Finding connection through volunteering at Open SU

A book with its middle pages in the shape of a heart.

Studying with The Open University is an incredible opportunity, but let’s be honest – distance learning can sometimes feel isolating. For some of our students, volunteering has been the bridge between studying alone and feeling part of something bigger. It’s helped them connect with others, find purpose beyond assignments, and truly feel part of the OU student community.

We explored why volunteering is important with one of our dedicated volunteers, Nina Taylor.

Nina currently studies BSc Early Childhood Studies and is a Student Representative, a Library Study Volunteer, and a Graduation Stall Volunteer. We asked Nina to tell us a little bit more about her experience and how volunteering has helped her.

“Volunteering has helped me feel much more connected with The Open University. Sometimes distance learning can be quite isolated and lonely, and so being involved and having connections with others has been fabulous in terms of feeling part of a community.”


 

Having a voice and building confidence as a Student Rep

Student Representatives are one of the largest groups of volunteers at Open SU. As a Student Rep, students are given the chance to speak up about what matters to them within their faculty and University. Student Representative roles are available for one or two-year terms, and applications open bi-annually. The role of a Student Representative is varied – you’ll be joining meetings with academic staff, reading papers, listening, and getting involved with decision-making and helping to shape those decisions too.

Volunteering can also open other exciting and meaningful opportunities that help our students grow and develop in ways they don’t expect, as Nina explains:

“I've worked on various student experience research panels, which has been interesting, as well as helping organise our school end-of-year Student Research Conference. I think it's only because of gaining experience through volunteering and making connections that I have had the confidence to put my name forward for these.”


Supporting SiSE students

The Library Study Volunteers (LSVs) service began as a pilot in January 2019, and its value was quickly recognised. LSVs are current students who volunteer their time to fulfil research requests on behalf of Students in Secure Environments (SiSE). The students send in their requests through their Education Officers, and the volunteers conduct the research using library databases. Nina is a part of a vital volunteering team that have completed over 5,364 individual resources have been located to date.

“Volunteering as a Library Study Volunteer has opened my eyes to the challenges some students face. While many of us struggle with assignments, Students in Secure Environments often don’t have access to the same resources. Helping them get the materials they need feels incredibly meaningful – it’s about giving everyone a fair chance to succeed.”
 

Graduation stall magic

Graduation Stall Volunteers form part of a team attending the Open SU merchandise stall at OU graduations. Apart from engaging with excited graduates, their families and friends, and promoting and selling a wide range of fabulous OU-branded merchandise, volunteers have an opportunity to take an active part in this special day by supporting and celebrating each graduate. This role is available throughout the year, and we still have vacancies in some locations.

Nina has volunteered at two graduations and shared her experiences with us:

“Graduation stall days are quite different. I have only worked on small events – just one graduation ceremony in the afternoon. But together we set up the stall, hoping to make it look attractive. As visitors arrive, we start to sell Open SU merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, pens, graduation bears and owls, as well as countless other items. It's a busy but amazing day, being able to chat to graduands and seeing how excited both they and their families are. Really makes you want to work to complete your own studies so that you can be in their shoes one day.”
 

A day in the life – Nina Taylor

Volunteering looks different depending on the role.

As a Student Rep, it means reading papers and attending Teams meetings on a regular basis throughout term time.

As a Library Study Volunteer, I carry out research requests for SiSE students – although as we work as a team, the volunteer who feels more qualified to work on the request tends to do so. It works really well, and resources are sent to the print warehouse for posting to the person who requested them.

Graduation stall days are quite different. I have only worked on small events – just one graduation ceremony in the afternoon. But together we set up the stall, hoping to make it look attractive. As visitors arrive, we start to sell Open SU merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, pens, graduation bears and owls, as well as countless other items. It's a busy but amazing day, being able to chat to graduands and seeing how excited both they and their families are. Really makes you want to work to complete your own studies so that you can be in their shoes one day.
 

Why should OU students volunteer with the Open SU?

Volunteering is just a fabulous way to connect with others and really feel part of a community. There are so many opportunities to choose from, and you can do as much or as little as you are able to.
 

How would you describe volunteering in one sentence?

“Simply the best!!!!”
 

If you are interested in volunteering and want to find out more about getting involved, please visit our Volunteering page. You can register as a volunteer and apply for roles that are available throughout the year.