As my first semester at OU has come to an end, I feel like there’s a lot that I can say I’ve learned, both in and out of the classroom. There’s so much that an incoming college student has to learn just to “survive” the college life. Coming from a relatively small school, I never even thought of getting lost on my campus (I haven’t yet at OU, but it’s still early). Becoming familiar with the campus if you aren’t already is a very wise move. Then there’s the whole meal plan/points thing, which you’ll get used to eventually, don’t worry. An exchange is the equivalent of $7 at any restaurant on campus except the Caf, where it is equal to one person getting in ($11 I think). Then your points are like free spending money, as one point is equal to one dollar. Hopefully I got all that right. Getting used to the dorm life can be quite the transition, too; however, I’ve made some great friendships with the guys on my hall.

Now the important stuff: school! My first semester of classes here didn’t terrify me as much as I thought they would, but it’s definitely different than high school.  Those giant lecture hall classes are a little weird at first (it was kind of like my entire high school in one big room) but eventually you barely notice it anymore. It is easy to fall asleep in those sometimes, so pay attention! If you use your laptop to take notes, be sure and stay focused on the notes and not have Twitter or Facebook open in the other window. Some classes are easier than others and you’ll feel different about certain classes, but don’t let that influence your studying for them all. At the beginning of the semester, I was kind of shooting in the dark about how to create good study habits. I wouldn’t recommend studying for long periods of time in your dorm room, because more than likely you’ll end up asleep within the first 15 minutes. There are all sorts of cool study spots around campus, and when the weather is nice there’s a lot of good spots outside, too.

I guess all I can really say is that college is different than high school, but in a good way. Don’t get distracted and stay focused. Keep that in mind and your time at the University of Oklahoma will be great!

Boomer Sooner,

Tyler Block
Shawnee, OK
Human Relations major
Class of 2016

Hello friends!

I don’t know about you guys, but I cannot believe that it is already October. Seems like yesterday I was walking around campus for my first day of college and now I am in my third semester. Time really does fly in college, which is why I will be giving you guys tips on how to be efficient with your school work while having the most fun you will probably ever have in your life.

Let’s start with something we are probably encountering within the next couple weeks: midterms. We all loathe them and worry about them because we don’t really know what to expect, especially as freshmen. But have no fear…you will make it through. My advice when it comes to any major exam is simple: start studying AT LEAST a week before. This piece of advice seems easy, but I promise you it’s not. I cannot even tell you how many times I would make other plans instead of studying because I thought I could afford to spend my time doing more fun things. When it comes close to test time, I highly encourage putting a timeout on some of your extracurriculars to study. You will be thankful in the long run, because you are here to get a degree, right?

Notice that I said put a timeout on SOME extracurriculars. You have to have fun. There is nothing worse than being stressed out and having no fun. Study for an hour, grab a friend to go get a Sprittle at Classics for a study break. Study and then go take a break and relieve some stress at the Huff. Do not torture yourself and study for 35185 hours straight. 1) That will ruin you in the long run because your brain cannot function that long. 2) Who wants to study that long in one sitting anyway? TAKE BREAKS.

Join a club, make your own club, meet new people, or just do the things you wish you always could. College is the time to branch out. Because what better time to step out of your comfort zone and do something you have only dreamed of than here at the University of Oklahoma?

Boomer Sooner!

Katherine Williams
Decatur, TX
Class of 2015
Human Relations

OU is a bustling campus filled with people and energy during the school year. When the weather starts to warm and the classes wrap up, though, most students leave campus for a few months to return in August.

While I love the hustle and bustle of OU during August through May, there’s something to be said for the serenity that descends upon the Ovals during those few months of summer. Walking across the beautiful campus in the afternoon warmth becomes a peaceful experience, rather than an energizing one. I take in more of the natural beauty that surrounds me and I pay more attention to all the little nooks and crannies that I forget about during the school year, like the little path between Bizzell and Evans or the walkways over by Sarkeys that I always forget about.

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Your college years will be full of papers, tests, lectures, and late night study sessions. You will learn a lot in an academic sense, but it is also a time to network, grow, meet people, and have a ton of fun.  One of the best ways to accomplish these goals during your collegiate years is to get involved on campus–and the University of Oklahoma has plenty of ways for you to get involved! Read more

Hello future Sooners!!!

I have to tell you guys that everyone here on campus is loving the beautiful weather! I notice everyone smiling as they walk down the South Oval in shorts, a tee, and sunglasses! I think it’s safe to say that we are all excited about and have been expecting the nice spring weather! Makes going to class and walking around our beautiful campus even more enjoyable.

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Hello again! From the title of this blog, you may be wondering, “Sports on campus? Isn’t football season over?” While fall has long past, fear not, Baby Sooners! There are so many more sports to check out at the University of Oklahoma. Here in Norman, you can come support 9 different men’s and 8 different women’s sports teams, including rowing, tennis, rugby, and so much more! Even better, except for football and men’s basketball, your student ID will get you into these games for free! Read more

I think a lot of high school students have an idealized version of what college and their college friendships will be like. They will have one group of friends. They and their friends will be very similar to one another. That one group will do everything together. And so on, and so forth…

Here’s the thing. I was like that. I was ready for my one big group. But the thing is, I learned that that’s not necessarily what happens. For some people it does, to a point. But honestly, it’s not even the best option, in my opinion. The best option is making friends wherever you go.

I have friends from my hall freshman year. I have friends I met at Camp Crimson. (By the way, if you’re debating whether or not to go to Camp Crimson, go.) I have friends I met in class (yes, that’s possible). I have friends from work. I have a bunch of friends from a variety of places, and I honestly think I’m a better person for it. Read more

To ensure you will get the best education at the University of Oklahoma, take advantage of the free tutoring that the University offers for any course you take at OU.

Chances are at least one of the courses you take will stump or challenge you. OU’s tutoring program is called UC Action and is CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association) certified. You can schedule small group appointments, online tutoring, faculty directed sessions or just walk in! Despite which option you choose, all of these opportunities will enable you to be successful in any of your courses.  UC Action is not just offered for your freshman level courses, but for all OU courses.

OU’s free tutoring program, UC Action, is a program many OU students utilize on a daily basis. This is just one of the many tools OU has implemented to give the support needed to our students. I encourage you to take advantage of UC Action once you step foot on campus! Boomer Sooner!

Test Prep/taking the ACT and SAT

I’m going to level with you – there’s nothing fun about taking a 4+ hour test on a Saturday morning. Even if you score off the charts and earn a huge scholarship, you still probably won’t enjoy taking the ACT or SAT. But by employing a few simple strategies, you can make sure your standardized test experience is as productive as possible.

Answer the easy questions first. Every question is worth the same amount of points, so don’t waste your time on a hard question that you might not even get correct. Instead, clean up all the easy questions first and collect the points you know you can get. Then move on to the tougher questions if you have left over time.

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This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend “Leader Summit”- a leadership workshop that is open for all OU students to attend. I didn’t really know what was in store when I first registered for this event, but now I’m glad I did!

Leader Summit is a 7-hour workshop, led by OU’s amazing LEAD Team, that provides leadership training, keynote speakers, and of course, food! I was amazed at how many students actually came to this event on a Saturday morning. Some of the activities at this workshop include: Break-out sessions with speakers, “Habitudes”- talking about different leadership topics, community service project – making place mats for a retired veterans home, and lunch!

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