Starting a new qualification can be daunting – whether you’re new to higher education or a seasoned lifelong learner. From battling nerves to learning how to squeeze in study around the rest of your life, there’s a lot to think about.
Thankfully, you have a whole community of brilliant OU students who know exactly what you’re going through and their top tips can help set you up for success.
Here are 6 things every student should know – as picked by the OU family…
1) Start your study plan right away
“Start preparing your time and making notes of important dates as soon as the module website opens. Make yourself familiar with the different areas of the module website and where you can find useful information and help.” – Harlee
“I keep a mid-year calendar up on my wall above my desk and I put on post-it notes for when my TMAs are due. I just cross off each day so I know how long I have got left and I can organise my time based on when I have [my work shifts]and when I can fit in my studies.” – Pierce
2) Stop comparing yourself
“Don’t compare yourself to others! Everyone learns at their own pace and everyone has their strength and weaknesses.” @petitechoux8
“Accept that learning is an ongoing process. At the beginning it is easy to feel overwhelmed or under-qualified. But as time goes on, the learning process becomes easier.” – Sacha
3) Remember you’re not alone
“With the OU, you’re not alone. It might seem like you’re sitting at your desk at home, but there’s a whole lot of people that are in the same situation that you could easily meet up with. If you ask a question online, you’ll have a whole load of classmates that will be able to help you.” – Halima
“Your tutor is always there if you need them and there are always students to connect with you on the forums. So you are never alone!” – Aimee
“My tutors were incredibly supportive and were always available when I had questions or mini meltdowns! The student community was invaluable as well. I’d encourage all students to use the technology available to connect with your peers. They’re usually the best form of help you can get.” – Kellie
4) Keep the faith – you’ve got this
Studying might be full of ups and downs but remember that you’re more capable than you think!
“Don’t lose faith in yourself if you get a bad mark on a TMA. Learn from the feedback and move on.” @eemniclu1972
“My advice to anyone starting an OU course would be to believe in yourself! Don’t throw the towel in – persevere because it’s so worth it in the end!” – Krystyna
“Putting things into context is critical. It is ok if you do not pass all assignments and with flying colours. Do not use ‘failure’ for anything other than as a motivator to do better and be better.” – Aqua
5) Remember your end goal
Whether it’s picturing the moment you walk across the stage at a degree ceremony, or celebrating all the little wins along the way, find what motivates you.
“Remember that you made your decision to join the OU for a reason, and you will achieve your dreams. If you have the passion, determination and resilience for OU study, you can achieve anything you want in life!” – Ruby
“You’ll feel so proud of yourself at the end of your journey when you realise how much you’ve grown. Forget what you previously thought about your ability to learn, because you’ll discover more about what you’re capable of than you ever dreamed possible.” – Gina
“To stand up there at a degree ceremony with all the togs on and get the degree will be an amazing thing. It’s something to really look forward to and a real motivator.” – Martyn
6) Don’t forget to reference!
Finally, one piece of advice we hear again and again:
“Learn how to edit and reference as early as possible.” Swperspectives
And if you need a hand, remember you can contact your tutor and find lots of resources (like referencing) available on your module website.
