Elliot Tower rings three times, and you sprint under the walkway, realizing that you’re already late to your 3 p.m. lecture. In the basement of the Oakland Center, students are playing billiards, while upstairs a line for Slim Chickens snakes through the food court. You spot a friend you haven’t seen since May’s statistics final exam. “You’ll never believe what happened this summer,” you shout as you bear hug them.
There’s something about this scene that makes my heart happy. Welcome Week, in my opinion, is the best week at OU. Back-to-school season – the first week of September – has always been one of my favorite times of the year.
Laptops are fully charged, and you wear a nice outfit for the first few days of class. You might even show up to an on-campus event, due to your schedule being suspiciously empty during syllabus week.
Entering my fourth and final year at OU, I feel equipped to offer some advice to new students. What do you do with all of this free time? Where should I study? Let me share some wisdom.
Join student clubs
This is a piece of advice that everyone hears, but it’s for a good reason. Student organizations are a great way to boost your resume and make some friends in the process.
I’ve always had a soft spot for recreational sports at OU – especially the Pickleball club that I’m always promoting. No matter your interests, you can find a club you’re interested in. Search around on social media, attend Grizz Fest and see what sounds interesting.
My mom always told me to join a club that makes you try something you’ve never done before. For me, that was swing dancing with the Ballroom Dance Club, which quickly became a favorite side quest of mine. It’s very rare that you’ll have access to this many opportunities and activities in your life again, so take advantage of it.
Work, work, work, work
OU is a commuter school, which means that students are likely somewhere off campus when not in class. While we don’t have a great social scene (C+ grade according to Niche), there’s a silver lining. You have lots of opportunities to gain work experience outside of school.
Throughout college, I’ve always had a job one way or another. I’ve interned for the government, I had a PR job, I worked as a tutor, I worked in retail and I’ve had countless other side jobs. Having a job teaches you time management, responsibility and other important skills that will help you in the future.
Get to class early
Parking at OU can be a nightmare. The last open spot will get snatched right in front of you, and the Pawley parking lot can be brutal during peak hours.
If you’re commuting, plan to leave a few minutes earlier than you think. Pro tip: I always roll down my car window and ask students walking to their car if they’re leaving, so I can take their spot.
Find a study spot you like
There are a lot of places on campus that you can hunker down in for a few hours with your laptop and a coffee, but the trick is finding the perfect spot. Take the first few weeks of the semester to test out different spots until you find your favorite.
The glass windows on the ground floor in South Foundation Hall are an obvious favorite of mine. While I usually try to keep it a secret, the upper levels of Pawley Hall are my hidden gem. The lounge in the lobby of Hillcrest Hall is weirdly quiet and another of my favorites.
Lastly, if you learn anything from this, have it be this: on Wednesdays, the Student Program Board gives away something free. Sign up for their reminders, and Hump Days are a lot easier to get through. I’ve scored pączki, sandwiches and plenty more.
