It’s great in terms of the being able to do it in your own time etc but I do not recommend if you are someone who requires additional support The responses from my tutor were non existent and none of the ‘additional support’ I was supposed to get for my disability. Awful

• Facilities 3.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 1.0
• Campus look and feel 3.0
• Student life 3.0
• Students' union 2.0

Course was pretty broad so a good introduction but very slow going and most of it was ‘rewrite what you’ve read’ and no real ‘learning’ or independent study. Just not exactly thrilling or fun to do. Tutor contact was almost non existent

• Course content 3.0
• Lecturers and teaching quality 2.0
• Tutor contact time 1.0
• Subject facilities 3.0

No real social aspect but that is to be expected with open uni - you wouldn’t come here if you wanted a social experience!

• Facilities 3.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 2.0
• Campus look and feel 3.0
• Student life 1.0
• Students' union 2.0

• Facilities 1.0
• Location 1.0
• Student support 1.0
• Campus look and feel 1.0
• Student life 1.0
• Students' union 1.0

I can’t thank the open university enough they really are accepting of my neurodivergent issues and try to make it easier for me to study at a higher level wether that checking in on me on how my studies are going, sending me printed materials and overlays and making sure my disability student allowance is in place. I also volunteer for the OU student association which has been a fantastic experience the last 3 years I’ve really grown and shined through volunteering with the OU and feel apart of the community. They’re supportive and very caring and make sure all my needs are met whilst in their care. The Ou also make it possible to study at a distance because I wouldn’t cope in brick university I struggle in group environments and holding concentration I’m able to study in an environment that I’m comfortable in and at my own pace. There is also no entry requirements which made it more possible for me as I don’t hold the right grades at GCSE. They’ve helped me so much over the last 2 years making me aware of all the OU support services they have that I have access too. Their student support services have easy access in the preferred method I prefer to use the live chat and they also sort out my issues in a timely manner. The OU is such a nice place to study I’ve never felt safer and free of bullying which I suffered in school and college I feel I fit in at the OU I’m supported by great volunteering team and colleagues. Supportive and inclusive is the words I seem to use a lot. The OU campus is also a friendly and warm environment to visit. I would recommend the OU for students who struggle with brick university or have ND/MH/PH problems that make it difficult to study at a higher intensity.

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0

My studies fit in around my work and social life; I study when it's convenient for me and the tutor support and student community in the online forums is wonderful.

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0

Even though we as Open University students study alone the OU has a great student association that works really hard to bring students together virtually and in person

• Facilities 4.0
• Location 4.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 4.0
• Student life 4.0
• Students' union 5.0

Because I’m a distance learner I’m able to work around studying.

• Facilities 4.0
• Location 4.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 3.0
• Student life 4.0
• Students' union 4.0

Ability to study from home and in own time

• Facilities 4.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 4.0
• Campus look and feel 4.0
• Student life 4.0
• Students' union 5.0

Excellent support services and relevant up to date study material

• Facilities 4.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0

The support that you get from staff and fellow students.

• Facilities 4.0
• Location 4.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 4.0
• Students' union 5.0

Flexibility in scheduling study around work and life commitments. Greater staff and student interaction

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 4.0
• Student life 3.0
• Students' union 4.0

As a second-year student at The Open University, I can confidently say that this has been an enriching experience for me. The flexibility that the university provides is unparalleled, and it has allowed me to balance my academic pursuits with my personal and professional commitments. One of the biggest advantages of studying at The Open University is the ability to study at my own pace. I have the freedom to choose when and where I want to study, and this has allowed me to tailor my learning experience to suit my needs. The university provides all the resources I need, such as textbooks, online lectures, and interactive tutorials, making it easy for me to stay on track with my studies. Another great thing about studying at The Open University is the supportive community. Despite studying remotely, I have been able to connect with other students through online forums, group assignments, and virtual study sessions. The tutors are also always available to provide support and answer any questions I have. Studying at The Open University has not been without its challenges. It can be difficult to stay motivated when studying alone, and there are times when I have felt isolated. However, the university provides excellent support services, such as academic advisors and mental health resources, which have been invaluable in helping me overcome these challenges. Overall, studying at The Open University has been a fantastic experience. It has allowed me to pursue my academic interests while still being able to work and take care of my family. The flexibility, support, and sense of community have made this a truly rewarding experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a flexible and supportive learning environment

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 4.0
• Student life 4.0
• Students' union 4.0

It’s great because it’s flexible around your life and work. There are lots of students in a similar position to me but also a variety of people- all ages and backgrounds. Student support is great and learning is very clear and structured. The only downside to not attending a physical university is that it can be hard to be motivated at times to get the work done, but then this can happen at any university!

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0

The university has supported me from day 1 of the application process. Access to all the materials, including tutorials, are easily accessible and the submissions system for assignments is top rate.

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0

The best aspect is studying online and independently as I can fit it around my work and family. As a mature student with young children this is really important. I also enjoy the independence of being able to use my time to either get ahead with my studies or take do further independent study, I believe this will really help when I go onto do a masters and PhD. The worst aspect is not having very much face to face or social contact with tutors and other students due to Covid restrictions over the last few years however, this is starting to improve and I am really enjoying in person tutorials when rail strikes don't affect them!

• Facilities 3.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 3.0
• Student life 4.0
• Students' union 3.0

The student support is great and tutors are very helpful. Having some campuses in different locations would be good for students not based in southern England.

• Facilities 4.0
• Location 3.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 4.0
• Students' union 4.0

There is no premises as it is remote learning but this is why I have given top marks as it fits in brilliantly with my full time work, childcare etc. I wouldn't be able to study at a brick university. The support is great and the learning materials are excellent.

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0

The flexibility of studying at home makes it accessible even with children and a full-time job.

• Facilities 4.0
• Location 4.0
• Student support 4.0
• Campus look and feel 3.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 3.0

Good online platform Good tutors

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0

It's online so goes at your own pace

• Facilities 5.0
• Location 5.0
• Student support 5.0
• Campus look and feel 5.0
• Student life 5.0
• Students' union 5.0