I am excited to welcome all of you to the University of Oklahoma! Whether you are a prospective high school junior or transfer student, we are thrilled to welcome you into the OU family today.
Although I’m a few hundred miles away from my home in Allen, Texas, and Emelie a few thousand miles from hers in Gothenburg, Sweden, we call OU our second home. This OU family is rooted in acceptance and authenticity, regardless of your major, background, beliefs or where you may call home.
My most significant piece of advice going into college is to be open. Stay open to the possibilities and opportunities that the University of Oklahoma brings to all of its students. Whether it’s choosing a major you didn’t know existed but piqued your interest, joining a student organization that pushed you in ways that did not seem possible, or saying hi to your future best friend in the elevator on your way to your first class in college; OU has life-changing opportunities, but they will only be life-changing if you are open to it.
Secondly, know that OU has an incredible community. When I moved to OU as an outof-state student, I was 17, stepping into a new chapter of my life and feeling nervous about what would come. I know many, including myself, feel overwhelmed about entering the new world of college. But know that you are not alone. Through investing in my relationship with my professors, hallmates, residential advisers and more, I have been supported and loved in ways I could have never imagined.
The future is in your hands, and I am so excited to witness what this great university could have in store for you. Live on, OU, and remember, there’s only one Oklahoma!
SGA vice president
Welcome to the OU family! On behalf of the Student Government Association, I want to invite you to celebrate the possibilities and opportunities that come with going to college.
My name is Emelie Schultz, and I am a Swedish United World College Scholar sophomore serving as your SGA vice president. I still remember the excitement and expectations, yet the confusion and nervousness that picking a place to call home for the next four years can bring. Therefore, I want to send you some advice as you embark on your OU journey.
First and foremost: you belong here. In an OU family of 30,000+ students, our student body holds a uniquely diverse and vibrant student population. OU is the perfect place to meet new people and expand your perspectives. We are working diligently to ensure every student is celebrated, valued and supported for who they are.
Secondly, I want to encourage you to keep an open mind as you embark on your college journey. Explore yourself and your own path. At OU, you can take part in some of the 600+ student organizations, enroll in classes that you are passionate about and say yes to the opportunities presented to you. See every semester as a possibility for personal and professional development and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
Lastly, if you choose OU, take advantage of all the opportunities it can provide. There are countless resources to explore that can assist you throughout your collegiate journey. Don’t be afraid to reach out — we are here for you!
I am more than excited for you as you are entering this next chapter of your life!
Leadership organizations
College is the perfect time to grow and figure out who you want to be. If you want to become a better leader and communicator, OU has a plethora of leadership organizations to join. Here are a few to check out:
Campus Activities Council is a way for students of all backgrounds and walks of life to get involved. It provides a way for students to gain leadership skills and build community by planning events that keep campus exciting and connected. The CAC plans events like Howdy Week — a series of events to welcome everyone back to school at the start of each semester.
Student Government Association members are elected by students to represent the OU student body. Members voice student concerns to OU’s administration and allocate funds to student organizations. SGA includes the Undergraduate Student Congress, Graduate Student Senate and Crimson Leadership Association.
If you’re looking for a fun way to blow off steam after class or meet new friends, OU has plenty of recreational organizations for you to try. Here are a few:
Student Film Production Club offers a collaborative community for creative students interested in filmmaking. No previous experience is required, and students of all skill levels are welcome. The group takes an annual trip to the Austin Film Festival, where students can see new films, meet with film professionals and form new friendships.
OU Esports Club is a fun way for students who
play video games — casually or competitively — to come together and enhance their gaming experience. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level. With over 200 universities now involved in esports, OU Esports offers opportunities to join a large network of gamers and make the most of your college experience.
Union Programming Board plans events and activities in the Oklahoma Memorial Union to enhance student life at OU. Past events include haunted houses, laser tag and bingo days. If you’re lucky, you might happen upon the UPB offering free snacks.
OU is is a huge campus, and it can be easy to feel small. Luckily, OU has countless multicultural organizations designed for students of all different backgrounds to feel at home. If you’re feeling out of place, these organizations can help you make OU your new home away from home:
African Women’s League is an organization for passionate and driven African women. This sisterhood offers a community for international African female students to excel in order to navigate life on campus, racism in the U.S. and other barriers for African women.
