Tutorial and counselling services avail- able in the University's 250 study centres are optional. A student newspaper, Sesame, is published regularly and circulated to current students. The Open University Students Association organises study-related and social activities, clubs and societies. All new students need to apply for a place during the preceding year. To register as an undergraduate student it is necessary to apply by the end of September at the latest for courses starting the following February.
New students have the opportunity to withdraw from their course before final registration.
During the course of a year, the University enrols a total of more than 150,000 students. The annual budget of around 70 million pounds is derived princi- pally from central government, with additional funds from student fees and from other public and private sources. Over 150 under- graduate courses are available in 1990. Many of these courses are also available in the continuing education programme along with many other specialised short courses. Around 100 free-standing packs have also been produced.