I've been so chuffed with my experience so far! I'm only half way through but the support I've received has been so valuable. My employer at the interview was really impressed with my study with the OU and made me stand out against the other candidates so I got the job. I can study around my job and family so easily. All the help from the tutors and OU staff has helped my academic career beyond words. I think all the people moaning and leaving rubbish reviews have either got terrible scores because they didn't apply themselves or are simply too dim to get a degree. An OU degree is worth more than a traditional uni because it's down to yourself to earn it and show your determination, it's not handed to you on a plate. Pull up your big boy pants and study more. Its worrying that someone said that the OU is more expensive than a traditional uni- I hope that person wasn't studying maths because not one course is more expensive. So far I've saved around 8k and that's before all of the other living expenses of being a student of a brick uni. I'd recommend people do their own research before listening to that nonsense.

I'm local to the HQ so I use the library on my days off. It's absolutely huge and well stocked with any book I need. They have desks or big bean bags to sit on, free WiFi, and clean toilets. Facilities are good so I can easily get a coffee or walk a minute to the many restaurants on campus.

I'm in awe. All my tutors have become almost like friends, all very friendly and very happy to advise. One gave me a reference to get the job I'm in now. Feedback has usually been good on assignments but I've had to ask for clarification a couple of times which I got quickly and was able to use it better to my advantage. Student advisors are open until 8pm and I've made good use of them as they are able to help with almost anything. They're all very friendly and very willing to help. All that I've spoken to so far have been students of the OU and are graduates so they can really understand and empathise with any problems I'm having, such as when Student For England don't do their job so they're able to liaise with them or when I changed my course. They have experts in all areas so I know someone will be available or get back to me quickly depending on the problem.

I'm aware of them but I've had no reason to be in contact as all is good.

It's ok, it's Milton Keynes so mostly shopping, pubs or bars for adults.

I don't have much chance to use them but they looked ok when I poked my nose in. The people are pretty friendly and happy to make me feel welcome, which I thought was nice.

I love that I can study in my own time. I work full time and have 3 kids so this is crucial. I love the way the course is set out and is easy to access, understand and work on. I'm comforted with the fact that my lecturer is only at the end of the phone or email and we have to the choice to attend day schools, evening tutorials or when I'm too busy, to do the tutorials online. If I can't make tutorials at all then they're recorded to listen to when I have time. I love that the student advisors can help with almost anything when I'm having a wobble, technical issue or can battle Student Finance on my behalf. I don't dislike anything about the course but I'm only 3rd year and it's only going to get harder

16

Distance learning is so much harder than attending a traditional brick uni and employers know and admire this. It shows determination, ability to own alone and time management skills, to mention a few.