After spending my second summer here in Norman, I have realized a few things. First, Chimy’s is always closed at random times in the summer and that really grinds my gears when I need a chimichanga fast.  Second, I’ve grown to love the city that I have called home for the past 3 years (sorry Mom and Dad). After living in Norman for so long, I consider myself a Norman resident and not just a college student living here. There are are so many cool things about this city that I wouldn’t of known if I haven’t of lived here year round. I have compiled a list of the 9 things you need to know before you move to Norman. This city can surprise you!

1. Festivals galore!

Norman is known as the city of festivals so there is always something going on during the school year and even in the summer. My favorite festival is Norman Music Festival is a (picture above) where Main Street literally gets shut down for three days for a massive FREE music festival that features many local bands in the spring! Some other cool festivals include Medieval Fair, Jazz in June and the Chocolate Festival (unlimited samples of chocolate, need I say more?).

2. Culture and Arts

Norman is a mecca for culture and arts and two of my favorite places for that is right here on OUr campus! Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is one of the largest University-based Natural History museums and features the world’s largest Apatosaurus (a really big dinosaur) as well as other cool artifacts about Oklahoma’s history as well. Another museum we have here in Norman is the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art which holds over 1 billion dollars of art inside of it!

3. FOOD everywhere

Queso at The Mont, Gyros at Greek House, Boba Tea at Tea Cafe, Norman has a thriving food scene! There are over 100 restaurants in Norman with many diverse offerings. Vietnamese, Peruvian, Moroccan, Indian and many other offerings right here in the middle of Oklahoma. One word of advice for y’all, EAT LOCAL! There are so many restaurants that are a big part of the Norman community so try them all.

4. NEVER take Lindsey.

When Fall Semester rolls around and when you add thousands of new students on the roads, things can get pretty hectic. One tried and true saying that you will hear over and over from many upperclassmen is “Never take Lindsey.” Lindsey St. is the main artery that runs right in the middle of campus here in Norman, Oklahoma and one of the most congested roads as well. Save yourself the frustration during 5 o’clock rush hour, take Highway 9, take Boyd, but never take Lindsey.

5. Big City atmosphere, Small-town feel

In terms of population, Norman is actually the 3rd largest city in the State of Oklahoma right behind Oklahoma City and Tulsa! Even with such a large population, you won’t feel like your living in a big city because Norman has such a small town feel to it. The residents of Norman are laid-back and friendly. Main St and Campus Corner are two great additions to the Norman community and add to to the small town feel. However, even with all the small town feel, Norman has so many amenities that some of the bigger cities have! Sooner Mall and SuperTarget are some of my favorites!

6. Remember, people still live here!

That stunning women in the picture above is no other than Mayor Cindy Rosenthal, mayor of Norman. I recently had the honor of being an SGL at Camp Crimson with our namesake being the mighty Rosenthal (shout out to Rosenthal Fam). One of the things she told us in her presentation is to always remember that people actually live here instead of just college students. You’re going to find some of the friendliest people in this town but remember that they still live and work here so try not to be disrespectful to the residents. Contrary to popular belief, most norman residents actually love college kids!

7. Remember the Oklahoman Way

If you’re from out-of-state, this one applies more to you. Even if you have strong ties to Texas, Missouri, Kansas or wherever you’re from, remember when you move to Norman, you’re going to have to get used to the Oklahoma way. Sweet tea, saying Yes Ma’am, No sir, sheer hospitality are some of the things you will have to get used to. The Oklahoman way also means looking out for one another. Welcome to Oklahoma y’all!

8. Ditch the Car        

Kind of piggybacking off the “Don’t Drive on Lindsey” statement, you’ll slowly realize that you won’t need your car as much as you think in Norman. One piece of sage advice, get a bike! I recently just moved into a house near campus and it was probably one of the best decisions of my life. All I do is bike and walk everywhere and its great. Norman is such a compact town that you can bike and walk everywhere. You’ll realize that you won’t use your car as much.

9. Realize that Norman is the best college town on this planet.

Norman is a beautiful place to live and go to school. It’s a quirky town, filled with weird stores, restaurants and culture events. It is a big town, filled with all the amenities you’ll ever need. It has a small town feel, great mom and pops, friendly people and more. It is a college town and all the things that come with it being a college town. You’re going to be spending the next four (or five) years in this wonderful city and you’ll slowly appreciate this beautiful town. Some of my favorite memories and experiences have happened in this town and I don’t ever want to leave. NORMAN FOREVER.

Bunty Patel

Senior

Energy Management/Supply Chain

Wilburton, OK