About OUSA

OUSA is the Open University Students Association, which aims to provide help and support for all OU students. It also provides a way for OU students to get their views on the future plans of the University heard.

OUSA is split up into regions in the same way way as the OU itself — thirteen in the UK, and three "sub-regions" to take into account overseas students. Exactly why the whole of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Europe and Southern Europe are sub-regions when London gets to be called a fully-fledged region I don't know. Though I have my suspicions.

Just to be clear on that, my suspicions are that the regions are split up into areas each of which contain a roughly equal population of students, and despite the relatively large sizes of the sub-regions there probably aren't as many students in those as in an ordinary region. I don't know for sure though, so feel free to indulge in conspiracy theories or research if the mood takes you.

The regions are further split into branches based on OU catchment areas, which is why we're the Stockport branch. Branches generally hold meetings at least once a month in a convivial, slightly alcoholic atmosphere (a pub) to provide help and support to each other. Or just to chat. People who are "on the wagon", "teetotal" or "total abstainers" are also welcomed. Indeed, it is rumoured that some branches don't even meet in a pub.

There is an official website for OUSA, which glosses over the alcohol consumption somewhat, but nevertheless contains a lot of information.