Oakland University

Date: Mar 07 2010
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
I will cover the basics of OU in this review including surrounding city, campus, social scene, services, and of course academics. I am a traditional student, I live on campus and spend most of my time here at Oakland so I have a good feel for the university. I can't speak for those who do not live on campus and have to drive every day to school, and many students do choose to do this, however, I would not recommend it because it seems there experience is not as good.

The town OU is located in, Rochester, does have a good amount to offer, even if you do not have a car on campus. Within walking distance of the school you have access to restaurants, gas stations, convenient stores, pizza joints, and fast food chains. You can also take the "Bear Bus", OU's shuttle service on the weekends, to places that may be further out in town…and it is totally free. Rochester isn't your stereotypical college town, since it is quite large, but there are a few colleges within the town, and many students do call Rochester home. Rochester is also one of the nicer suburbs of Detroit, so you always have the comfort of knowing you are safe on and off campus.

The campus itself is pretty nice, especially in the spring and fall. Of course, winter's suck…but you are going to have crappy weather no matter what school you go to in Michigan. When you first get to school in the fall, or when spring time finally comes after a long Michigan winter, OU is a great place to walk around. It is a relatively peaceful campus, but there is a lot to do. The Oakland Center centers the campus and is the hang out place for students in between classes or just when you want to grab a bite to eat. There is a variety of restaurants in the OC that are covered by meal plans, and if you do not have a meal plan you can use your own money as well. The OC gets pretty packed during the weekdays, and it is a good place to meet people if you want to get out of your comfort zone.

The Recreational Center, or "Rec", is as good or better than most universities I've seen. With a fitness/workout room, basketball courts, volley ball, racquet ball courts, and more, there are plenty things to do for the students to stay active and occupy themselves. It is also free of charge with your school ID. The rest of the campus is kept in good shape, and looks very new. OU definitely takes pride in their campus.

Housing on campus is an option that many students take. Students choose from dorms, apartments, or family-style housing. The dorms can get pretty crammed and noisy, but that's college. Most freshman get to live in suite-style arrangements with 3 other room mates, so they get the most living space (besides those with apartments, of course). Some students also choose to live in apartments nearby the school, which are also accessible with a longer walk (within 3-4 minute drive).

The social scene at OU is alright. Many people say that there is nothing to do at OU on the weekends, but I don't believe this is true. Sure, there is always going to be drinking and parties, but there is more to it than that. Besides partying, you can go to the Rec or OC and meet new people. You can also go to the nearby malls, movie theaters, restaurants, etc. I, myself, enjoy partying so if that is your thing then Oakland is for you too. While the party scene isn't stereotypical raging frat parties on every corner and running around campus naked, there are fraternities and sororities that students get involved in, and the campus security is pretty lenient when it comes to breaking up parties in the apartments or nearby. Just DO NOT throw parties in the dorms. To clear up confusion, Oakland is NOT a dry campus, you can drink if you are 21…just do not be stupid.

My academic experience at OU has been pleasant so far. The teachers all are accessible through office hours, and there are many classes to chose from. OU is quietly known for providing a very quality education, so it is important to be serious about academics. You can really learn a lot here, but its up to you (for ANY university).

Finally, Oakland does provide many athletic opportunities for students. There are intramural sports such as dodge ball, basketball, etc that take place in the Rec. Oakland is also an NCAA Division 1 school which participates in the Summit League. There has been rumors OU has been trying to get into the Horizon League, due to its dominance (particularly in basketball) in the Summit.

College is what you make of it. At this point, there is no other place I'd rather be than Oakland.I can definitely see myself surviving the next three years of my life here.