Open University PC Grants- Unrealistic...

Oldernotwiser

wontonsoup wrote: »

I am doing a full time course actually, I am studying 120 points which is FULL TIME, please do not comment on things you do not know, it is very irritating.

Congratulations - that's two regular posters you've insulted!

For your information, it is impossible to be a full time student with the OU, however many credits you do. The OU only offers part time study, with various levels of intensity.

pipkin71

wontonsoup wrote: »

I commence a course with the Open University in October and the funding is very minimal when compared to attending any other university. I have £140 PC Grant and £260 course grant to last the entire year and to purchase a computer, peripherals (Printer, Scanner etc.), set books, travel to lectures, travel to residential schools that are located around the country and computer software. It is absolutely impossible as you have to buy the computer new!

I know there is an access to learning fund, but do not know how that works and how much you can get from it. I am currently on incapacity benefit due to illness and cannot work, even though I am constantly searching for jobs I may be able to do from home.

If anyone has any advice or tips, I would be very grateful. Please no nasty comments.

Have you discussed your illness with them?

There is a disabled student's grant. They will assess - or they did when I studied - what a person needs and provide funding for it, if it's needed because of a long term illness / disability.

The computer software needed for my courses was supplied by the OU. Lectures was once monthly and are optional. There may be a compulsory residential school, but you would have known about that before signing up for the course. The residential school can be waived if you have good reason for it though.

You can load your work onto disc, then print it out at the library for a small fee, so a printer isn't a necessity, although it would make things easier. Libraries would also have scanners, so again it isn't a necessity. However, you could pick up a printer / scanner / copier quite cheaply. I got my Epson in the argos sale @ £35 half price, recently

pipkin71

beverleyhdsn1983 wrote: »

You can get a decent laptop for £250, an all in one printer scanner for less than £40. The books can be bought on ebay at a fractiob altho not needed for some courses. Im in my 2nd year and have never been to a tutorial and have managed very well on TMA's so far.

In my six years with the OU, I never went to a tutorial and managed a Bsc [hons]

Good luck with the rest of your course. What are you doing?

lynzpower

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I don't think Lynz meant that she had 3 tutorials every week!

I did have 3 tutorials a week! the sat one was every 2 weeks though one on one off

One tues, one thus one sat

to the op
I also edont think there is any need to insult people who are trying to help you Wantonsoup

If i may say so your attitude stinks.

Oldernotwiser

lynzpower wrote: »

I did have 3 tutorials a week! the sat one was every 2 weeks though one on one off

One tues, one thus one sat

to the op
I also edont think there is any need to insult people who are trying to help you Wantonsoup

If i may say so your attitude stinks.

Sorry, I thought you meant per course; I hadn't noticed that you were doing more than one.

Emzycal

Wontonsoup,you are an ar*e.

beverleyhdsn1983

pipkin71 wrote: »

In my six years with the OU, I never went to a tutorial and managed a Bsc [hons]

Good luck with the rest of your course. What are you doing?

Wow, well done. Thats actually reassuring because I was worrying slightly about non attendance but with three children under 4 its nigh on impossible.

Im doing (and hopefully gaining lol) a BA/BSc (honours) Criminology and Psychological studies. Still got at least 2 years more likely 3 but that gives me lots of time to be at home with all my kids until they start school.

horsechestnut

I may be slightly off beam here, but Tesco points can be used towards OU courses.
Would that be of any help?

Mich81

You get your £260 grant, and then you can apply (only once) for a PC grant which is £245, and designed to be combined with the £260 grant to buy a PC - you do have to send a receipt back to the OU so they know you have bought a PC and not just spent it.

You can get a NUS card and with this you can get money off books at Amazon.com.

You can also apply for an access to learning fund which can cover your broadband costs - which is about £120 each year I think - you can apply for this online.

I still believe that the OU is much better than going to a regular university - the fee and course grants are none repayable so you don't end up in debt. You don't have to go to tutorials as their First Class software is good for bouncing off ideas with other students on your course.

Rosie75

wontonsoup wrote: »

If anyone has any advice or tips, I would be very grateful. Please no nasty comments.

I assume, as a student of English, you are familiar with the concept of irony?