Wow!! This is not the University I attended in the 80s. This is a major institution that spans 4 more city clocks than it did when I walked those hallowed halls. I love it so much I might take a few classes just to experience the new vibes. The canmpus is beautiful and the new cultural offerings are mind-blowing. President Koch was busy. He took a great local university and turned it into a modern global campus. The student is so overwhelming, food everywhere, beautiful seating and meeting areas for the students to study and unwind. It was too much to take in. The walkways have all been widened and redone. Buidlings have new facades and have been expanded. I attended the part in the middle of campus and thought I was at a big campus, now it reminds me how it feels to stand in Richmond trying to find your way around Richmond University or VCU/MCV. Amazing. I am proud to be a Monarch. read more

Absolutely appalling customer service. Shut down food in the middle of our elementary school field trip just because they didnt want to serve the kids. They are disrespectful and rude right in these 7-10 year old faces read more

This review is for the L.R. Hill Sports Complex. Built in 2008 it serves both ODU Field Hockey and Lacrosse. The facility is amazing and many consider it one of the premier field hockey facilities in the country. The address is 4251 Powhatan Ave. Norfolk. Parking is on site and free some events. The area was debris free on my last visit. The bottom level houses 6,000 square feet of strength and conditioning, 3000 of athletic training a players lounge and locker rooms. The second level is used for conference rooms and coaches offices. Highlights of the complex. * 6,000 square feet of strength & training * 3,000 square feet of athletic training * 1500 permanent spectator seating * Astro turf 90 * Scoreboard, press boxes, lighting * Water cannon system for watering * Concession & restrooms * Parking close to the facility * Outdoor second level balcony for entertaining I've had the pleasure of touring the building and facilities several times its phenomenal. The only reason for a 4 star is due to no renovations have taken place since the original install 11 years ago. Everything is maintained by ODU and looks great! read more

Old Dominion University - L.R. Hill Sports Complex - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

It was a waste of time. Terrible MIS programs. IT classes are unorganized. Tuition is overpriced. Better off at another college.

I went to ODU many many years ago I am 77. I was a history major and had wonderful professors. I competed for a scholarship from the English Speaking Union I was competing against other students from UVA, William and Mary, and other better known schools. I won a scholarship to study at Oxford University (yes the one in England) . Not trying to be bragadocious just saying that I got a great education at ODC (not even a university ). I was a commuter student, Secretary of my class, sweetheart of Sigma Nu, on honor council. I think any school is what you make it. Got a great education and a wonderful College experience because I chose to get involved. read more

I Was Pushed Out By Bias Professor With No Room For Rumors But Performed Subliminal Bashings Of Students For Social Accords That Did Not Belong In Classes & Exploited The Lifestyle Of Young Scholars & Proprietorships To Murky Waters. Don't Make The School A Victim Of Ppl Misusing Trust & Trustees. It's A Bad Chain Reaction. It's Cause Good People To Turn To Criminals Responsible For Suicidal Students & Trash Politics. The Person Who Was Called These Names Was Once A Victim Of A Person Who They Trusted, That's How 90 % Of Crimes Occur. I Still Love ODU Resilient Reign, Mentally United Students! read more

Old Dominion University - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I am moving forward with this school only because I'm trying to gi them the benefit of the doubt. As a first time student who has just enrolled into the school, they make me feel so dumb when I call. Whenever I ask questions I get a response as if I should have already know the answers. Either the staff is lazy or they have no knowledge of what they are doing. 99% of the time I am sent around in circles and it is tiring and overwhelming. They are not very helpful, kind and professional. hopefully I'll have a better experience resulting in a better review when I start class. read more

