The Open University (OU) provides a range of free resources, discounts, and support services designed to enhance the student experience. These benefits span digital tools, educational materials, wellness activities, and career development resources. While specific offers may vary, the following details are derived from verified OU communications and student support materials.
Digital Tools and Software Access
Open University students have access to free software essential for academic work. According to a Student Hub Live podcast episode, OU students can access Office 365 at no cost. This provides students with the standard suite of Microsoft productivity tools, facilitating document creation, data analysis, and presentation development required for coursework.
Educational Resources and Library Access
Beyond software, students benefit from structured learning opportunities and extensive library resources. The OU offers a free "Being an OU Student" course, which helps new students navigate the university's systems and academic expectations. Additionally, the SCONUL Access scheme is available, granting students access to university libraries across the United Kingdom. This scheme significantly expands physical research materials available to distance learners.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Discounts
Student status at the OU unlocks various commercial discounts. The Student Hub Live podcast mentions that students can access deals through platforms such as Totum and UNiDAYS. These partnerships typically offer reduced prices on cinema tickets, fashion, and technology. Specific discounts cited include Amazon Prime Student and Spotify subscriptions at reduced rates.
Furthermore, the OU Alumni Association provides ongoing benefits. Membership includes access to exclusive discounts on products and services, along with invitations to events and volunteering opportunities, extending value beyond graduation.
Wellness and Campus Activities
The University of Oklahoma (OU) organizes events that include free incentives for participation. The Poker Walk, an employee wellness event, illustrates this approach. Participants in this event receive freebies tied to upcoming employee wellness activities. While primarily an employee-focused event, it highlights a campus culture that distributes free materials to encourage engagement.
The event previously provided free snacks from specific vendors and featured on-site resources for smoking cessation and health information. Participants also had access to a mobile store for shoes and apparel and an informational booth from the OU Student Organic Farm.
Career and Academic Support Services
The OU Career Center operates as a dedicated resource for students and alumni. It offers career fairs, personalized advising, and other services aimed at helping individuals secure employment. The center's mission is to support career preparation with a focus on professional goals.
Additional free academic support includes the OU Writing Center. This service provides pedagogical support for writing development rather than proofreading. Consultants offer feedback intended to help writers improve their skills for future use.
Mental Health and Community Safety
Mental health support is a priority at OU. The University Counseling Center provides comprehensive services, including high-quality counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation services. Counselors are available virtually during standard business hours.
OUr Mental Health Services promotes awareness within the community. They offer contact methods via Instagram, Twitter, email, and Facebook for students seeking help or wanting to provide feedback. Additionally, the OU Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) relies on community reports to maintain campus safety and provide intervention support to individuals in need.
Application-Based Scholarships and Awards
While not immediate freebies, the university facilitates access to financial awards. The Sooner Parents organization recognizes outstanding seniors with awards. The OKC Ad Club makes available scholarships, specifically the JAC Scholarship and the Jeanine Ruedy Commercial Art/Graphic Design Scholarship. These require applications by specific deadlines.
Summary of Available Benefits
Based on the provided sources, OU students and community members can access the following free resources and discounts:
- Software: Free Office 365 access.
- Education: Free "Being an OU Student" course; SCONUL Access scheme for library entry.
- Discounts: Totum, UNiDAYS, Amazon Prime Student, Spotify, and Alumni Association exclusive discounts.
- Wellness: Free snacks and wellness freebies at specific campus events (e.g., Poker Walk).
- Support: Free career center services, writing center consultations, and mental health counseling.
- Scholarships: Application-based scholarships through Sooner Parents and OKC Ad Club.
Conclusion
The Open University ecosystem offers a comprehensive suite of free resources designed to support students academically, professionally, and personally. From essential digital tools like Office 365 to wellness incentives and extensive mental health support, the available benefits address the holistic needs of the student body. Students are encouraged to engage with the university's support services and monitor official communications for updates on specific discounts and event opportunities.