University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK, USA

Reviews

University of Tulsa

Faith from Tulsa, OK

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I love the University of Tulsa's curriculum. All students have to take certain classes, and it helps to break up your classes that are all focused on your major. Also, all liberal arts majors are required to have a minor (and science majors are encouraged to have one), which really gave me the opportunity to expand my horizons and learn about subjects that have always interested me.
Am enjoying being here
I LOVE the campus, and through different activities and events, I have met some amazing people. I was nervous about going to a school with no one from my high school class, but I was so perfectly matched with my roommate, and I have met so many great people that it isn't a problem at all. It really feels like a community because it is smaller, and its nice to see people everyday that I recognize or are friends with.
Bang for the buck
TU can get pretty pricey, but you are getting a first rate education. We are often called the Harvard of the Midwest, and that is certainly true. The teachers are all passionate about what they teach, so its worth it. And TU offers some pretty excellent scholarships (i.e. any national merit scholar gets free tuition.)
Tips for prospective students
Come take a tour of the campus! Taking a tour will really let you know if you feel at home at the school or not. Also, TU offers a few events for seniors called Tulsa Time, where you come stay with a student for a night and go to several activities and meetings all about the university. That was a great time, and it was really cool to see the campus and the students from the inside.
Great for these types of students
TU is really rigorous academically, but its definitely doable. You just have to be able to study. But one of the things I love most about TU is how diverse the student population is. There are so many international students and so many people from all walks of life. I love it!

Caroline from Saint Louis, MO

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
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!
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!
Academic Rigor
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.
Dorm Life
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 :)
Food and Dining
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 to do for fun
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.
Bang for the buck
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?
Great for these types of students
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.
Clubs and 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!
Greek Life
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! :)
Campus Safety
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.

Erin from Springfield, MO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Bang for the buck
This will come in the long run when your degree from this university will be attractive to potential employers. When joining clubs or organizations, you will also find that the university covers activities and excursions. For example, as a member of the pep band, I went for free to the NCAA tournament in San Diego when the basketball team qualified. I know the same is true for some journalism students as well as the outdoor club.

Shanan from Sand Springs, OK

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
University of Tulsa offers superior education opportunities. The instructors treat students professionally and with respect. The bar is set very high, but TU provides many resources to assist students succeed.
Tips for prospective students
The class size is small and it is easy to meet other students. Campus is easy to navigate.
Academic Rigor
Exceptional. It is easy to tell you are a part of a private university, but the resources make your education feasible.
Food and Dining
ACAC offer fast and friendly dining.
What to do for fun
There are many on campus meetings each day that offer free lunch. TU has wonderful sports teams and the local community comes out to support the Hurricane teams.
Campus Safety
The campus is constantly patrolled. I have never had a security issue.

Samuel from O Fallon, IL

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I visited the TU campus a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with the school. The staff and student ambassadors were so friendly and helpful that it made me feel right at home. Definitely at the top of my list!
Tips for prospective students
Definitely apply! If you are unsure about your interest, visit the school. It is beautiful and you will feel right at home!
Academic Rigor
Great academics and the teachers are amazing.
Dorm Life
The dorms are awesome and big. Accommodations like these are hard to come by!
Food and Dining
The dining areas are new and nice, and even if you do not want to eat on campus, Tulsa has a lot of good restaurants!
What to do for fun
Tulsa has a lot to do! If it isn't football or basketball season for the Golden Hurricane anymore, you can head downtown to an Oilers game, or head out for a nice day at the zoo. Or just join a club and have fun on Campus!
Bang for the buck
It is a little pricey, but the education here is top-notch!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
You have to love the bell that you will ring on graduation. Can't wait until I can do that!
Great for these types of students
Anybody can fit in at TU. Fantastic environment!
Clubs and Activities
There is never a loss of things to do at TU. Plenty of variety!
Campus Safety
There is always campus security patrolling the grounds. Not only are they helpful and friendly, they are also out to keep you safe, and I never feel unsafe here!

