April to June 2024: What’s on: events for your diary

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: 

Bingo
Friday 10 May | 19:00–19:30
Join hosts Isabelle and Melissa for some fun games of Bingo! In this session, there will be two rounds of Bingo. Each participant will play individually. The rules will be explained at the start of the event. There is a prize to be won!

Mental wellbeing online meet-up
Sunday 26 May | 19:00–20:00
Join hosts Nichola and Bev for a friendly chat. This is a regular meet up, held every Sunday.

NB: the Students Association's online events are intended to be welcoming and friendly spaces. Please read their Code of Conduct before joining any session and keep this in mind when taking part.

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:

Developing your study skills
Building key competencies
Improving academic communication

Power reading: boost your reading skills 
Thursday 9 May | 11:00–12:30
Come along to this session to max out your reading potential. We will work thorough proven techniques that will help you remember more of what you read and become a much more effective reader.

Creative problem solving: techniques for success
Thursday 23 May | 11:00–12:00
This session will introduce the "creative problem-solving cycle" and the steps people take to solve problems. It will give you some ideas for how you can jumpstart your creativity by using tools to help each part of the cycle. 

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:

Tackling procrastination successfully 
Tuesday 23 April | 11:00–12:00
Do you find yourself wishing you were more focused and less easily distracted? Whether you’re preparing for a forthcoming EMA or exam, or are relatively new to study, there will be strategies to help everyone to just get on with it!

Community support and wellbeing for student carers 
Tuesday 7 May | 11:00–12:30
Our session will help you discover what support might be available in your local area, and what support is available from the OU as an unpaid carer. Featuring tips and advice on how to maintain and boost your wellbeing.

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: 

Exploring Generative AI: critical skills and ethical use
Wednesday 8 May | 19:30–20:15
This 45 minute interactive session will explore Generative AI, how it works and its strengths and limitations. It will also offer guidance and tips to help you ensure that your use of Generative AI is appropriate, ethical and transparent, and aligns with the OU's guidance and values.

Managing your digital footprint
Thursday 27 June | 19:30–20:00
This 30 minute interactive session is about managing your digital footprint. It will explain how a digital footprint is created and what to look out for when you use the Internet or engage with social media. You will learn how to use social media in a professional and responsible way that can be beneficial for your studies and work.

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:

Unlock your career potential with LinkedIn
Tuesday 23 April | 12:00–12:30
Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Join our dynamic 30-minute workshop on LinkedIn's Basic Features and discover the key to unlocking a world of opportunities.

Navigating career roadblocks
Wednesday 1 May | 13:00–14:00
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 us to discover resources and tools to help steer your course forward.

Skills employers want: and how to show them you have them
Thursday 2 May | 13:00–14:00
This is a panel event with recruiters from some of the UKs top organisations, including Terex, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the NSPCC. It’s your chance to hear directly about what they value in candidates and how you can demonstrate the skills and strengths they’re looking for. 

AI and the future world of work
Tuesday 18 June | 12:30–14:00
How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) changing the world of graduate careers? For both computing and non-computing students, this industry expert panel from a range of sectors will help you understand how AI is used in different ways across different organisations. 

Join us for Conference 2024 on June 15th, an exciting online event open to all OU students! Every two years, Conference allows you to shape the Students Association, and this year, it's our most accessible and democratic yet.

Don't miss out, you just have to vote first!

Key dates for your diaries 

Debates

Friday 10 May to Thursday 23 May

Ahead of the day of Conference in June there will be engaging debates (where you are welcome to join in, simply listen or ask questions) and the chance to then vote on the resolutions in the following weeks.

Voting

Friday 24 May to Friday 7 June

Voting on Conference business will empower you to impact your experience as an OU student. When you have voted on these resolutions (you will be emailed instructions on how to do this), you will then be given access to register to attend Conference itself.

Conference day

Saturday 15 June

On the day of Conference there will be a packed programme of student-focused activities, sessions and workshops – more details on the programme to follow!

You will have the chance to hear from inspiring speakers and enjoy a range of activities on interesting and fun topics.

For more information, please visit the OU Students Association website.