Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA, USA

Reviews

Old Dominion University

Efrem from Chantilly, VA

a current student here
33 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Old Dominion Professors are very professional and informative when it comes to detailed lectures & assignments.
Am enjoying being here
The school activities are very interesting. There are tons of community service groups and organizations. There is always something productive, educational, and fun to do.
Bang for the buck
Fees are not so bad because they offer a lot of money and the school does not put to much stress on you to pay back loans. The institution allows you to check your payments online in order to help you keep up with how much you paid and how much you owe. Old Dominion payment plans are very helpful and financial aid is super.
Tips for prospective students
Keep a planner and calendar in order to keep up with assignments, test, and events. A calendar will always help you stay involved and your planner will help you stay on task and keep up with personal obligations.
Great for these types of students
Students who like to learn and have safe fun. Also, Old Dominion is good for students who love social events. Networking is huge at Old Dominion and provides a lot of help for you. If you like to help others as well as enjoy being a part of making the community better, Old Dominion is the place for you!

Fanta from Silver Spring, MD

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes at ODU have their Students REALLY Involved! A student can walk out and say that they learned something.
Am enjoying being here
One of The Things I Can Say About ODU is, It is a very diverse school. We have Tons of School spirit and there is always something to do that involves everyone, especially the football games! A lot of the organizations here at ODU are great and fun, a lot are about community service.
Bang for the buck
The Money Spent At ODU is worth evey dime, you get your moneys worth.
Tips for prospective students
~Make Sure Applications & Paperwork Are Turned in on time.
~Fill Fafsa Out Early & make Sure its filled out correctly!
~ sit With Parents and Make sure Financial paperworks are together and correct.
Great for these types of students
~Outgoing
~Diverse
~ Fun Loving
~Involved With Organizations
~Determined
~ Organized(Time)

Malcolm from Hampton, VA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Subject material is distributed evenly through out the semester, so students can comfortable learn and retain information. Just try not to fall behind.
Am enjoying being here
The student body is diverse, so you meet different people. Also, the events planned for the students allow us to have fun in a safe environment.
Bang for the buck
In-state tuition isn't too bad in combination with financial aid. My parents aren't too stressed about the fees.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you keep up with all your class material, and don't wait until the last moment to study and do homework. If you follow this, then it will make experience less stressful.
Great for these types of students
Old Dominion is for students who want to receive a good education in a comfortable urban atmosphere.

Lindsay from Virginia Beach, VA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
College is definitely tougher than high school. I have found myself struggling in some classes but you'll find that at any college. Overall I am doing well in school and I am learning something new every day.
Am enjoying being here
The campus isn't that big which is nice, you can easily walk everywhere on campus. The people are great. most everyone is friendly. I love living on campus here.
Bang for the buck
It is reasonably priced for a four year university, and there are plenty of scholarships available.
Tips for prospective students
If you go here just stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. Go to class, you learn more that way.
Great for these types of students
If you like science or engineering both of those programs are great here!

Kyana from Richmond, VA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
ODU is a great school. The instructors are friendly and easy to contact. They are very fair and very understanding. They are knowledgeable in their fields of study and they are able to give a lot of information on the topics. The professors give so much information that it would be hard not to learn anything.
Am enjoying being here
I LOVE it here. I can't imagine being anywhere else. There are so many opportunities for socialization among different groups of people. There are also a lot of activities put on by student organizations, like Campus Chaos and ODU After Dark, where you can meet a lot of other people. The students are all so friendly and helpful. Its an overall peaceful and drama-free campus.
Bang for the buck
I personally would say that ODU is a bit expensive. It can be costly once you include housing and fees, but you get it back in the end. ODU gives away a lot of free things. There are a lot of activities and other things that students don't have to pay for. Students get into every home game for free and there is plenty of free food
Tips for prospective students
One thing I would want prospective ODU students to know is that it is important to bet out there. Meet new people and socialize. You don't have to party each and every week end but you can still get to know people. Just taking a walk around campus you meet groups of interesting people. College is supposed to be the best time of your life, so enjoy it.
Great for these types of students
ODU is a very diverse school. It is good for everyone, from the most outgoing, most out spoken person; to the shyest, most introverted person. There is a place for everyone to feel welcome.

Tarique from Fredericksburg, VA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Old Dominion University has a beautiful campus that is close to the water. The students here are polite and respectful and just has home like vibe to it. Also the staff at ODU is so friendly and helpful that you shouldn't have a problem getting good grades.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of opportunities given to you. Also pay attention to what the teacher says and don't skip class if possible.
Academic Rigor
The academic level at ODU can be very demanding at times but it also does well to prepare you for your future career.
Dorm Life
The Dorms at ODU very and can be a very good experience or an
Food and Dining
ODU has a lot of variety when it comes to dining on campus. It has three main dining places located in the center and both sides of campus. It also has a number of convenience stores and restaurants located near campus.
What to do for fun
The campus holds numerous events around campus such as Web Jams, step shows, and Laser Tag.
Bang for the buck
Quality education, Variety of social clubs and organizations, cultural opportunities, near the ocean and VA beach.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The is supposed a rumor around campus that anyone who steps on the seal in the center of campus won't graduate on time. I'm not sure about everyone on campus but I tend to make sure I don't step on it and I notice other students don't either.
Great for these types of students
Students who like to skate, go to the beach, fish, or even students who like comic books or anime. ODU has many clubs and organizations on campus that offer a variety of things for different groups of people.
Clubs and Activities
Anime club, Fraternities and Sororities, Handball tournaments, diving team, flag football league.
Greek Life
There are numerous fraternities and sororities around campus and the population is still growing. You will see a lot of the Fraternities doing events on campus during the beginning of the school year.
Campus Safety
ODU has campus security on campus 24/7 and emergency lights throughout campus. It also works with Norfolk police on weekends patrolling the campus at night.

