Starting a new qualification can be daunting \u2013 whether you\u2019re 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\u2019s a lot to think about.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, you have a whole community of brilliant OU students who know exactly what you\u2019re going through and their top tips can help set you up for success.<\/p>\n
Here are 6 things every student should know \u2013 as picked by the OU family\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cStart preparing your time and making notes of important dates as soon as the module website opens. Make yourself familiar with the different areas of the module website and where you can find useful information and help.\u201d \u2013 Harlee<\/p>\n
\u201cI keep a mid-year calendar up on my wall above my desk and I put on post-it notes for when my TMAs are due. I just cross off each day so I know how long I have got left and I can organise my time based on when I have [my work shifts] and when I can fit in my studies.\u201d – Pierce<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t compare yourself to others! Everyone learns at their own pace and everyone has their strength and weaknesses.\u201d @petitechoux8<\/p>\n
\u201cAccept that learning is an ongoing process. At the beginning it is easy to feel overwhelmed or under-qualified. But as time goes on, the learning process becomes easier.\u201d \u2013 Sacha<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the OU, you\u2019re not alone. It might seem like you\u2019re sitting at your desk at home, but there\u2019s a whole lot of people that are in the same situation that you could easily meet up with. If you ask a question online, you\u2019ll have a whole load of classmates that will be able to help you.\u201d \u2013 Halima<\/p>\n
\u201cYour tutor is always there if you need them and there are always students to connect with you on the forums. So you are never alone!\u201d \u2013 Aimee<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cMy tutors were incredibly supportive and were always available when I had questions or mini meltdowns! The student community was invaluable as well. I\u2019d encourage all students to use the technology available to connect with your peers. They\u2019re usually the best form of help you can get.\u201d \u2013 Kellie<\/p>\n
4) Keep the faith \u2013 you\u2019ve got this <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Studying might be full of ups and downs but remember that you\u2019re more capable than you think!<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t lose faith in yourself if you get a bad mark on a TMA. Learn from the feedback and move on.\u201d @eemniclu1972<\/p>\n
\u201cMy advice to anyone starting an OU course would be to believe in yourself! Don\u2019t throw the towel in \u2013 persevere because it\u2019s so worth it in the end!\u201d \u2013 Krystyna<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cPutting things into context is critical. It is ok if you do not pass all assignments and with flying colours. Do not use \u2018failure\u2019 for anything other than as a motivator to do better and be better.\u201d – Aqua<\/p>\n
\u00a05) <\/strong>Remember your end goal <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Whether it\u2019s picturing the moment you walk across the stage at a degree ceremony, or celebrating all the little wins along the way, find what motivates you.<\/p>\n
\u201cRemember that you made your decision to join the OU for a reason, and you will achieve your dreams. If you have the passion, determination and resilience for OU study, you can achieve anything you want in life!\u201d \u2013 Ruby<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll feel so proud of yourself at the end of your journey when you realise how much you\u2019ve grown. Forget what you previously thought about your ability to learn, because you\u2019ll discover more about what you\u2019re capable of than you ever dreamed possible.\u201d \u2013 Gina<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cTo stand up there at a degree ceremony with all the togs on and get the degree will be an amazing thing. It\u2019s something to really look forward to and a real motivator.\u201d \u2013 Martyn<\/p>\n
6) Don\u2019t forget to reference! <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Finally, one piece of advice we hear again and again:<\/p>\n
\u201cLearn how to edit and reference as early as possible.\u201d Swperspectives<\/p>\n
And if you need a hand, remember you can contact your tutor and find lots of resources (like referencing) available on your module website.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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