Although incoming students already know where they will be living, preparing for class isn’t always the only challenge that awaits them when they arrive in the fall. Living among their peers can be a whole new task.
On campus, there are three greens on which students can live, from the infamous “Deep South” or “Front Four” on South Green to the food-favorite and often sought-after East Green and all the way to the engineer-covered West Green. There are 42 residence halls on campus, and each has its own unique pros and cons, depending on a student’s perspective.
Living in a mod-style dorm on South Green has both its upsides and downsides, but for the most part, it is a positive experience that makes it easier to meet new people, said Liz Newcomb, a sophomore studying history and art history who lived in Armbruster House, a mod-style dorm.
“There are smaller communities and a shared living space,” Newcomb said. “I really liked getting to meet people from other places.”
There is also the challenge of living with either someone you know or with a complete stranger.
Living in the dorms helps build life skills for the real world, said Nick Hart, a sophomore studying photojournalism.
“I had a roommate for my freshman year in Ryors Hall on West Green,” said Hart, who will be living in a single as a resident assistant this school year. “I originally knew him from my high school and thought it’d be easier to live with someone I kind of knew. However, I had to learn how to compromise with him and make the living situation better for the both of us.”
For other students, having a roommate can be a positive experience. Though students can choose who they want to live with, there is also the option to receive a randomly selected roommate, said Molly Prescott, a sophomore studying sociology who lived in Read Hall on East Green.
“I didn’t really know anyone that was going into OU and decided to opt for random selection,” Prescott said. “Luckily, I got a roommate that I enjoy living with. You kind of have to talk with them in the beginning of the year and get to know them.”
Another challenge Prescott said some students face in the dorms is homesickness.
However, homesickness is easy for most students to conquer, Prescott said.
“At first, I had to tell myself not to go home for at least six weeks,” she said. “But my family comes down to visit me a lot, and it’s not so bad. You get used to being away from home after a certain time.”
As freshmen come to OU prepared for the start of their college experiences, there are certain aspects incomers need to get adjusted to, Hart said.
“Although studying and getting good grades is important, remember to get social,” Hart said.
And to help with that, there is a simple fix.
“Leave your doors open so that other people know you want them to come talk to you,” he said. “Really get involved with the opportunities that OU gives to you, and don’t just lock yourself in your room.”
