Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI, USA

Reviews

Oakland University

Stacey from Lutz, FL

a past student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
I took a variety of classes and enjoyed each and everyone of them. My favorite class of my 2008 fall semester was intro to sociology with Dr. George Sanders. We covered a wide range of topics, and Dr. Sanders employed a wide range of teaching techniques. Although I am a music major, and do not necessarily need to know the inns and outs of sociology, I will carry the knowledge I gained from this course with me forever, and I will continue to take sociology classes as electives.
Did enjoy being here
The Campus is beautiful, the professors are knowledgeable and friendly, and I feel that I really had a great College experience. I took advantage of the extensive Kresge Library, I played trumpet in the practice rooms of Varner Hall, I studied beneath a great oak near the fountain, and I had a snowball fight on the soccer field. I cheered for the basketball team as a member of pep-band, and I read non-academic books by the fire-place in the Oakland Center. In short, Great Campus, and always lots to do.
Bang for the buck
Compared to other Universities around )(University of Michigan, Wayne State university) the tuition is very reasonable. Oakland was very generous with financial aid, and they were quick to offer me work study opportunities. You also get allot more than just tuition. As an Oakland student, you have free access to the fitness center, and many other free activities going on everyday on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Tour the Campus before your scrambling to get to class on time - many of the buildings are very far apart. Try to coordinate your schedule so that you have time in between classes for studying, as well as socializing. Enjoy yourself, and don;t be too hard on yourself - there are tons of resources at Oakland to help you succeed.
Great for these types of students
Music, dance, business.

Yewande from Warren, MI

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Oakland University is an involved and exciting school with so much to offer students. A place to learn and explore many options of career choices. A place to meet life long friends.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved with at least one of the over 200 student organizations. This will give you the best experience of college life. Interact with your teacher and get to know them so you are able to gain knowledge of how to apply for graduate school, and possible jobs at the school.
Academic Rigor
Oakland University has a strict criteria on academics depending on what your area of study is. They offer man undergraduate and graduate degrees, that will help any student reach there goal, and career path in life.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is exciting, mainly because you are able to chose who you want to room with. The dorms are also very spacious and offer many activities for students to do during there stay on campus. Campus life is also something that many students want to experience, and Oakland university offers it all.
Food and Dining
Oakland has many food options from Mongolian BBQ to home style cooking. Oakland is also the only place in Michigan where you can get chick-fil-a. Oakland also offers forth meal for those who love to eat late at night.
What to do for fun
There are many things to do for fun at Oakland, including volley ball, soccer, and shopping. Oakland is down the street from one of the biggest outlet malls in Michigan, also known as Great lakes crossing. Oakland has many ways to keep you involved in the school, including inter-mural sports and activities ranging from Wii bowling, basketball, fencing and so much more. Our game room offers pool, table tennis, X-box, play station and more.
Bang for the buck
Oakland is a very affordable school, that is the number one reason i chose Oakland. Students at Oakland like to call the school Oakfree. This is because Oakland loves to give things out to students, including free parking, free application for entry, no extra lab fees and many scholarships to fit your academic needs and expenses.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One of the most interesting places on Oakland grounds is the Meadow Brook machine, which is where we have our Homecoming dance and other fun activities. It is also a historic location and museum that the people of Michigan love to visit.
Great for these types of students
Oakland is great for any type of students to attend. Whether your a relaxed focused student, or a free laid back student, Oakland is the school for you.
Clubs and Activities
Over 200 student activities and organizations starting from Alternative spring breaks, where you can travel with other students to different states and help with the National relief foundation, or a cultural group such as African students association. This group sets out to educate students on what is going on in Africa and how others can help.
Greek Life
Greek life is an up and coming excitement at Oakland University. Students can join the many different Greek life at Oakland starting from academic sororities to sisterhood sororities.
Campus Safety
Oakland is among the safest schools in Michigan with its own police department and academy located on the campus grounds. Oakland also offers blue light protection polls, which has an emergency button that students can press when they are in need of assistant any where on campus. Oakland is also a dry campus meaning we do not allow alcohol on campus grounds. This is just some of many ways that the school is equipped for safety and also keeping the students safe is one of Oakland's biggest priorities.

