Old Dominion UniversityStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for Old Dominion University. Free for students.

Public Research University in Norfolk, VA. Operating on a semester system.

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24K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

34

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Summer 2026 Full-term

The semester, explained for Old Dominion University

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Summer 2026 Full-term
Campus terms
53
Local details
34

Academic calendar

Summer 2026 Full-term runs May 18, 2026 – Aug 7, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

21 entries
  1. Summer 2026 First Eight Weeks SessionSummer 2026 First Seven Weeks Session/TermSummer 2026 First Seven Weeks Term/Session
  2. Summer 2026 Full-termRelevant now
  3. Summer 2026 Full Term
  4. Summer 2026 Second Eight Weeks Session
  5. Summer 2026 Second Seven Weeks Session/TermSummer 2026 Second Seven Weeks Term/Session
  6. Fall 2026 First Eight Weeks Session/Term
  7. Fall 2026 Full TermFall 2026 Full-term
  8. Fall 2026 Second Eight Weeks Session/TermFall Second Eight Weeks 2026
  9. Spring 2027 First Eight Weeks Session/Term
  10. Spring 2027 Full TermSpring 2027 Full-term
  11. Spring 2027 Second Eight Weeks Session/Term
  12. Summer 2027 First Eight Weeks Session/Term
  13. Summer 2027 Full TermSummer 2027 Full-term
  14. Summer 2027 Second Eight Weeks Session/Term

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

53 terms

7

757
The local area code, frequently used by students to refer to the surrounding Hampton Roads/Norfolk region.

B

BDC
Broderick Dining Commons, the primary all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.
Big Blue
The name of ODU's official lion mascot.
Broderick
The Broderick Dining Commons, the university's primary all-you-care-to-eat dining hall.

C

Cane's
The Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers location in the University Village, a popular late-night student spot.

E

Einstein's
The Einstein Bros. Bagels location situated inside the Perry Library.

F

Flex
A spending balance included with meal plans specifically for on-campus retail dining locations.
Flex Points
Dining currency included with meal plans that can be used at retail dining locations like Starbucks or Chick-fil-A.
FSL
Fraternity and Sorority Life, overseeing the university's Greek organizations.

I

Ice Cream and Cake
A specific song and dance performed by students and the band at athletic events, particularly basketball games.
Ice Cream Guy
A reference to a popular local ice cream truck vendor frequently found near the campus perimeter.
Ice House
The nickname for the off-campus venue where the ODU hockey club plays.
Ireland
Ireland House, a residence hall within the Honors College residential community.

L

LSI
Leadership & Student Involvement, the office that manages student organizations and leadership programs.

M

Mace & Crown
The independent, student-run newspaper of Old Dominion University.
Meal Exchange
A program allowing students to use a dining hall swipe for a designated meal at retail outlets like Chick-fil-A or Steak 'n Shake.
Monarch Meals
The standard meal swipes used for entry into dining halls or for designated meal exchanges.
Monarch Plus
A debit-style account on the student ID card used for campus dining and participating off-campus vendors.
Monarch Way
The street and surrounding mixed-use area in the University Village featuring restaurants and shops.
Monarch Way
The mixed-use street in the University Village featuring popular off-campus dining like Raising Cane's.
Monarchs
The collective name for ODU students and athletic teams.

N

NPHC
National Pan-Hellenic Council, representing historically African American fraternities and sororities.

O

O-House
Owens House, a newer residential hall often referred to by its initial.
O-Team
The Orientation Team, student leaders who guide new Monarchs during preview days.

P

P.O.D.
Provisions on Demand, the small convenience stores located in various academic and residential buildings.
Panda
The Panda Express location in the Webb University Center food court.
POD
Provisions on Demand, the small convenience stores located across campus.
Powhatan
The Powhatan Apartments, a student housing complex situated near the athletic fields.

R

Reign On
The university's official motto and a common rallying cry used at athletic events.
RHA
Residence Hall Association, the organization representing the interests of students living on campus.
Rogers
The Rogers Main Dining Hall, a secondary dining location serving the Quad area.
RSG
Resident Student Government, the advocacy group specifically for students living in on-campus housing.
RSVP
Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention, a peer education and support office.
RSWC
Recreation and Wellness Center, the department managing the gym and intramural sports.

S

SAC
Student Activities Council, the student-led group that organizes major campus events and concerts.
SEES
Student Engagement and Enrollment Services, the division overseeing student life and success.
SGA
Student Government Association, the official representative body for ODU students.

