Happening Places at Oral Roberts University

Are you a new freshman or transfer student to Oral Roberts University? Or are you going to start attending there next fall? College life can be an intimidating experience, especially if you don't know anyone there to begin with. Luckily, as an alumnus, I have a few tips on the best places to visit, hangout, and make new friends.

The Fishbowl

If you live or are going to be residing in the "Towers" dorms (Michael, Wesley, Susie, and Francis) then there is no way that you'll be able not to pass by The Fishbowl since it connects these 4 dorms together. The Fishbowl is basically the most popular hangout on campus. It's a big lobby area surrounded by glass windows in a circular fashion that resembles a fishbowl. Here they have flat screen televisions, ping pong tables, and plenty of seating areas and tables to get together with a friend or groups of friends to catch up, hang out, or even study.

Chick-Fil-A/Eagle's Nest/On Campus Coffee & Tea Joint

This area is 2 establishments combined and is located below the student cafeteria, neighboring the Zoppelt Auditorium. Many of my college days were spent in the on campus coffee & tea place where I sipped Starbucks Tazo teas and Italian sodas and chatted up with friends. The Eagle's Nest houses Chick-Fil-A, a popular Chicken only fast food joint where you can also watch sports or other events on their flat screen televisions.

Prayer Gardens

Throughout the year, the campus replants this area making a pretty sight all school year long. It is especially beautiful in the spring where very corner a blooming flower abounds and during the autumn season where thick foliage floods the area with color. This garden is also home to the famous "Prayer Tower" which students and visitors alike can take a tour within. Just a side note, the gardens are quite a popular spot for lovey-dovey couples.

The above are actual locations, however, the campus hosts many events for students to get together and meet new fellow students. Also, each dorm floor usually form different "wing functions" or occasions to help get to know each other better, such as weekend outings, banquets, and sport activities. The school is best known for their basketball team and the games are always fun and exciting to attend. Other sports such as tennis matches, soccer games, and baseball games are also fun to be a part of especially on cool, crisp, sunny days. Want to be a part of a sport, but not something long term? Each floor has their own team which can participate in intramural athletics against other floors. These include sports such flag football, softball, soccer, basketball, and many others.