Kaylee

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Oakland University is a very fun, healthy place to be. The campus is beautiful and peaceful, the staff and students are very friendly and open, and the different academic and extracurricular opportunities are fantastic. I not only learned a great deal inside the classroom, but outside the classroom as well, and that made my college experience a lot more enjoyable.
Tips for prospective students
My main tip is to NOT be pessimistic. Don't expect to have a bad time or experience. Be completely open and positive, and you'll have the most amazing time in the world. And most importantly, don't be afraid to get out there both academically and socially! There are tons of great opportunities!
Academic Rigor
All of the professors I had were good at what they did, and took their teaching seriously. It was a big but pleasant change from high school. It's mostly up to you, the student, to attend classes and apply yourself, but the staff really works hard to make sure you get your money's worth.
Dorm Life
The dorms seem a little scary at first but you soon get pretty comfortable in them. Every RA (Resident Assistant) I met was responsible and very fun. I became close friends with not only my RA but others as well. Everyone takes good care of each other, no matter who they are. The housing and floor activities are a ton of fun too! You can win a lot of cool prizes and awards!
Food and Dining
The food isn't bad for college fare - definitely a step up from high school food. It gets old after a while, though, and I would definitely recommend getting your own snacks and simple meals to keep in the dorm. Sometimes it's a hassle leaving to walk to the cafeteria. It's a nice place to eat, though, and the staff members are the cutest, friendliest things ever.
What to do for fun
I personally just stayed in the dorms and hung out with my friends; there are always people around and always some shenanigan or another to come up with. There are a lot of other things in the area as well, however. Clubs, restaurants, strip malls. Downtown Rochester is a nice place, and there is also Great Lakes Crossing just ten minutes away. The Palace of Auburn Hills is next door, and The Crofoot (awesome venue!) is close by too. The housing staff also throws a lot of events for the on-campus students that are pretty fun.
Bang for the buck
I'm not sure what this means. I do have to say, if you're a raging party animal, don't come to Oakland. I love Oakland so much because there's really no partying; it's a very safe, quiet, laid-back campus. There's a lot surrounding it, but it still reminds me of being home in the country. You can find people, but you can also avoid them if you want, which I like.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Well, there's the Meadowbrook Mansion, which is gorgeous, and the Meadowbrook Hall Theater, which is fantastic! They have a Meadowbrook Ball in the Mansion every year, it's gorgeous, and I actually attended a concert at the Hall. Music people should definitely check that out, it was cool.
Great for these types of students
Quiet, relaxed, and a sort of easy-going social person would do well here. If you want a beautiful campus, security, and peace and quiet, Oakland is the place to come. No one gets hurt, no one really has any trouble, and the academic program is pretty good for what you're paying.
Clubs and Activities
I haven't joined any clubs myself but I hear about others and from what I hear they're pretty fun. I hang out with the Accappella club sometimes, and they're just a riot. There's a club for just about everything, and if there isn't, it's easy to make. Anyone can help you with that.
Greek Life
Pretty active. I don't participate myself, but I have a lot of friends who do and say they enjoy it. It's easy to get involved with, so check it out!
Campus Safety
This is seriously the safest campus I have ever seen. They have security at every housing building from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., and during those times you can't get in unless you live on campus or are being personally signed in by a resident. There are alarms stationed by nearly every building, which the OU Police will respond to within 30 seconds if pushed. You must swipe your student card to enter the elevator or stairs in the dorms, no matter what time of day it is. It can be a hassle, but you definitely feel safe.