After being a student for 2 years, not even one day I did not regret picking this sh*thole and it's probably the biggest mistake that I've ever made in my life. I should've gone to Virginia Tech for my desired major: Industrial design, instead I was convinced by their so-called Industrial Technology degree and I felt like being scammed. First, the admission/ staff. Only one consoler that I met during my first semester was professional and nice who helped me with my decisions, financial aid and concerns. The rest are unprofessional and some are so rude like they hate their job (especially the lady who has short hair working at the front desk in the admission office). One time I had issues on my financial aid and I've been sending forms to them and they kept asking me to resent them. I emailed and called them at least twice a week for 2 months to ask for a follow up. At one point they didn't even reply my emails. This was during the lockdown from Covid, and I was frustrated, lost and mad. I sent them 1 last email informing them if they kept ignoring my emails Imma just file a complaint to the university since it was close to the deadline for tuition, magically they found all my forms the next day and have my sh*t done within a week. The front desk for counselors also make seeing a counselor like you're trying to see the Queen of England. The lady would ask you what you seeing them for, why, what's the issue, blablabla. And it always ends up her telling me "Then you might have to talk to a counselor". Yea like no sh*t THAT'S WHAT I WAS HERE FOR, RIGHT? Then it's the library. It looks old and nasty. The furniture are old, full of stains and scratches and not comfortable. There's also not enough outlets and the study lounge on the second floor is basically useless since nowadays most homework requires computers, and out of those 10+ desks, there are like 4 desks with outlets. There's also no rules whatsoever. Some students play loud music in their headphones which others had to hear that, talk and laugh loud etc. The staff doesn't seem to care and won't say anything to them. The only nice thing of this library is the couple study rooms ONLY on the first floor because they are newer and bright, which are good places to study or work with your groups. Then it's the layout of this university. The office is not even in the campus and you have to go pass all the buildings and the football field to get there. There is NO parking lot around so you'll have to walk there for 15 mins+ (If you live on-campus there's a parking lot closer but still have to walk). The other parking lots suck too. The most packed parking lot (since it's close to the library and the Science building) only has 2 out of 4 levels for commuters, which is if you pay the full price for parking. The other 2 levels are for meters, which is either they are stupid or being sneaky because sometimes as a commuter I had to pay by meter to park because you'd be looking (fighting) for a spot for 30 mins, and the meters ain't cheap too. Most visitors go to either the football field, TED center and office so they should've make 90% of that parking lot for commuters and put those meters in the the parking lots that are closer to those buildings. Sometime I park at further parking lots but I'd have to walk (or run if I'm getting late) 10-15 mins to get to class. Also, other parking lots are outside of the main campus so it's kinda dangerous to walk to the parking lots alone (especially for a shorty Asian girl like me lol) since people always get robbed around that area. Here is the main concern, the classes. The frontpage of the degree that I enrolled stated that "The industrial technology major is designed to prepare technical and/or management-oriented professionals for employment in business, industry, education and government." It ended up me and my classmates felt like we're going for a teacher or training degree. Most classes are educational classes like how to conduct a class or many management classes. There are very little STEM classes and not even one class went deep in major software for our professions such as Inventor, Rhino and AutoCAD. There's one class for beginner drafting skills but that's it. I learned most of my skills from YouTube and my classmates. And the STEM class? They aren't even good. We paid extra fees for lab classes but the school didn't even provide enough materials for us such as welding wires and propane touches. The equipment are also crappy and most students bring their own drills and other tools. Some equipment are non-usable and we couldn't even use it and the teacher just skipped those assignments. Teachers are also unprofessional because sometimes they'd mess up an assignment or even a test and students had to point out their errors. The school has no connections with companies and none of us (we're seniors) can find an internship yet. If you can, avoid going here. Go somewhere else! read more

