Services and events
In these difficult times, the Open University Students Association has decided against holding any face-to-face events until February 2022 at the earliest. We will of course be monitoring the situation and keeping a close eye on the evolving situation and any changing government guidelines. In adopting this approach, we are aligned with the current policy of The Open University. Our primary interest is the welfare of all our student members and staff - we should not make demands that could put them at any unnecessary risk.
This doesn’t mean that our normal programme of events will be interrupted: they will be transferred to an online setting. Please look out for details of opportunities to be involved and ways to link up with fellow OU students on our website and across our social media platforms. Until we all get back to business as usual, we will be making best use of the virtual channels open to us.
In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact the Students Association Team with your thoughts, comments and ideas at the usual address – ousa@open.ac.uk.
Allan Blake
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Sarah Jones
President
OU Students Shop
The shop has now re-opened for business after thorough safety procedures were put in place for staff at our warehouse.
Exam papers are available to download. Donating to the OU Students Educational Trust is also available.
OU Students Educational Trust
No access to post.
Service is operational and processing electronic, and/or cases already received.
TOTUM discount card
Service is operational for students in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to forward purchased cards to our international members at this time. Voucher codes are available if necessary.
Peer Support
This service is still operational.
Support groups
Our support groups remain active online.
Societies
Each society is independent, but all face-to-face activity has stopped. Some societies are running online events. Check their websites and social media for society-specific information. Some Society events will be advertised on our events page.
Clubs
Online club activity continues – OU students are still sharing their interests in a safe and supportive way. Some Clubs are holding online events – these will be advertised on our events page.
Meet-ups and events
All face-to-face meet-ups have been cancelled, but many have moved to online spaces. Upcoming online meet-ups and events will be advertised on our events page, including online meet-ups by location and regular social events such as the regular Thursday evening Community Drop-In, Saturday Morning Coffee and Chat, Quiz, Bingo, Book Club and Movie Night.
Academic representation
Student representatives continue to attend meetings online. Briefings will be offered on Skype.
Volunteer opportunities
Online roles remain active. Many current volunteers are looking to engage in their roles online.
#OUstudents social media channels
Active. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Hoot
Active. Submit an article today!
Access support
We understand that the current lockdown is a challenging time for most people. If you’re finding things difficult to manage, you are not alone. Here are a few services available if you need help navigating through.
Want to take a break? Or would like to meet other OU students going through the same situation? Our friendly student reps are hosting regular chats every week! Find our latest events here.
Peer Support offers you a chance to relate to your fellow students, whether it is your lack of study motivation getting you down or you’re struggling with self-confidence.
If talking things out feels like the best move, perhaps you could consider contacting the Samaritans.
The Association also has two vibrant communities online in shape of our support groups, the Disabled Students Group and OU Pride (our LGBT+ group). They are continuing to function online during lockdown.
Get free effective, 24-hour instant access to mental health treatment with Mindbox for 6 months if you have a TOTUM membership.
Please don’t forget you can contact your tutor about academic issues including requesting extensions.
You can find the latest information from the OU, and helpful advice on the OU COVID-19 help pages.
For medical advice and guidance on what you should do, please keep up to date via the NHS.
Stay connected
It's a worrying time for all of us, and it's never been more important to stay connected with one another for company, support and encouragement.
You can find us on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There's also our student forums. Your student leadership and staff teams are planning online events and activities – they'll be advertised on our home page.