Paul

The other thing I wanted to ask you was, did you find it hard, studying with the Open University?

Rachel

You mean, because you’re studying on your own, most of the time?

Paul

Mm.

Rachel

Well it took me a while to get used to it. I found I needed to maintain a high level of motivation, because it’s so different from school.

There’s no-one saying, ‘Why haven’t you written your assignment yet?’ and that sort of thing.

Paul

Oh dear.

Rachel

You’ll learn it, Paul. Another thing was that I got very good at time- management because I had to fit time for studying round a full-time job.

Paul

Well I’m hoping to change to working part-time, so that’ll help.

Rachel

What makes it easier is that the degree is made up of modules, so you can take time off between them if you need to. It isn’t like a traditional three-or four-year course, where you’ve got to do the whole thing of it in one go.

Paul

That’s good, because I’d like to spend six months travelling next year.

Rachel

Huh, it’s all right for some. Then even though you’re mostly studying at home, remember you’ve got tutors to help you, and from time to time there are summer schools. They usually last a week. They’re great, because you meet all the other people struggling with the same things as you. I’ve made some really good friends that way.

Paul

Sounds good. So how do I apply?