​Be ultra-careful about the admissions process. There is much hidden informational requirement buried within each specific program. If you are seeking an online degree or attempting to enter graduate school at this campus, don't be surprised at the lack of attention to detail provided by campus enrollment coaches and offices (Strome College of Business) in particular. Applicants won't learn about requirements until the application fee is paid in full which is non-refundable. Most conversations are strictly by email. Forget about phone calls or speaking directly with admissions, enrollment coaches or the Deans office because either they don't provide direct phone lines, don't answer phone lines (vmail hell), and don't return calls. As for GRE scores, most traditional campuses only require applicants with a GPA below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last two years of undergraduate coursework. However, ODU needs GRE scores for nearly all of its programs (waivers are not acceptable) despite currently having a graduate degree or higher from an accredited PAC12 institution. If seeking an online degree or graduate degree, I don't think ODU mission statement of "continuously provide innovative programs that will significantly contribute to the prosperity of its region and to humanity while maintaining harmony with the environment" is applicable of the hidden agenda hoops and disregard for those wishing to further career and academic choices. I would highly recommend other universities with committed staff to help facilitate clearly printed guidelines and steps towards successful outcomes. read more

I've got love for ODU especially since this is where I finished my undergraduate degree and spent four years of my life on-campus. ODU has really expanded in the past few years expanding its academics and facilities, growing its athletic department, and continuing to be well-known for its online programs. I love that ODU is diverse and inclusive. Although a great deal of this school is commuter students there are a lot of online students and also on campus students. What I loved is that everything is in walking distance. The campus recently upgraded its shuttle buses woo hoo. Recently built Broderick Commons which is nice (got to only use for a semester before I graduated). My hope for ODU is that they build more campus housing in addition to, allotting out more parking. Last, but not least Go Monarchs! Proud ODU alum! read more

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I am a junior at Old Dominion University. I have been out of school for about four years and am finally returning to finish my degree. A lot has changed in the last few years. Cons: Parking is $250 for two semesters and scarce throughout the campus. There are about 3 garages that I'm aware of, two next to OCNP and MGB and one across from Hampton Blvd. I arrive normally arrive anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes prior to my class because parking is so difficult to find, and at times I still don't find it. There are meters throughout the campus however why do I want to pay more money on top of the $250 I already pay for a pass? Class sizes like most other state colleges are large which I am not a big fan of. Most of my classes range from 50 to 200 students which makes the learning process more difficult. Pros: There are always activities throughout the week. Lots of school spirit. Three different starbucks throughout the campus. The biology advisors are great... as far as the rest I'm really not sure. All in all its an ok school. There are a lot of connections the school provides for alumni including graduate programs and partnerships throughout the community. read more

Old Dominion University - Oceanography building - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I like ODU very much but I want to comment about the school spirit or lack there of. I try to attend a variety of school events (getting my moneys worth) and find it weird that people here are not overflowing with school spirit...even at sporting events. When cheerleaders start chants people typically don't join in. I don't get it. Is there a city ordinance that I don't know about? C'mon ODU student body...I know you love your school..Don't be shy about your love..let everyone know that WE ARE ONE @ ODU! read more

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This place is the shit. 10/10. Would recommend. Hit edge. You won't regret it. Roll 'Narchs.