American Indian Student Association celebrates the customs and culture of Native Americans. Through activities and education on Native culture, AISA hopes to enhance the lives of OU students. AISA holds annual cultural events like the AISA Stomp Dance, OU Spring Powwow and Miss and Mr. Indian OU pageant.
Asian American Student Association promotes diversity on campus by encouraging students to get involved in activities to celebrate Asian Amer-
Campus Activities Council hosts a variety of annual events where students can get involved. One of those is Scandals, a musical review event held each spring. Here, Delta Gamma members perform at the event on April 13.
ican heritage and traditions. AASA events often emphasize Asian language, history and culture, and include the annual Mr. and Miss Asian OU pageant, an Asian New Year celebration and Asian Food Fair.
Black Student Association offers a safe space for Black students to share their experiences and build a community for success. BSA students can gain leadership experience and celebrate the history and culture of OU’s Black students in events such as the Stompdown Step Show, Black History Month celebrations and the OU Black Royalty Pageant hosted with African American Programs and Services.
Black Emergency Response Team , also known as BERT, is a student-led organization that fights for social change on campus for Black students and other marginalized communities. BERT’s goal is to dismantle oppressive systems to create a safer campus community for Black students. BERT hopes to be more proactive in addressing racial issues, as opposed to reactive.
Hispanic American Student Association promotes leadership, diversity and cultural awareness to unite students. HASA assists in organizing the annual Day of the Dead Street Festival, Latino Flavor of OU — an event featuring Latin food and entertainment — and Mr. and Miss Hispanic OU pageant.
LGBTQ+ Student Alliance is a safe space for all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies. Speakers and other events throughout the year seek to unite the student body and create a warm and welcoming environment. OU’s Gender + Equality Center offers counseling, sexual health resources and ally training for 2SLGBTQ+ students and allies.
Even on a college budget, students can still enjoy a great meal from a local restaurant. If you’re new to town, these places may be hard to find. Here’s a list of the best places to grab grub in Norman.
Bison Witches: 211 E. Main St. A long-standing local sandwich shop with some wacky combinations and toppings.
Classic 50s: 1521 W. Lindsey St. The O.G. Sonic and a neon-lit staple of Norman serving sodas, shakes, burgers and other drive-in items.
El Huevo Mexi-Diner: 3522 24th Ave. NW. A Mexican brunch option with tacos, burritos and some American fare.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop: 752 Asp Ave. An Austin-based chain — and now an Oklahoma favorite — serving tacos, burritos, enchiladas and salads.
Gaberino’s Homestyle Italian Restaurant: 400 Ed Noble Parkway. A local homestyle Italian xture o ering traditional pizza, pasta and sandwiches.
Gray Owl Co ee: 223 E. Gray St. A favorite co ee supplier and study spot for OU students.
Greek House: 768 S. Jenkins Ave. A Mediterranean diner serving gyros, falafel and other Greek dishes.
Hideaway Pizza: 577 Buchanan Ave. An Oklahoma chain with a variety of unique pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and salads.
Interurban Restaurant: 1150 Ed Noble Parkway. A classy American restaurant with several dinner
plates, sandwiches, salads and a brunch bu et.
Midway Deli: 601 W. Eufaula St. Former OU football coach Barry Switzer’s home away from home. A grocery store and market that also serves some of the best sandwiches around.
Neighborhood Jam: 102 W. Main St. A breakfast and brunch spot with pancakes, breakfast bowls, sandwiches and eggs benedict.
O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grille: 769 Asp Ave. A favorite lounge of students serving some of the best burgers in town while o ering trivia and karaoke nights.
Pepe Delgado’s: 786 Asp Ave. A local Mexican establishment serving burritos and tacos.
Pickelman’s Gourmet Cafe: 759 Asp Ave. A deli chain o ering sandwiches, pizzas, soups and salads.
Ray’s BBQ: 1514 W. Lindsey St. Owned by former OU football player Darrol Ray. A casual barbecue place with brisket, ribs, chicken and other smoked meats.
Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails: 132 W. Main St. A craft American restaurant serving dinners, sandwiches and salads.
Syrup: 123 E. Main St. A cozy breakfast and brunch joint with pancakes, wa es, benedicts and soup.
Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe & Catina: 702 N. Porter Ave. A family-owned cantina serving fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican fare.
Taste of India: 1000 E. Alameda St., Suite 140B. A local eatery with some of the best traditional Indian foods such as saag paneer and lamb curry.
Tea Cafe on e Corner: 788 Asp Ave. O ering a variety of Asian dishes along with several kinds of boba tea.
ai Delight: 761 S. Jenkins Ave. Serving Asian specialties including sushi rolls and spicy curries.
e Library Bar and Grill: 607 W. Boyd St. One of Norman’s top bars, serving pizza, sandwiches and other bar cuisine.
e Mont: 1300 Classen Blvd. A popular hangout with a shaded patio and a variety of American and Mexican favorites.
Torchy’s Tacos: 2050 24th Ave. NW., Suite 130. A chain serving a wide variety of tacos.
Victoria’s Pasta Shop: 215 E. Main St. A Norman staple formerly on Campus Corner, offering madefrom-scratch pasta dishes and other Italian delicacies.
Just like any close-knit community, OU students have developed a lingo. Lots of students on campus use shortened phrases and sayings to refer to people, places and groups you need to know to be part of campus life. Maybe by the end of your freshman year, there will be new words to add to the list.
e Biz: e place to be right before a midterm ornal: OU’s Bizzell Memorial Library.
The Blender: e Physical Science Center is the riot-proof building home to most math classes and tutoring at OU.
The Bookmark: is Starbucks-like co ee shop is located on the lower level of the Bizzell Memorial Library. Students love to stop here and drink co ee while studying.
The Caf: Also known as Couch Restaurants, this cafeteria is home to the only all-you-can-eat Chick- l-A in existence, and it is the perfect place to spend your meal swipes freshman year.
Crossroads: Crossroads is the iconic burger and fries restaurant in the Union. If you don’t have fond memories of getting food here in the middle of the night by the end of your freshman year, you may be doing something wrong.
e Daily: OU’s independent student-run news organization since 1916. Follow us on Instagram @theoudaily, on Twitter @OUDaily and @OUDailySports and TikTok @theoudaily.
Sarkeys: Sarkey’s Fitness Center is the place to use the gym, take workout classes and attend games for most intramural sports. Some students may still refer to Sarkey’s as e Hu , a nickname from its former title, the Huston Hu man Fitness Center.
e Library: No, this isn’t a real library — it’s a bar on Boyd Street. e Library Bar and Grill is the go-to spot for after school or work meet-ups.
LNC or Lloyd Noble Center: e Lloyd Noble Center is the home of OU’s basketball games, gymnastic competitions and other sporting events, as well as commencement ceremonies. You might hear it referred to because of its expansive parking lot — most of the Lloyd Noble Center’s parking lot can be used free of charge, and a shuttle bus regularly takes students and others back and forth from campus.
NMF: Norman Music Fest, founded in 2008, is a free three-day event held on Main Street the last weekend in April that often draws more than 100,000 visitors.
O’Conn’s: A beloved bar on Campus Corner, O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille hosts trivia and karaoke nights.
SGA: e Student Government Association is basically the student council of college — but it gives a lot more money to student organizations than student council.
Spoonholder: Located in the middle of the North Oval, this circular seating area is said to bring future wedded bliss to couples who share a kiss there.
UPB: e Union Programming Board puts on various events across campus, such as movie nights in the Union. Students can get involved to help plan events and other activities.
Xcetera: Located in the bottom of Walker Center, this convenience store is perfect for a late-night snack where you can use points instead of dollars.
OU Daily, the independent student voice of the University of Oklahoma since 1916, covers the community and provides a public forum to discuss its issues while providing students on our sta real-world media experiences.
JILLIAN TAYLOR
ALEXIA ASTON
AUSTIN CURTRIGHT
SILAS BALES
RAY BAHNER
FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ
CONNIE WIGGINS
SETH PRINCE
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