Welcome new and potential students! You have an exciting time ahead of you, but we also know it can be a bit daunting starting your studies. Five students who started at The Open University in October 2025 have got together to share their tips and experiences.
1. Don’t chase others, go on your own journey
You may come across other students who have gotten ahead. Don't be disheartened by this as it isn't a race. As long as you get your work done, that's all that matters. If you do find yourself getting overwhelmed, falling behind, or feel you may not meet the TMA (tutor marked assignment) deadline, then contact your tutor. Your tutor is there to help you so don't be scared to reach out to them.
2. Get to know the OU website
You may get your study materials in the post before you start, and the module website may open plenty in advance, but don’t speed ahead. The OU follows a week-by-week planner and this will help you time your study sessions, and get you in a weekly schedule. Instead, visit as much of the OU website as possible (I once got told “Click on everything possible to see what it does as you can’t break anything”). Your StudentHome page has the 'Undergraduate Introduction' in the top right, it covers plenty of topics that will help you with your OU studies, and you get a digital badge when you complete it. Alternatively, you can check out OpenLearn, which has plenty of courses that range from less than an hour to complete to 24 hours plus.
3. Say hello
Get online and meet your fellow students in the module forums, OU Connect or Welcome Week held by Open SU (the student union). There are plenty of people going through a similar journey and meeting them may help reassure you that you’re not alone. There are groups for disabled students, Black, Asian and Minority ethnic students, and LGBTQIA+ students, as well as clubs and societies around academic interests and hobbies.
4. Watch social media about being a student
Before starting your module, have a look at previous or current students' videos on TikTok/Instagram/YouTube. These videos can give you a feel for how life will be when you are studying. It's also a great way to learn tricks you may not have thought of that will make your study journey easier. Doing this also gives you a chance to connect with other students and ask questions from people who have been in your position already. Additionally, the SU has their own social media pages which you can follow to gain extra insight into what it's like being a student.
5. Read the assignment guide
Most modules come with an assignment guide. When it comes to your TMAs, read it and then read it again! The assignment guide tells you everything you need to know about your assignments – what your tutor will be looking for, how to reference, what material to use and guidance on the layout of your assignments for your specific module.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
It may be a simple thing to overlook, but the OU is there to help you. Firstly, there's Student Support who are there to listen and advise. Secondly the Student Union provides support, advice and representation, to help you out and have your back. And lastly, your tutor, who will be able to provide answers to any questions you have regarding your module.
These are just a few tips to help you on your OU journey, and hopefully they’ll put your mind at ease as you get started. Just remember – it may be overwhelming at first but take it one day at a time and quickly you’ll start to feel more comfortable. Good luck and enjoy your studies.
Written by:
Amie Bridge
James “Jimmie” Daly
Jessica Gray
Lily Hanson
Alex Thomas
lovely and inciteful, well done Jimmy!