University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

If you find your niche in OU, it can really be an amazing. I definitely felt lost in the huge student body my freshman year. I didn't really make new friends, felt lost in my classes, and didn't enjoy much of anything. Upon joining Alpha Phi Omega, the co-ed service fraternity, I found who I belong with and my experience satisfaction skyrocketed. The campus is beautiful, Oklahomans are always nice, and I live for Saturday OU Football. Of course there are downfalls for every school. Financial aid and help can be very scarce. I have had issues every semester with our financial aid office which has caused me to take semesters off and they don't seem to care about the students there, only about new ones. Parking is also a HUGE donwfall. They sell too many passes in ratio to spots available so during busy times of the day you can get stuck parking a 20 minute walk away. However, with those two major annoyances, I continue to love the university and wouldn't want to experience college anywhere else.

I think it is overall competitive. I think it is very good for the value.

The University of Oklahoma is a great institution. Everyone is very friendly and approachable. The school is run very tightly but still allows students to have a lot of fun. We work hard and play hard. The school pride is very high and students have a lot of input in the decisions around campus.

For a school of 20,000 people, OU feels very much like a small community. Somehow, it seems like pretty much everyone I know knows everyone else I know--not because I met one person and started hanging out with their group, either. My boyfriend's roommate has a class with me, and his friend from high school was my lab partner. I met a guy on my floor who I hung out with a couple of times in high school but hadn't talked to in three or four years. My boyfriend's suitemate ended up being my suitemate's best friend from high school, a high school which only graduated about 30 seniors. Basically, the campus isn't ever scary because of the number of people. I wish Norman had a better location--other than OKC (which doesn't have much), there really isn't a whole lot to do here if you're not a part of Greek life. I think OU's size is just right: you get the benefits of going too a large state school with the feel of a small university. A lot of people from my high school go here, so it's not a big deal when I tell people this is where I go--although to be honest, I made really good grades in high school, and people who knew me were surprised I went here instead of UT or A&M. Last semester, I spent a lot of time in the Union for studying, or in my suitemate's or boyfriend's rooms (we all hang out together), but my roommate moved out this semester, so now everyone hangs out in my room pretty much all the time. If you're looking for a great college town, you won't find it in Norman, in my opinion--but if you stay involved, it's something you won't need. Like any big school, the administration can be difficult and impersonal, but the advisers do their best to be friendly and helpful, even if they don't always have the best information about your major. Everyone's very friendly. I'd say the biggest controversy I've heard of recently is the protest we had yesterday for gender-neutral housing. I missed it because I was on the other side of campus, but I heard a lot of people talking about it--the LGBTQ club, I believe, are trying to get at least a floor of gender-neutral housing for the purpose of homosexual people being allowed to live with a roommate of the opposite sex. While this is a college, a lot of people here are from conservative backgrounds, so it caused a bit of controversy. One thing OU never lacks is school pride: it is by far the favorite school in Oklahoma, so people who live here or grew up in Oklahoma love it and keep coming back. Students love the school and hate Texas (UT, not A&M) and OSU. There really isn't anything unusual about OU that I can think of. My most memorable (not necessarily my favorite) night here so far was when my best friend came to visit and my friends and I took her to a hookah bar about ten minutes north of campus. The proprieter, Mo, made all the girls extremely uncomfortable by sort of hitting on us, and the atmosphere was super sketchy. It wasn't to the point that we were scared or anything like that, it was just awkward, but ended up being a really funny story. We've been back a few times since, but the place is rather pricey, so we don't go often. Most frequent student complaints are about maintenance or Oklahoma infrastructure: the light in my bathroom was pretty much out for most of my first semester, and my suitemates and I had to submit at least four maintenance requests before it finally got fixed. But the maintenance guys are really nice! And what I mean by OU infrastructure is stuff like the drainage system--or, rather, the lack of one. Girls, rainboots are definitely needed here. There are puddles everywhere when it rains.

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I absolutely love the University of Oklahoma. For me, having grown up in a small town, going to a large school is a nice change. It is just large enough to where there are lots of opportunities and you are able to constantly make new friends, but small enough where you don't feel lost and out of place. As far as reputation, OU is highly ranked among state schools for its academics and athletic programs. There is a free, on-campus tutoring program and writing lab, which are extremely helpful for classes. Most of my time on campus is spent in the library or student union (because i LOVE starbucks). Norman is a great college town, it has kind of a smaller, comfortable feel, but is not lacking in opportunities or things to do. OKC is just a short 24 min drive away if you're looking for more of a big-town feel. As to the familiar issue of parking, it is actually not too bad. Compared to most schools the same size, OU's parking is significantly cheeper and more affordable, Freshmen are allowed to have their own car on campus. OU is also not short on school spirit. On game day (football) fans pitch tents all over campus to tailgate. There are many activities and free food. All sports at OU aside from football and men's basketball are free to students. Overall, i love the University of Oklahoma, and wouldn't trade my experience her so far for anything.

