Yes, You’re Really in the Country

Welcome to Langston University, the only HBCU in Oklahoma, surrounded by acres of land, beautiful sunsets, red dirt, and hundreds of goats. Yes, you’re really in the country. For many students, especially those coming from the city, rural living can feel like another world. Country life is an adjustment, but it’s an adjustment worth making. Sometimes the most unexpected places have a way of changing your mind.

Experiencing Culture Shock

If you’re like me and not used to the nearest grocery store being fifteen minutes away or a town with only a handful of shops, you’re probably experiencing a bit of culture shock. I remember my freshman orientation vividly. My parents dropped me off, and I kept looking around thinking, This is it? Where are the restaurants? The shops? The transportation? Clearly, I hadn’t done much research before coming (rookie mistake).

Your Guide to Essentials Nearby

The good news is, you’ll quickly find there’s more here than meets the eye. Tevin’s offers delicious soul food (though prices can vary), and there’s a Dollar Tree less than ten minutes away for quick essentials. A free trolley makes Walmart runs throughout the day, and there’s even a local health clinic just five minutes from campus if you’re feeling under the weather. You’ll also find a post office within walking distance and several nearby churches and ministries that welcome students with open arms.

Create Your Own Fun

If you ever feel like there’s not much to do, don’t worry. Sometimes you just have to create your own kind of fun. Langston Lake is one of the best spots near campus when you need to clear your head or take a break. It’s quiet, peaceful, and perfect for solo reflection or time with friends. The park benches by the water make it a great place to unwind and take in the view. If you enjoy staying active, take walks around campus. You can walk the entire campus in about thirty minutes or less, and you’ll see some of the most beautiful sunsets and open skies. Fresh air and movement can do wonders for your mental health, so make time for it. During my freshman year, I took several walks a day between classes or after classes just to think and recharge. 

Wheels or No Wheels, You’ll Make It

If you’re still unsure about country living, I understand. My advice is simple: if you have a car, take some time to explore nearby Guthrie for essentials like restaurants, stores, or quick trips. Always bring a friend, especially if you’re a woman, and be aware that Guthrie is a small, predominantly white town. If you don’t have a car, connect with friends who do, but remember that every trip cost gas money, so think carefully about when it’s worth going. Eating at the campus café and limiting trips off campus can help you save money. There are also organizations like Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) that offer free catered lunches on Wednesdays, definitely take advantage of that.

I didn’t have a car during my time at Langston, and although it was challenging, it taught me to be resourceful. I saved money by staying on campus and eating at the café instead of going out. Without a car, there were fewer distractions, which helped me focus more on school and campus life. The most important thing is learning how to spend your money wisely and make the most of what’s available to you.

You are Here For A Reason

Finally, embrace where you are. You chose Langston for a reason, and now it’s time to make the most of it. Adapting to your environment means learning from the people around you and seeing Oklahoma through their eyes. Get to know the history of the area and how it connects to your experience as a Langston student. Sometimes different departments or the counseling center organize free field trips to museums and historical sites, go on them. Say yes to new things, meet people, and stay open to what life here has to offer.

For me, the biggest lesson came when I accepted that this was my reality and decided to grow through it. There were moments of homesickness and frustration, but those feelings taught me perseverance and patience. Life at Langston moves at a slower pace, and that can take some getting used to. But looking back, I’m grateful. I never imagined I’d work on a goat farm my senior year or see trail rides pass by campus, yet those experiences became some of my favorite memories.

Langston, like any place, still has room to grow. Growth takes time, effort, and energy, and that’s true for you, too. So, I’ll leave you with this: be willing to grow. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the discomfort, and start shaping the life you want to live.