Does anyone know when you can submit your deposit and sign up for Traditions Apartment for next Fall? I called a few weeks ago and they said “soon” but I haven’t seen anything on the website. Also, there is Traditions East and Traditions West. I assume they are just right next door to each other? Before I knew that there were two of them, I checked them out on my last visit to Norman but I’m not sure which ones I saw. Just a little confused about the options. Any other apartments that are SUPER close to campus that you would recommend? I wish my son would stay another year in the dorms but he says “no one does that mom”. 
Oops, this should say Fall 2016!
What’s your budget? Are you looking for furnished or unfurnished?
I lived in TWEST (traditions west) for 2 years as a sophomore and junior. TEAST is closer to campus. I was able to ride my bike to campus in about 10 min, so not too bad. I enjoyed living at TWEST. There is a shuttle bus that goes to a few apartments around campus, so I rode that as well.
Whenhen - I looked at the price of the Traditions and thought it looked pretty reasonable so I’m good with that price range ($550 - $600). I’m am glad to know that TEAST is the closer one. Thanks soonerbaby!
Just found another complex called The Reserve on Stinson. That one looks nice as well and is furnished. But those aren’t “OU owned” like Traditions. I’m not sure if that makes a difference or not. But all this research has opened my eyes to how much cheaper an apartment is than the dorm, even though I would prefer for him to be in the dorm.
I also prefer for my son to live in the dorm for another year. So far he has agreed. Most of freshmen do move out but there are some continue to be in the dorm for the sophomore year.
I liked living in TWEST, because I was able to get money back each semester if I had a certain GPA. That was very nice. Not sure if they still do that, but I would tell your son to ask. I can’t remember what the program was called. The dorms are definitely more for freshmen. The apartments on campus are full of upperclassmen, so it was nice being surrounded by older people.
I live in the Reserves on Stinson and love it. I believe it may actually be closer to the main part of campus than Traditions East.
There are some apartments within .5 miles of OU, but they’re generally older, unfurnished, and students have to deal with bills. I have a friend living at Campus Station, which is about two blocks from Campus Corner, about the same price as Traditions, but it’s unfurnished, residents have to pay for electricity and water, and the management is much worse.
If your son simply walks around the various side streets surrounding OU, he is likely to find many apartment complexes which are closer, but as far as ease of living goes, none compare to Traditions or the Reserves.
Thanks WW. The Reserves look so nice and they might work better since it’s 3 of them and Traditions only has 2 or 4 bedroom options. Reserves has a 3 bedroom (and 3 bath!).
My D is a sophomore student living in Traditions West. So far we have been pleased. The apartments are pretty basic, but luxurious and cheap compared to the dorm. I like that D is only responsible to OU for her share of the rent, no covering if a roommate doesn’t pay and no utility bills. So far, OU has been very responsive to maintenance requests. One thing to be aware of it. There are apparently very few 2 BR apartments and we were not aware of that. D and a friend requested a two bedroom and put down a deposit almost as soon as sign-up opened. They didn’t get the 2 BR and were not notified ahead of time to ask if they wanted to make any changes. They were assigned 2 roommates without the opportunity to find 2 more roommates on their own which would have been there preference. I assume that preferences are given based on seniority.
I know I could look this up, but is it a requirement that you live in a dorm during your freshmen yr?
Basically yes. See first paragraph here:
http://www.ou.edu/housingandfood/residence_halls/housing_policy.html
My D is a sophomore transfer, so first year at OU. She didn’t want to live in the dorms, though there are several floors of sophomores. I wanted her to be there too, I thought she would meet more people and have all her needs be taken care of. But, she insisted on apartments. So, Traditions was our compromise. She applied for T East, but got West, on the farthest side of the complex.
It has been really easy for her, she likes her roommates, and the staff is really helpful. They also have have many social events. The best thing is the price. For her meal plan, I just add Commuter points to her card. She can use those in the dorms dining hall and everywhere on campus. It’s really perfect, and she used about $85 per week. Much better than a full meal plan!
It’s farther than the dorms, but as mentioned before, there is a shuttle, and it’s an easy bike ride, or even a good walk.