Jul
18
Most students think that the idea of taking classes during the summer can be off-putting. Summer is a time for lazing around next to the pool or working and saving up money for the school year. Fortunately, the summer block scheduling of classes allows for flexibility and convenience. You can get that much needed chill time with your friends and make great academic choices at the same time.
After being involved with OU Summer Session for the past two summers I have seen more and more of my friends decide to stay in Norman and take classes rather than move home. Moving away from Norman for just 3 months can be a hassle. Plus, there’s a ton of events and entertainment on campus including free sno-cones every Tuesday, volleyball, basketball, and kickball leagues, a concert, comedian, crawfish boil, and much more.
I think my two favorite events were the comedian and the concert. This summer we had Chris Hardwick, host of the Talking Dead and Nerdist podcast, perform stand up comedy in Holmberg Hall. The venue was packed and he was hilarious, not to mention he came out and signed autographs for everyone after his performance. The Casey Donahew Band performed for the summer Must Stay Concert on the East Lawn of the Union. An outdoor country concert totally embodies the feeling of summer and over 4,000 people were in attendance. Both of these events were completely free and it was awesome to see so many of my friends and peers come hang out and enjoy the performances.
I’m really excited to be apart of this time of transition in academia. More and more of my peers are earning summer course credit, rounding out their fall and spring semesters, and enjoying the benefits of staying close to campus.
Patrick Vaughn
Film and Media Studies, Class of 2014
Yukon, OK
Jul
9
Three years ago, as I spent the summer preparing for my freshman year of college, I received a very exciting email informing me of my rooming assignment. I would be living in Walker Tower, in the “penthouse” (12th floor), with a roommate chosen for me by OU’s roommate matching program. My roommate and I added each other on Facebook, and soon became friends. I was already excited to begin my college experience, and finding out where I would be living just added to my enthusiasm. I daydreamed about what my Res Hall experience would be like, and couldn’t wait to move in.
My expectations of living in the residence halls were exceeded almost as soon as I moved in. From my great view of the football stadium, to the outgoing and friendly girls on my floor, I could tell from day one that I would love my time in Walker Tower. As the year went on, it just continued to become even more fun, and my hallmates became more like family. Whether going for late night runs to the restaurants on campus, or just hanging out in the common rooms, there was never a dull moment in the dorms. Each of the residence towers boasted their own dining option. Walker Tower contained Xcetera, the on-campus store where you could buy anything you could ever need, whether that was cereal, shampoo, milk, or an OU snuggie, all payable with the OU meal plan. The convenience of being able to simply go downstairs anytime I needed anything was one of the many bonuses of living in the residence halls.
At the end of my freshman year, as everyone began moving out and going their separate ways, the mood was bittersweet. Although I was excited for my sophomore year, I was sad to be leaving the dorms and my Walker 12 family. I realized that living in the residence halls was a unique experience, because getting to live with your entire freshman class in one, concentrated area, with any amenities you could ever need is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I would miss running into new friends at any time of the day, spending my meal points on treats in Xcetera, and constantly being surrounded by my OU family.
Today, as I am preparing to begin my senior year, I can safely say that every year I have experienced at OU has been just as incredible as the previous ones. Living in the residence halls helped kick off my time at OU in the best possible way, giving me a support system from the beginning, and allowing me to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Rebekah Martin
Senior
Political Science
Alva, OK
Jul
3
I come from a very small town called Alva, OK. Growing up, I practically knew everyone and their dogs. When I heard of Camp Crimson, I was very nervous and shy about attending. I was afraid that I wouldn’t know anyone coming in. And worst of all, I was terrified of not making any friends. Well, I could not have been more wrong! Of all the camps I’ve ever been to, Camp Crimson was hands down my favorite! Going into camp I had no idea what to expect, but I was comforted by the thought that my future roommates were going to be present at the Boomer Session also.
As soon as we got there, we were greeted by all the wonderful staff that led us through the exhilarating and lively spirit tunnel. The whole staff was full of excitement and energy. They immediately made me feel comfortable and relaxed. Our small group had a hard time adjusting to all the rush and excitement, but by the end of the evening we all became a tight nit family! From building boats out of cardboards to having a whirlpool in the OU swimming pool, Camp Crimson has several different activities for everyone to enjoy. My personal favorite was the retro dance, a night filled with cat-daddying, teaching people how to dougie, and of course the wobble.
The amount of friends I made through camp made me realize that being at OU helped me gain a new family. The endless conversations, traditions, and of course Club Sweat will always remain dear in my heart. Camp Crimson truly helped me make my life and experience at OU the very best!
Boomer Sooner!
Haarika Reddy
Sophomore
Alva, OK
Jul
1
“Drop your cool” is a common phrase used throughout Camp Crimson. Every year campers come into camp thinking dancing should be illegal, sweating is gross, and acting like an absolute goober should be forbidden. However, those perceptions quickly change after they surround themselves with some of the most outgoing and personable students on this university! I can recall coming into Camp Crimson thinking it was going to be the longest three days of my life. I was wrong and far from ready to leave. Camp Crimson got me so excited for this next chapter of my life. I graduated from a small town high school so the thought of coming to a huge college made me very anxious. Luckily, I got three small group leaders that helped make my transformation to the University of Oklahoma so wonderful and stress free! You too will have amazing Small Group Leaders that will be mentors and great friends to you all throughout your college experience.
Camp Crimson is one of the first times where people associate you as an official “college student”. You are no longer in high school! Woo Woo! In fact, you are now a part of the Sooner family! Camp is where you will make some of your first and perhaps even your favorite Sooner memories. Camp impacted my college experience so much that I have been involved with it for the past three years. I came back as a Small Group leader and now I am an Orientation Guide. You will meet so many new friends throughout your time at camp. There is even a chance you may meet your suite mate while you are here too!
So if you are hesitant at all about camp… I hope this puts you at ease. It is going to open your eyes to so many new things. The opportunities are endless here at the University of Oklahoma, and I hope that you will join us at Camp Crimson to see that for yourself! You will leave sore from wobbling, hoarse from yelling your family chant, and extremely full of Chick-Fil-A, but I can assure you that it is all worth it. I can promise you that you will leave eager to return in August!
#yOUStartHere class of 2017!
Taylor Gardner
Senior Communication Major
Duncan, OK
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