Studying in Oklahoma City: Where the University Drums Match the Thunder

so you're thinking about okc for uni? let me tell you, this city hits different when you're chasing a degree. i landed here as a touring session drummer and immediately got sucked into the student vibe. first thing you notice: the air smells like bbq and ozone, especially after one of those spring storms that roll in like a bass drop. right now? it's doing that okc thing where it's 65° at sunrise and by noon you're sweating like you just finished a 2-hour set at the criterion. but hey, at least it’s not humid like houston-trust me, that’s a win.

*oklahoma city universities: the real talk

yeah, we got ou, ou, and ocu, but let’s cut the fluff. osu’s campus? feels like you’re stuck in a time warp where everything’s brick and charm, perfect if you wanna study econ and pretend you’re in a john hughes movie. uco? way more downtown, which means you can literally walk to a taco truck at 2am. overheard rumor: “if you choose uco, make sure your car has good AC because the walk between buildings ain’t shaded.” and ocu? small artsy vibe, but prepare to see more drummers than a van halen tribute band. honestly, pick based on whether you wanna study near *bricktown or escape to a campus that feels like a bubble.


student life: where the money goes

rent? oh buddy. the avg 1-bedroom near campus is around $900, and that’s if you don’t mind living next to a fraternity that practices chants at 3am. but here’s the tea: if you’re cool with roommates in edmond, you can cut that in half. job market? decent if you’re into healthcare or energy, but the music scene? alive. i’ve played gigs where college students showed up with more enthusiasm than a pit at a metal show. safety? mostly fine, but locals will warn you: “don’t wander southeast okc after dark unless you enjoy awkward interactions with people who think 2005 fashion is still cool.”


the survival guide: gear & gossip

- gear list: portable speaker (for tailgates), a good fan (summer is no joke), and sturdy walking shoes-those brick sidewalks murder your arches.
- pro-tips: hit up r/okc for sublet drama, and if you wanna eat cheap, hit yelp for those hole-in-the-wall mexican spots that’ll cost you less than a beer.
- something a local warned me about: “the thunder games? if you’re not into basketball, just avoid downtown. unless you wanna be trampled by drunk fans screaming ‘westbrook!’ like it’s a mantra.”


neighbors & escapes

norman’s 20 mins south-good for a cheap beer at a dive bar if you need to pretend you’re in a college town. dallas? 3-hour flight, but worth it when you crave actual city noise. or drive to tulsa for the weekend if you wanna see murals and pretend you’re artsy. but honestly? okc’s got this weird energy where you’re never bored. just don’t expect the same coast energy-here, people are nice to your face and maybe roast you later. it’s a vibe.


final verdict: okc won’t wow you with beaches or mountains, but it’s got grit. if you’re ok with that, and you wanna study somewhere where your dollar stretches further than a bad pun, welcome home. now go practice your double-because the city’s rhythm is calling.

oh, and if you see me drumming at the route 66* festival? throw me a dollar. i’m broke too.

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