Community

A few thoughts on the question of ‘belonging’

Nina Taylor -
Reflections on an online event at the Open University around encouraging and fostering a sense of belonging among students

Dates for your diary: June-July 2026

The OU and You -
Meet other students, grow your study skills, attend careers workshops, and more.

Testicular Cancer Awareness Event

Kevin McErlean -
Testicular cancer is most common in people aged 15 to 49. Around 2,300 people are diagnosed each year, yet many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms.

The Hoot is turning over a new leaf…

oustudents -
The Hoot is about to undergo a bit of a change...

Remembering and treasuring our communities

Andrew Wilson -
Trigger warning: This article contains references to suicide.

Cheers for 20 years with Glasgow’s Science Festival!

Louise Davison -
A wide range of activities are taking place at the Glasgow Science Festival in June 2026, hosted by staff and students from The Open University.

Dates for your diary: Spring 2026

The OU and You -
Meet other students, grow your study skills, attend careers workshops, and more.

“From listening to doing, turning Student Voice into action”

Scarlet James -
This isn’t about promises, it’s about real, practical changes that help students feel seen, supported, and part of something!

Please vote Jimmie Daly for FASS Rep

James "Jimmie" Daly -
Let’s make The Open University more community-oriented!💙❤️💜 Please vote for me in the elections from April 17th!

Leading with purpose, heart, and a little help from Winter

Scarlet James -
It doesn’t matter if you’re a day 1 student or a day 1000 student, your voice matters. I’m standing for President to make sure it’s heard, valued, and acted on.If yo

Making connections – making a difference

hootbot -
This article was written by Lorna Sibbett, Chair of the Open Programme Board of Studies.

From isolation to belonging: how Open SU changed my life

Michael Connor Pierce Jones -
Distance learning can feel isolating. Through Open SU I discovered friendship, community, and a true sense of belonging.