Thank you for your trust
From a student who once struggled to leave the house to becoming your President-elect, this journey has been extraordinary. I appreciate your support!
Welcome to the new-look Hoot!
We hope that you will find it a clearer and more accessible site to use – a more user-friendly experience for everyone.
A day in the life of a Faculty Rep: from support worker shift to OU campus
Jack Flaherty, FASS Student Rep, provides a glimpse into his busy 24 hours attending a Faculty Assembly.
A bit about me and my manifesto
Hi fellow students, I hope you are well. I am Charon the current WELS Faculty Rep standing for re election. I thought I would tell you a bit about myself.
President Hustings
Find out my answers to your most asked questions (plus some kitties!)
Update on contacting the OU Student Support Team for international students
There are now more opportunities for international students to obtain support from the OU.
The end of an era
It seems strange to think that after nearly six years of study I have only one assignment left to complete my degree pathway. And what a journey it's been.
The impact of parental imprisonment
Reflections on attending the recent OU 'Silenced and shamed' seminar.
Did you know that the OU provides you with access to Turnitin?
Find out about the system the OU uses to check your work against sources, including books, journals, websites and module materials.
Apply now for a £5,000 Santander Scholarship
The OU has partnered with Santander Universities to offer two £5,000 scholarships to support OU students during the 2025/26 academic year.
From hiding to the Board of Trustees: nine years of rebuilding
An honest reflection on my nearly nine-year journey from getting a disability to joining my first meeting with the Open SU Board of Trustees.
Six years, four options, and a broken system while waiting to live: the human cost of the gender surgery waiting list
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES SENSITIVE TOPICS. TRIGGER WARNING: TRANS HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL TRAUMA, INVASIVE EXAMINATIONS, AND SUICIDAL IDEATION.
Writing competition second place: Turning over a new leaf
I grew up loving law.
The clean lines of reason,
the weight of words,
the promise of justice.
I earned my place at university
but not my place in...
Boundless vision
A submission from Frederique Lanoix for the Hoot writing competition (on the theme of 'turning over a new leaf').
Turning Over A New Leaf
I was stuck in a loop of grief, depression and anxiety but then I found the Open Uni, got a diagnosis of ADHD and things are looking up
More than arguments: what our Debate Club actually teaches us
A time for connnection and discussion of differences.
Student rep fundraising for Diabetes UK charity, please support me
Please support me in this challenge. I dedicate this 500,000 steps for Diabetes UK in memory of my mum. I developed diabetes too but I am determined to change that.
Writing competition third place: Turning over a new leaf
When I retired, I imagined my future would involve a few walks, the occasional afternoon nap, and perhaps a heroic attempt to tame the...
Writing competition winner: Sunny Days Ahead – When People Turn Over A New Leaf
When the sun brings in a new day and a fresh start, a student is inspired to turn over a new leaf.
Turning over a new leaf
“Turning over a new leaf” for me meant taking a big leap and admitting to myself I had made a wrong decision.
At 18 I...
Dates for your diary: August, September and October 2026
Meet other students, build your confidence, explore careers support, and find events to help you get ready for the new academic year.
Come to the Birmingham Meet-ups!
Looking for in person events? Live near Birmingham? Then come to the Birmingham Meet-up!
Whý we need Language and Culture Day
The end of the German half of my German and Law degree has coincided with a suspension of the in-person Language and Culture Days...
President’s pick (July): My Journey as a Student Engagement Coordinator intern for eSTEeM
Navigating a part- time degree is a marathon. Here is how my eSTEeM internship flipped the script on my self doubt.
International Students Hub
My name is Isabelle Hoyet and I am the Representative for International Students at Open SU.
Hoot highlights
Every month, we put together a snapshot of all the best bits from The Hoot and deliver them directly to your inbox! Subscribe to see student favourites, your president's highlight from the month, and some exclusive content...
Which Hogwarts House are you?
Which Hogwarts House best matches your OU study personality?
LGBTQIA+ History Month quiz
Test your knowledge of LGBTQIA+ history and learn about all things queer with our quiz.
How well do you know Wes Anderson?
Get your popcorn out and your thinking caps on, as we test your knowledge on the films of famous filmmaker, Wes Anderson!
Which plant are you?
Take this fun quiz to discover your plant persona!
Could you be in Team Open 2025? Take our quiz to test your knowledge!
Apply now for your chance to appear on University Challenge.
Welcome to The Hoot!
Come and explore the Open SU’s magazine site for OU students...
Adding great graphics
Not sure how to make a thumbnail image or create a graphic for your post? Read on!
Lists (and countdowns)
Let us list all the reasons that we love lists...
How To: Creating Polls
Let's settle things for once and for all with a poll!
How To: Creating a Quiz
Getting quiz-y with it...