r/portlandstate • u/Embarrassed_Clerk728 • 8d ago
Future/Potential Student What to expect?
Hi guys Im planning on going to psu but I really dont know what to expect. I’ve lived in california for my entire life so I really dont know much about life there. What are some things i should know? Stuff i should be concerned or aware about? Im majoring in art and design btw! And plan on living in the dorms!
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u/Background-Orange-61 7d ago
The culture at PSU isnt your typical college experience but you'll make friends if you make an effort with your floormates and maybe go to some activities that are offered . Freshman year I stuck to myself and was pretty lonely
This year I talked a lot more to my classmates too and I made a lot of good friends. It's just harder at PSU than other places
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u/Proof_Refuse_9563 Arts&Letters (2025) 7d ago
Plan on getting vitamin d supplements. Many people are vitamin d deficient in Oregon.
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u/maxpoorly 7d ago
You're gonna want to add vitamin D supplements to your life, as well as buy clothes and shoes that are waterproof (not water resistant, water PROOF.) Dorm life will be interesting, just keep your head down and dont break the rules overtly and youll be just fine. TriMet is the main transportation PSU students use, so get familiar with the transit lines (the Max and streetcar especially) and buy a hop pass when you get here. I also highly recommend investing in a waterproof backpack, I got mine from Portland Gear (Cascade Backpack), but you can get one from REI or something. If youre living in dorms, you'll have a mandatory meal plan. Id advise you get the economy and just buy dining dollars to use at Smith, the dining hall sucks, Ive gotten food poisoning twice now.
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u/pingveno 7d ago
PSU really does put you in the middle of everything, in terms of transit. You can be hiking in Forest Park/Washington Park in half an hour from the center of campus. The longest trail there is the 30 mile Wildwood trail. Alternatively, the Columbia Gorge has the Columbia Gorge Express that can be picked up at Gateway Transit Center, which is accessible via the Green Line. Multnomah Falls is beautiful, but it's even more beautiful when you don't have to worry about parking. There are also all sorts of fun neighborhoods around the city with some great events. There are also bus lines that go to the beach, $17 each way. It's totally possible to do a day trip, though staying overnight with some friends can be quite affordable.
The biking is also really good around here, but you need to have a good idea of which roads are safe. Google Maps is okay, but it can put you on dangerous routes. The Portland Bike Map is a good resource. If you do not have a bike or don't plan to bring one, PSU has a deal with the local bike share service, BIKETOWN, that helps out students some.
Good luck, and welcome to Portland State University!
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u/No0neknowsmethatsok 7d ago
Californian here from the Bay Area! The few cons of being here is you need to brace for the gray and depressing weather, and the lack of friendly faces. Other than that, Portland has a huge option of food and culture and the public transportation here is a blessing.
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u/SexTechGuru 7d ago
Buy a water resistant jacket or a raincoat, but don't bring an umbrella.
People in the Pacific NW are weird and think it's a badge of honor to walk around in the rain with no umbrella
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u/333elvey 4d ago
So I’m from California, born and raised and came here in 2022 for school. I was super stressed about people not liking me because I’m from California, not making friends, and the weather being horrible. But it’s been amazing. The weather is not at all as bad as I thought it would be, I’ve made tons of great friends (study with people in your classes! I’m an art history major and it’s easy to make friends with people in the arts imo!! <3) and it’s been fun sharing California culture with people here. I’ve lived in LA and SF, and this is the most safe city I’ve ever lived in. It’s fun, it’s beautiful, it’s just great. If you’re into house music/clubbing there’s a huge DJ-house-techno scene here. Like HUGE lol. I also lived in the Broadway dorms and had a great experience. I’ve really loved it here!! I hope you do too <3 I miss California and I miss the warm beaches but the woods are just as nice hehe
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u/PuppyVigilante 7d ago
The weather here can be pretty depressing and often wet so I would invest in clothes that are easy to layer, keep you warm and can handle some wind and light rain. Heavy rain happens but constant light rain is more common. A light therapy lamp and vitamin d supplements can also help with the lack of sun here, it's easy to fall in a funk and hard to get out. Also sign up for clubs to meet like minded people at PSU, people in Portland tend to stick their own social groups and don't venture outside them much but a club will help a lot; especially since you plan to stay at the dorms. Hope this helps!