I'm a non-traditional student, and technically a commuter since I don't live on campus. However, I've lived within a mile of ODU for 6 years now, in a... What did the other reviewer call it? Oh yes. "a terrible and exceedingly undereducated, economically poor area of town" with "low-income trashy ass people". **clears throat** Well. I'll address the campus safety emails first. This is November 2014 and, since the start of the semester in August, I have received 3 emails regarding incidents which occurred OFF campus, but involving ODU students. These students live in primarily student-occupied low-rent neighborhoods. So yes, the presence of undergrads who drink and throw loud parties even in the middle of the week makes those neighborhoods undereducated, poor, and trashy. (Clean up your damn Miller Lite cans, kids. None of us want to see evidence of crappy beer consumption.) You can look on the Norfolk GIS to see exactly which slum lords you have to thank for that. To date, I have received no notice of any crimes occurring on-campus. Now that this is cleared up with recent and credible information, let's move on. We've seen a lot of improvement of the campus over the past several years. Thanks to the revitalization of the football program and ODU's determination to make a name for itself (as well as some eminent domain case wins, before the kibosh was put on that), ODU had been renovating and building like crazy. Foreman Field (and by extension, SB Ballard Stadium) was beautified, the Perry Library and Dragas Hall were renovated, a new Engineering Systems building went up, and a LEED-certified Environmental/Systems Engineering building found its way on campus. Rollins Hall is undergoing improvements as well. New dormitories were built, and a new riverfront football stadium as well as a new student dining facility are in the works. A lovely new Fine Arts building and a few other bits of new construction (there's something that looks like it will be a small outdoor concert/performance venue!) on the East side of Hampton along Monarch Way are doing so much to make the place even better. A new College of Education is currently under construction at the corner of Hampton Blvd and 43rd St. Speaking of 43rd St., much of the student rentals and dark commuter lots were demolished and have since given rise to some beautiful new townhomes. The Student Rec Center is gorgeous, and recently began operation of a rooftop solar system which helps offset its energy usage. There are so many Collegiate and intramural sports and clubs, it's impossible to enumerate them all -- everything from Minecraft to Hockey to Basketball. Name it, ODU probably has it. Lower-level undergrad classes can be large, but upper-level and grad courses are much more intimate -- as are the difficult language classes (おはようございます). School spirit, from what I've seen, is not lacking. Not in the least (Go Big Blue!). Like any college or university, you'll just have to find one with programs that are a good fit for you. ODU is a fit for me (and especially a fit considering how kind they are to veterans in terms of transfer credits), and was a fit for my husband. And, given the volume at which he cheers "ODU! ODU!", I imagine our son will find a way to make It fit for him as well (4 year olds are the best). read more

Oh ODU how I love to hate but love you all over again. I honestly don't even know where to begin with this review about a University as a whole. The last few reviews below are pretty dead on as far as the neighborhood is concerned. But let's be real, crime is everywhere. It's unavoidable, but certainly anyone who is paying an arm and a leg plus their first born child, should feel comfortable walking a mere few feet to and from their classes. They had since implemented cameras throughout the campus and increased security posts, but seriously, I think some of these crimes are just idiotic students who don't seem to have any common sense. Don't walk alone in a dark alley when you know full well that the campus is surrounded by "low-income" housing where many choose to give their area a bad rep. I'm not going to get into the politics of all that. ODU is a relatively small and developing University in comparison to some of the more popular ones in VA (VTech, VCU, UVA to name a few). There are numerous new building that seemed to have appeared overnight throughout the campus. They are trying to make it more of a campus feel versus a commuter school, which is what it was mostly known for. We now have Lots of new buildings and even a legit football team? Say whatttt. Perhaps what I battle with this school the most is the academic political mumbo-jumbo that the administrative office and the advisors seem to be fighting over constantly. In the last year, I've dealt with so many headaches being tossed back and forth over one single issue of a transfer credit. I honestly couldn't care less who has more power over who, just fix my shit so I can move on with my life. So after all that debacle, I finally managed to get a working solution around all that by going directly to a professor and doing a manual override. Ha. Take that! Their programs are great if you are in their engineering department, or even their science department. Since that's what this University was primarily known for back in the day. The graphic arts department is simply a cluster fuck. They pretty much make it impossible to graduate in 4 years flat. And as a transfer student from TCC, the classes here just doesn't feel as friendly and more apt to help you succeed. The students are mostly commuters so there's no sense of community and everyone just seems to not really bother making friends with everyone in the class. TCC however was just a joy to be in, the classes were all very sociable and you feel welcomed, versus in a stuffy box with random strangers that could give two pennies about who you are or how well your doing in the class. Parking is also another issue. There never seem to be enough of it. And all those 2 hour spots, make sure you actually move your car because the parking police here are sticklers. They will catch you! If I had to stick around this area, I'd probably hang around the Village. But even then that area could be dangerous at night. There are things to love and hate about this campus, but it's "my" school so I gotta support it. It's like one of those things where if you hear people who haven't attended the school talk shit about it, you'd be eager to defend it, even though you know its not even close to being great. In all honest though, the school is not all that bad. You do get to learn about your choice of profession and there are lots to do in between those studies. Oh and our Basketball team is now 8-1 what what!! Go Big Blue! read more

