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Being an OU student
Being an OU student

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1 How do you feel about starting your studies?

You may be feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves about starting your studies. Perhaps you’re looking forward to learning new things and the opportunities this will open up for you. You might also be feeling nervous about returning to study after a long break, finding the time to study or how you’ll learn at a distance.

This video introduces some of the benefits of study and what you can expect on the road ahead.

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Benefits of study
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Activity 1 How are you feeling now?

Timing: Allow about 5 minutes

Take a few minutes to think about how you’re feeling about starting your studies.

This might be a good time for you to start taking some notes on this course. You can do this in any way you find useful – a notebook, or a document saved onto a computer or mobile device.

Note down your thoughts in the box below (this is just for you – it won’t be viewed by anyone else), or jot them down in your notes.

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Discussion

One student’s comment to this question was:

At the moment, I’m feeling a little nervous and excited about my study. I’m looking forward to learning but am worried about how I‘m going to make the time to study, and whether I’ll find it too difficult.

Our response to this comment is that it’s normal to feel like this, and that the support the OU provides is designed with this in mind. Most other students will be feeling the same way, and there are lots of people such as your tutor and student support team who will support you through your studies. You’ll find out more about how you’ll be supported later in this course.

The next section will introduce you to what it’s like to study at a distance.