Victoria from Tulsa, OK

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Tulsa is a great school if you are planning on majoring in Engineering, Law, or Business. Although this school has various other programs that are offered, TU's primary focus is on those three careers/colleges. Each of the career focused colleges have their pro's and con's but overall, academic wise, TU is an excellent school.
Tips for prospective students
Assuming that you are freshmen, I recommend making a pre-decision as to what college you would like to be in. When I came in as a freshmen I knew I wanted to be in business, so naturally I chose the business college. Now I am a Marketing and Management Major. Although freshmen and sophomore year are designed to let you figure out what major you want, it is very wise to decide which college you would like to be in before you start picking random classes. being the
Academic Rigor
Assuming you are a freshmen, at TU there is definitely an academic shock (like culture shock but for academics). Being at the top of your class in high school is a little irrelevant at TU, because everyone that comes here was at the top of their class. So here, you really have to work really hard to get the grade you want. The professors are not easy, but they honestly want you to learn and know the information. So, if you work hard, and study, then you will be at the top of your class again.
Dorm Life
At TU, depending on where you live on campus makes a huge impact on your dorm experience. My freshman year, I lived in Lottie Jane Mabee (all female dorm) and I enjoyed it. My RA was really nice and really helpful if I needed something. Over the summer I stayed in Fisher South (co-ed freshmen dorm), I really enjoyed my time there as well. The community in fisher south was a lot better than in Lottie, however, the room was a little small than Lottie's. This year, I am staying in 5th Place (one of 3 international living dorms) by far, this one is my favorite. As an American who loves learning about other cultures the ILC is a fantastic place to live. Overall, the housing staff tries really hard to provide a great on-campus experience for residents, and I think they do a great job.
Food and Dining
I am going to be completely honest with you, the food in the caf SUCKS! I know that people want other people to come to TU and they claim the food in the caf is amazing... let me tell you now, those people are crazy. Now, the caf doesn't suck all the time, at the beginning of each semester the food is not that bad, not great, but not awful either. However, as the semester progress, the food gets progressively worst. The only reason people haven't starved yet, is because of ACAC (if you come here you will learn how great that place is). In ACAC we have the food court (good food), Chik-Fil-A (nuff said), Subway (Again, nuff said), Benvenitos (Italian food, pretty good) and the Hut (expensive sports bar, but pretty good as well).
What to do for fun
As far as fun is concerned, there is anything obvious to do, however there is always an event at some point during the week. Student Association is always hosting some event, the RA's of every residence hall are always hosting events, plus there are random clubs and organizations all over campus. There is always something fun to do, you just have to look for it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
In John Mabee Hall (the all male dorm) there is an annual game called The Toilet Bowl it's basically flag football but with a little added bonus. The John Boys treat this game like the super bowl with food, football, and girls (Lottie Ladies). Of the Lottie Ladies, one of them will be named the bowl queen.. It's weird but a lot of fun.
Campus Safety
Let's just say, our Campus Security Officers act like they are in the FBI or something.

Justin from Denver, CO

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
They are the absolute best at making students feel welcome and secure in their new environment with new ways to meet faculty and other students. TU provided great support when registering for classes and making sure that the students are on the right track to graduating. TU also provides great academic support to make sure that there is no student being left behind (as long as the student takes advantage of the opportunities).
Tips for prospective students
TU does an amazing job at providing tips to create an overall better college experience. They provide ways to interact to with prospective students with meetings and get-togethers with students living in your state.
Academic Rigor
The University of Tulsa is a challenging schools that expands on cognitive stimulation and provides new ways to look at course material. TU provides in depth looks at course material that may seem challenging, but is worth the while in the long run. Professors are very easy to meet with and reevaluate misunderstood material for students.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is a great part of the University of Tulsa. Although there can be some difficulties because of the rising number of students coming into the institution, the dorms provide many fun ways to get to know your dorm-mates with activities such as games, movies, parties, and other social interactions.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is something that needs to be worked on. Although the renovations to the cafeteria are magnificent, the quality of the food can lack. Sometimes they have food that is quite tasteful and filling, and other days you don't even know what is on your trey.
What to do for fun
There are tons of activities to do on campus. TU provides social events about every single day and they provide free food and an interactive experience. Whether it be sporting events, Greek philanthropy events, club events, and celebratory events. Tulsa also provides great activities off campus as well. Downtown Tulsa has a great scene for food, music festivals, bowling alleys, drive through movies, country bars, and holiday festivals as well.
Greek Life
Greek Life is a great part of the University. Rush is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, get free food, and get to know a potential house that could grant you some interest. Being in Greek life means you get to create ideas for brotherhood events, community service events, philanthropy events, and sorority functions. The Greek Life at TU shows an entirely new social side to the campus that is work getting involved in.

