people to believe in themselves, thanks to the OU’

14 July 2023

Masters student Audrey, 29, had a thirst for learning from a young age, but always felt stifled by the education system. Audrey recounts how studying with The Open University (OU) inspired her to pursue a career in education and support young people to find their confidence and self-belief. “I didn’t think I was fit for […]

‘The OU empowered me to fulfil my dream and switch careers’

12 July 2023

Zimbabwean student Samantha, 25, had always loved academia, but despite being offered opportunities to attend universities in several different countries, the course costs were a barrier she was unable to overcome. Samantha was determined not to give up on her dream of postgraduate study and a career in translation, so she set her sights on […]

Celia shaking hands on stage while crossing the stage at the Poole graduation ceremony.

‘I loved the OU so much I came back 50 years later’

4 July 2023

Celia, 77 from Bristol returned to study with The Open University (OU) after nearly 50 years, as a way of keeping her mind active during retirement. No matter your age, Celia’s story shows that it’s never too late to learn. Pioneer student Celia was part of the first cohort of students to study with the […]

50 years on – Michael looks back on the OU’s “awe-inspiring” first graduation ceremony

23 June 2023

In 1973, Michael Shaw and fellow pioneer students made history by crossing the stage at The Open University’s first graduation ceremony at Alexandra Palace. Fifty years since graduating, retired head teacher Michael shares how at 82 with an esteemed teaching career behind him, collecting his OU degree scroll is still one of his proudest moments. […]

young woman standing in front of graffiti wall.

‘I’ve made life-long friends through the OU’

20 June 2023

After recently moving to the UK, Khudayja, 25, hadn’t expected that her BA (Honours) English Literature and Creative Writing degree at The Open University (OU) would introduce her to life-long friends and a huge community of fellow book lovers. “I moved to the UK from Pakistan with my family four years ago. My family are […]

OU News

Category: Student stories