T

The 757
The local area code used as shorthand for the Hampton Roads/Norfolk regional culture.
The Commons
A common shorthand for the Broderick Dining Commons.
The Fountain
The Lion Fountain located at the center of Kaufman Mall, a popular meeting spot.
The Inn
The ODU Inn, a former hotel converted into a student residence hall.
The O
The O-House, formally known as the Old Dominion University Dining Hall, located near the Quad.
The POD
Provisions on Demand, small convenience stores located in various spots like the Webb Center and the Village.
The Quad
The central residential cluster including Gresham Hall, Rogers Hall, and the newer residential commons.
The Seal
The university seal on the floor of the Webb Center; campus legend says stepping on it will prevent you from graduating.
The Village
The University Village, a mixed-use development on the east side of campus with apartments and retail.
The Village
The University Village, an apartment-style housing complex located on the east side of campus near the stadium.
The Webb
The food court and retail dining options (like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks) located inside the Webb University Center.
The Woods
A residential complex on the west side of campus including Virginia, Ireland, Scotland, and France Houses.
The Yard
The central grassy lawn area near the Webb Center often used for student organization tabling and events.

W

Webb
The food court and dining options located within the Webb University Center.
Webb Food Court
The collection of retail dining options located inside the Webb University Center.
Whitehurst
Whitehurst Hall, a residence hall famous for its waterfront views of the Elizabeth River.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

34 details
BAL
The Batten Arts and Letters building, a major academic high-rise.
Blue Loop
A campus shuttle route providing transportation around the perimeter of the main campus.
Blue Route
The primary campus shuttle loop that connects the main academic buildings with the residential areas and the Village.
broderick_dining_commons
Broderick Dining Commons
Canvas
The Learning Management System (LMS) used for all course materials, assignments, and grades.
chick_fil_a_webb_center
Chick-fil-A (Webb Center)
Constant
Constant Hall, the primary building for the Strome College of Business.
Constant Hall
The main building for the Strome College of Business.
Flex Points
Dining dollars included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail food locations like Starbucks or Chick-fil-A.
Handshake
The online platform used by ODU Career Development Services for student job postings and internship listings.
Kaufman
Kaufman Hall, the primary building for the Batten College of Engineering and Technology.
Leo Online
The web portal used by students for class registration, viewing grades, and managing financial aid.
LiveSafe
The official campus safety mobile app used for reporting tips and requesting escorts.
MIDAS
The Monarch Identification and Authorization System, the central account used to log into all ODU digital platforms.
Monarch Card
The official multi-purpose student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and library services.
Monarch Cash
A prepaid account on the student ID used for laundry, printing, and off-campus partner merchants.
Monarch ID
The official student identification card required for building access, dining, and library services.
Monarch Plus
A debit-like account linked to the student ID card that can be used for laundry, printing, and at off-campus partner merchants.
Monarch Transit
The campus shuttle bus system that runs fixed routes between residential areas, academic buildings, and parking lots.
ODU Alert
The emergency notification system that sends texts and emails regarding campus safety or weather closures.
ODU Alerts
The emergency notification system that sends texts and emails regarding campus safety or weather closures.
Perry
The Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, the university's main library and learning commons.
roger_s_riverside_cafe
Roger's Riverside Cafe
S.B. Ballard
The S.B. Ballard Stadium, where the Monarch football team plays.
SafeRide
An on-demand van service providing safe transportation for students within the campus area during nighttime hours.
Silver Loop
A specific campus shuttle route that connects the main campus to the University Village.
starbucks_webb_center
Starbucks (Webb Center)
The Blue Line
A specific campus shuttle route that circulates the perimeter of the campus and residential areas.
The Silver Line
One of the main campus shuttle routes connecting the residential and academic sides of campus.
The SRC
The Student Recreation Center, the main campus gym and fitness facility.
The Ted
The Ted Constant Convocation Center, the campus arena (now officially named Chartway Arena).
The Village
The University Village, a mixed-use development featuring student apartments, restaurants, and the ODU bookstore.
The Webb
The Webb University Center, the main student union building housing the bookstore and student orgs.
U-ID
The official Old Dominion University identification card required for building access and meal plans.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Summer 2026 Full-term runs May 18, 2026 – Aug 7, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
53 approved campus terms and 34 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · Old Dominion University

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What we’ll email you about

  • Jun 15

    Final Monarch Orientation Sessions

    Required · source

  • Aug 1

    Submit Immunization Records

    Required · source

  • Aug 1

    Health Insurance Waiver Deadline

    Required · source

  • Aug 20

    Freshman Move-In Day

    Required · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Find a few communities to try at Old Dominion University

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

19 mapped items from 17 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Baseball Club

Provides an opportunity for ODU students to learn the game of baseball and/or further develop their skills. The club plays against other collegiate level teams.

