So like all college freshmen, I made a mistake. Before winter break, I decided I would do the smart, protective thing: lock my closet with a padlock. After packing up all my stuff for my month at home, I fastened my purple padlock to my closet, zipped up my backpack, and was about to head to my last final. Then it hit me… I didn’t remember the code for my lock. Read more

8 Things I Missed About OU Over Winter Break

8. The South Oval

When you come for your tour, the South Oval probably seems like nothing more than a huge space that takes forever to walk across, but in reality it’s the center of activity at OU. This is because, especially as a freshman, all of your courses will most likely be concentrated in this area of campus. Last semester, 3 out of my 4 classes were somewhere on the Oval. Even if you’re not a freshman, the Oval serves as a rendezvous point for every student at OU, no matter what major or year they might be. CAC and other campus organizations advertise their events here, free stuff is often distributed here, and everyone has to pass through at some point. What I’ve missed most is the liveliness of the Oval and how I always see my friends pass by when I’m walking to class. I miss the way people cross Lindsey before the monotone crosswalk voice says, “Walk sign is on” because they’re running late to class. And I miss the free stuff, but I’ll get my fill soon thanks to CAC’s Winter Welcome Week!

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Before I can hit on my “top five” list, I need to explain the meal plan system so that you will understand what I’m talking about. So if you already know the difference between meals, points and meal exchanges, skip ahead. 🙂

First you have to understand the difference between meals and points. You will get so many meals each week, and they will expire every week on Sunday at midnight so you have to use them within that week or you will lose them. A meal can be used at Couch Restaurants (a.k.a the Caf). When used at the Caf, a meal has an all-you-can-eat value of $11. When you use one meal to get into the Caf, you get all-you-can-eat access to ALL of the FOURTEEN dining options inside this one building. I am a super picky eater, and trust me when I say there is something for everyone here. Don’t believe me? Check out the virtual tour.

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So you’ve been admitted…what’s next?

If you answered filling out your housing application and contract, you’re right! This is a two step process that brings you closer to being ready for your freshman year. Housing will be an experience like no other you will ever have.

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One of my favorite things about Sooner life is living in the dorms! Personally, I can say that living in the dorms has been so much fun! Move-in day can be overwhelming because you’re trying to organize everything just perfectly, but don’t worry about it too much. With thousands of people moving in to the same tower, it gets a little hectic! Especially since it was raining this year! Also, don’t expect your room to look and be decorated perfectly the first day. My roommate and I are still working on our room to look just like we want it, and we’ve been here over a month.

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Transitioning into college has definitely been a tough thing. I can still remember my senior year in high school and stressing out over college, how my classes were going to be, and exactly what life would be like. Now that I am here, I am hoping I can share some ways to make transitioning into college a little easier for you. I will begin by telling you something you have probably heard many times before: college is all about managing time wisely. You have one hour of a class and a lot of free time that you may or may not know what to do with. Getting used to dorm life, classes, and dealing with free time can become overwhelming. Here are just a few things to keep in mind: Read more

Whenever I tell someone that I live in the dorms, I get so many different reactions from people. Most of the time, I always hear about how much fun they had and how much they love their roommate from the past year. They also mention how much they miss having a meal plan and miss eating at the Caf. Now that I’ve been here for about a month, I completely understand what they have been talking about. Personally, I have really enjoyed living in the dorms so far! I live in the Adams Center, in the Johnson Tower, but I go to Walker and Couch all the time. All of the towers are great because each one has something different at the bottom, and you can go hang out there whenever you want. I have friends that live in every tower, so its fun to go over and see where they live. Read more

So you’ve applied to college!? Your next big feat is probably going to be thinking about dorm ideas! Some believe dorms to be these tiny, space-sucking, claustrophobic closets…turns out there are TONS of ways and opportunities to best maximize your own personal space! It’s been common in my room as well as my suitemates and fellow hallmates to buy matching room decor. Trust me, it truly makes or breaks a room and looks so incredibly cute when it’s all one designated pattern.

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By this time last year, I was 100% a Sooner! I had everything finished and I was ready to go! I was counting down my last days as a Kansan before I officially moved to the Sooner State. One thing that I looked forward to a lot was dorm life! I couldn’t wait to find out who I would be living with and how I was going to decorate my side of the room!

This is my room! (Yes, for those of you looking at the TV, I’m watching the Masters! My TV is generally on ESPN or the game!) I’m big on black and white, so I went with black, white and a pop of color. At first, my accent was Tiffany Box Blue, and then after Christmas break I decided to switch it to apple green. That lasted a little less than a week, because I found a crimson pillow (the one in the middle) at Target that I had to have! So I switched my apple green accessories to crimson and I have stuck with it!

I have a lot of throw pillows on my bed so I can use it as a couch (a body pillow works just as well). It makes for extra seating without buying a futon or chair that just takes up space in your dorm. It’s perfect for watching TV or just hanging out, and it makes the room look fun and festive!

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