Dear readers,

Recently on our travels around Oakland University, we’ve heard—and uttered—many complaints about the construction. Well, we’re here to tell you: yes, it sucks, but it will be worth it. We know what you’re thinking, “What are these crazy people talking about?” Well, have no fear because these “crazy people” are about to drop some knowledge.

As a school whose student body is still comprised mostly of commuters, construction is becoming a huge inconvenience for everyone, both on and off campus. It seems like pretty soon, OU’s student population will be overtaken by the growing number of construction workers located around campus.

And let’s not get started on that god-awful parking situation. One of Oakland’s defining qualities is its plethora of opportunities for students to get in shape—if the Rec Center isn’t for you, parking three miles away from your class and running will surely get you in shape quickly.

Of course, that’s if you’re lucky enough to even get to campus. The work being done on Walton Boulevard has made one of the prime entry points to campus virtually inaccessible, so if you feel like it might be easier to just quit college entirely and become a hermit, you’re not alone.

Some people won’t care about the noise and disruption that construction projects introduce to campus life, while others are hampered in being able to study outside or walk to classes. Personally, we find the inconveniences of construction to be well worth the result.

It’s easy to lose hope, but there are some plus sides to all of these construction obstructions.

Amid traffic and parking struggles, students should focus on the positive: new buildings ultimately make OU a more desirable place to be.

Projects like the Oakland Center addition are part of the university’s plan to attract the best students and faculty, increasing research, and improving living and learning on campus. Hillcrest Hall, the new residence hall on the south side of campus, is providing students with with new places to live, eat and take classes. The OU administration produces projects that bring the best investment to the campus.

These new additions are joining the ranks of several buildings at Oakland that have recently been added to campus. The Engineering Center has only been around since 2012, and both the Human Health Building and Oak View Hall have been around for only four years. Even though all three of these buildings have recently been constructed, it is hard to picture campus without them.

We were some of the many who were irritated at the start of the construction, saying we don’t need new buildings and the old ones work just fine. The truth is, while the aesthetic of “prettier” buildings could help bring in potential students, these projects are more than just face lifts. We need most of these construction projects. They’re essential for OU as a whole.

This seemingly never-ending sea of orange cones, jack hammers and walking far out of our way for class is eventually going to pay off.