The University of Oklahoma is experiencing unprecedented student growth, creating a housing shortage that is putting significant pressure on upperclassmen and international students. As the university prioritizes housing for a swelling freshman class, older students are being forced into a competitive and increasingly expensive off-campus rental market in Norman.
University officials have confirmed they are considering converting Traditions Square East, the only on-campus apartment complex for upperclassmen, into first-year student housing. This move, combined with rising local rents, has left many students scrambling for affordable and adequate living situations, with some resorting to long commutes and dealing with substandard conditions.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Oklahoma is considering converting its only upperclassman apartment complex into freshman housing due to record enrollment.
- Median rent in Norman has surged to over $1,500, an increase of more than $200 in just over a month, adding financial strain on students.
- While OU is building new residence halls, they are exclusively for first-year students, offering no relief for upperclassmen.
- Students report facing poor housing quality, limited availability, and difficult commutes, with some traveling hours to get to campus.
University Responds to Growth Spurt
The University of Oklahoma is in the midst of its fastest growth period since 1975. This surge in enrollment has created a significant demand for on-campus housing, which the university is legally required to provide for most first-year students.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. recently confirmed that administrators are exploring options to meet this demand, including the potential conversion of Traditions Square East. "There’s a lot of conversation going into that," Harroz stated, acknowledging the complexity of balancing the needs of different student groups.
The university has tasked Stewart Berkinshaw, Senior VP of Strategy and Finance, with analyzing the best use of its housing assets. "How do we handle freshmen? How do we handle upperclassmen, if they’re impacted? How do we handle a really unique group of international students?" Harroz said, emphasizing that any decision would be part of a detailed plan.
New Construction for First-Years Only
To address the influx of new students, OU is actively expanding its freshman housing. The First-Year Housing Master Plan includes several new buildings. McCasland Hall opened in the fall of 2025, and a second building is slated to open in the fall of 2026. Phase 2 of the plan calls for three additional residence halls. However, these developments are exclusively for incoming students and do not alleviate the housing pressure on sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
The Student Struggle for Housing
For upperclassmen, the potential loss of on-campus options pushes them into a challenging off-campus market. Many students report significant difficulties finding suitable places to live.
Kade Kapper, an architecture senior, described his experience with off-campus housing as a series of struggles, from apartments with roach infestations to constantly rising rent. "It’s not as easy as it was just because rent is getting higher," Kapper said. He noted that popular student-focused apartment complexes like The Ave and RedPoint are almost always full, requiring students to act fast.
Cheradin Jackson, a senior in health and exercise science, highlighted the lack of reliable information about rental properties. The situation became so difficult for one of her friends that they now commute daily from Tulsa, a drive of over 125 miles that takes roughly two hours each way. "Our living situation was so bad, (commuting is) kind of worth it," Jackson explained.
"If OU implemented some type of system saying ‘This apartment has four stars, this is what they offer, this is the rent,’ that would be helpful." - Cheradin Jackson, OU Senior
Logistical Hurdles for Student Leaders
The timing of leasing cycles adds another layer of stress. Avery Dunlap, OU's Student Government Association President, pointed out that students often need to sign leases for the next academic year very early to secure good rates and availability. This creates a conflict for students applying for Resident Adviser (RA) positions, who receive free on-campus housing as part of their role.
"RAs do not often hear back until the prime window for lease signing has passed, causing issues in their personal timing," Dunlap wrote in a statement. She suggested that an earlier application and notification process for these positions would provide students with greater certainty.
A Sizzling Norman Rental Market
The challenges for students are compounded by a rapidly escalating rental market in Norman. The problem is not just availability, but affordability.
Norman Rent by the Numbers
- September 2024: Median rent was $1,300.
- October 2024: Median rent increased to $1,517.
- On-Campus Rates: The OU Board of Regents approved housing rate increases between 3% and 6% over the summer.
Scott Martin, President and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, said that the city has met or exceeded economic growth projections, partly fueled by OU's move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). While positive for the community, this has contributed to the rent hikes affecting students.
Martin mentioned several new housing developments are in various stages of planning, including a large apartment complex on South Classen Boulevard and another near Boyd Street. However, these projects have faced delays due to financing issues or legal challenges.
Another project, the Rock Creek Entertainment District, is planned for the University North Park area and is expected to include apartments geared toward young professionals and recent graduates. This development is also on hold pending a ruling from the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Advice for Students: Plan Ahead
With the housing landscape unlikely to change in the immediate future, students and officials are urging proactive planning.
"The moves OU is making in housing will be beneficial in the long run, however, students will have to adjust in the coming years," Dunlap advised. "My advice is to stay informed, begin planning ahead on your own, and seek advice if there are gaps in housing literacy."
Students who have navigated the difficult market agree. "The earlier the better," Kapper recommended, especially for those hoping to rent a house. Jackson also cautioned against rushing into a decision. "Really know your roommates and who you want to live with," she said. "This is where you’re going to live for a year, so I wouldn’t rush into it."