FAQs
Why are we having the event?
To celebrate the Open University’s 40th Anniversary and showcase what the Open University is about to those that might not know or might like to find out more, and to get involved in a fun day for those that perhaps are already involved with the OU in some way.
When is the event open?
Doors open at 10.00 am, and the event finishes at 6.00 pm with last entries at 4.30 pm to ensure you have an opportunity to see everything.
Who can attend?
The event is open to everyone! We are encouraging OU staff, friends and families, people who are currently studying or who have studied courses with the OU previously to attend as well as many people from the local community who may be interested in finding out more about the OU and what it has achieved in the last 40 years.
Do I need to bring anything?
No just yourself and suitable clothing for the weather, and some cash for light refreshments. Please note the Open University does not have any cash points and catering outlets do not accept payment by debit/ credit cards or cheques.
Pre registration confirmation
An E-ticket will be sent to you shortly before the event at the email address supplied on your registration. You will need to bring this with you to gain fast track entry on arrival.
Cash Points
There will be NatWest banking facility on site, but if you don’t have an account they can only cash a cheque with two forms of ID.
Will refreshments be available?
There will be a variety of refreshments available for purchase around the site – hot & cold drinks, hot & cold snack items such as sandwiches, jacket potatoes, a barbecue, ice creams, cream teas etc
Is this a similar event to the one held at the Open University in 2005?
It has been traditional for the Open University to hold an Open Day every couple of years. However because this is the OU’s anniversary year it was decided to offer a distinct event. So if you have been to an Open Day then you will notice a difference for 2009. Open Unlimited offers a unique opportunity to tour part of the campus and participate in a range of activities which combine drama, technology and special effects to illustrate how the biggest university in the UK changes so many thousands of lives each year.
What if the weather is poor?
We hope it will be a sunny day, but we will be there whatever the weather and we hope you will be too.
What’s On:
What is there for children?
The area near the church has been designated the children’s zone, here your children can get their face painted and participate in arts and crafts. There are no crèche facilities and adults need to remain in this area with their children.
What is there for teenagers?
A mobile phone treasure hunt starting in the bookends café at the Library. The I-trail will allow teenagers to guide their way round the campus route, as they send answers and receive questions through texts on their mobile phone.
Registration:
Why do I need to register?
Registering enables you to book a place for some of the key activities at a time that suits you. It also assists by giving us an indication of numbers attending so we can plan appropriately.
What happens if I turn up on the day without registering?
You are free to attend without pre-registering but will not gain fast track entry, or qualify for the prize draw.
Transport:
How do I get there?
There are regular trains running through Central Milton Keynes Train station – for a timetable please check the website: www.nationalrail.co.uk
The bus service is run by MK Metro: mkmetro.co.uk/timtables.html
(The number 20 & number 22 run half hourly from the train station to the OU and the shopping centre and the OU)
Where can I park?
The OU has plenty of free car parking spaces, including separate disabled bays (please ensure you display your blue badge on arrival for directions to these bays).
Please make your way onto the site via the H9 Groveway and you will be directed by our Marshalls.
Where can I stay locally?
For details on local hotels and reduced rates please visit the Destination MK Website www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/Stay_over
Accessibility:
All exhibits and displays are on the ground floor and main doors can be operated automatically by push button with tactile aids.
Induction Loop
Induction loops are available in the Michael Young Building and in the Berrill Lecture Theatre.
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome at the Open University. There is a dedicated dog run and drinking water for your dog can be obtained from most catering outlets. (Please bring a dog bowl)
There are public toilet facilities on the ground floor of most buildings. There are separate, fully accessible, toilets located via port-a-loos around the campus.
There are a number of parking spaces in every car park around the campus site for Blue Badge Holders.
Please display your orange / blue badge clearly in your vehicle.