Community

PGR Community Team and other groups

We invite all PGRs to join the PGR Community Team (self-register by signing in with OU credentials; access code: thh1sgn) to engage in online coffee mornings (Thursdays at 11:00) – these also take place F2F at the same time on campus. There's a regular Writing Club channel where PGRs meet to work together. Start conversations, meet spontaneously, form groups - Team Guidelines permitting, do with it what you like!

You can also find other OU research student communities online. There is the PGRs at the OU Facebook group for accommodation networking and peer-to-peer support around research.

Students in your research group, school or faculty may use other groups (e.g. Facebook, WhatsApp) to communicate so it's worth asking colleagues what they're using (and setting something up yourself if needed).

Buddy system

Many of your faculties will have mentor/buddy schemes in place, but the Graduate School offers all new students access to an additional research-student buddy if they want one. We know this is particularly important for international students who could benefit from peer advice with various aspects of living and studying in the UK.
The arrangement could be very flexible in length and frequency: we would leave it up to the buddy and new student to come to their own arrangements. We have compiled a database of existing research students who are happy to buddy a new student. Some are full-time and on-campus, and others are part-time and work off-campus. Support might be offered face-to-face or via email/Skype with occasional meetings. All have a range of experience that could benefit a new starter. You might consider whether you want support from someone from the same Faculty (where processes will be the same) or from a different Faculty (who may have a fresh perspective but slightly different student journey).

There are some areas that we would not consider the buddy relationship suitable for:

• It is not intended as mental health support While buddies may support each other's wellbeing, mental health concerns should be addressed to the appropriate person or service as described on our Student wellbeing | Graduate School Network page.
• It is pastoral in nature While it would be fantastic if buddies found an interest in future collaborations, these are primarily about supporting PGRs in the day-to-day doctoral journey, not academic connections.
• It is not to support you with specific questions about your research project Your supervisor is the best person to advise you on these.

Please let us know if you're interested in pairing with a buddy; we'll get in touch to offer you access to a list of available buddies.

Connecting with the Graduate School

Social media The Graduate School runs a LinkedIn page.

Podcast We have an occasional 'Research @ OU Graduate School' podcast that is listed on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts: subscribe to hear PGR student stories and advice.

PGR-GS Liaison group To feedback to the Graduate School, you can contact your representative on the PGR Liaison Group. We're always looking for more representation so email the Graduate School if you're interested in getting involved.

Being social on campus

We have a 24hr PGR common room, situated in the Library Building on the Ground Floor (take a right at the main doors; use the rear door from the car park outside Library opening hours). PGRs are invited to use this as a social space and organise get-togethers as they wish. If students experience any access issues, please contact [email protected]. 

The Open University is an unusual university (no UG or taught PG students on campus) and Milton Keynes is an unusual place (no 'traditional' town centre). But there are still ways to meet wonderful OU people and explore a great campus.

• The OU Club lists affiliated clubs that may suit your interests: Orchestra, Choir, Zumba, Yoga, LGBT+. You can also find discount offers and hire games through the OU Club pages.
• The Milton Keynes channel on the PGR Community Team (self-register by signing in with OU credentials; access code: thh1sgn) brings together PGRs based in MK.
• PGR Manager has a 'social' filter for its events.
• You can get to know your campus better with a Sculpture walk.

Being social off campus

If you'd like to host a meet-up or start a writing group in your area then please contact RIS Comms to advertise on OU Grad School social media, or use the PGRs at the OU Facebook group to find other students.

Aside from the PGR Community Team (self-register by signing in with OU credentials; access code: thh1sgn) above with its regular Thursday coffee morning, there are wider social off-campus possibilities at the OU, via the Student Associations Societies, Clubs and Groups.