Oklahoma State officially opens new residential complex

Friday, October 23, 2015

Oklahoma State University held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the university’s latest residential life facility following the OSU/A&M Board of Regents regularly scheduled meeting in Stillwater today. OSU President Burns Hargis and members of the OSU/A&M Board joined the celebration.

The University Commons, located along Hall of Fame Avenue and northeast of the Colvin Recreation Center, opened its doors to more than 900 students in August. The $65 million, state-of-the-art housing facility was designed as a mix of traditional and suite-style living areas. The 290,000-square foot, three-building community is built around a quad for outdoor activities and student interaction.

“This fantastic facility is a perfect example of the emphasis Oklahoma State places on student success and the student experience,” said Hargis.

Dr. Leon McClinton, director of OSU housing and residential life, said, “We are excited to have a new living style available to students that meshes modern and traditional style housing for an optimized student living experience. Students will have access to the best of both worlds with suite-style amenities in a traditional setting.”

Each floor is comprised of groups of six to eight rooms and a community bathroom. Multiple lounges and study rooms are also located on each floor. Each building is equipped with a kitchen and community laundry facility.

Here is what students are saying about the new residence hall:

“Living in the University Commons has truly been one of the highlights of my time here at Oklahoma State. I have grown to know some great people through the commons. This is such a gorgeous residence hall and nowhere else on campus would I rather call my home away from home. With all its new amenities, my social interaction and academic success has benefited and improved greatly since I moved in. I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of the University Commons community. " - Jane Simms, freshman, Nichols Hills, living in North Commons

“By living in these new dorms, not only have I gotten the chance to meet so many awesome people, but it’s been such a benefit for me academically, too. Everything is so well put together here, that it’s really easy for me to stay motivated academically. It’s so convenient that I can go to one of the study rooms when I need a nice, quiet environment to study.” - Olivia Chilton, freshman, Edmond, living in North Commons

“Having lived in other places on campus, it is safe to say that living at the Commons combines all of the modern comforts with traditional living styles” - John Dexter, sophomore, Claremore, living in West Commons

“West Commons has provided an amazing atmosphere to live in. It is filled with great people, and has made living on campus a true enjoyment.” – Madie Vaughn, freshman, Collinsville, living in West Commons

“My time at the west commons has been a great experience. I really enjoy the different lounge areas, where I got to meet a lot of new people and the study room where I complete my homework.” - Andrew Santangelo, freshman, Philadelphia, Pa., living in West Commons

“As a first year Resident Advisor, it is a privilege to live in the newly built University Commons. I have enjoyed being a resource to new students by helping them transition and have the best year here at OSU. It has been a great opportunity to take part in the first-hand experience of sharing proud OSU traditions while helping them create new ones of their own. I would like to think that one day I can look back and see that I made a positive impact on the students who lived in the University Commons.” - Lee Twyman, sophomore, Japan, Resident Advisor living in South Commons

For more information about the University Commons, visit reslife.okstate.edu/university-commons.

Story by Rachel Metzger

PHOTO: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/albums/72157659783573319