Orientation for International Students
1. Information about Shawnee and the Area
The city of Shawnee has a population of approximately 30,000 and is located about 35 miles (55 km) west of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City metropolitan area contains over 1,000,000 people and has all of the facilities one would expect of a major American city.
Shawnee itself is a suburban area that has a shopping mall containing about 30 shops plus a 6-screen movie, another 8-screen movie in town, and two other theatres in the downtown area. Shawnee also has a multitude of churches, ample recreational opportunities, many American and ethnic restaurants, and excellent health facilities.
Weather in Shawnee is usually temperate. Although there are extremes, those intense periods do not last long. December and January can be cold, but spring arrives usually in February. July and August are hot, but the fall is delightful. Significant rain usually occurs in April and May. Below is a table with some weather information.
| January | August | |
| Average Temperature | 39°F (3.89°C) | 81°F (27.22°C) |
| Average High Temperature | 50°F (10.00°C) | 94°F (34.44°C) |
| Average Low Temperature | 28°F (-2.22°C) | 69°F (20.56°C) |
Shawnee also has an average of 300 sunny days per year, average yearly rainfall of 36.1” (91.69 cm), and average yearly snowfall of 6.3” (16.0 cm).
You will find Shawnee is a city equipped to meet most of your needs and populated by citizens who are friendly and interested in students from other nations.
OBU has an orientation program for all new students, called “Welcome Week,” which begins the Saturday before classes start in the fall. Please plan to arrive in time to attend Welcome Week, and also plan to attend a special program for only international students. It is held on Friday evening at the end of the first week of classes and will help keep you in good standing with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The International Student Union (a campus organization of American and international students, faculty, and staff) assists with the Friday program.
2. Transportation to and from the OKC airport
Airport transportation is provided by OBU for you as an international student. The general calendar follows.
August
Fall Pick Up: Thursday & Friday before classes begin
OBU vans will be at the Oklahoma City airport at 10am
December
Christmas Drop Off: Thursday & Friday of exam week
OBU vans will leave from the Geiger Center at 8.30am for the Oklahoma City airport
January
January Pick Up: The day residence halls open
OBU vans will be at the Oklahoma City airport at 10am
Spring Pick Up: Saturday & Sunday before spring classes
OBU vans will be at the Oklahoma City airport at 10am
May
Spring Drop Off: Thursday & Friday of exam week
OBU vans will leave from the Geiger Center at 8.30am for the Oklahoma City airport
3. Information About Break (Holiday) Housing
Housing During Thanksgiving and Christmas Break
If you need housing for Thanksgiving and Christmas must request such housing by calling 405.878.2404 or emailing monica.mullins@okbu.edu no later than the first Friday in November. You will be notified of housing assignments by the Friday of the week before Thanksgiving.
Housing During Spring Break
If you need housing during Spring Break, you must request such housing by calling 405.878.2404 or emailing monica.mullins@okbu.edu no later than the last Friday in February. You will be notified of housing assignments by the first Friday in March.
