New to OU: What to know about living on campus

Moving in can be stressful for incoming students. For many, it’s their first time living alone. Here is a guide on navigating the move-in process, residence halls and what to do when the school year is finished. 

OU campus housing

First-year students at OU are required to live on campus for two semesters. However, the university allows a few exceptions, such as students living within a certain distance from campus. OU has nine spaces designated for first-year students: Couch Center, Cross Village, David L. Boren and Headington halls, Dunham and Headington colleges, McCasland Hall, Traditions Square East and the South Hall — OU’s newest housing option. University leadership is considering using Traditions West as first-year housing. All students will have the choice to rank their residence hall preferences. 

Sooner Cards

Sooner Cards give access to various campus buildings, including residence halls and Sarkeys Fitness Center, and can be used for points and swipes at campus restaurants and to gain access to athletic events. Students can obtain their Sooner Card online and add it to their phone’s mobile wallet. For a physical copy, visit the Sooner Card offices inside Oklahoma Memorial Union or Cross Village Building D to have one printed for a fee. 

Move-in

Move-in dates can be found on the OU Housing and Food Services website. On move-in days, students will arrive near their assigned residence hall where movers will help carry belongings to the rooms. For students planning ahead, floor plans and room dimensions can be found on the housing website. Each residence hall allows a mini fridge and microwave. MicroFridges — a 3-in-1 refrigerator, freezer and microwave — can be rented through move-in partners or the OU website. 

Laundry

Free laundry machines are available in all residences halls except David L. Boren Hall. OU also offers a paid laundry service where students can fill the provided bag and drop it off at its designated location. 

Move-out

Students are required to move out within 24 hours of their last spring final or by noon the Saturday after finals unless they request to extend their stay. The move-out process is more independent than move-in because OU does not provide moving assistance. To reduce stress, it is best to start moving out of the residence halls in advance rather than waiting until the last day of finals. Students with physical keys must drop them at the front desk before leaving campus. 

Fees

Following move-out, OU may charge fees for furniture replacement, cleaning, key replacement, lock replacement and damages. To avoid extra costs, make sure to take care of the residence halls because the last thing a student wants is to pay more for housing, and others will have to use it eventually.