The University of Tulsa is a small and selective school full of bright, high-achieving students who are so close that they're like one big family (I'm serious, we all pretty much know each other). Even though the city is a bit sketchy, I never feel unsafe on campus because there are always friendly people walking around and campus security on patrol. This school offers so many unique opportunities to design your own major and curricular, start your own SA-funded club (in case you don't find one you like among the many options), get personal attention from professors, and meet some of the most intelligent and fun friends ever!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you're looking for a school to just blend in and slip through, then don't come to TU, because this school is the place where you go to become part of a community. That's what small schools are all about. You WILL be challenged here, you WILL get lost in piles of work sometimes, you WILL need to study sometimes, you WILL stay up way too late having way too much fun sometimes, but you also WILL walk away in 4 (or 5) years with a valuable degree and even more valuable friendships and memories. I recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to make an impact on your professors and get to know them, they can write some great recommendations for you in the future which helps with jobs and internships! Don't just skip class and treat freshmen year like a joke or you will regret it. I had a ton of fun freshmen year, joined a sorority, got really involved in organizations and clubs and STILL worked hard enough to get a 4.0, which helps so much late on down the road when the work gets harder. It's worth it!
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
This school will challenge you. Sure you can take easier classes at other schools but this school will require that you put some effort into your education. There is no such thing as an easy major here, they are all academically rigorous, but it is worth it and I guarantee that if you invest in it from your freshmen year on out then you�ll get the hang of balancing it. You WILL learn something here.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
You get out what you put into it. I lived in the dorms briefly before moving into my sorority house and I loved the dorms. I felt like it was a small close family where I could be myself and go through some of the same experiences with other new students. Some people choose to stay quietly hidden in their rooms but if you come out to hang with the lobby rats you will make some goofy friends really quickly :)
Describe the food and dining at your college.
I only had a meal plan on campus for one semester before I moved into my sorority house. But from my experience, the meal plan wasn't the best. There weren't a lot of vegetarian options, the dining hours weren't very flexible if you had late classes, there weren't a ton of healthy options, and a'la carte items are so expensive. But it is nice that it's a buffet so you can eat however much you want, there are yummy desserts, the soups are good, and the salad bar is awesome! Also, there's a mocha machine, that rocks too. You can also swipe a meal and take a sack lunch whenever you need to and get apples and stuff whenever, plus your meal card works on vending machines and the cantine, so that's nice too.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
I used to drink and party, which certainly does happen on campus (it's a wet campus), however I stopped drinking two years ago and still have so much fun here at TU! You can party and have fun without drinking, and you can also do tons of other activities like go to student shows and plays, attend awesome concerts at the BOK center or convention center downtown (they always bring in amazing bands, we just had Taylor Swift, Muse, Maroon 5, etc.). You can go to the malls that are nearby, the bar distract nearby, the riverwalk nearby, visit tons of art districts and museums, etc. We have a great gym on campus that I go to all the time. You can attend fitness classes, join fun clubs like the outdoor adventure club, TU Two-Stepping (dancing club), or just play outside in U (the commons) with a couple friends and a frisbee! We are a Division-1 sports school so our basketball, soccer, football, tennis, golf teams are all fantastic and students go to games for free.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
TU is definitely really expensive, but not if you get a lot of scholarships. But SA is always funding awesome stuff, parties, free shirts, and tonight we have a free on-campus concert that Imagine Dragons is performing live at, pretty sweet TU!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The fraternities always have ridiculous and hilarious traditions that you'll see happening every now and then. Some students have a tradition of trying to score the tallest buildings on campus. I've been to the roof of the second tallest building but no one can figure out how to get on the roof of the library... One day! Maybe you'll be the one who wins the title?
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Studious students.
Kids who like to have fun but in a place that is safe and where there are friends around you.
Students who want new exciting experiences like studying abroad, starting their own clubs, etc.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There is literally every type of club, group, and activity imaginable, but if for some reason you don't find the club you're looking for then you can start it yourself! Student Association provides funding for students starting new clubs if they are approved. So the sky is the limit, in fact you should come start a sky-diving club here!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I love Greek life. I have been in a sorority since the very beginning of freshman year and it has NOT been the only factor to define my life. Greek students actually have the highest overall GPA and the most active involvement on campus and in holding positions on campus, so you definitely won't fail out and become an over-partied kid if you join a house. Once again, you get out what you put into it, and I've devoted a lot to my sorority so I have gotten out a lot too. My best friends are all spread out in different houses and different groups on campus so no being in a greek house will not limit you. I recommend going Greek! :)
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I never feel unsafe here, even when alone at night. But some people have been mugged recently right near the school and its a fairly dangerous area in general. But the campus is well-protected with good lighting and lots of security guys driving around.
