Portland State University

Portland State University

Portland, OR, USA
Public
4 Year

My-Duyen's Review

Review of Portland State University

from Clackamas, OR

Describe your college in three sentences.

Portland State University has a great campus that allows for a lot of diversity and growth. The overall experience that I've had at PSU is great because I have made a lot of new friends, gained knowledge, and pursue my future with a bright outlook. The students and faculty here are always willing to help and welcome any ideas.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

Check out the area and definitely take a campus tour as well as conduct one yourself to get the feel of the university. With PSU's location, look into your means of transportation because you may have to commute everyday.

Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?

The courses here have a variety of range when it comes to academic rigor however the classes here are hard enough to challenge you yet allows you to immerse in the subject and absorb what you need to know. Overall, classes are pretty fun and engaging.

Describe the dorm life at your college.

I like that the dorms are located so close to campus and that they are renovating and building newer and nicer buildings. Being in a dorm really allows you to meet new people and explore different cultures as well as gives off a sense of independence and responsibility.

Describe the food and dining at your college.

The food in the dorms are fairly good, however the cafeteria is mediocre. I would say try new things because they can surprise you for example the food carts around campus or one of the dining centers.

What’s there to do for fun at your college?

When the weather is nice, there are students all over the park blocks and just enjoying the day outside. The campus offers a rec center that one can take classes for fun or join clubs that vary from dragon boating to student associations. There is also a game room with pool tables and a bowling alley at the basement of one of the buildings. A perk about being downtown is that there is many things to do. Portland State is close to the town center which holds a variety of events, concerts, and festivals all year; it is close to very large shopping center ( Pioneer Square) and many of the top restaurants in the area; being downtown means being near the waterfront where you can jog, bike, or walk the dog in a stretch of trees and grassy areas yet still getting the breeze of the Willamette river; From spring time through Summer- one of Portland's most favored thing to do is visit the Saturday market; also don't forget a local tradition of First Tuesday and Last Thursday; last but not least they have the night life near by as well for those of age.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

The tuition rate at PSU is affordable and If one wants to stay close to home or the city life then this could be the right place for you. PSU offers students an option to do co-enrollment where they can take a few classes at a community college while taking at least 6-8 at PSU and have shared financial aid so its cheaper that way. Also, if you play your cards right- the campus offers a lot more jobs than meets the eye to help support students. All in all, you are getting the bang for the buck if you add it all up.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Smith building is very helpful and when you find the right adviser- your academic career might just get brighter :) There are stories of a few haunted places but what college doesn't have them . PSU is fairly new so there is not much to worry there. Unless you only take night classes, you should be surrounded by plenty of other people and feel safe. Hmm...not quite sure of any unusual traditions or locations but there are rooftop gardens where you can chill and study.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

Business Majors, Pre-med such as nursing, optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, etc. (Portland State has connections with OHSU( Oregon Health and Science Uni.) therefore, having ties and networks are great for getting in there), there is a strong student body in environmental health, architecture, art and public health as well. As far as I know, there is almost a major for any person's interest at the regular college level. International students are always welcomed and encouraged- there are many Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and English international students. I think PSU is great for the dedicated student that is aware that you can get the same education almost anywhere as long as you do well and put in great effort in succeeding. Therefore, a student who is studious, is working, strong ties to the environment, and wants to save money.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

There are so many clubs that I can't even list them all- however I think it is possible to check them out at PSU website. Every fall there is a party in the park blocks where all the clubs have booths to advertise and recruit new students. It is very entertaining and interesting to see what may interest you. When there, you can play games to win prizes to kick off your experience at PSU with a POW . I remember a few that stood out to me right away when I went to the Party in the Park Blocks are the Student Associations, Dental Club, Rugby, Kick boxing and Environmental Club.

How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?

They seem to always be on top of things and is really attendant to making sure all students and staff are aware of the current dilemma. E-mail alerts, phone calls and text messages to keep students up to date and aware. They have an office on campus and is relatively busy keeping things safe and smooth around PSU.