Following the return of face-to-face Freshers events in Milton Keynes in October, Freshers 2023 has kicked off with a joint OU Students Association and OU in Wales event in Cardiff on Saturday 21 January.
Following the return of face-to-face Freshers events in Milton Keynes in October, Freshers 2023 has kicked off with a joint OU Students Association and OU in Wales event in Cardiff on Saturday 21 January.
With attendees having the opportunity to get to know each other, including with a ‘get-to-know-you’ bingo, there was a clear buzz in the air. This was followed by a short presentation from the Association’s Deputy President, Gareth Jones, and Head of Community, Pete Turner, on what the Association does, and how students can get involved.
One attendee said: "Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the Freshers. Thank you to everyone that organised it. Even though I am not a fresher I was welcomed, it was so nice to see people face to face and to learn from each other. I am really hoping for regular get togethers as it has definitely given me a feeling of belonging and the kick needed."
The second half of the event was run by Alayla Castle-Herbert, on behalf of the OU in Wales, and focussed on developing positive study skills. Everyone in attendance shared study tips, regardless of whether they were new to studying or experienced.
Gareth said after the event: "Today was a fantastic way to kick off our Freshers Fortnight! We, of course, thank the OU in Wales team for being so open to co-hosting this event, in particular Alayla who takes our ideas and always runs with them to make them better than we can imagine! We also thank everyone who took their time to attend, on a cold Saturday morning!"
Our Freshers programme continues until Sunday 5 February, and full details can be found on our Freshers site. Our next face-to-face event will be in Edinburgh on the Saturday 4 February, find out more and sign up here.
Find out more about Freshers