Whether you chose Oakland University because it is close by, has gorgeous scenery, or for a certain program it offers, OU has a lot of great things about it that makes it a one-of-a-kind school!
8. Chick-fil-A
Oakland University is home to the FIRST Chick-fil-A in Michigan located in the Pioneer Food Court. It is kind of a big deal. Seriously, if you go to any college event for prospective students BEWARE to see high schoolers taking selfies with the sign. So be a grizzly bear and devour that Chick-fil-A Chicken sandwich!
7. FREE Amenities
Every college student’s favorite word: free. At Oakland, you don’t have to pay for parking or to have a car on campus whether you are a commuter or a dormer. Even freshmen could have a car! Goodbye bicycles in the ice cold Michigan winter! If you are a dormer, you do not have to lug around pounds and pounds of quarters – laundry is included in tuition! At most universities you have to pay for every athletic event and worry about purchasing passes. At Oakland, athletic events are free of charge for students.
6. The GRIZZ
Not only are Oakland’s colors very stylish (black and gold!), but our mascot is our favorite grizzly bear! Everybody loves the friendly Grizz. So go up to your favorite grizzly bear and take a selfie; I promise, it will not bite (first make sure it is our mascot).
5. The Recreation Center
As long as you are enrolled at Oakland, you have use of the rec center. Whether you are a freshmen who wants to fight off that Freshmen 15, somebody who wants to tone up/gain muscle, or somebody who just wants to maintain a steady weight, the Oakland rec center has a spot for you! There are many group exercise classes that the club offers for a good deal, employee wellness programs for those who work on campus that need to take a breather, as well as a huge variety of equipment. The Oakland Recreation Center will help you stay in shape!
4. The Elliott Clock Tower
An Oakland trademark – and one that is over 150 feet tall! Needless to say, Oakland University students always have an idea what time it is.
3. The Scenery
Yes, most colleges and universities are known for their scenery; yet, there is just something about the scenery at this university that makes it stand out from the others. On your stroll to class, you see fresh blue water, beautiful bridges, and fresh cut grass. There is lots of room to study outside or relax in nature. Many people are not aware of Oakland’s biological preserves that are used for educational/research purposes, as well as open to the public and students for a nice little hike. Go take a break, and enjoy that scenery!
2. Oakland is a part of history!
There is only one Greek house off campus, and it is a historic home in downtown Pontiac. It was formerly owned by OJ Beaudette, the producer of the model T-chassis. He owned the carriage production company. His work was revolutionary in the automotive industry in Pontiac. We also have Meadowbrook hall, and so much of Oakland’s history is tied up in Meadowbrook hall! Make sure you check them out!
1. A Go-To area for college students
A lot of colleges do not have the surroundings that Oakland has. If you need some last minute groceries, want to take a night off and go eat with your roomies at a restaurant, or go shopping, Oakland is located in a very close proximity to a plethora of different shops and restaurants! Spend the weekend shopping and eating at Great Lakes Crossing (a mall with many outlet stores), or go to The Village in Rochester! There are also some great options for grocery shopping like Kroger and Trader Joes. Super close to campus, there is also a Buddy’s Pizza: a must have destination for those who have never tried it before!
So students, go make use of and enjoy the university (with the Chick-fil-A in your hands of course).