Oscar Sanchez-Christensen grew up in Edina, Minnesota, and found his perfect college fit at KU. 

 

The University of Kansas wasn’t just another school on a list for Oscar. A campus visit, a welcoming tour of the School of Business, and even a Minnesota-based KU event helped him see himself here. Those early impressions made it easy to picture walking down Jayhawk Boulevard, taking part in KU traditions, and building connections that would last far beyond college.

As an information systems and business analytics major, Oscar has discovered a welcoming community, countless opportunities, and a true sense of belonging far from home.

Today, he balances classes, leadership roles and friendships with ease. From his classes in Capitol Federal Hall to leading KU's Ultimate Frisbee men's team (aptly called the Horrorzontals) and cheering alongside thousands at basketball games, he’s immersed in everything that makes KU unique. 

Coming to KU from out of state or from a far corner of Kansas? Read our No Place Like KU series to see how students from all over found their place here, and check out our feature on another Minnesota student, Sydney Wynia, here! 
 

Q: Where are you from, and how did KU first get on your radar?

A: I’m originally from Edina, Minnesota, where I went to high school. I heard about KU through a lot of friends and, of course, the sports were a big part of it. After looking into the programs — especially at the School of Business — I gained a lot of clarity on what I wanted to study. 

Q: Was there anything specific that stood out during your KU campus visit? 

A: KU held an event in Minnesota where prospective students could meet each other and KU representatives. That was helpful because I met people who were also interested in KU and might end up in classes with me.

I’m now studying information systems and business analytics. Meeting someone on my visit who was doing that exact major combo, and hearing how much they enjoyed it, really sold me on KU.

Q: Did anything help your family feel comfortable with KU?

A: My mom came with me on my visit. Walking around town and seeing how inclusive and supportive KU is helped her feel confident it was the right fit. She also loves KU’s large study abroad program. And Lawrence feels so safe — I can walk back from class or late study sessions. 

Q: How far is KU from home, and what about the distance worked for you?

A: The distance from Minnesota to KU is perfect. It’s about a seven-hour drive. It’s far enough away that my parents don’t just drop in any weekend, but close enough that they can come down for a weekend to see me for fun. 

Q: What do you like most about living in Lawrence?

A: The community. Not just the school community, but the town itself. It’s a college town built around the university, and the entire population feels connected. I’ve noticed alumni moving back after retirement because they miss the atmosphere. It’s a supportive place where you can walk around town and everyone feels part of something.

Q: Is there a KU tradition you think every student should experience?

A: The Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant or Waving the Wheat after a game. Being in that atmosphere with huge crowds, all the noise, and your friends next to you is powerful. You feel completely included.

Q: Have you found any unexpected opportunities at KU?

A: I discovered the Catalyst Entrepreneurship cohort through the School of Business. It’s a newer program, and I applied after seeing it advertised in classes. It’s a great community of people exploring entrepreneurship and working on business or venture ideas. It’s given me inspiration and guidance from incredibly smart peers. 

Recently, five other students and I were invited to meet with the architecture firm designing KU’s new entrepreneurship building to give input on what students want the space to be. That was an amazing opportunity.

Q: Tell us about an academic experience that stood out.

A: Last semester I took Geography 358: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. It’s unrelated to my major, but I signed up because it had “information systems” in the title. We learned ArcGIS mapping software and completed a big project at the end. 

I submitted my project to KU’s undergraduate research awards and received a grant to continue working on it over the summer. I’ll present it later this semester. It was a junior-senior level class with some grad students, so it was challenging as a freshman but incredibly rewarding to see my work come together.

Q: What are your favorite spots in Lawrence or on campus?

A: Off campus, Mass Street — especially live music venues like the Granada. Performers are usually under the radar, and it’s an awesome, intimate environment. On campus, I’ve had great memories at Central Turf between Stouffer and Downs. I’m on a sports club, so we’ve had many practices there, and you see people all day laying out blankets, playing spikeball, or passing a ball. I also love Capitol Federal Hall. It’s a cool, fairly new building with so much to explore. 

Q: How did you get involved outside the classroom?

A: I’m on the men’s Ultimate Frisbee sports club. I played throughout middle and high school, and knowing KU had a strong, historic program was a big draw for me. The team’s been around since the 1980s. I joined right away and met awesome people who’ve been mentors, helping me get involved on campus. This year I’m the club president, which lets me practice leadership and collaborate with KU’s Sports Club staff to ensure the team’s success now and in the future.

Q: What helped you find your people as an out-of-state student?

A: A mix of dorm life and activities. I went completely random with my roommate and was lucky to form a strong bond. We’re now roommates again off campus with another friend we met in the dining hall. Clubs and activities have been where I’ve made a ton of friends.

Q: What would you tell other students from Minnesota thinking about KU?

A: There are more Minnesota students here than I expected. That makes it easy to carpool home and even meet up with KU friends back in Minnesota. The weather is milder than back home — the winters are much easier — and there’s even lake life at Clinton Lake, which feels familiar.

Q: Was there a moment you truly felt like a Jayhawk?

A: It actually happens when I’m traveling. I’ll be out of state wearing KU gear and someone will come up and say “Rock Chalk.” It’s happened everywhere — even in Mexico City. You realize how strong the KU community is worldwide.