Shelby from Norfolk, VA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The engineering department at Old Dominion University is very dedicated to its students. The professors have no issues going out of their way to help struggling students to succeed. The curriculum is informative and easy to understand.
Am enjoying being here
The student organizations on campus allow students to get together with other students of similar interests. With so many organizations on campus, it is easy for anyone to feel at home and amongst friends. There is something for everyone.
Bang for the buck
My tuition at ODU has gone to good use. The professors are very dedicated to their students and will do whatever it takes to help them succeed, such as recommending tutoring sessions. The food in the cafeterias, especially Whitehurst, is top notch. The high cost of tuition is certainly worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to explore. If you feel alone, there is always a group to accommodate you. Don't be afraid to meet new people and try new things. If you are struggling in a class, do not be afraid to ask for help. There are tutoring centers on campus to make sure you pass.
Great for these types of students
ODU is great for engineering and science majors. The classes are interactive and often fun. If you like working with your hands, ODU is for you.

JaCaia from WAKEFIELD, VA

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I rate five stars because the field i wish to major in, this school has a wonderful facilty.
Will enjoy being here
I can say I would enjoy being there, being that it isnt that far from home.
Bang for the buck
The tution is good compared to other schools I've did research on. Being that they have a great dental program.

Sasha from Richmond, VI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I would recommend ODU to everyone due to their diversity and school spirit. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help. Not only do the teachers want you to succeed, but they make sure you get the right instruction so you do.
Tips for prospective students
I would not trade this school for the world. Come here with an open mind and stay true to yourself, because with that you will truly enjoy the family of ODU.
Academic Rigor
Academics is very important here. But, of course you know that at the end of the day the work is up to you. There is many ways you can succeed due to tutoring, recitations, and help centers. So please don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help.
Dorm Life
All of the dorms are very nice. Of course as freshman sometimes you might end up in the older ones, but trust me you have somewhere to rest your head, which is the most important.
Food and Dining
Cafe 1201 is my favor due to the size so their is more options. Honestly speaking, I wish the menu could be switched up a little better and offer more varieties.
What to do for fun
ODU has so many things to do whether it's Women's Climb Night or lazer tag. They try to always give the students chances to meet new people and have somehwere safe to hang out on the weekends. I love the different activities they have to offer in the weeks, you will always have something to do. And if your still not impressed with that? We have activity hours every Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Great for these types of students
Honestly, it's great for all students. I would recommend people who want to know more of other cultures or just get down by the beach.
Clubs and Activities
Honestly, every club you can think of they have. It is the best way of gaining more friends and being apart of an organization. Most of it is community service but it gives back in whatever cause you would like to join.
Campus Safety
Of course no matter where you go there is still going to be incidents and crime. In my opinion however, ODU does a great job of limiting the incidents and crime by offering a monarch loop that takes you around campus from 7:30am-12am. Also, we have a reliable service called Safe Ride and this is for students who need a safe ride home no matter where the location. Lastly, there is emergency buttons posted all around campus so if you feel you are in danger then you can hit it and ODU police will be there in a flash.

ASHLEY from Suffolk, VA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
ODU is a great place if you are looking for diversity on campus, there are so many different people on campus that you can also learn more about the world outside of the the classroom. The teachers here are amazing they all have one goal in mind and that is to help you succeed. Overall ODU is a community full of supporters.
Tips for prospective students
If you're thinking about coming to ODU, make sure to take advantage of all the clubs we have to offer. That is a great way to meet new people that have the same interests as you. Another tip would be, don't be afraid to put yourself out there, everyone on campus is very friendly so hold your head high and be confident.
Academic Rigor
You have some classes that are easy to some and more difficult to others, that can be said for any university. When you fall in love with your major here at ODU, the academic life is not bad at all. Once you are dedicated to that major everything falls into place and it is easy to succeed.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at ODU is a great experience. I was really able to find out what it is like to live on my own without my parents. The RA's hired by the school are probably the nicest people on campus and they make living in the dorms fun and stress free. There is also a lot of security in the dorms so that is a huge plus.
Food and Dining
The staff in our dining halls are fantastic. They see hundreds of students every day and they still manage to smile and ask how your day is going all while serving up some tasty food.
What to do for fun
ODU is located near the heart of Norfolk, VA which means there is a lot of great stuff to do. There are museums downtown along with a mall, our hometown baseball field for the Norfolk Tides, and the ice rink where the Norfolk Admirals play. Also as an ODU student we get into the Zoo for free! Also you can't forget that the beach is not that far away!
Bang for the buck
I was really nervous about going to school on a big campus, not because it was a big campus, but because I did not want to feel like a tiny little guppy in the huge ocean. The faculty and staff of ODU really take care of all the students and take pride in it. They help make me feel valued and important which is great.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have a huge fountain in the middle of campus and in the middle of the fountain is our mascot, Big Blue the lion. A tradition that we have at ODU is to go out in the middle of the night and climb on top of the lion and then try our best not to get spotted by campus security. If you ever hear someone on campus ask, Did you ride the lion yet? now you know what they mean by it!
Great for these types of students
If you are a student that loves getting involved in a little bit of everything, this is the place for you because of all the clubs and organizations available.
Clubs and Activities
Everyone I know is involved in several clubs and activities and the best thing about ODU is, if you don't find a club that is perfect for you, you can make your own club!
Greek Life
Greek life is a big thing on campus, a lot of these groups are very focused on the community around us and you'll often see them doing fundraisers for local charities.
Campus Safety
Our campus security is getting larger every year. They are working on building a new campus police station as well. One of the most unique things about our campus police is that they attend police academy with the Norfolk Police Department.