Question Re Open University
 

Hi

I enrolled on an Open University Course in Jan ( a 30 credit maths one) but I was quite unwell this year, including ended up on psych ward for a short time.

I have just heard that I am getting a 50% discretionary fee waiver which I should try and get for bills. However, I have seen a nice, easy 10 credit course on Archaeological Methods - something I am interested in and read around anyway. It is really flexible and I can ask for it to take place over a longer period - 5 months instead of 2 -2 and 1/2 months.

I know I should be sensible and use the money on bills but maybe the course will help me get back into study more gently and give me something to do as a distraction.

What do you guys think?

Thanks

So i am guessing the OU are funding your maths course?

they set an amount you have to spend on courses in a year and aslong as you don't go over that you should get it paid for by the OU get a grant for that course as well and still keep the 50% for other things.

If you don't get funding have you thought of applying for it.

If it is what you want go for it.

i dont completely understand the whole fee thing

what i do know is that you should do whatever it is you feel is best for you and would make you feel content

i think she paid for her course but is getting 50% of the fees back due to the circumstances. she has bills to pay, but also wants to do this course.

have you got another way to pay the bills? if you did the course could you cope financially (maybe struggle, but still cope)? could you do the course once some of the bills are cleared? ie save up what you can, put half towards bills, half towards the course?

Studies and money
 

I have been a student for a lot of years at University and have had several occurences where I couldn't complete my studies as I was mentally unwell. I think it is great that they are offering you a 50% waiver and that you get that back in cash rather than credit, from what I understand. Most Universities aren't so understanding, especially correspondence ones.

With the money, why don't you use what you need for your urgent bills and do the course with the rest. You are always going to be broke as a student. It is almost a badge of honour:-p .

The final decision is of course yours and I hope that it is not too stressful of one to make.

Mand is right as to the course etc.

btw, TsvTux, I already have a degree from years ago but I decided to start doing a maths course last year as a method of distraction and b/c I like learning things so not intending to be broke as I work full-time (well 4 days a week).

I think I could manage right now but if I have another period of sick leave from work with just SSP, it would become difficult.

I suppose I like the fact that I can take it over a longer period - 5 months - so that I could complete this one and it may help regain some confidence somehow but then I also worry I will end up too ill.

I think you should go for it, especially if they are waiving the fee for the other one. As has been said, use half the money on urgent bills and the other half for the course (you can pay the rest in installments). Do you get some kind of state benefit? My sister does and has ended up getting her whole course free. You can try that route if you do.

Good luck (I have a degree in Archaeology and loved it!)

Loz x

Thanks Trucktastic, no not on benefits.

I think I am going to go for it as it is a subject I am really interested in and I will take it over the longer period offered so if I do fall behind I have plenty of time to make it up.

Re bills, I think I can manage right now so maybe it would be better placed putting the money to a course which might help me get mentally better.

Go for it hunny if it's something you want to do that will make you happy thats great!
xx

Go for the course, since it seems you can manage it.
Personally, i really really enjoyed doing OU courses.
Looking at getting back to it actually.
Good luck and enjoy!!!

OU was great from my experience
if you're interested in the course, look on it as an investment in your health! sounds as if you need things in your life you enjoy and make you feel good about yourself, and OU certainly helped me withe that
so I'm biased! go with your gut feel!

I decided not to do it as my finances have taken a turn for the worse being off work so long again. Maybe I can start it in Jan if things are more settled.