What’s hot: events this autumn

Meet other students and expand your support network with our social events and meet ups. Whether face-to-face or virtual, all our socials are inclusive, welcoming, fun and interactive. You can attend as many or as few as you like – there’s zero pressure. Study buddies are, of course, encouraged! 

Great for:

Expanding your network
Building your confidence
Having a laugh!

Upcoming events:

Community drop-in
Thursday 14 September | 18:00–19:00
Join hosts Bev and Nichola for this weekly drop-in to chat about anything. Everyone is welcome.

Disabled student group monthly drop-in
Friday 29 September | 17:00–18:30
A chance to socialise with other members and express any queries and concerns you may have to the Committee. It is a friendly, laidback environment where you can participate as much or as little as you want. Cameras and microphones are optional.

NB: The above event is restricted to DSG members only, unless by prior invitation. If you are not a full member of the Disabled Students Group, you can apply to join here.

Reach your full potential as a student with our study skills workshops. Whether it’s essay planning and writing, or learning how to present a strong academic argument, the interactive workshops will help you develop the skills you need to meet the demands of your course. Created with the academic calendar in mind, there are plenty of opportunities to support you throughout the year. 

Great for:

Honing your study skills
Building key competencies
 Improving academic communication

Upcoming events:

Tuition: making the most of your tutor and tutorials
Tuesday 26 September | 11:00–12:00
In this broadcast we'll look at the role of tutors within the OU and how tutorials can help you in your study.

Generative AI: angel or demon?
Thursday 28 September | 11:00–12:30
Curious about ChatGPT? But what exactly is generative artificial intelligence? How useful is it in education and what are the dangers? Join this panel to hear the latest from the OU on this developing topic.

Our career and employability events will help you develop skills that are widely valued in the workplace. Our webinars and events are led by professional career advisors, enabling you achieve your work and life ambitions. Feel empowered, build confidence, and learn how to articulate your capabilities and skills in a workplace setting. 

Great for:

Career planning
Connecting you to new opportunities
Helping you navigate the job market

Upcoming events:

Considering postgraduate study
Tuesday 10 October | 12:00–13:00
Join a team of specialists for this interactive workshop discussing common concerns and ways round them. The team will look at your motivation, identify the best options for your goals, while keeping in mind the postgraduate labour market, feeding into grounded decisions and applications.

Navigating career roadblocks
Thursday 19 October | 12:00–13:00
We all hit roadblocks in our lifelong career journey. They may be due to unexpected events, changes in circumstances or even discrimination. If you’re interested in hearing how you can navigate these, join this event to discover resources and tools to help steer your course forward.

Watch this space: CareersFest | 7–9 November 
This three-day event features employer panel sessions, careers skills workshops and advice sessions designed to help OU students build their confidence. More will be revealed in direct emails to students in October and you can check the Events calendar in OpportunityHub for updates.

Do you need a little extra support with your studies? Not sure where to start? Studying can be a real challenge, particularly when juggling alongside other commitments and life in general! Throughout the year we have a number of events to help build your confidence and find a network of supportive students.

Great for:

Expanding your network
Develop strategies to cope better
General support to help you navigate life as a student

Upcoming events:

Support for neurodiverse students: starting out effectively
Tuesday 12 September | 11:00–12:00
This workshop will detail and share strategies for effective learning and show you how to embrace and capitalise on differences.

Resilience: planning for success
Thursday 14 September | 11:00–12:00
This workshop introduces strategies and ideas to boost resilience and help you be a more confident learner, even when life throws a spanner in the works!

Need to improve your digital and technical skills? Look no further! The OU’s Library Services offer a programme of live online training sessions to all OU students. Each bite-sized session provides an online alternative to face-to-face training. Extra bonus: each session allows you live access to a librarian!

Please note: Library Services events don't require booking! Simply join the room using the Adobe Connect link, and make a note of the event date on your personal calendar.

Great for:

Answering general academic writing and study skills queries
Referring you to useful resources and library databases
Helping you improve your digital skills

Upcoming events:

Improving your experience accessing online resources
Thursday 14 September | 19:30–20:15
If you experience difficulties in reading some full text formats this session will show you how to make adjustments to improve accessibility.

Using library search for your assignment
Monday 25 September | 19:30–20:15
If you experience difficulties in reading some full text formats this session will show you how to make adjustments to improve accessibility.

Freshers Fortnight is almost here! From 25 September–8 October 2023, students can take part in two weeks of online and face-to-face events. There are plenty of interactive sessions to help you feel part of the OU community – here are just a few of the events on offer, suitable for both new and returning students. 

Great for:

Getting to know your peers
Seeing what the OU has to offer
Having a laugh!

Upcoming events:

Welcome to the OU: finding your way around
Tuesday 19 September | 11:00–12:30
In this session you’ll find out what being an OU student involves. Including plenty of tips on how to make the most of your time at the University.

Being a great OU learner
Wednesday 20 September | 11:00–12:30
Learn more about what being a student in Higher Education involves, including tips on how to make the most of the OU’s resources.

Friday night social
Friday 22 September | 19:00–20:00
Join our online social to discuss hobbies, interests and more. Get to know your peers and gain a support network for life. 

Stay tuned!

For all the latest news on Freshers events, activities and opportunities, please visit: oustudents.com/freshers. You can also sign up to the mailing list here.