Finals season is upon us. Many students will lock themselves away in dorm rooms and library cubicles, on blankets on the quad or the back booths of Alvin’s. But sometimes, to really get the full benefit of studying, you need to leave the campus and find your own space. Here are some of the best spots to plug in, tune out, and settle down for a few hours of solid studying in Oklahoma City.
Wild at heart: animals on campuses
As OCU’s resident pair of geese have added two new members to the campus wildlife population, it’s compelling to wonder: what kind of animals are you likely to find on college campuses across the country? MediaOCU uncovers the similarities and differences of the animal residents on our campus, and those across the nation.
Add some hours to your day: tips for hectic schedules
How many times have you caught yourself saying, “If only there were more hours in the day!” Fortunately, there are ways to make the day easier, and use time wisely. Here are a few tips for making the most of each day’s time.
Students question meal plans, Sodexo prices
By Lauren Matheny, Lifestyles Editor One of the first things students must decide each semester, along with where they will live on campus and what classes they will take, is which meal plan they will use for the coming year. While nearly all students utilize Alvin’s Café or the caf for meals and snacks,…
The science behind “a case of the Mondays”
Monday is dreaded across the world as the start of a new week of hard work and more stress. While I usually try to think particularly positively on Mondays, I began to wonder: is there some psychological preset that makes this the most dreaded day of the week for, well, nearly everyone?
A walk to remember: the history of Relay for Life
As OCU participates in Relay for Life, MediaOCU looks into the history and success of the world-wide event.
Weather apps for a rainy day
April showers bring May flowers to Oklahoma–but they also bring the risk of severe weather to our state. When severe storms hit, most people flip on the TV or turn on the radio to check our local forecast. But for those of us kept busy with rehearsals, practices, and classes, it can be difficult to get accurate weather reports. Here are some apps designed to do just that: alert you when severe storm is in the area, and tell you when it’s safe to stay out, and when it’s time to take cover.
‘Comparison is the thief of joy:’ how to shield yourself from negativity
“Comparison is the thief of joy,” said that philosophical 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. But how do you resist the urge to feel inferior on a campus full of over-achievers? Here’s my take on the thorny question of comparison.
Spring cleaning, the college way
Ah, spring. A time of bunnies, allergies, and the inevitable realization that your room has gone from a winter wonderland to a disaster zone. Here are some tips to ease the spring cleaning blues.
Daily routines of geniuses…and how mine measures up
I realized that I have something in common with creative geniuses from around the world. No, it isn’t my unique talent for writing sonnets, painting portraits, or composing symphonies. It’s my inherent need to schedule out my day. So how does my schedule stack up?
‘Fat is not a feeling:’ Facebook changes controversial status option
In this tech-heavy area, many social media users post emoticons (those cute little smiley faces that can exhibit almost any expression on the spectrum) without a second thought.But some Facebook users insist that one particular emoticon, far from being harmless, poses an extreme risk to body image and confidence in users.
How to spring back after Spring Break
Knowing how difficult it can be to get back into the swing of things after Spring Break, it’s important to take steps on the first day back to encourage yourself for the last six weeks of hard work (yes, only six weeks left in this year!). Here are a few tips to make the transition a little easier.
Give me five: five ways to fill up short breaks in the day
So class is over, your next class hasn’t begun, and you’ve got twenty minutes to kill. What do you do first? Here are a few options for creating something productive out of a short break.
Honors program accepts applications
The Honors Program is accepting applications for the spring semester.
My budget changed my life: personal realization through organization
As a college student, saving money is often easier said than done. For the month of January, I tracked my spending. The results were more surprising than I could have imagined.
The Dress Debacle: how one photo caused the world to question their sanity
Is it blue? Is it black? Or are we all just going slowly mad? The Internet went crazy Thursday night with the instigation of what some are calling “Dressgate.” From inconspicuous beginnings, the drama surrounding a rather plain cocktail dress blew up into a world-wide debate about color and sanity.
What’s in a name? How descriptive words can help or hurt
If you could determine how people saw you, what would you hope they saw? I investigated the power behind labels and descriptive terms on self-perception.
Oklahoma lawmakers consider texting and driving ban
Oklahoma lawmakers are seeking legislation to ban texting and driving. The case to ban the use of mobile phones while operating vehicles has been long debated, but came to a head last month after a phone-related incident cost two highway patrol officers their lives. On Jan. 1, 2015, Steven Clark was driving down I-40 and…
Birth and death on Facebook: milestones in the Internet Age
A new generation of Facebook users will have a presence on the social media platform before they’re born, and after they die. Is this constant media coverage a sign of progress and self-expression, or just another way to compete online?
Valentine’s Day: highs and lows of spreading the love
Few holidays are more contested than Valentine’s Day. For some, it’s an opportunity to remind their loved ones how deeply they care, and spoil them with special gifts and extra attention. For others, the day is no more than a ploy by candy and card companies to up their dwindling sales in the spring. Find out the history behind the holiday, the present celebrations, and how this columnist’s spending her weekend.
Try to remember: tips for avoiding brain blanks
Find your mind going blank? Here are a few tips to help improve your memory and avoid forgetfulness.
The editor’s top five ad picks of the Super Bowl 2015
When it comes to the Super Bowl, the first thing that comes to mind are the commercials. Some are sad, some are funny, and some probably shouldn’t have even been shown, but either way, they’re what most of America watches the Super Bowl for and what companies spend millions of dollars on. The editors of…
Punxsutawney Phil: groundhog guru or false forecaster?
The most famous rodent in America has predicted six more weeks of frigid cold for the country. But what about the other rodent weather forecasters across the nation?
Committee accepts nominations for outstanding faculty awards
The campus community has the chance to nominate faculty who have had a positive influence in their lives for a major award. The Outstanding Faculty Award committee is accepting nominations from the student body, staff and other faculty members commending teachers who have made an impact in their lives during the academic year.
Random Acts of Kindness: volunteerism for students on the go
With schedules filling up in the first weeks of the new semester, thinking about volunteering can be stressful. But random acts of kindness provide a quick and easy way to give back to the community.
School of Law hosts “Know Your Rights” forum
The OCU School of Law will host an interactive forum discussing citizen’s rights while interacting with police officers, titled “Know Your Rights 101.”