Hi there,
I live in Stillwater and this is my 2nd semester in my program (working towards Master's). Currently, I live in family and graduate housing by myself so I am paying $675 (it's an unfurnished apt by the way). If I had a roommate, I would be paying half the rent. If you are interested, it would be best to have a roommate. The furnished apartments are a bit higher, in the 700-800 range. Staying here is good because the rent includes everything. Only downfall is that you have to pay $101 every month to use your air unit. I will be moving out at the end of May and currently I am doing my searches on Craigslist and there is a lot available. I even met with a few managers that have posted their listings on there and will be meeting another tomorrow. CLICK HERE
There are Facebook groups set up for people who are wanting to live off campus and people often post and comment looking for roommates. To join the groups, you need an OKSTATE email. Additional info regarding places to stay, Henneberry Properties has several and good priced apartments. I would just call and ask questions and also explain your plans and what you're looking for. They also post on Craigslist: CLICK HERE
As for the culture here at OKSTATE, as someone mentioned above this school has a lot of different people coming from all kinds of backgrounds and I wouldn't worry too much about how different I am (coming from a black chick in a predominant white program). People are cool.
I looked at the Graduate Students Geology webpage. Check it out to see who you could contact other than the one your adviser recommended: CLICK HERE
Any other questions, I'll do my best to answer. Take care and congrats