It is strange and hard to review a University for sure but I'll try my best. I attended Old Dominion University for my M.A. from August 2008 until Summer 2010. I work on the Norfolk Naval Station so it was easy to drive straight down Hampton after work and take night classes for two years, not fun, but close. Parking for me was never easy but it wasn't as horrific as some of the things I've been told and seen before. I typically arrived on campus between 3:30pm and 5pm. I usually was able to find parking in the teacher lot right in front of the Batten Arts and Letters building because after a certain time those spots are open in the evening to commuters. That was a good thing because ODU is not safe. Like, AT ALL. In fact, it was a means to an end for me and I wouldn't recommend anyone I know to go here and I certainly wouldn't allow my children to go to school here and live and walk around on campus at night if they had any other option at all. A few times I had to walk much further down the street, alone, at 10-11pm to my car parked in a dark lot and I was terrified, I always kept my keys in between my fingers like a stabbing weapon in case I got jumped, no joke. ODU is located in what used to be, and still mostly is until ODU can obtain all the low-income housing around over the next few decades, a terrible and exceedingly undereducated, economically poor area of town. Thus, low-income trashy ass people use the students as "jobs" since they refuse to get them of their own, and routinely attack and rob them late at night while they are walking around. If you live in Hampton Roads you know, it's always on the news. If you went to ODU you know because you get email notifications to your ODU email about students being attacked every. single. day. No joke. It's bad. I knew it was bad before I decided to enroll, but after the constant emails, I know it's much worse than most people can imagine. This is the reason I gave ODU 2 stars. If it were purely on the teachers, campus buildings and improvements they've done since I attended college as an undergrad (which was at lovely wonderful JMU - goooo dukes) I'd give them 4 stars. But because students are not safe, there is very little parking, and they don't have enough dorms to house the students who want to go to school here, that is dropping them down to 1 star. I felt generous because I actually don't hate ODU, I do have a degree from there after all, so I gave them 2 overall. I made some good friends and I did learn some things while at ODU. The campus is beautiful during springtime, they have a Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks. The new bookstore is lovely. The Ted Constant Convocation Center is fabulous and a really great addition to the school, I've seen some great shows there. The cute little strip of restaurants by the bookstore are great hangouts for a snack between classes. But all of that isn't enough to outweigh worrying always if you will be mugged or beaten or worse, shot, and your car will be on hubcaps when you come to leave at night. That is not the college experience I would wish on anyone. Fortunately I was a commuter here as a grad student and didn't have to fear for my safety if I was hungry and had to walk across the street from my dorm at night like some students probably do. I'm glad my undergraduate experience was safe and happy at JMU and until ODU can provide that sort of safety to their students, it's no good. read more

Went to ODU football game and have tickets that include access to the Big Blue room under the stands. They made a change this year that looks like it will limit access to the room. It was kind of nice that it was not so crowded and loud...but, knowing how money hungry the athletic director and program has been, I have to wonder how they will make up the lost cash flow from the reduced drink sales by reducing access to the room...from a logistics point of view, getting rid of the draft beer was a good idea, but we spent less having to buy the large cans, than we had in the past with the drafts. Looks like they put a double whammy on the cash flow. Oh well, we will see how the season goes and update any changes. read more

Went to a ODU football game yesterday. The game was OK of what I saw of it. I am a disable vet who went with his power scooter. The handicap seating was in the corner of the end zone. Had a hard time seeing the far end of the flied. The problem was getting to my seat to see the game. The ramp up to the seating was find. The opening from the ramp to the seating area was to small. Had a rough time getting in and out of the area. The hole needs to be bigger so I can get my scooter in and out of the area. This should not be a problem for a new stadium. I think handicap was a last minute thing for the builders of the stadium Was a OK game. read more

