Oklahoma Memorial Union - Image 1
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Oklahoma Memorial Union

4.3
·95 reviews·Norman, United States

A sprawling, multi-level student union on OU's campus, offering dining, study spots, and event spaces, despite its maze-like design.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Oklahoma Memorial Union - Image 1

Oklahoma Memorial Union

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sprawling, multi-level student union on OU's campus, offering dining, study spots, and event spaces, despite its maze-like design.

4.3
(95 reviews)

"It's a great place with an energetic environment and good food options, but always busy."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Navigating the Union

It's a maze! Don't hesitate to ask for directions or use campus maps to find your way.

🤫 Find a Quiet Spot

Beaird Lounge is great for relaxing, but can get noisy. Seek it out during off-peak hours.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

University Club

University Club

Behind Baird Lounge

An upscale dining experience with excellent food, offering a posh escape from the usual campus hustle.

Crossroads Restaurant

Crossroads Restaurant

Opposite the food court

Freshly cooked meals offering a great alternative to fast food, perfect for a satisfying lunch.

Beaird Lounge

Beaird Lounge

Inside the Union

A comfortable spot to relax and unwind, especially when it's quieter, offering a peaceful respite.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigate the Maze

The Oklahoma Memorial Union is a sprawling building with additions over decades, making it a bit of a maze. Don't be afraid to ask for directions or use campus maps to find your way around. Parking can also be a challenge, so factor in extra time.

Foodie Finds & Hidden Gems

While the main food court is always bustling, explore beyond the obvious. Redditors rave about the University Club for a more upscale experience and mention hidden grills behind convenience stores. Be aware of the pervasive smell of fried food in some areas.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings (post-dinner rush)
Why
Quieter atmosphere for studying
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

WATCH: Protesters with OU Students for Justice in Palestine have moved inside the Oklahoma Memorial Union:
theoudaily
1.4K likes • 72.9K views

🗺️ Navigating the Union

It's a maze! Don't hesitate to ask for directions or use campus maps to find your way. Reddit

🤫 Find a Quiet Spot

Beaird Lounge is great for relaxing, but can get noisy. Seek it out during off-peak hours. Reddit

Join us for Coke Floats in the Office of Student Life until 4pm or as long as supplies last. We are located on the 4th floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. See you soon! #youbelonghere
oustudentlife
92 likes • 3.4K views
Behind the scenes of @speakerryan’s visit to OU! Speaker Ryan headlined OU’s Presidential Speaker Series dinner on Wednesday, addressing the state of American politics to a record crowd at Oklahoma Memorial Union. We also look forward to sharing the next episode of the “Conversations with the President” podcast, where Speaker Ryan went deeper on his professional journey and advice for students. ...
ou_president
985 likes • 38.6K views

🍽️ Explore Dining Options

Beyond the main food court, try the University Club or Crossroads for different culinary experiences. Reddit

☕ Holiday Drink Specials

Check out Starbucks at the Union for festive holiday drink specials! Instagram

On an Ice Cold Tuesday🧊…. Join us for the Spring 2025 New Member Presentation at the Oklahoma Memorial Union on 3/11/2025. Doors open at 6:30 and the show will begin at 7:06PM. Early Arrival Suggested. New BoyZZ 🔜🤙🏾 #AlphaPhiAlpha #DemBoyZZ
oualphazz
282 likes • 11.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Navigating the Union

It's a maze! Don't hesitate to ask for directions or use campus maps to find your way. Reddit

🤫 Find a Quiet Spot

Beaird Lounge is great for relaxing, but can get noisy. Seek it out during off-peak hours. Reddit

🍽️ Explore Dining Options

Beyond the main food court, try the University Club or Crossroads for different culinary experiences. Reddit

☕ Holiday Drink Specials

Check out Starbucks at the Union for festive holiday drink specials! Instagram

🥤 Free Coke Floats

Visit the Office of Student Life on the 4th floor for free Coke Floats while supplies last! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(95 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Oklahoma Memorial Union is a bustling hub with diverse dining and study spaces, though its complex layout and occasional food smells are noted drawbacks. Visitors appreciate the variety of food options and the energetic atmosphere, but parking and navigating the building can be challenging.

"The food in the faculty lounge was really good. There was a nice sitting place that we got with an option to shut the glass door and isolate it from the disturbance caused by the conversations on other tables. Had a good time there with my Professor and other fellow students."

Syed Waleed Mehmood Wasti

"I like the Union, it's just always busy and sometimes there are very few seats available, but that is expected due to all of the college students that constantly eat there. Overall, it's a great place with an energetic environment and good food."

Makayla Hanks

"Nice place to visit - beautiful places to study - good food options - but don't leave your stuff lying around unattended because professional thieves sneak around and there are quite a few stealth homeless people that sleep in here. Best tips: The University Club is behind the Baird Lounge down a dark hallway - but is a VERY posh place anyone at OU can eat at with excellent food. And opposite the food court on the other side there is Crossroads Restaurant - more fresh cooked food if you want to beat the line at Chikfila or Starbucks. There is also a hidden grill behind the convenience store and quick food stop."

