<div class="fr-view"><p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Freshers is an exciting time as students prepare for the beginning of their modules, and continuing students are keen to interact with the student community. New students make that first connection with their student community, brimming with questions to find out what they can expect for the coming year. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">I first helped coordinate Freshers when I became Vice President Community in 2016, when the role was brand new. I was lucky enough to find out all about </span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">&#8216;</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Freshers</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">’</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> from our very own ‘volunteer guru’ Sue Goodyear, who was Vice President Representation 2014-2016. Freshers was something that many OU students wanted to know more about, and we listened to student feedback to ensure we shaped events that would continue to engage the community. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Students enjoy socialising at Freshers, but they are also keen to support each other. There is always a wealth of knowledge shared by other OU students as part of the Fresher</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">’</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">s fortnight, which helps orientate new students into studies. It’s a great opportunity to meet other students and makes the whole process at the beginning of an academic term less isolating. Students are introduced to their OU Students Association</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">,</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> and learn about services and support functions that can help them during their student journey.</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-draggable wp-image-13182"><span class="fr-img-wrap" style="width: 657.3125px;"><img src="https://thehootstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/41F59DB5-1C0E-474F-9A98-557D3C4BC27B.jpg" data-id="13182" /><span class="fr-inner">A snapshot of the 2022 Freshers Fair hosted in the OU Library.</span></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">In the past four</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> years (since my term finished), I have seen more volunteers get involved and hosting events. I have seen increased interest in</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> F</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"> f</span><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">reshers by both new and continuing students. A balanced timetable is created, and activities are spread out with plenty of choice to suit location, topics, and interests. With increased engagement, Freshers Fortnight has become a much valued and informative celebration for OU students each year. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none">Stephanie Stubbins (Vice President Community 2016-2018)</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
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