Tryout required

Delta Zeta

A social sorority built on the five pillars of sisterhood, scholarship, leadership, social, and service.

Invite only

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

The governing board for 9 fraternities at Old Dominion University that fall under the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).

Regular commitment

Rowing Club

Offers the sport of co-ed competitive rowing to students of all experience levels. The team competes in regional regattas.

Open to all

Source: odu.campusgroups.com · Verified 12 days ago

Contact Club

Easy to try first

The Monarch Experience

A multi-week series of events at the start of the fall semester designed to introduce new and returning students to campus culture, traditions, and values.

Drop in any time

Campus rituals

Ice Cream & Cake Dance

A distinctive dance party that takes place during timeouts or breaks at most ODU sporting events, where fans dance to the song 'Ice Cream and Cake.'

Drop in any time

Rub the Belly

A good luck tradition where students rub the belly of the Big Blue statue in Webb Center before exams or athletic events.

Drop in any time

Resources & spaces

Tutoring Services

Provides free peer tutoring for a wide range of undergraduate courses to help students improve their academic performance and understanding of course material.

Open to all

Using DormWay at Old Dominion University

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Syllabus to schedule

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Old Dominion University on DormWay

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Life in Norfolk for Old Dominion University Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Norfolk.

Timezone

Eastern Time (ET)

Median Rent

$1,200

Cost of Living Index

96

Student Population

45,000

City Transportation

Walkability

52

Bikeability

56

Public Transit

Hampton Roads Transit bus network, The Tide light rail, Elizabeth River Ferry

Nearest Airports

Norfolk International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

62°F

Avg Snowfall

5.8 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

43rd & Elkhorn Garage

garage • High

Zoned for hourly parking and commuter students; first level is hourly only.

43rd & Bluestone Garage (Garage B)

garage • Limited

Zoned for Faculty/Staff; open to all valid student permits after 3:45 p.m.

Lot 7

surface_lot • Moderate

Designated as an hourly-only location; daily permits are not valid here.

Upcoming Events

What's happening at Old Dominion University

Barry Manilow: The Last Norfolk Concert

August 8, 2026

Chartway Arena

A major concert event featuring Barry Manilow at the university's Chartway Arena.

Move-In Day

August 20, 2026

Chartway Arena / Residence Halls

Official move-in day for students residing on campus for the Fall 2026 semester.

Snacks and Crafts in the Collection with BAM in the Wild

August 2, 2026

Perry Library

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at Old Dominion University

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

33 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

Baker Hall

Room types: single, double

Building 1 - Chesapeake House

Dominion House

Capacity: 288

Room types: single

England House

Room types: double

Foundation House

Capacity: 9

France House

Room types: double

Gresham Complex

Room types: double

Gresham Hall

Room types: double

Gresham Hall Main

Hampton House

Ireland House

Room types: double

Killam Hall

Room types: single, double

Mills Hall

Room types: single, double

Nusbaum Apartments

Room types: one-bedroom, two-bedroom

Old Dominion Hall

Capacity: 123

Room types: single, double

Owens House

Capacity: 470

Room types: double

Powhatan Apartments

Room types: 2 bedroom-double

Powhatan Dorm

Room types: double

Powhatan Village Apartments

Room types: single

Quail Run Hall

Room types: single, double

Rogers Complex

Capacity: 437

Room types: double

Rogers East

Rogers Hall

Room types: double

Rogers Main

Show the remaining 9 housing options

Runte Quad residence hall community

Scotland House

Room types: double

The Inn at ODU

Room types: single, double

University Village Apartments

Capacity: 950

Room types: single

University Village Buildings 1-10

Room types: one bedroom-single, two bedroom-single, four bedroom-single

Virginia Beach House

Virginia House

Room types: single, double

Whitehurst Area Residence Halls

Room types: single, double

Whitehurst Hall

Capacity: 594

Room types: double

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@olddominionu.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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