No need to ‘go it alone’ says Leanne fresh from OU radio experience

So you’ve made the decision to study with the Open University and are probably a bit nervous about ‘going it alone’. Did you know that there is a whole student community out there waiting to support you and cheer you along? It’s true and it really is a fantastic community that you should find out more about. This article is about getting involved with the community, why you should and how you can.

Why Get Involved?

By getting involved with the student community you are breaking down that barrier that makes you feel all alone. It’s not about studying with other people, it’s about feeling like you have people to help if you need them and to laugh and joke with you along the way. It’s about knowing that there are others out there that are just like you and that other people go through the same struggles. Just knowing that you aren’t alone and hearing about how others get through it all helps give you a sense of perspective as well as the encouragement to keep going.

Where is the OU Student Community?

It’s mostly, but not exclusively, online. Firstly you will have other students in your tutor group and many of them will live not too far from you. You can meet them at tutorials of via the online forums. Outside of the tutor groups and forums you’ll be able to find other OU students on almost all social media platforms (the most popular ones are listed below).

OU Student Social Media Platforms

Facebook: You can find the official OU Students Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OUStudents . As well as this page there are many groups set up on Facebook. Search Facebook for your module code and start date and see what comes up. If you can’t find anything there then post a message to the OU Students page and see if anyone can point you in the right direction. These groups are a great way to connect with others doing the same module as you.

Twitter: Again there is an official OU Students Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/OUStudents . This is a brilliant account for getting to know what’s going on and for connecting with other students. You’ll see posts about all kinds of OU related things and other students will reply to your tweets to the OU Student account.

Instagram: Find the OUStudentslive Instagram feed and see funny and inspiring images and quotes. Get yourself involved and leave comments.

When to Get Involved

Now! What are you waiting for? All you have to do is start posting and following the OU Students accounts. You’ll soon pick it up and find plenty of students to follow and talk with. Before you know it you won’t feel so alone and you’ll have a place to turn when you need a little boost from others. Give it a go and get involved – there’s a brilliant student community waiting to welcome you.

A keen and active member of the community, Leanne recently appeared on the OU Students Radio show which you can listen to below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12qWoM7sAZY

 

Leanne is halfway through a BA (Hons) in History with the OU and enjoys writing as a freelancer as well as on her personal blog, Growing my Knowing, where she catalogues her experiences as a student. You can catch up on all of Leanne’s excellent contributions for STOU here.

Take advantage of the OU Students community. You’ll be glad that you did. Please LIKE/TWEET/SHARE or leave a comment below. This social currency helps us to grow and improve the value we are able to provide for OU students.

The Open University study guide is now available! Click on this image to find out more.

The Open University study guide is now available! Click on this image to find out more.

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