The University of Tulsa is a small and selective school full of bright, high-achieving students who are so close that they're like one big family (I'm serious, we all pretty much know each other). Even though the city is a bit sketchy, I never feel unsafe on campus because there are always friendly people walking around and campus security on patrol. This school offers so many unique opportunities to design your own major and curricular, start your own SA-funded club (in case you don't find one you like among the many options), get personal attention from professors, and meet some of the most intelligent and fun friends ever!
If you're looking for a school to just blend in and slip through, then don't come to TU, because this school is the place where you go to become part of a community. That's what small schools are all about. You WILL be challenged here, you WILL get lost in piles of work sometimes, you WILL need to study sometimes, you WILL stay up way too late having way too much fun sometimes, but you also WILL walk away in 4 (or 5) years with a valuable degree and even more valuable friendships and memories. I recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to make an impact on your professors and get to know them, they can write some great recommendations for you in the future which helps with jobs and internships! Don't just skip class and treat freshmen year like a joke or you will regret it. I had a ton of fun freshmen year, joined a sorority, got really involved in organizations and clubs and STILL worked hard enough to get a 4.0, which helps so much late on down the road when the work gets harder. It's worth it!
This school will challenge you. Sure you can take easier classes at other schools but this school will require that you put some effort into your education. There is no such thing as an easy major here, they are all academically rigorous, but it is worth it and I guarantee that if you invest in it from your freshmen year on out then you�ll get the hang of balancing it. You WILL learn something here.
You get out what you put into it. I lived in the dorms briefly before moving into my sorority house and I loved the dorms. I felt like it was a small close family where I could be myself and go through some of the same experiences with other new students. Some people choose to stay quietly hidden in their rooms but if you come out to hang with the lobby rats you will make some goofy friends really quickly :)
I only had a meal plan on campus for one semester before I moved into my sorority house. But from my experience, the meal plan wasn't the best. There weren't a lot of vegetarian options, the dining hours weren't very flexible if you had late classes, there weren't a ton of healthy options, and a'la carte items are so expensive. But it is nice that it's a buffet so you can eat however much you want, there are yummy desserts, the soups are good, and the salad bar is awesome! Also, there's a mocha machine, that rocks too. You can also swipe a meal and take a sack lunch whenever you need to and get apples and stuff whenever, plus your meal card works on vending machines and the cantine, so that's nice too.
I used to drink and party, which certainly does happen on campus (it's a wet campus), however I stopped drinking two years ago and still have so much fun here at TU! You can party and have fun without drinking, and you can also do tons of other activities like go to student shows and plays, attend awesome concerts at the BOK center or convention center downtown (they always bring in amazing bands, we just had Taylor Swift, Muse, Maroon 5, etc.). You can go to the malls that are nearby, the bar distract nearby, the riverwalk nearby, visit tons of art districts and museums, etc. We have a great gym on campus that I go to all the time. You can attend fitness classes, join fun clubs like the outdoor adventure club, TU Two-Stepping (dancing club), or just play outside in U (the commons) with a couple friends and a frisbee! We are a Division-1 sports school so our basketball, soccer, football, tennis, golf teams are all fantastic and students go to games for free.
TU is definitely really expensive, but not if you get a lot of scholarships. But SA is always funding awesome stuff, parties, free shirts, and tonight we have a free on-campus concert that Imagine Dragons is performing live at, pretty sweet TU!
The fraternities always have ridiculous and hilarious traditions that you'll see happening every now and then. Some students have a tradition of trying to score the tallest buildings on campus. I've been to the roof of the second tallest building but no one can figure out how to get on the roof of the library... One day! Maybe you'll be the one who wins the title?
Studious students. Kids who like to have fun but in a place that is safe and where there are friends around you. Students who want new exciting experiences like studying abroad, starting their own clubs, etc.
There is literally every type of club, group, and activity imaginable, but if for some reason you don't find the club you're looking for then you can start it yourself! Student Association provides funding for students starting new clubs if they are approved. So the sky is the limit, in fact you should come start a sky-diving club here!
I love Greek life. I have been in a sorority since the very beginning of freshman year and it has NOT been the only factor to define my life. Greek students actually have the highest overall GPA and the most active involvement on campus and in holding positions on campus, so you definitely won't fail out and become an over-partied kid if you join a house. Once again, you get out what you put into it, and I've devoted a lot to my sorority so I have gotten out a lot too. My best friends are all spread out in different houses and different groups on campus so no being in a greek house will not limit you. I recommend going Greek! :)
I never feel unsafe here, even when alone at night. But some people have been mugged recently right near the school and its a fairly dangerous area in general. But the campus is well-protected with good lighting and lots of security guys driving around.