This one’s for all OU students. Something to casually link to; share on Facebook with an *ahem*; or go old school and print out and highlight for your nearest and dearest. Or just place near a chimney and hope!
We know how hard our students work. You’re awesome, and you deserve an awesome Christmas too. Here’s our suggested gift list – let us know what you’d add:
1) A time machine
Ideal for grabbing back those years you put off for studying, and perfect for the times when TMA deadlines are due at the same time as family birthdays, work crises, un-put-downable books and box sets, and incurable bouts of procrastination. Available in all good imaginary stores.
2) Stationery
Yes we’re all about the digital future, but a student should never be without a notepad and pen for scribblings, doodles, memoir writing, and lists. Always lists.
3) A new laptop
Yes we have been good. Really good. And if we lose another assignment because this one crashes before we’ve had a chance to save it we might not be responsible for our actions …
4) Some ‘me-time’
Spending every spare hour studying is hard. Undeniably hard. Yes, it’s all for a good reason. And yes it was a choice, but it’s still hard. Some time off doing something completely unrelated to study is the perfect yin to our studious yang.
5) Some ‘us and/or them time’
See point 4 and extrapolate…
6) A dedicated study space
The tiniest of nooks will do. Maybe a bit of shelf space too. And a lamp – one of those touchy ones that can be brighter or dimmer depending on one’s state of mind. And maybe not the place for everyone other user to deposit their crumbs …
7) A hug
Sometimes that’s all that’s needed. A bit of encouragement, belief, some kind words and the reassurance that that graduation ceremony, the one that sometimes seems so far away, is most definitely achievable.
Merry Christmas!