I love everything about this school. I had no idea where I wanted to go to college, but one visit to OU changed my mind. I do have to say that the best thing about this school is the quality of education it is possible to receive. It all depends on how much you choose to get out of your classes and schoolwork. When attending Camp Crimson, a guest speaker told us one thing that has stuck with me over the past semester: "You can earn an Ivy League level education at OU if you want to. That much depends on you." One thing I would change is the tobacco policy at our school. I hate walking across campus, enjoying it's beauty, but having to inhale smoke from passers-by. Some think OU is too big, but once you are actually on campus, you realize how perfect everything really is. When I tell people to come to OU, they usually tell me that OU was not their first choice. When I explain how much I have loved this school, they usually change their mind! I spend most of my time in different classes. I rarely stay anywhere for too long. I love the library and the different restaurants around campus. OU is definitely a college town, but that is not all it is. Norman has a fantastic art community and plenty of activities to participate in around town. Last semester, I spent a lot of time off-campus volunteering with the Non-Profit Leadership Student Association, and it was so much fun! There aren't many controversies on campus this year, save for the regents and President Boren striving to enforce a tobacco ban. The school's administration is comprised of some of the nicest and smartest men and women around the country (in my opinion at least). They do all they can to ensure students are happy and receiving the best education imaginable. Is there a lot of school pride? Is that a rhetorical question? School pride is the biggest part of OU! Apart from all the traditions, stories, and tales of ghastly hauntings, OU is just your average top-rated university! One experience I'll always remember is my very first football game. It began with a cheering crowd, a Boomer Sooner chant that shook the ground, a stadium-wide recitation of the Alma Mater, and the loudest cheering I've ever heard. The "One" video played, the starters ran out, and the game began: the most exciting night of my life.

In my opinion, the best thing about OU is football season. Most social functions in the fall semester seem to revolve around it, including the annual trip to Dallas in early October for the Red River Rivalry between OU and Texas. Almost every student from both schools travels to Dallas for the weekend, and the experience is comparable to a college spring break. The one thing that I would change about the school is the parking situation, which is terrible. The best place to hang out around campus is Campus Corner, which is the primary bar and shopping area for OU. The school has a real college town feel to it, even though the population of Norman is over 120,000. The social scene here is outstanding, as one would expect of a school with over 20,000 undergrad attendees. The school administration is good overall, especially since President Boren has been here. Before Boren arrived, the school was known strictly as a "football school". It has now come to the point that it is a school that I will be very proud to have received a degree from.

The University of Oklahoma is one of the top public schools in the nation. It boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the country, but really gets you on fees. OU's advising staff can either be extremely helpful and knowledgeable or extremely confusing. For what it lacks in advisors, OU makes up with caring and involved professors. These professors will go to the moon and back for any student who shows he cares and is interested in his education. Many former students have their professors to thank for the job they acquired right out of college. Right outside of campus, you will find Norman, a perfect college town. Campus Corner, which holds restaurants, shopping, bars for those who are old enough, and live entertainment, is within walking distance. Norman is just the right size; plenty to do, but not so big as to be overwhelming. Conveniently just thirty minutes south of Oklahoma City, Norman provides the feeling of home in a college town with the attractions of a large city only minutes away. Of course, with any college town comes school pride. However, OU holds a special place in students' hearts, mostly due to Oklahoma football. You have not experienced a football game until you sit in the student section of a home OU football game. Many people, students and alumni alike, take OU football personally. This is the pride they hold in their school. But this pride extends to any and every sport and activity, be it rugby, theater, dance, or art.

Here's the deal: I love OU. I grew up in Texas, never even considering any college in Oklahoma, but my parents had me apply because they had heard that OU has generous academic scholarships. When I visited the campus I made up my mind that I wanted to go to OU. Specifically, I love that the campus feels small and manageable despite the fact that it is a large school. Norman is a smaller suburb and is centered around the university, but there is more to the town than just the campus. Norman is close to Oklahoma City too, so even if it's too quiet here, you can just take a short drive north and find something to do. Football has influence here. Even if you're not a huge fan of football, game days can be entertaining. I wasn't a fan myself until I went to my first game and heard the stadium yell "Boomer Sooner"!

I have grown up an Oklahoma Sooners fan since both my parents went here, but that is not the reason I came here. I actually looked for any reason to not come here so that I would not be just following in my parents' footsteps. I couldn't find that reason. Any other school I visited was either too small, too big, not in an ideal town, a school I hated (Texas and A&M), or I just not feel right in the university. OU was just the perfect size, had a beautiful campus, offers almost all majors, has great school spirit, a great football program, a great college town, and great people. The campus corner area is in walking distance of campus and is where almost everyone goes to eat. Every time you go there you are bound to run into someone you know. My favorite thing about OU is football season. It is a great time of the year where everyone on campus can come together and cheer for something they all have in common, the love for Sooner Football. While we didn't do as well as we could have this year I have faith in our team next year once everyone gets off injury. When I am not in the stadium cheering or on campus either studying or going to class, I spend most of my time at my Fraternity House. OU has a great greek life and greek life is a great place to meet some of your best friends you will have for the rest of your life. While I would recommend greek life for anyone because it is so diverse and there are so many different Fraternities/Sororities, there are still countless ways to get involved in this University and meet people who share the same interests. This University is a great place to gain an Education and to grow as an individual and I would not change my decision for anything.