Krystal from Farmington Hills, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Oakland University has a beautifully well-keep campus and a live community. It is mostly a commuter college but the university is currently working toward new campus housing. The staff are skilled in their fields and are eager to aid students toward graduation.
Tips for prospective students
Consider living on campus! Though Oakland University is a mainly a commuter school, the dorm life is very active and student apartments are a great way to learn how to live on a budget.
Academic Rigor
The professors are knowledgeable in their fields and are very excited to see students visit their office hours.
Dorm Life
Though some of the dorms are a bit run down, the maintenance team is very accommodating. The university is currently building a new dorm building for the Freshman. However, parking for these dorms (and the whole campus) is very limited which can get frustrating. Nonetheless, I've really enjoyed my two years in the dorms and one year in the student apartments.
Food and Dining
The current dining hall for the dorms is not the best food but the food court has restaurants like Subway, Chick-fil-a, and Chopped and Wrapped which are pretty good. The new dorm being built will have a new dining hall.
What to do for fun
For fun, I love to explore campus and the history. Oakland University's land was donated by the Dodge family (founder of Dodge motor company) and the mansion they lived in is still here on campus. Tours of the mansion is free to OU students and they hold a ball in the mansion every years.
Bang for the buck
Oakland University strives for low costs. One of my favorite parts of coming here is that there is very few addition fees. This includes free laundry and no parking passes!
Campus Safety
The police on campus are great! They really care about their students and are very quick to appear when you need them.

Emily from Clyde, MI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Oakland is a very diverse community which I am proud to be a part of. There are it's upsides and downsides, but the friends and connections I have made so far are nothing short of outstanding! I truly feel like I am at home.
Tips for prospective students
This school is made up of mostly commuters so sometimes it is difficult to make friends right away, but the atmosphere makes it more enjoyable.
FYI - Watch out for parking. It is atrocious.
Academic Rigor
Any class I've had is not easy, but most of them are definitely worth taking. I am taking a business required zero credit course and it has so far taught me much more than I could ever learn in a lecture hall. But the work is tough, the teachers are tough, but if you truly set your mind to it, you can do it.
Dorm Life
I love my resident advisor who makes life here much more enjoyable. The people you meet on your floor are the people you live with for 8 months. Make friends! There is not much that goes on here, but when they plan things to do, they go big!
Food and Dining
LOVE LOVE LOVE the food. The Dining Hall is not like your average cafeteria. It has a mongolian grill and so many choices every day. The Food Court has so many options like Papa Johns, Coyote Jack's, Subway, and even Chick-Fil-A, the only one in Michigan.
What to do for fun
I usually go to the Rec Center and workout or play some table tennis. I've gotten good! Not too much stuff going on, but the Student Program Board makes sure that you will not be too bored while at OU.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have Homecoming in Winter... That may sound strange, but it is because we only started a football team this year. But no worries! They're changing it to Fall this 2014.
Campus Safety
I see the OUPD EVERYWHERE. And there are also call buttons with blue lights on top that are scattered everywhere on campus. You press the button and the OUPD will be there in 90 seconds or less.

Zahra

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
OU is a great place to study. With the addition of the new medical school, it's quickly going to the top. It's clean, friendly and so far, I'm really enjoying my classes there.
Tips for prospective students
Attend the orientation sessions--they're a great help. Also, make friends with your adviser and never feel shy to call professors when you need help.
Academic Rigor
I'm in the Biology department aiming for pre-med. The studies are tough but interesting and the time flew by so quickly.
Dorm Life
I live close to campus so I don't live in the dorms. But, some of the classmates do-they like the living arrangements and the cafe, which is available for all students, is great. There are various types of dorms--single rooms, married, suites--and apartments off-campus.
Food and Dining
Food is everywhere and for everyone. There are several restaurants across the campus...downtown Rochester Hills is a few miles away and I count on the Starbucks right in the library--comes in great for exam-time.
What to do for fun
OU is known for so many outside activities that they can't be counted. There is something for everyone...literally. But amid the business, my favorite place is to walk around the Dodge castle and relax in the herb and rose gardens--it's a fairy-tale land in the middle of academics.
Bang for the buck
Tuition prices are going up--but at OU they are still more affordable than other universities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
During our exams, the school provided puppies so people could de-stress. Just being on campus with a cup of coffee is enough.
Great for these types of students
OU is great for everyone--but there is no football team. I guess the person who donated the massive amount of land was against contact sports--but OU has everything else including a great exercise/pool facility and tons of soccer/baseball, basketball courts, etc.
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of clubs--during orientation you'll just walk through and choose whatever fits your fancy--or sign up with whomever gives the best ice cream or treats.
Greek Life
Not interested--but they have several frat houses--haven't seen any for females though--they must be hidden.
Campus Safety
Great! I feel safe walking to my car at night--campus is well-lit, open, safe and always, always, the campus security is in sight.

