About Open SU

Open SU is a registered charity — Charity no. 1183837 (England & Wales) / SC049546 (Scotland)

Who we are

Led by students, for students

Open SU is the official student union for OU students. We're independent from the University, democratically led by students, and registered as a charity in England, Wales, and Scotland.

That means every decision we make, every campaign we run, every service we offer is focused on one thing: you.

Whether you're studying alongside a full-time job, raising a family, managing a health condition, or returning to education after years away, we're here for the whole of your journey.

A student sitting at a desk with a laptop and a hot drink
What we believe in

Our values

Our work is shaped by a set of values that guide everything we do: from the campaigns we run to the way we run this store.

  • Student-led

    Our leadership team is elected by you, and our priorities are set by you. We're not here to tell you what matters — we're here to act on what you tell us.

  • Inclusive

    The OU attracts students from every background, every age, every corner of the world. We work hard to make sure every student feels seen, supported, and welcome.

  • Independent

    As a registered charity, we operate independently from The Open University. That means we can represent students honestly and advocate on your behalf without compromise.

  • Transparent

    We're open about how we're governed, how decisions are made, and how money is used. Accountability isn't just a policy — it's part of who we are.

  • Community-minded

    From clubs and societies to support groups and volunteering, we build spaces where OU students connect. Studying at a distance doesn't have to mean studying alone.

About this store

Shopping that gives back

The Open SU store is official Open SU merchandise. Every item is designed to celebrate your time as an OU student; and every purchase helps support the charitable work of Open SU.

The people in these photos are real OU students just like you. No models, no stock images.

When you shop here, you're not just buying a hoodie or a mug. You're backing a charity that works every day to make sure your voice is heard.

Find out more about Open SU
A group of students outside wearing Open University hoodies
Registered charity

Our charitable status

Open SU is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. We are regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Charity number (England & Wales)1183837
Charity number (Scotland)SC049546
Company number12031028
Registered addressPO Box 397, Walton Hall,
Milton Keynes MK7 6BE