My stock for ODU keeps going up these days. 15 years ago, I dont think I would have given ODU a second look as a possible school for my kids. However, they have made key land acquisitions, cleaned up the area, and have been on a building spree for the last 10 years it seems. It seems that they have built a solid reputation in the fields of math, science, and engineering which impresses me the most. The Webb Center and the surround campus have improved dramatically over the years. After the night clubs and dance clubs disappeared, it seemed to improve by leaps and bounds. What I feel hasnt improved is the parking. I own a house in Larchmont and I hear the lamentations all the time. In addition, crime at the school and the surrounding neighborhoods are bad. The safety of the students in Lamberts Point and the area behind the Ted always concerned me. There is still a lot of theft in the Larchmont neighborhood. Housing seems to be an issue also. There are always students looks for places to rent. I think that if ODU can fix those issues and continue with their expansion, they will launch themselves into a top tier school. read more

Its hard to do a review on a University, at least one that isn't mind-numbingly long--so for the sake of brevity, I'll keep this reviewed confined to PARKING (dun, dun, dun). Quite simply, its hell. Its hell everywhere. ODU has several commuter parking lots, and even in the summer, which is the least busy time of the year, you can rarely find a parking space. Between the hours of 9 to 3, its pretty bad. I typically park at the Constant Center which is a lot better, you'll have the grueling task of walking across the street (sarcasm), but its a lot better than the anything on Elkhorn! read more

i started going here this spring semester and enjoyed every moment of my time here. And it is true, there are so many girls who wear yoga pants!! read more

Best university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I graduated from ODU in 2011. Great campus and best place to increase your social life.

Big Splash class for Counselors! CEUs for LPC's. Very informative and affordable!

This school is NOT veteran friendly! For three months I was bounced back from the admissions to veterans department while underway and in port. They do not care about your busy schedule while serving in the armed forces and they do not have trained staff members to answer your questions thoroughly. I repeatedly sent emails that received no replies even by the head of the Veterans office! My community college did better than they ODU did and i communicated to them while serving in Japan! I live 15 minutes from ODU and still had horrible communication with their staff. Due to this horrible experience I have sought education elsewhere. read more

A great dynamic campus with rigorous programs, amazing athletic facilities and a great neighborhood location. I'm happy to send my son here (he's a junior). read more

Old Dominion University - warm and windy - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I attended Odu for about a year. I left following the fall 2019 semester because I moved to florida. I was a commuter student, meaning I lived off campus (vb in my case). The parking passes are overpriced. Does Odu not make enough money off of its students already? The rent a cops are excessively aggressive with parking fines, one time I got a ticket for my license place not being visible, at an outdoor parking lot, with nobody parked behind me, not like no car behind me at the moment but no parking space behind me at all...Let that sink in. Thankfully I appealed and won but I shouldn't have to put up with that nonsense at all. The concept of colleges are for profit not for education truly sunk in when I interacted with my advisor at Odu a few times, it was painfully obvious I was just a student number anytime I had an administrative issue or question pertaining to anything, maybe I would get a reply, maybe I wouldn't. If did get a reply, maybe it would be relevant to my previous email, maybe it wouldn't. I'm aware this review has sounded more like a 1 star review so far than the 3 I gave it, some positives from my time there was that the vb higher ed center was very nice and I didn't encounter a single teacher at either campus that was unpleasant or didn't care during my time at Odu. The gym on main campus is pretty decent as far as free workout facilities go, it isn't Onelife, but like i said, it's free. I tried to avoid the main campus like the plague. Between the amount of traffic and the sketchy surrounding area it just wasn't worth it to go to main campus unless I absolutely had to. Nothing makes you say thank god for my concealed carry permit like downtown Norfolk. read more

Many thanks to the ODU Alumni Association for their nice email regarding our new e-book CELESTIAL TORRENT published by Ben and I.