Advice for Oral Roberts University Students

Oral Roberts University is unlike any other university in the world. Founded by healing evangelist Oral Roberts himself, the university focuses on preparing its students for life in the world through providing them with a "whole person" education-one that trains their body (through physical education classes), mind (through regular degree classes) and mind (through chapels and Biblical classes). For a freshman entering this unique university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, here is a bit of advice from someone who was once in your position.

First of all, realize that the schedule that the register's office will automatically "assign" you based upon your declared major choice is actually flexible. While strongly recommended, this schedule is not required by the register's office for your first semester. To gain better control of your semester's classes, obtain a degree plan sheet for your major and course schedule if possible; determine if the suggested number of credit hours will be a good number for you and if you don't feel comfortable with it, then attempt to make the necessary changes. Additionally, if you are placed in a 7:50am general education course but would rather take the 12:30pm section of that same course (and you have no schedule conflicts), then go ahead and make that switch yourself by logging into your ORU account online. Take control of your schedule, but remember that you should still stick somewhat to the degree plan sheet in order to better your chances of graduating within a four year time period.

Secondly, know the differences between some of the different dorms located on the campus. For females, there are four different dorms and for males there are three. These dorms mostly be broken down into two different groups: Towers and EMR/Claudius. Both sets have their pros and cons. For example, the "Towers" dorms (Francis, Susie, Wesley, and Michael) are all connected and are located up on a hill on campus. The have easy access to a social hub on campus known as the "Fishbowl" which is the area between the male and female portions of the two sets of tower's dormitories. The Fishbowl has plenty of furniture and televisions for lounging, tables, a small kitchen, restrooms, pool, foosball, ping pong, and air hockey tables. On the other hand, the EMR/Claudius dormitories are more centrally located on the campus and provide easier access to all other buildings.

Finally, carefully choose your meal plan. All of the meal plans cost the same, and they are broken down into different meal plan options based upon the amount of cafeteria meals per week and the amount of "Sedexo bucks" they offer to be spent at the other dining options around campus. If you are someone who enjoys more freedom in your meal options, you may want to choose a meal plan that offers less meals in the cafeteria and more free spending "money." However, if you like to have most of your meals easily and quickly prepared for you, you may wish to choose a meal plan with more meals in the cafeteria. Think about how likely you are to eat certain meals (such as breakfast or lunch before a 12:30pm class) as well and choose your meal plan accordingly.