A Clouddancing

What People Like

Energetic environment
Good food options
Study spaces

What People Dislike

Maze-like layout
Parking difficulties
Food smells

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Oklahoma Memorial Union is located on the University of Oklahoma campus. You can reach it by car, with parking available in nearby garages, though it can be challenging. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point. Reddit

Parking is available, but it can be a nightmare. The parking garage may not be large enough for all vehicles, so arrive early or consider alternative transportation. Reddit

The Union is a maze due to its phased construction. It's best to use campus maps or ask for directions to find specific locations within the building. Reddit

Yes, you can be dropped off at the entrance. This is a good option if you are concerned about parking availability or navigating the building for the first time. Reddit

While specific accessibility details are not widely shared, most university buildings aim for accessibility. It's advisable to contact the university directly for detailed information on ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no ticket is required to enter the Oklahoma Memorial Union. It serves as a central hub for students, faculty, and visitors. Instagram

Operating hours can vary, especially for specific dining or retail locations within the Union. It's best to check the official University of Oklahoma website for the most up-to-date hours. Instagram

Yes, the Union hosts various events, from student presentations and speaker series to holiday specials and alumni gatherings. Check campus event calendars for schedules. Instagram+2

The Oklahoma Memorial Union has versatile spaces like the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom that can be booked for events. Inquire with the university's event services for availability and booking information. Reddit

There is typically no admission fee to enter and explore the public areas of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Union offers a variety of food options, including a main food court with fast-food choices like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, as well as the Crossroads Restaurant and the more upscale University Club. InstagramReddit

Reviews are mixed. While some find the food good and the environment energetic, others note a pervasive smell of stale or rancid food, particularly from fried options. Reddit+1

While fast food is prevalent, options like Starbucks offer some variety. The University Club is also known for excellent food, suggesting a higher quality dining experience. Reddit

Yes, the Union sometimes hosts special events like 'Coke Floats' in the Office of Student Life or holiday drink specials at campus locations like Starbucks. Instagram+1

Yes, the University Club is accessible to anyone at OU, not just faculty. It's recommended for its posh atmosphere and excellent food. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While not explicitly highlighted for photography, the architecture of the Union, especially older sections like Meacham Auditorium, might offer a vintage aesthetic. The general campus grounds surrounding the Union are also picturesque. Reddit

Yes, general photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, for professional or commercial photography, you may need to obtain permission from the university. Reddit

The Union has been built in stages, giving it a varied architectural style. Meacham Auditorium has a retro feel, and the general campus setting provides a collegiate backdrop. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography. Weekdays during off-peak hours will also result in fewer people in your shots. Reddit

Events like new member presentations or alumni gatherings can offer dynamic photo opportunities, capturing the vibrant student life. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Oklahoma Memorial Union can be an interesting stop for families visiting the OU campus. While it's primarily a student hub, events like 'Coke Floats' offer a fun, casual activity for kids. Instagram The variety of food options means you can likely find something to please picky eaters, though be prepared for potentially crowded dining areas. Reddit The building's maze-like nature might be an adventure for older kids, but could be challenging with very young children or strollers. Consider focusing on specific areas like the food court or attending a publicized event for a more structured family experience. Reddit

🎓 Students & Academics

For students, the Oklahoma Memorial Union is an indispensable part of campus life. It's a prime spot for grabbing quick meals between classes, finding study partners, or utilizing resources like the post office. Reddit The Beaird Lounge offers a place to relax, though it can get noisy. Reddit The faculty lounge is noted for good food and a quieter setting for academic discussions. Reddit Be mindful of your belongings, as unattended items can be targets for theft. Reddit

💼 Business & Professional Visitors

If you're visiting for meetings or events, the Oklahoma Memorial Union offers both convenience and quality. The University Club provides an excellent venue for business lunches or discussions, offering a more formal and upscale atmosphere. Reddit The Molly Shi Boren Ballroom is a versatile space for larger events and conferences. Reddit While the general atmosphere is energetic, you can find quieter spots for focused conversations, especially in the dining areas outside the main food court. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Oklahoma Memorial Union

The Oklahoma Memorial Union (OMU) is a complex and multi-faceted building on the University of Oklahoma campus. Its construction occurred in stages over several decades, resulting in a somewhat labyrinthine layout. Visitors often describe it as a 'maze' if they are unfamiliar with its corridors and staircases. This can make finding specific offices, classrooms, or lounges a bit of an adventure. It's highly recommended to utilize campus maps or seek assistance from information desks if you're unsure of your route. Reddit

Despite its navigational challenges, the OMU is a central hub for student life, dining, and various campus services. It houses numerous eateries, study spaces, and administrative offices. The energetic environment is a constant, with students and faculty moving through its halls. However, this constant activity can also lead to a scarcity of seating, especially during peak meal times. Reddit

For those seeking a more refined experience, the University Club is a hidden gem located behind the Baird Lounge. Despite its somewhat secluded location down a dark hallway, it offers a 'posh' and excellent dining experience that many students and faculty appreciate. Reddit Conversely, the smell of fried food from eateries like Crossroads Restaurant can permeate certain areas of the building, which some visitors find off-putting. Reddit

Dining and Culinary Experiences

The Oklahoma Memorial Union offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to the student body and visitors. The main food court is a popular spot, featuring well-known chains like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, providing quick and convenient meals. InstagramReddit However, the sheer volume of students utilizing these facilities means that seating can be limited during busy periods, and the constant activity contributes to an energetic, though sometimes overwhelming, atmosphere. Reddit

Beyond the standard fare, the Union boasts other culinary destinations. Crossroads Restaurant, located opposite the main food court, offers more freshly cooked meals and is a good alternative if you want to avoid the longest lines. Reddit For a more elevated dining experience, the University Club is frequently praised for its 'excellent food' and 'posh' ambiance, making it a favored spot for faculty and students looking for a more formal meal or a quiet place to meet. Reddit

It's worth noting that some visitors have commented on the pervasive smell of fried food within the building, which can detract from the overall dining experience for some. Reddit Despite this, the variety of choices ensures that most palates can find something to enjoy within the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Special events, like the 'Coke Floats' hosted by the Office of Student Life, also add a fun, community-focused element to the culinary offerings. Instagram

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