The books have arrived, our brand new notepad is bought and the pens and pencils are in place. With every new Open University module there is usually a mix of excitement and trepidation. I was always pleased to see the course books sitting fresh and untouched on my table before the module...
Category: General Articles
Epic Battle: Open University Students vs. The Course Book
It sits in the corner with a visible spine, reminding you of what it is and what you need to be doing. The Open University course book, sometimes thin, sometimes fat, sometimes almost mocking as it reminds you of the “need to read”. There is often such a bulk of information to read...
Disabled Students and the Open University
I was recently looking across a couple of old links and found an article from 2010 reporting a study which revealed that more disabled students were dropping out of university. As somebody who had a disabled friend studying at university I know that the provision of support and services is an important issue. Often...
Best Overheard: #OUstudents on Twitter
Here at Surviving the OU we spend a fair few hours each week flicking through social media. Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, there are a few about. If there’s one feature of the Open University Students’ Twitter account that always brings a smile to my face then it’s the “best overheard” tweets. This account...
I’m happy to be locked in Pandora’s Box!
I love distance learning. Studying in my own time on my own terms without the restrictions of a brick-and-mortar university perfectly suits my needs. As a full-time employee, father and husband I would not be able to attend regular classes of tutorials having missed out on university after school. After completing my...
OU students: Time to get productive
Hello again everybody! I hope your studies are moving along nicely and you are on track for the Christmas break (or your festival of choice). I know from experience that getting Open University TMAs and assignments out of the way before the festive holidays is always a great feeling. Last week we focused...
OU students: 3 ways to stay off technology and on task
If you are anything like me you will be easily distracted. Before you start typing up that TMA you will permit yourself a quick five minutes to check Twitter, Facebook to respond to a text or e-mail. One hour later…..oh dear it’s happened again. I remember chatting to an Open University student...
Coping with Open University exams
Have you ever come out of an Open University examination feeling all pleased with yourself? Maybe even happy and contented that you’ve done well. Then you eagerly mix with fellow students and discuss a point or question and to your shock or horror they are all describing the answer to a question...
Taking a breather!
Anyone studying with the Open University will know how important it is to take a breather. We often get so bogged down in TMAs or exam revision that it can be difficult to realise we all need time to step back and take stock of where we are at and where we...
It’s never too late to start with the Open University!
While poking around online recently, checking various forums and Facebook groups, I stumbled upon a question from a prospective learner who was considering returning to education after a lengthy break away. The person asked a simple question: “Is it too late to study with the Open University?” Concerned that their opportunity to...
