OU: A Place for YOU

Photo by: Ashley Alonzo

OU is a home away from home for many students. It is valuable to know the many resources that this campus offers to make living a little more simple, comfortable and convenient while preparing for a life of significance. Here is a list of the essential things you need to know to survive your years at OU.

1. Basic Life Needs

No one wants to leave the comfort of his or her home to do laundry. On campus, students’ worries can be washed away in one of the laundry rooms located in each of the residence halls. If you happen to need laundry money, an ATM can be found inside the north doors of the Student Center, where you can also add cash to your Braves Card.

Hetrick Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at regular time, with the exception of the island, which remains open until midnight. Different stations offer diverse types of food to accommodate the different traditions of students.

2. Medical Assistance and Health Care

When you are not feeling good, a visit to the campus doctor on the first floor of Ward Science Hall could be the remedy to your problems. The nurse is present from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, as well as the student counselor, Donna Washington, who is there from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you’re looking to better your health, pop into the weight room located in the Hull Center anytime from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Anyone can use the equipment, as there is a separate weight room for the athletic teams to avoid crowding.

3. Fun

OU offers 25 different organization and as a result, something is always going on. The Campus Activities Board, CAB, hosts an event every week for students. The events vary from ziplining to free movie nights, and the best part: You can always win prizes!  You can like OU CAB on Facebook and follow them on Snapchat for upcoming event reminders.

When there is not an event happening, students can find recreation in the new student center: ping-pong and foosball tables are available for campus residents. You can also go to the Pelton Lounge, located in the Student Center, and watch your favorite games on the big TVs.  

4. Academics

When it comes to academics, OU has many resources that will make your life easier, such as the writing center and tutoring opportunities. If assistance with choosing classes or exploring degrees, the Adawe Life Plan Center in the first floor of the Administration building can help you out. Not only will they assist with classes, they will provide career resources events for resume building and interview preparation. Cool fact: In the same area, you will find a writing center and tutoring schedules for you to use.

While many teachers use Blackboard for class, other resources such as career services can be found on My Ottawa Portal. Tech Help can also be accessed by E-Request on portal or by calling 855-268-4357, available 24/7.

5. Braves Fan Shop/Bookstore

Commonly known as the bookstore, located right outside the Hectrick Bistro, is the new and improved Braves Fan Shop. Within the black and gold walls, OU Fans and students can find everything from apparel, to school supplies and books.

In their website, which can be accessed through My Ottawa Portal, students can see the books they need for their classes and compare prices between the Fan Shop and other rental sites. They also offer the option of paying off books at the end of the semester through book credit.

6. Work Study

If you consider yourself to fit within the broke college student category, on-campus jobs and work studies provide an opportunity to make money without having to leave campus. Job listings are posted on the My Ottawa Portal and include the application deadline and requirements. The amount of positions and type of position varies per semester, depending on availability and departmental budgets. Eligibility is also a factor and can be determined by visiting Financial Aid.            

Now you have six new tips for how to survive college here at OU. Let’s hope you enjoy, or keep enjoying, your years here and that these resources make your life easier!