I LOVE OU. That's the best way to put it. I transferred from a very small, mostly non-traditional student, university and I was so nervous because OU can be very intimidating. I felt so silly for being nervous once I got started! The classes aren't all huge, I've actually only had one class that was over 30 students. Everyone is super friendly and the professors are AMAZING and have very prestigious backgrounds. You can't help but feel pride for going to OU, we have top ranked academic programs, an amazing athletics department, tons of campus organizations, and great night life. Another thing I really love is that the administration truly cares about the students and goes out of their way to get input and feedback so they are constantly improving.

Understandably, some students would rather attend a small school where one-on-one attention is easily attainable and one could have the chance at being a big fish in a small pond. OU truly is a huge school where students could easily get lost without direction. Thankfully, we have great advisers and staff here who help us weave through our college courses and make the best of our college years. I'm sure there are some horror stories but, honestly, I'd like to see someone try to find a campus where everyone is agreeable. There is also opportunity to get that one-on-one attention during your professors' office hours or the free tutoring offered on campus. As far as being recognized on such a large campus, with so many students, if you can push yourself to be the big fish in an ocean rather than those little ponds, imagine how far you can go after college.

The best thing about OU is the Couch cafeteria. You can eat all you want as much as you want and choose a wide variety of meals (from a steak to variety of food on the buffet). You can choose to eat healthy or get the Freshman 15, it's all about you. Depending on who you hangout with, you'll get to party almost every weekend, or just having good times with you close friends by watching free movies on Friday nights. Campus Corner is a place where you could chill with your friends. There is a lot of school pride. You get to receive free stuff like t-shirts, mugs, etc with OU symbols on them. From my experience, I have a lot of free t-shirts from OU. It's awesome!

Before I even stepped foot at OU, I knew that they had the best school pride and greatest traditions. Now that I am a student here, I can see that nothing compares to what it feels like to be apart of it. Sooners stick together and are always willing to lend a helping hand to a fellow Sooner. Every single Sooner is family. Football games are possibly the greatest experience you will have as an OU student. To hear the "Boomer Sooner" chant echo throughout the stadium at home games is the best feeling. The faculty and staff are top scale. While every school has professors that are not the greatest, OU professors sincerely want you to do well, and will do anything to help you succeed. I can tell you first hand that even the "meanest" or "strictest" teachers will come around when you contact them and give them an opportunity to help you. Even though OU is not considered small by any means, it feels like a small university. The campus is pretty compact so nothing is out of walking distance.

Before I even stepped foot at OU, I knew that they had the best school pride and greatest traditions. Now that I am a student here, I can see that nothing compares to what it feels like to be apart of it. Sooners stick together and are always willing to lend a helping hand to a fellow Sooner. Every single Sooner is family. Football games are possibly the greatest experience you will have as an OU student. To hear the "Boomer Sooner" chant echo throughout the stadium at home games is the best feeling. The faculty and staff are top scale. While every school has professors that are not the greatest, OU professors sincerely want you to do well, and will do anything to help you succeed. I can tell you first hand that even the "meanest" or "strictest" teachers will come around when you contact them and give them an opportunity to help you. Even though OU is not considered small by any means, it feels like a small university. The campus is pretty compact so nothing is out of walking distance.

I love OU - the spirit and the environment. If I had to change anything I'd ensure students have access to the best technology in the classrooms (Better wifi, projectors...)

I think OU is amazing. I would say OU is just the right size. With so many students there is always a chance to meet new people, however with people in the same degree path it is very likely that you will see familiar faces. OU is a college town, there are so many college students around and so many of the restaurants and bars are geared toward the students. OU also has a lot of school spirit, there are always sporting events going on. It is not just football and basketball, but there is also hockey, gymnastic, tennis, wrestling and more. There are a lot of student organizations, 400 or so I believe. They can be career focused such as Pre-Med club or cultural base such as AASA, Asian American Student Association, or just for fun such as the SMAA ,Student Martial Arts Association. With all the clubs and events going on there is almost always something going on everyday in some club or organization somewhere on or off campus.

The University of Oklahoma provide tremendous resources to ensure the success of its students. The University is a place for students to progress in their academic career but also to learn about themselves and help them shape their future, In my opinion, the diversity present at the University of Oklahoma give students the opportunity to discover many other cultures. Indeed, there are thousands of international students from more than 120 different countries on campus. I am myself an international student from France and am amazed by the possibilities to meet and learn more about different traditions and cultures. Moreover, the Student life on campus is amazingly rich: there are more than 1200 student organizations on campus which allows everyone to find their niche. From sport to art or even Greek life every student at the University can find a group matching his or her interest. The next big topic at OU is football! The Oklahoma Sooners are highly ranked in the College football league and each home games brings a lot of excitement on campus. The atmosphere during those games are always cheerful and very enjoyable for students and the community. I believe that the University of Oklahoma is an excellent school and the faculty is always ready to help students in need to grow.