Her are nineteen signs that you go to Ouachita Baptist University.
1. "Where do you go to school?" "Ouachita." "Oh, where is that?"
Typical conversation, amiright? That's one of many problems that come with attending a small college. Family members and friends ask where you attend school and then have no idea where it is.
2. "Where do you go to school?" "Ouachita." "Oh wow, you must be super rich and important more Godly than everyone else.
The other stereotypical conversation that we often come across. I know I've come across quite a few people who have reacted this way when asking where I attend college. People often think that because we're a private Christian college we don't associate ourselves with other public non-denominational schools.
3. You pay $32,000 for really bad Wi-Fi, but amazing chocolate chip cookies in the cafeteria.
I think I speak for everyone when I say our cafeteria has the BEST carnival chocolate chip cookies. I don't even worry about what's being served, because I'm too busy stealing all of the cookies. Those suckers go by fast!
4. It's not uncommon for people to be excited about dressing up as cats or cavemen singing and dancing on stage.
TIGER TUNES! One of the best things Ouachita puts on! You never know what you might see up on stage. Pretty much everyone goes to it though.
5. Ever make awkward eye contact with someone or see someone you don't wanna talk to? That's okay, just pretend to be on your phone!
God bless technology. If it wasn't for phones, everyday people would have an awkward encounter with someone. I for sure do this a lot and I know other people do too, because I've seen it happen.
6. We don't know each other personally, but we follow each other on social media and that's close enough.
Even though it's a small college and most of everyone knows each other anyway, I know a lot of people are guilty of this, especially freshman. We tend to follow everyone on Instagram and Twitter so we can be in the loop of what is going on campus. It's also an easier and less awkward to make friends. Like and comment on pictures and you're basically best friends.
7. Gossip spreads faster than a wildfire.
One of the biggest downfalls about going to a school with about 1,500 people is that people know just about everything about one another. It doesn't take long for the whole campus to find out who is dating who, who got engaged, or who broke up.
8. *wakes up 7 minutes before class starts* That's okay, it'll take me 5 minutes to get ready and 2 minutes to get to class.
One of the major perks about attending a super small college is that you can wake up late for class and still make it in time.. that is, unless your class is in SPEC, then you're #screwed!!!
9. RING BY SPRING IS SO REAL!!!
Like, I'm pretty sure some people come to Ouachita not even for the education, but to find their significant other. Couples here get engaged pretty much every week. Mock weddings and wedding hashtags are even a thing. #ringbyspring
10. Open Dorm.
Don't even think about holding hands! Private display of affection is not allowed in the dorms. Lol.
11. On Wednesdays we wear club colors.
Wednesdays are reserved as letter day for all of our social clubs on campus. Therefore, if you aren't in a social club, then it's safe to say you can just wear neutral colors so you don't get stared at.
12. Didn't get all of your arts engagement credits? That's okay, you just might not graduate!
One of the requirements every year is for each student to get 3 different art credits. Normally they roll onto the next semester if you don't get them all. However, if you're a senior or graduating early, then you better do your best to get them all in or you may not get your diploma!
13. Don't be frightened if boys in tights or maybe boxers with cowboy boots come to your dorm at night and serenade you.
Seriously, though, don't get creeped out because it WILL happen at least 4 times that school year. You'll either get woken up to boys screaming at you or you'll randomly start hearing boys singing at the top of their lungs in very... different outfits. Either way, you should go outside and watch it. It's hilarious.
14. If chapel is ever boring, just know that the chapel tweets aren't.
#chapeltweet is by far one of the best things about chapel. There's always people bringing enlightenment in funny ways about the speakers message. There was even one time we fought with Harding over who got to claim #chapeltweets. We won, obviously.
15. Late night CDA's (campus drive-arounds ) get crazy late at night.
One of the most awesome yet most annoying things people do late at night on campus is a CDA, AKA blasting music and people screaming at the top of their lungs while speeding around campus. It's super fun doing it, but if you're on the other side of it then you better move out of the way fast if you don't wanna get hit.
16. Whataburger and Waffle House are the hot spots late at night.
Are you even doing college right if you haven't visited either of these places, if not both of them, this year? "Do it for the mems" Instagram posts are the way to save your late night road trips.
17. Hammocking is more than just a fun hobby, it's a sport.
You don't own a hammock? What are you doing with your life? That's one thing I learned real fast when I came here. Hammocking is taken seriously! People even see who can stack their hammocks the highest. Friends that hammock together stay together.
18. Intramurals get intense.
To some people, intramurals are just a way to get active and have fun with friends! But for others, it's world war 2. Some people are super laid back while playing and others get crazy competitive. That's why there are two divisions, lower and upper.
19. Lastly, the only time you cross the "Dark Side" is if you're going for Starbucks or a Battle of the Ravine game.
Otherwise known as Henderson and one of Ouachita's biggest rivalries. Most people only cross the ravine for coffee or a game. Beware, though, you might want to get cameras installed on your cars in case someone vandalizes your car! ;)