Marcel from Detroit, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This is an awesome University! Oakland University is known as a hidden gem in Michigan because students strive to go to bigger schools. OU meets and exceeds the other schools I toured because the atmosphere was so friendly.
Tips for prospective students
Attend Go for the Gold! You have the opportunity tour the facilities, spend time with other students and get a true feel for the Campus while you are here. You may even get a chance to take a picture with The Grizz!
Academic Rigor
I recently started classes and already received homework. The Professors that I have encountered are serious about education and making sure you have what you need to achieve your goals.
Dorm Life
Although, my dorm doesn't have air and we had some hot days after I moved in, there are several ways to stay cool on Campus. I like the friendliness of the RA on our floor. There were quite a few ice breakers to make sure that the individuals on our floor have the change to meet each other.
Food and Dining
I love the Dining hall food!
What to do for fun
I actually spend time walking the Campus, but we have an awesome Rec Center where one can play Baskeball, Tennis or just work out.
Great for these types of students
All types of students can find a place at Oakland University.
Clubs and Activities
Lots of Clubs and Activities at Oakland University.
Campus Safety
I feel very safe on Campus.

Current Student

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Really great University; Oakland has a lot of things to offer and by far is one of the best Universities in the state of Michigan.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved as much as you can, and enjoy the college experience that you'll get. Take advantage of thing like tutoring services and the student employment center.
Academic Rigor
Math classes and sciences classes will be a bit of a challenge. So be prepared for those classes.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is pretty good. The best dorm on Campus is the new dorm which is called OakView hall. Lots of activities are planned by the RA's in every dorm. The apartments are awesome also.
Food and Dining
Food is alright. The best places to eat are Chick fil la, Chopped and Warp and the OakView cafe. Breakfast is usually the best meal you'll get. Also the food in the campus diner is best on weekends.
What to do for fun
Basketball games are big on campus those are a must. The game room is really fun, we have pool tables, ping pong tables and xbox 360's.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a tower called elliot tower, which has sprinklers that run all night. Running through the sprinklers is pretty fun.
Great for these types of students
It's great for all students in my opinion.
Clubs and Activities
There are numerous clubs to join, all offering great things.
Greek Life
Greek life is awesome at OU.
Campus Safety
One of the safest campus in the entire state of Michigan.

Louisa from Clinton Twp., MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
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.
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.
Academic Rigor
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.
Dorm Life
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.
Food and Dining
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 to do for fun
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.
Bang for the buck
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!

Loryn from Livonia, MI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Oakland University is a wonderful university with amazing intelligent teachers. I am a transfer student and all of my credits transferred. Oakland has a reasonable tuition rate and a variety of on campus housing.
Tips for prospective students
Meet with an academic adviser once a year. Stay on track. Study. Study. Study. The library is open 24 hours a day. 7 days a week.
Academic Rigor
The faculty at Oakland is top notch. They are more then willing to help students in need. They know their information and are wonderful at teaching it to students.
Dorm Life
There are a variety of housing options. Choose a dorm or an apartment. Live with friends, or go in blind. Everyone at Oakland is friendly, and living on campus is a wonderful experience.
Food and Dining
There are many local restaurants. There are dining rooms in each residence hall. There are cafes all over campus and a food court located in the Oakland Center.
What to do for fun
Get involved! There are numerous clubs and sports that are always looking for people to join. Work with the Oakland radio station, or on the paper. There is something for everyone.