About

See what students say:

Academics

The University of Oklahoma (OU), located in Norman, OK, outranks all other public and private universities in National Merit Scholars, and boasts 134 undergraduate degree programs. It is an “intellectually fertile, opportunity-laden public research institution” with a “rich tradition of community” that offers “an Ivy League quality education within a public university.” OU has over 30,000 students, but still manages to have a “small town feel” that is “very comfortable and welcoming.” Students call OU “not just a school,” but “a place to meet others in the OU family, be a part of long-standing traditions,” and “receive a quality education from challenging courses.” Home of the Sooners football team, which won seven national championships, it’s no wonder OU’s school spirit is strong. The University also holds 39 overall NCAA National Championships, and a host of other athletic championships and accolades. Though OU “might be known for its athletic program,” students say “academics don’t suffer from it.” OU has “fantastic,” “engaging,” “encouraging” “professors that truly care for the well-being of the students.” “The professors here don’t feel like your average teachers,” notes a Psychology and Economics major, “but exceptional instructors who relate on a personal basis and actually help you comprehend the material.” OU gives “tons of opportunities to its students,” including “jobs, networking, study abroad” programs and more. The university combines “tradition with advancement to encourage you to become the best version of yourself possible” says an Elementary Education major. Student after student noted the sense of “family” everyone has at OU, as well as the importance of “tradition, unity, and togetherness.”

Student Body

A typical OU student is “friendly,” “down to earth,” “aware,” and “motivated.” They have a “nice balance” between their “academic and social lives” and are committed to “volunteering,” “sports” and “Greek life.” Many students join a fraternity or sorority. Incoming students are most likely to “fit in” by “being involved on campus” and joining “lots of organizations.” Students describe their classmates as primarily “white, upper-middle class, and Christian,” but “with a broad mix of international and minority students.”

Campus Life

OU is home to a host of strong athletic teams and students frequent “football games and other athletic events for fun.” During the fall, “most students attend at least one football game.” “Greek life” is also “very important.” Some complain that “if you’re not in a fraternity or sorority, there’s not a lot to do on campus on the weekends.” Others, though, say “there are many opportunities to be involved on campus,” including “free movie nights and pool.” There is always “something going on, and whether it be a sports event or a fine arts event, the quality is always excellent.” Students can visit the world-renowned art in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art or the 26-foot tall dinosaur (an Apatosaurus!) at OU’s Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. There is also “Campus Corner,” which has “restaurants, bars and boutiques.” And it’s also “an easy drive to the movies, a nice restaurant, or night life.” Students note that the “social atmosphere is very alive most of the time.” But it’s not all about football and parties. “People are very considerate of one another and make efforts to support each other during rough times,” notes a Psychology and Mathematics major. That extends beyond campus as well, and students take advantage of “all kinds of volunteering opportunities.” In fact, “every year everyone on campus drops what they’re doing for one weekend to spend all day volunteering in the local Norman and Oklahoma City communities.” Students value their commitment to community service. “We genuinely care for one another and are very passionate about the university,” says one student. “I cannot imagine there being a happier campus than OU anywhere in the country.” Or, as another says: “Life is great.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Marrisa Henderson
Associate Director of Campus Experience

Address
550 Parrington Oval, L-1
Norman, OK 73019-3032

Phone
405-325-2151

Email
tour@ou.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
The Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Oklahoma Memorial Union
Bizzell Memorial Library

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Campus Corner Shops & Restaurants
OKC Bricktown
OKC National Memorial & Museum
Paycom Arena (OKC)
University North Park district

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and Saturday
M-F 8-5, S 9-12
405-325-2151

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: M-F, 9 AM and 2 PM, Select Saturdays
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Varies

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Will Rogers World Airport is 20 miles from Norman and serves as the closest commercial airport. There are shuttles, buses and taxis that transport visitors to and from Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Metro Transit Cart buses have routes that cover Norman every half hour to hour. Metro Transit also offers daily service to and from Oklahoma City.

Driving Instructions to Campus
I-35 from OKC Take Main Street Downtown exit, East. Follow Main Street for 2.2 miles to University Blvd. Turn right (south) on University Blvd. Go through Boyd Street (first stop light) and into the North Oval of the University. I-35 from Dallas Take Lindsey Street East exit. Follow Lindsey Street for 1.6 miles to Elm Street, turn left (north). Go to Boyd Street, turn right (east). Go approximately one block to University Blvd. Turn right into the North Oval. There are eight (8) visitor parking spaces as you enter the Oval and fifteen (15) available as you leave the Oval. In order to park on campus you must obtain a visitors parking permit from the receptionist inside Jacobson Hall. Your license tag will be required to issue the parking permit.

Local Accommodations
Local accommodations include, Noun Hotel (542 S University Blvd, (405) 701-5858); Embassy Suites (2501 Conference Dr., 405-364-8040); The Cutting Garden Bed and Breakfast (927 W. Boyd, 405-329-4522); Days Inn (609 Interstate Dr., 800-DAYSINN); Econolodge (100 26th Dr., 800-55ECONO); Fairfield Inn by Marriott (301 Norman Center Court, 405-447-1661); Guest Inn (2543 West Main Street , 800.460.4619); Hampton Inn (309 Norman Court Center, 73072, 800-HAMPTON); Holiday Inn (1000 Interstate Drive, 1-800-HOLIDAY); Holmberg House Bed and Breakfast (766 De Barr Ave., 405-321-6221); La Quinta Inns and Suites 930 Ed Noble Parkway I-35 and Lindsey, 1-800-NU-ROOMS); The Montford Inn Bed and Breakfast and Cottage (322 Tonhawa St., 800-321-8969); Residence Inn (2681 Jefferson, 800-331-3131); The Travelodge (225 N. Interstate Drive, 405-329-7194)

Admissions

Applicants: 21,548
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Average HS GPA: 3.67







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