If you're a freshman or new to ODU, read this. ODU has the bones to be a great school in Virginia strong engineering and nursing programs, a real campus, and events that actually pop off when they put money behind them. But the admin chases shiny new buildings while day-to-day problems like housing and the commuter vibe stay broken. The truth is, the school won't hand you a good experience. If you don't build your own circle fast through clubs, dorms, or classes, you'll feel lonely as hell. Go to events, join shit, link up with people early. The party scene jumps when it jumps but it's not consistent. ODU can be fun if you make it fun but only if you actually put in the work to make it that way.

I heard admissions is still admitting incoming Freshman for the Fall semester.

There are practically no classes available.

Student housing is full.

How is this ethical? Aren't there consumer protection laws or accreditation standards that prevent this?

Has ODU ever considered building a bridge to cross over Hampton Blvd? I know the students are all adults and know how to cross the street, but it still seems like it would be safer and quicker.

Does anyone know what the odds are I can get a residence change (idk how many people like drop out of housing after a couple weeks or something)? I’m a freshman and I got placed in Gresham, and due to my activities outside of classes this is very inconvenient and may hinder how I perform. Sorry if I’m coming off as like spoiled or something I’m just trying to get onto campus as opposed to basically off campus.

All students make a degree plan in Degree Works.

All degrees have required classes.

All students belong to a cohort.

How does the University not offer enough class seats if they have all the data available to them to plan for student success?

I transferred to ODU last year when they began merging with EVMS. At the time EVMS had a neuropsychology program but now no one seems to know anything about it. When I asked my advisor about it she said she had no idea what I was talking about and would "look into it" (that was literal months ago now). The entire psych department is apparently impossible to get ahold of, much less get a direct answer from. I'm just feeling really lost and listless on whether or not I should stay at ODU to finish my bachelor's and eventually go for my doctorate. I don't know if I even could stay to get my PhD considering ODU doesn't have APA accreditation.

Anyone a current psych major or graduate who has any idea of what's going on with the psych department?

I’ve been at ODU since 2022 and have never heard of it. I got an email saying that I’m enrolled but none of my classes are included and that I can opt out. I’m so confused?? What happens if I don’t opt out?

My daughter is starting at ODU in the fall living on campus. I expect most of her classes will be in person, but based on my other daughters, some of their classes were only offered online, some synchronous and some asynchronous.

Will my freshman's occasional online classes be in the 8 week format and all asynchronous or is that only for students who do Global ODU? I wish I thought about it during orientation because they never mentioned it. I agree with most that the idea is terrible but even worse for freshmen trying to adjust to college life.

She hasn't registered for her classes yet (she has an appointment this week with her advisor). I know she does better with in-person instruction and she wants to for the most part avoid online, but I fear that more and more classes will be taught online.

When I try to sign up for one, it takes me to the card center and I can’t see anywhere to continue with the meal plan.

Anybody starting their MLIS Fall 2026? My first course is F26 Session 2. Just looking to connect with others starting their masters, especially if they’re online. It’s hard to make a community when you’re not in person!

Hey, I'm an incoming freshman and I was wondering if anyone knows if there's a difficulty between the 2 or not. Currently I'm enrolled in reg bio1 w Douglas mills and Michelle king but I'm thinking of making the change to honors (still w the same prof)

For context im also enrolled in precal, honors intro to philosophy, and honors into to sociology.

I'll also ask my advisor abt this but I js want atleast a student pov if they have taken one or the other😭😭

im staying in whitehurst for my freshman year and i was wondering what to use to hang decor on the wall since the walls are like brick compared to other dorms

Hi there ! I’m a rising senior at ODU looking to meet new people and make new friends. Text me if you’re interested, i’d love to connect.

here’s a discord link if you’re interested on connecting with multiple people as well!! — https://discord.gg/VHbWwN9as

Hello, I’m the co president at vcu poker club!

We are looking to expand to other colleges as well or have a stronger community across Virginia!

All are welcome to join we host free games as well as raffle games!

