Preparing for online study
Your study with The Open University (OU) will be online. Here are some of the basics you need to know to get you started.
Equipment you'll need
You'll learn online using the OU's module website, so you'll need access to the internet.
You'll also need a device to study on. Most students use either a desktop or laptop computer. For help deciding what device to get see What should I buy?. You can also get general advice on the kind of device and software you'll need at Choosing hardware and software for your studies. A wired headset with microphone is useful for online tutorials.
It's important to check if you'll need a device with any specific technical requirements for your module before you buy. You can find this information under Study Materials for your module on OU courses.
If you don't have your own device, you should be able to use one at your local library or Digital Inclusion Hub. However, public devices may not support specific technical requirements or software.
You may be able to get help towards the costs of buying a device, see more information under Help towards costs of study.
Microsoft 365 is available free to OU students. To find out more see Accessing your OU Microsoft 365 account.
Digital skills
You'll need basic digital skills to be able to study with the OU, for example using a web browser, or working with documents and apps. You can get help with developing these skills using the OU library resource, Being digital. You can find further help and resources on Acquiring basic computing skills.
You can also find free online learning for beginners at Learn My Way.
Find a study space
The OU gives you flexibility to study when and where it suits you. If you're squeezed for space at home, you could try a cafe, library or Digital Inclusion Hub.
As an OU student, you can also use a library at a university near you if you sign up to the SCONUL Access scheme. To see how it works watch the video Get online near you.
Help towards costs of study
You may be eligible for help towards costs related to your study, including devices and broadband, through the Study-related costs fund. You can find what other financial support is available at Payment, scholarships, bursaries and grants.
Who to contact
For any other questions about studying with the OU, speak to your Student Support Team (SST). If you want to know more about your SST and how they can help you see Support provided by your SST.
You can also find advice, resources and friendly groups of fellow students to connect with through the OU Students' Association.
The OU supports your learning
We don’t want anyone to be excluded from studying because of concerns about digital skills, broadband costs or lack of equipment. Watch the Digital Inclusion video to hear how others have overcome challenges when starting their study journey. There's also advice on how to make sure you're able to access what you need to study successfully.
Digital inclusion
Lou Robinson, Student and Deputy Chair of the Digital Inclusion Management Group: So, I've previously been digitally excluded myself. I know what it's like to not have access to a device when needed. I spent lunchtimes at school inside typing up my coursework because I didn't have computer access at home. And when I moved to university for the first time, that continued. I didn't have my own device and I was reliant on computer rooms, and I know how much challenge that brings to your studies when you don't have access to the right equipment.
Sarah Jones, Past President, OU Students Association: The right equipment is essential, and it's usually listed on the course. A laptop with a camera and a microphone is really important. You can get cheap laptops, you can get refurbished laptops, but you don't need a very expensive laptop, just one that is capable of word processing, watching videos is really important. You can get a cheap set of headphones that have a microphone that make it easier for you to listen. You just need a laptop that works.
Information on the slide: Any full-sized computer made in the last few years that runs Windows or Mac OS should be suitable for use in your OU studies. Check the technical specification of the modules you are interested in before you buy a computer for study. www.open.ac.uk/courses/modules
Lou Robinson: If they're worried about affordability, one is we do have a Study-Related Costs fund, which gives £250 towards the cost of a device. That's accessible through the university.
Sarah Jones: Get in touch with Student Support. They are incredibly good at pointing you in the right direction. There are various funds that the OU has that they'll be able to point you towards or they'll be able to point you towards OUSET. And OUSET is the OU Students Educational Trust.
Lou Robinson: But also, if a student has declared any disabilities, definitely worth putting in an application for Disabled Students' Allowance as often there's support there with access to devices as well.
Information on the slide: The Disabled Students’ Allowance can help with the costs of specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability. You can find out more on our Help Centre pages on the Disabled Students’ Allowance. help.open.ac.uk/dsa-overview
Jan Collie, Digital Inclusion Project Lead: There are a range of bursaries and grants available. It's particularly angled towards students from low-income households and to try and help them purchase their equipment and then claim the money back for these sorts of grants.
Information on the slide: Check your eligibility for additional support with your study-related costs on our Fees and Funding pages. www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding.
Sarah Jones: If you are struggling with the cost of broadband and you don't have internet access, there's various options that you have.
Lou Robinson: They might want to look into SCONUL access because that can often allow a student to study at a local university.
Jan Collie: And if you are thinking about studying with the OU, but you're worried about how to start, and you are worried for instance that you don't have the right computer skills to study online. Again, don't worry.
Lou Robinson: So, if I'm struggling to figure something out with software that I'm using, YouTube is a good go-to, there's often people on there with fantastic tutorials that can help you through things. Your module resources as well. There's usually a resources page on your module and often they have help guides for any software that your course is asking you to use.
Sarah Jones: I was a complete novice when it came to any kind of digital skills, so I had to kind of learn them as I went along. The more you do it, the better you get at it and there are always people around who can help you. Also, you can ask your tutor. Your tutor will be able to either help you or point you in the right direction. There is always Student Support will be able to help you with any digital skills.
Jan Collie: There's the National Digital Inclusion Network (Learn My Way - www.learnmyway.com), which provides digital skills courses through online resources. And there are courses at libraries and centres across the UK. And for people who are confident with the basics, there are a range of other resources and support to bring your skills up even further than they are at the moment.
Information on screen: There are lots of activities to help you develop your digital and information literacy skills. www.open.ac.uk/library/services-for-students/being-digital (OU Library Being Digital page). You can also find live and recorded tutorials on developing digital skills. https://www.open.ac.uk/library/training-and-events (OU Library Training and events page).
