Old Dominion University Reviews

Computer labs can be busy during...

Computer labs can be busy during peak hours but are readily available (24 hours) at your disposal, and Wi-Fi is offered in all major buildings on campus, which is a great thing!

Just like everywhere else, weed...

Just like everywhere else, weed isn't hard to come across, but I wouldn't say it is noticeable part of campus life.

School-sponsored parties are...

School-sponsored parties are usually the worst. Some organizations throw good parties. Webb Jams are for freshmen. The nightlife in Norfolk closes too, too early. 2 a.m. is just when everything should be getting pumped.

The food in the dining halls can...

The food in the dining halls can be good and bad. I would suggest finding something that you like that they offer every day to replace meals on the days when the entrees aren't up to par. Overall, the food isn't amazing, but it isn't bad either. Some of the food can be great, and then other food be horrible.

Drugs are seemingly invisible here...

Drugs are seemingly invisible here at Old Dominion. I've never seen any major drugs or activity since I've been here.

The parties on campus would depend...

The parties on campus would depend upon the demographic you most associate yourself with. ODU isn't a major party school, but overall, you can have a good time. There are plenty of clubs and bars in the surrounding area.

Dorms are mixed between good and...

Dorms are mixed between good and bad. Of course, the older ones are undesirable, and the new ones are more sought after. The Quads are cool, but they don't have a kitchen in the room. The Village is OK, but you have to deal with parking.

It depends upon the student. For...

It depends upon the student. For someone who is a member of an organization, it's a complete lifestyle. For those who are on the outside, it's either something to strive to be or something you could care less about.

Parking is horrible. Whether you...

Parking is horrible. Whether you live on campus or commute, you have a hard time finding a spot. Freshmen can have cars, but I think they shouldn't because that would free up probably 60 percent of the problem.

If you're going to the computer...

If you're going to the computer lab during a busy time (eg. lunch), the lab will be packed. Bring your own computer if you can, but if you can't, ODU does offer a lot of computers. Give yourself plenty of time if you're going to the lab to print something off because something will inevitably go wrong. It will be full, the printer will be jammed, you'll have to change your network password, which takes 30 minutes, etc.

ODU is blessed to be one of the...

ODU is blessed to be one of the most diverse campuses in the area. I came from a high school that was more than 80 percent white, and I felt sheltered and culturally limited. ODU was a shocker and eye-opener for me. Many of the people in my classes had extremely different views on politics, the environment, religion, etc. Although my opinion differed from other people in my classes, I feel lucky to have been exposed to different points of view; it has made me a more well-rounded and tolerant person.

The University Village is a great...

The University Village is a great place to grab a meal. Colley Avenue and 21st are other great places. Downtown Norfolk has a wide selection, too. All of these locations have different price ranges to fit any budget or occassion. I wouldn't recommend walking, however. Norfolk isn't the safest place, especially after dark.

I think the ODU police department...

I think the ODU police department spends too much time trying to bust college kids for drinking and not enough time stopping real crime, like robberies. Although situations where drinking is involved can escalate, college kids shouldn't be denied their right to have fun, be young, and have a good time. I think that as long as they are being responsible, the campus police should focus their time on real crime instead of busting students for playing beer pong in back yards.

The area around the ODU campus is...

The area around the ODU campus is dangerous. I know of several people who have been robbed, some of them at gunpoint. I also have a friend who witnessed someone murdered outside his house on 41st Street. I think ODU and the Norfolk Police Department need to do a better job of making the area safe for students. I now live in Downtown Norfolk, which is farther away from school, a long commute, and more expensive. However, I feel much safer. So in the end, it's definitely worth it.

I am very pleased with the...

I am very pleased with the facilities on campus. The library is exceptional, and the student center is welcoming and enjoyable for hanging out between classes.

I think there is a great diversity...

I think there is a great diversity on campus from ethnicity to politics and economic status. With all the financial aid and scholarships available, lower-income students are able to earn the education they deserve. There are a number of religious organizations for students as well.

I haven't felt unsafe personally,...

I haven't felt unsafe personally, however, our campus is in the heart of an urban city, and there have been multiple robberies and other crimes. I would avoid going anywhere alone in the evenings.

I live in an off-campus house, and...

I live in an off-campus house, and it's about as expensive as living on campus, but I get the full year. Most people don't live on campus, purely for reasons that there aren't enough spaces, and many are commuters. If you are willing to drive, you can live anywhere in the seven cities, so it's easy finding a place. Price depends on where you look for the apartment. It's easier to find one in the spring, when looking for the upcoming fall. Many people live on the border of campus, mostly around 40th-42nd streets, on both sides of Hampton Boulevard.

Greek life is around. You see many...

Greek life is around. You see many people in T-shirts and stuff, and a few events happen, but otherwise, they don't impact much of campus life for those on the outside. There aren't really any houses, yet some unestablished houses are on 42nd Street, which is party central on the weekends.

We just got a brand new health...

We just got a brand new health center, so it's really nice. There's racquetball, basketball, etc., plus new machines that even play your iPod on it. The Webb Center (student center) is OK. It has some eating places but gets mundane after a while. It has a lot of meeting rooms, a game room, plenty of tables and TVs, a computer lab, and a Starbucks, as well as some fast food stuff. I don't go in the library much, but it's pretty big. It has four floors and looks pretty and clean. It has a lot of research books, but that can be a hassle to sort through.

The dorms here are extremely...

The dorms here are extremely varied. Whiteherst is nice, except it's a long walk to class. Rogers and Gresham are decent and a closer walk, yet I wasn't impressed. They are the oldest on campus, except for Powhatan. Powhatan has a good layout (two rooms for four people, a living room, dining room, one bathroom and kitchen, all furnished) and is next to Whiteherst. It's old, therefore a bit run down, but it's really cheap. The best on campus are the Quads and Village, because they are new and aren't too far from campus. The Village are sets of apartments, which have separate bedrooms for everyone, as well as the living room, two bathrooms, and kitchen/dining area. These are across Hampton Boulevard, about the same distance as Gresham/Rogers. It's really pricey, though. But the best ones on campus are right next to the student center and are the closest to the heart of campus: The Quads. They are the absolute newest (last building still being completed) and not too expensive. There are four buildings, and they are the most popular, therefore hardest to get into. Whiteherst, Gresham, Rogers, and one of the Quads are the freshman options, and the upperclassmen options are the Quads, Village, Powhatan, and Nausbaum (which are run down old apartments, but they give the most freedom and are cheapest, but there are very few of them).

The parties are good depending on...

The parties are good depending on if you know the people. The bars and clubs are not the greatest in Norfolk, however, two good spots are TIME Lounge and Entourage.

A typical student cares about his...

A typical student cares about his or her appearance and is athletic and outgoing. Girls in particular are dressed to impress, while guys dress with style as well.

The campus is diverse. We have a...

The campus is diverse. We have a broad spectrum from all across the globe ranging from Indians to Italians. However, the majority of the student population is white.

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.