Taking a college visit to Portland State University is actually much more than just a walk around campus. You will quickly realize that the university is smack dab in the middle of downtown Portland. One minute you will be walking by shops like H&M and Forever 21 and the next minute you will be entering the PSU bookstore.
As with every college visit, you should set up an appointment with an admissions counselor and schedule an official campus tour. Taking an official tour will give you the opportunity to ask any questions about the campus, what the student body is like, and what there is to do in your free time. Typically your tour guide will be a current student so take advantage of that time you have to chat with them.
Once you have taken care of all the official business on campus, you can check out the city. Because campus is in the thick of it all, no matter where you stay you will be in a great location. If you are looking for a place to stay that is a little more budget friendly, check out the University Place Hotel & Conference Center. This hotel is walking distance not only to campus and the downtown area, but also to the river front. You get a nice room and free breakfast. If you’re looking for something that fits the funky Portland vibe, check out the McMenamins Crystal Hotel. The unique artsy style of this hotel is welcoming and weird. It’s also located right downtown with food and live music on site. If you want something a little more upscale, there is a Hilton right next to campus.
You can walk almost anywhere on campus and around town. However, if you’re not big on walking, Portland has great public transportation. The TriMet Light Rail , Buses, and Commuter Rail run all over towns with plenty of stops to get on or off to take you where you want to be. In town you can visit the Portland Art Museum, walk along the river front, get some goodies at Voodoo Doughnut, or catch a show at one of the many theaters. There are also plenty of stores and boutiques if you want to do a little shopping.
Portland is also a great place to visit and live if you enjoy getting out in nature. Within city limits there are acres of green space to explore with walking paths and gardens called Washington Park. Only a short drive down the highway and you are on the Columbia River. Near the river, you can hike around the trails and see beautiful waterfalls, including the tall and enchanting Multnomah Falls, where you can hike to the very top for some spectacular views.
When deciding if PSU is the right school for you, you have much more than just a campus to consider. With Portland State you are really getting the whole package. If living in a diverse and urban city while being able to escape into nature easily seems like something you would enjoy, you should become Viking!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Portland State campus, admissions or student life, check out the links below:
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: Portland State University
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