Frequently asked questions

What is OU Students Connect? OU Students Connect is a networking platform designed to help students create a sense of community while studying at The Open University.
How do I sign up for OU Students Connect? To sign up, visit the OU Students Connect website. Use single sign on to log in (you will be automatically prompted to do this). Then complete the profile set up by providing details about your academic background and interests.
Is OU Students Connect free to use? Yes, OU Students Connect is totally free for students to use.
What should I include in my OU Students Connect profile? Your profile could include your academic background, interests, skills and a photo if you like. A complete profile helps you connect with other students and engage with other students in the OU community.
How can I prepare for using OU Students Connect effectively? Before diving into the platform, take some time to explore its features, update your profile, and familiarise yourself with the Code of Conduct before posting on the discussion threads. But otherwise, dive straight in and learn along the way! Have fun chatting with other OU students.
What should I do if I don’t receive a response to an enquiry that I might make on OU Students Connect? If you don’t receive a response in a couple of days, try following up with a polite message reminder. A member of staff will get back to you.
How do I update my profile information? You can update your profile by going to the ‘People’ and ‘My profile’ section of the platform. From there, you can edit your personal information, add new skills, and update your interests.
What should I do if I encounter technical issues on OU Students Connect? Go to the dashboard and scroll down. Under 'Newest Members' is a box that says 'Need some help?', you can click there to find the contact form.
How do I manage my privacy settings on OU Students Connect? You can manage your privacy settings by going to ‘My profile’ then press the ‘edit’ button to control who can view the different parts of your profile.
What if I need help navigating OU Students Connect but don’t know where to start? Visit our User Guide on oustudents.com.
Can I remain anonymous while browsing profiles on OU Students Connect? Check your privacy options on your profile.
How can I maximise my experience on OU Students Connect? To get the most out of OU Students Connect, be proactive in exploring the discussion threads, regularly update your profile, participating in events, and reaching out to other OU students. Engaging actively and connecting with the community will help you make the most of your experience.
How do I log in to the platform? You will need to use your university credentials (the OUCU and password that you use to access StudentHome) to log in. If you're a first-time user, follow the registration process to create your profile.
I’m having technical issues on the platform, who should I contact? Please contact help@oustudents.aluminate.net