open university question

mummyroysof3

hi i have applied to one of their openings courses as i have done nothing since leaving school 12 years ago, im abit scared about it does any one have any advise?

also how long does it usuallt take to hear back from them?

many thanks
charlotte

podperson

Hi,
Firstly congrats on signing up! I do Open Uni and is a lot of fun (and nowehere near as scary as I expected at first!).
Depending on when your course starts and whether they need any information from you (eg if you are applying for financial help with it) I've usually heard with a few weeks - a month to confirm they have received everything. If you are worried give them a call, they are usually lovely on the phone and really helpful.
As for advice on the courses the opening ones are designed to ease you back into studying so don't be worried about them. I would advise to try and be as organised as possible - the first few courses I would end up leaving asignments to the last minute and getting seriously stressed! - set aside time to read the materials and do the work. Also try and take advantage of all the resources they offer - they tend to have chatrooms and forums for the courses and tutorials that you can go along to. I found these really helpful, particularly on the first few courses as you can sometimes feel a little isolated studying at home on your own and these help you to connect with other students on the course.

downcdebt

Hi, hope it all goes well for you. As someone who studied with the OU for many years, I guess the advice I would give would be to be very organised. Make sure you don't leave things until the last minute. Try and find somewhere in your home where you can work - clear a space on the dining room table, spare room etc. I found that I worked best if I had no distractions and often went to the local library.

Make sure you use the support that is there. The tutors are usually very helpful, but often have other day jobs, so are not always on tap 24-7. Mine often gave out specific times they would be free, so being organised helps as you - if you are writing an essay and have questions, factor the time it may take to get their response, into your time table ... what i mean is, if you are struggling, don't leave it until the last minute to ask for help!

Most of all, enjoy. Choose a subject or an area you think you will be most interested in!

mummyroysof3

thankyou for your replies

charlotte

first78

Congratulations for signing up, that's definitely the hardest part!! I'm on my 5th OU course and have to say I love them, in fact I'd go as far as saying they can become quite addictive!!

Hearing back after you sign up often depends on the start date of the course as well as which course you have chosen, but as someone else said, if you're worried give them a call as they really are very friendly and helpful over the phone.

Good Luck and enjoy!!