Join the discord to learn more

Feel free to drop questions here too or dm me thanks

https://discord.gg/4bXRW86aH

hii! i was wondering if there was any other way of checking if i've gotten a grant or scholarship from ODU other than the actual financial aid portal. last year, i was given a grant by ODU but it never showed up in my financial aid portal, just saw that a large chunk had been paid for in the Bill Payment app with no explanation. it wasnt until 2 weeks after i started the semester i got an email from ODU saying i got a grant.

i really have two questions: is there any other way of checking what you've recieved in financial aid rather than the portal where you accept rewards? and also, if i have received a grant or scholarship, will that be applied 2 weeks before classes? (thats what happened last year and i had never received one before so i'm not sure if thats normal!)

So I’m taking 5 classes this semester one in person and the rest online. For further context i took 4 online classes last semester and my balance was about 5500. With one extra class compared to that last semester there is no way my balance for this semester should be that high.

If you’re a transfer student (like me!) that is considering applying to the teaching program, be prepared for a very, very, VERY annoying process.

1. You have to take a TLED/SPED class AT ODU before applying to get a GPA in the education classes before applying.
   
2. Your background check must be done through ODU, it cannot be a check you’ve had completed elsewhere.
   
3. When applying, they’ll say some BS about you only need to fill out the first section of the application. THIS IS A LIE. You will need to have ALL sections filled out. If you still don’t have a major-specific academic advisor, you will have to wait until you are assigned one (This took over a YEAR for me).

Basically, buckle up. But hey, once admitted, you can look into the TEACH Grant which is pretty cool.

Looking for a rewarding, high-paying side gig that actually looks great on your resume?

I am launching a local companion care network in Virginia Beach & Norfolk that matches friendly, vetted students with local seniors who are in need of a little extra help with daily, non-medical tasks. No medical experience or certifications required!

What you’ll do:

• Provide friendly companionship and conversation.
• Help with groceries and daily errands.
• Assist with light household tasks (dishes, dusting).
• Aid seniors with how to use technology (FaceTime, email, tablets).

What we offer:

• $20/hour flat rate. (After trial runs you will be able to set your own hourly rate anywhere from $20-50/hour)
• Choose your own hours: Work anywhere from 2 to 15 hours a week.
• Awesome experience: Build your patient communication and care skills.

Requirements:

• Must be empathetic, reliable, and have great communication skills.
• Must have reliable transportation in the Norfolk & Virginia Beach area.
• Must be willing to pass a standard background check.

Apply in under 2 minutes here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoeICmuVRoVB2yMpyT4fA0-_BxCz6XZm2v6DEpfUBOX9s5Lw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105130987417078893044

I’m an incoming freshman and this is showing in my degree works. I currently have intro to psychology in my schedule for this fall, can I drop it?

I’m an incoming freshman at odu and I just got my account balance yesterday and it only shows my balance for the fall semester and not spring is that normal? Also all of my scholarships and grants are showing but i don’t have my housing assignment on my bill. Last question does the federal student loans show on the bill or will it automatically be applied?

Why is odu global 6k for one semester INCLUDING MY LOANS!! I paid less money to be on a campus with housing and dining included. I’m like actually beyond irritated. If I would know it would be this much, I would’ve NEVER done it. It’s my senior year so I’m kinda stuck finishing my credits here…

I received my balance on TouchNet this morning, and it is only showing two of my scholarships, commonwealth grant and Monarch scholarship. Is anyone else’s Pell Grant not showing?

Did anyone else get their Fall financial aid and have it already applied to their account yet?

I accepted loans, the Pell Grant, the Commonwealth grant and the SEOG. But the commonwealth grant was not applied. Did anyone else get theirs applied yet? Or does this mean I did not get it despite accepting it?

My account is already showing a negative balance.

So this is the first time I’m taking a class for the first half of the 8 weeks and the second half. On the account statement it has a balance for both sessions. I understand that aid will be disbursed in two (one for the first half and one for the second). So I guess my question is, if we have left over aid after the first half of the semester has been paid for for the first half will we get a refund for that or will it apply to the second half of the semesters balance?