Old Dominion University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

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.

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Students Speak Out

ODULB says: Old Dominion University 2013 Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Norfolk is a large city, and there... Norfolk is a large city, and there are many colleges, such as Norfolk State, Old Dominion, and Virginia Wesleyan. Norfolk is also home to the nation's largest military base. People get together in downtown Norfolk for its great shops and scenery, and also for its exciting nightlife. I like to go to local places like Greenie's in Ocean View for the bar scene, and Red Dog Saloons in Ghent. 12345 Local Atmosphere: April 02, 2009 Report

ODUJB says: Old Dominion University 2013 Education

The atmosphere is OK. There is... The atmosphere is OK. There is crime in the area, but you can't escape from crime. The best things to visit are the Virginia Beach waterside museums and malls. Norfolk State is nearby, and I have friends and family that go there, but those the only people I interact with. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 21, 2009 Report

ODULN says: Old Dominion University 2012 Psychology

Norfolk, to me, doesn't have a lot... Norfolk, to me, doesn't have a lot going on. I tend to just go to the mall or shop. I don't go to clubs, but my friends hit up Granby Street on the weekends. Hampton University and Norfolk State University are nearby, and most of us have friends that go there, or we'll go to their events or parties. 12345 Local Atmosphere: March 20, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I love everything around ODU—so... I love everything around ODU—so many options and opportunities to have fun. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

It has its share of nightlife and... It has its share of nightlife and plenty of places to shop and eat. Hampton University and Thomas Nelson Community College are the two educational facilities present. As far as stuff to stay away from, I’d say, like any other city, you want to avoid the drug regions. Places to visit include: Jason’s Deli, Hampton Coliseum, AMC 24, and Cinema Café. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about Norfolk:

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.

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.

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.

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.

The site of what is now Norfolk was originally the Chesipean Indian town Skicoak.

Famous People from Norfolk:
Clarence Clemons, Tom DiCillo, Rob Estes, Gary Fleder, Eddie Holman, Wayne Newton, Tim Reid, Bob Saget, Margaret Sullavan, Scott Travis, Gene Vincent, and Ernie Watts

Local Slang:
Nawfuhk – A derivative of Norfolk. Often used by Norfolkers who have lived in the area for an extended amount of time.
Ghetto – Something made in poor quality; cheap
For Real For Real – Another way of saying “that is so true”
Weak – The result of extreme laughter: "That joke you told left me weak."
Yeseer – Yes sir

Most Recent Contributing Author

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

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