Login Register

Old Dominion University
- Local Atmosphere

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Yes, let this school know
Maybe, bookmark for later
No, get better matches
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

We will attempt to notify this
school of your interest.

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

Jump to a section:

Grade
Quick Stats
Student Author Overview
Student Reviews
Student Polls
Facts
Listings
Take A SurveyWrite A ReviewUpload A PhotoLink Up A VideoWrite The Guide
Old Dominion University - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Local Atmosphere

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Local Atmosphere rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Local Atmosphere Grades:

Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia
  1. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard, or Norfolk Navy Yard, is in Portsmouth, Virginia. They could not name it the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, because there was already one of those in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
  2. The "L" in Norfolk is generally only pronounced by those from other locales and is considered incorrect by most people from the region. Similar pronounciation variations are found in the names of other Hampton Roads cities, such as Portsmouth and Suffolk.
  3. Beginning in the late 1970s, mall developer James W. Rouse developed Waterside in downtown Norfolk, a "festival marketplace" concept that helped transform a formerly seedy harbor area into a major catalyst for other redevelopment. Downtown Norfolk is clean, attractive, and growing quickly. Many other areas of Norfolk are being revitalized, including Ocean View and East Beach, both on the Chesapeake Bay.
  4. In 1858, the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad built by William Mahone was completed to Petersburg, where major connections were made with railroads to points north, west, and south. During the U.S. Civil War, in 1862, the Battle of Hampton Roads between the ironclads Monitor and Merrimac was fought off Norfolk. Early in the war, Mahone commanded the city's defenses during the period of Confederate occupation which ended in May, 1862.
  5. The site of what is now Norfolk was originally the Chesipean Indian town Skicoak.
Notable Natives
  • Clarence Clemons
  • Tom DiCillo
  • Rob Estes
  • Gary Fleder
  • Eddie Holman
  • Wayne Newton
  • Tim Reid
  • Bob Saget
  • Margaret Sullavan
  • Scott Travis
  • Gene Vincent
  • Ernie Watts
Local Slang
  • For Real For Real: Another way of saying "that is so true"
  • Ghetto: Something made in poor quality; cheap
  • Nawfuhk: A derivative of Norfolk. Often used by Norfolkers who have lived in the area for an extended amount of time.
  • Weak: The result of extreme laughter: "That joke you told left me weak."
  • Yeseer: Yes sir
Points of Interest
  • Chrysler Hall
  • Chrysler Museum
  • Doumar’s
  • Ghent Business District
  • Harrison Pier
  • MacArthur Center
  • MacArthur’s Memorial
  • The Myers House
  • Nauticus
  • The New Belmont Fairgrounds
  • The Norfolk Naval Base
  • The Norfolk Zoo
  • Ocean View
  • The Pagoda
  • Relative Theory Records
  • The Scope
  • The Spirit of Norfolk
  • St. Mary’s Church
  • St. Paul’s Church
  • Virginia Beach
  • Virginia Opera House
  • Virginia Stage Company
  • The Wave

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

What makes Norfolk such an interesting place is that it has stuffed lots of different places and environments into a relatively small amount of square feet. One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Norfolk is teeming with historical significance, if you care to look. At the same time, however, it is its own metropolis, with a shipping industry that operates out of the largest Naval port in the world. Yet, to counteract all that steel and industry, there are cultural places like the Chrysler Museum, an art haven that is world-renowned. And, above all, there is a beach less than 30 minutes away. In some places, you can practically see the old money growing off the trees in old families’ front yards, but cross Campostella Road and you’ll see a desperately poverty-stricken area.

Overall, there is plenty to do at Norfolk and ODU. Facebook is the easiest way to manage your social calendar; it’s how most events are promoted and a convenient way to keep track of what’s coming up. Or you can just walk 42nd Street and Bluestone road. You’ll find something to do.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Old Dominion Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Loading...

Local Atmosphere at Old Dominion University

jessanne1987

Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling '10

5.0
A+

Something for Everyone

In Norfolk, there was always something for everyone to do. Whether it was the beach or the local malls. Nearby, there are many museums that discuss and show local history of the city. Norfolk is home to the Tides and Admirals so there were always great baseball and hockey games to see on your nights off. As for safety, I always felt safe with the ODU police. When instances did occur, they would be first to notify you and let you know what you should do. This didn't happen often, but when it did, it was good to know what they thought you should do. The people were always so nice, especially surrouding the campus. During football season, everyone in the city comes together to support ODU. It was amazing

May 08, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Old Dominion University

ODU2BE

Pre-Medicine Studies '16

3.5
B

Close to Everything

Old Dominion Campus is in a great location. Unfortunantely the crime rate is high in the local area and some inncedents have occured. Although things are tight and the parking is slim, there are several places within walking distance for students to enjoy. There are resturants, hang outs, fast food resturants and the local mall not far from the campus. It gives the student a city life combined with a nice hometown feeling.

Apr 30, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Local Atmosphere at Old Dominion University

helloANNNN

Biology '16

4.6
A

Many Activities for Students in a Nice City Area

Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, and also very close to Virginia Beach which makes for a nice college experience as students are no limited to activities localized on campus. Concerts, museums, restaurants, malls, and many other places are close by and can be easily accessed by car or bus.

Feb 15, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
Page 1 of 13
User rating for Old Dominion University - Local Atmosphere is 4.6 out of 5 based on 38 user reviews.

Photos of Old Dominion University's Local Atmosphere

College Students:
Register now to upload photos of YOUR school and show what it is really like!
Old Dominion University - The Lion The Lion
Photo by odu20
The Lion Ride it freshman year.
Link to this photo
Photo by odu20
Old Dominion University - WebbWebb
Photo by odu20
Webb Footprints on the sidewalk outside of Webb Center.
Link to this photo
Photo by odu20
Old Dominion University - Webb CenterWebb Center
Photo by odu20
Webb Center View from inside the Webb Center.
Link to this photo
Photo by odu20

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

What is the local atmosphere like at your school?

What is the proximity to other universities? Is there much interaction?

Can you see yourself living here after graduation?

Facts

Shopping Centers
  • MacArthur Center
  • Waterside
Major Sports Teams
  • Norfolk Admirals: hockey
  • Norfolk Tides: minor league baseball
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities
  • Philadelphia: PA: 5 hours, 30 minutes
  • Washington: D.C.: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

The Naro
1507 Colley Ave.
Ghent
(757) 625-6276

Regal Cinemas
300 Monticello Ave.
Waterside
(757) 623-7500

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Bryoney Hayes
Hometown
The East Coast!
Major
English with a Journalism concentration

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

Buy the eBook "Old Dominion University 2012: Off The Record"
AmazonBarnes & NobleGoogleSmashwords
Download a FREE Printable Summary (PDF)

Find a college

Find a major

Scholarships

Reviews

Search College Prowler

Company

How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
For additional information we encourage you to visit school websites or contact the schools directly.