Oakland University is a mid-sized university of about 20,000 students and 100,000 alumni. It is located in Rochester, Michigan, which Time Money Magazine ranked as one of the top ten best small cities in America; there's lots to do in the surrounding area, many internship and employment opportunities, and a vibrant, diverse community. Oakland boasts strong academics, high placement rates post-graduation, and an amazing location.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Come out and see us on a campus tour! The admissions staff is super friendly and helpful. If possible, find ways to interact with Oakland (or any other school you may be interested in) after your tour; explore the website, follow us on social media, and talk to any relatives or friends you may have who are familiar with the institution (or read reviews online!). The more you interact with Oakland, the better informed you will be before deciding on which college you would like to attend.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Our honors program is especially good here; if you are interested in participating in an honors college, compare Oakland University's HC to others and you will find that OU surpasses most in its academic rigor, scholarships, undergraduate research emphasis, and community.
Honors College aside, classes here at Oakland can be tough, with some departments requiring a 99% to 4.0 the class, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort to do well, most professors will be eager to help you to succeed. I've had several professors who really went above and beyond to get to know me as a person and helped me to achieve my goals.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
If you can, secure a spot in Oak View Hall, our newest residence hall. This building has air conditioning and you will only have one roommate. The rooms are quite spacious, and as an upperclassman, you will get your own bedroom (unheard of!!!). Housing operates on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to submit an application right at midnight if you would like to live in Oak View.
The other residence halls are also very nice, and they all feature free wifi, free cable, free laundry, lots of activities, and vibrant communities. Many have also been newly remodeled. In the future, OU plans to build more residence halls, and Oakland is shifting from being a commuter school to a resident school.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
No kosher or halal options to date, which is disappointing, but they do have gluten free and vegetarian stations. If you don't have any dietary restrictions,the food is quite good, and expanding every year. Last year, the dining hall added another floor for more cafeteria variety, and this year, the food court is expanding to include a full Chick-fil-A, as well as Asian, Mexican, and vegetarian options.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
All division 1 sporting events held on campus are free for students to attend and include lots of giveaways, tours of Meadow Brook Hall are free for students, the Meadow Brook Art Gallery is free for students to visit, Meadow Brook Music Festival and Meadow Brook Theatre offer student discounts, the surrounding area has three malls, the Palace of Auburn Hills, a bustling downtown, and beautiful parks. Never a dull moment, and extremely affordable.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Best scholarships around!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Running through the fountain at the base of Elliot Tower and trying to stay dry is so popular, even the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has tried it!
Oakland University is a mid-sized university of about 20,000 students and 100,000 alumni. It is located in Rochester, Michigan, which Time Money Magazine ranked as one of the top ten best small cities in America; there's lots to do in the surrounding area, many internship and employment opportunities, and a vibrant, diverse community. Oakland boasts strong academics, high placement rates post-graduation, and an amazing location.
Come out and see us on a campus tour! The admissions staff is super friendly and helpful. If possible, find ways to interact with Oakland (or any other school you may be interested in) after your tour; explore the website, follow us on social media, and talk to any relatives or friends you may have who are familiar with the institution (or read reviews online!). The more you interact with Oakland, the better informed you will be before deciding on which college you would like to attend.
Our honors program is especially good here; if you are interested in participating in an honors college, compare Oakland University's HC to others and you will find that OU surpasses most in its academic rigor, scholarships, undergraduate research emphasis, and community. Honors College aside, classes here at Oakland can be tough, with some departments requiring a 99% to 4.0 the class, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort to do well, most professors will be eager to help you to succeed. I've had several professors who really went above and beyond to get to know me as a person and helped me to achieve my goals.
If you can, secure a spot in Oak View Hall, our newest residence hall. This building has air conditioning and you will only have one roommate. The rooms are quite spacious, and as an upperclassman, you will get your own bedroom (unheard of!!!). Housing operates on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to submit an application right at midnight if you would like to live in Oak View. The other residence halls are also very nice, and they all feature free wifi, free cable, free laundry, lots of activities, and vibrant communities. Many have also been newly remodeled. In the future, OU plans to build more residence halls, and Oakland is shifting from being a commuter school to a resident school.
No kosher or halal options to date, which is disappointing, but they do have gluten free and vegetarian stations. If you don't have any dietary restrictions,the food is quite good, and expanding every year. Last year, the dining hall added another floor for more cafeteria variety, and this year, the food court is expanding to include a full Chick-fil-A, as well as Asian, Mexican, and vegetarian options.
All division 1 sporting events held on campus are free for students to attend and include lots of giveaways, tours of Meadow Brook Hall are free for students, the Meadow Brook Art Gallery is free for students to visit, Meadow Brook Music Festival and Meadow Brook Theatre offer student discounts, the surrounding area has three malls, the Palace of Auburn Hills, a bustling downtown, and beautiful parks. Never a dull moment, and extremely affordable.
Best scholarships around!
Running through the fountain at the base of Elliot Tower and trying to stay dry is so popular, even the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has tried it!