Jessica from St Augustine, FL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Tulsa is very academic based; curriculums require students to take the maximum amount of hours almost every semester. Despite the time commitment that this brings, the student association constantly has intriguing events to offer. Overall, Tulsa is an extremely well-rounded university.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early and be aggressive about scholarships. TU has plenty to offer!
Academic Rigor
The classes at TU are very challenging but not impossible. I've left every class feeling like I learned something I didn't know and something that I would actually use in the future. Almost every class is time consuming and difficult but the professors grade very fairly. If you work hard, you will do well.
Dorm Life
The freshman dorm experience is awesome, there are interesting activities offered on a weekly basis. The lobbies of this dorm are constantly filled with students playing board games, watching movies, or talking.
Food and Dining
The dining hall is decent, the food isn't terrible. There is one on campus restaurant with good food, and several fast food places.
What to do for fun
The faculty at TU do a great job at planning student activities that people will actually go to. Every event I've attended has been worthwhile.
Bang for the buck
TU is expensive in comparison to a state school, but the education is much more valuable. More than half the student body has some form of scholarship from TU, and quite a few students have full scholarships. Because of the connections TU has, it is easy to get an internship even as a freshman. Some internships pay as much as an entire semester of tuition, making it definitely worth it.
Great for these types of students
International students (huge part of the student body), people with a desire for leadership
Greek Life
Greek life makes up a large portion of the student body. The sororities and fraternities are very engaging, not just with each other but also with non-Greek students. The houses have philanthropy events and parties that anyone is welcome to attend.
Campus Safety
TU is in a somewhat dangerous part of town but there are as many campus security guards as students.

Alyssa from Lebanon, IL

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A wonderful community and very helpful. The school has a lot of opportunities and would help with anything. They really treat you well here.
Tips for prospective students
They have many job fairs and they are very active. They will tell you what kind of fields or jobs you can do that deal with your major
Academic Rigor
Excellent. They show you a lot of work but the courses are challenging but not failing hard and if you are failing then they will try and help you out.
Dorm Life
The community is great and you can make a lot of friends. The resident halls provide excellent activity and also make sure the freshman or transfers are really settled in.
Food and Dining
The staff is really nice and friendly. The hours are not late and the food is good but has its off days.
What to do for fun
You can go out with friends, they provide many on-Campus activities and a shuttle that will take you to shopping places on weekends. Also the student center is fun. Also you can relax on one of the U's.
Bang for the buck
The college is a little priceynut it really is a great school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
They have hurricane thursdays where in the fall there is an events every Thursday and you can get a card hole punched that would give out prizes.
Great for these types of students
Any type of students but if your looking for a diversity school and experiencing new cultures than this is a great school
Clubs and Activities
They have a club fair in the beginning of the year that would email you when an event is going on.
Greek Life
They do tons of activities and philanthropy. They are very active in school.
Campus Safety
Amazing. They do round 24/7 and they will escort you at night if you feel unsafe.

Blc

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
the university of tulsa is an extremely diverse campus. many students from all over the world attend here involved in many of the extracurricular clubs available. furthermore, the professors treat each student as an individuals, truly intent on creating the best college graduates possible.
Tips for prospective students
you need to get involved! tu has a plethora of activities, from gameboard clubs to religious groups. the university even partners with elementary and middle schools in the surrounding neighborhoods for mentoring programs.
Academic Rigor
the university of tulsa jumped to spot 75 on the best colleges in the country this year (2011). professors cater to students needs; if the majority of students in a course are suffering, the professors will change the syllabus to the classroom needs.
Dorm Life
there are 5 main dorms on campus, including an all girls and an all boys dorm. there are suite style rooms and traditional dorm rooms. also, on campus apartments are available to those who qualify. residents halls frequently plan activities (at least once a weak) that students are encouraged to attend
Food and Dining
the cafeteria is open all day, buffet style. also, the student center houses subway, chik-fill-a, a great italian place, the hut (a mini-restaurant) and some coffee shops. dining dollars, which come with your meal plan, are accepted at all.
What to do for fun
every thursday, tu hosts an event. these events have included drive-in movies on the u, bowling nights, dances, car smashes, etc. the downtown of the city of tulsa is a mile away, and you can find a large variety of restaurants, museums and clubs.