Portland State University's On-Campus Student Living

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon, with a total enrollment of around 21,000 students as of 2023. The university offers on-campus housing for its students, with approximately half of freshmen choosing to live on campus. While it is not mandatory for freshmen to live on campus, PSU does require first-year students who live more than 25 miles away from campus and are under 20 years of age to reside in a PSU residence hall during their first academic year. The university offers various housing options, including apartment-style living and traditional dorms, with amenities such as in-unit kitchens and private bathrooms. PSU's First Year Experience (FYE) program supports students in their transition to college life and encourages academic success, social connections, and community engagement.

90% of students live off campus

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1946 as a post-secondary educational institution for World War II veterans. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,960 (as of Fall 2023), with 90% of students living off campus. This means that PSU is largely a commuter school, with only a small percentage of students choosing to live on campus in the available residence halls.

The breakdown of student living situations at PSU is as follows: 90% of students live off campus, while only 10% reside in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing. This translates to approximately 14,364 students living off campus and 1,596 students living on campus, based on the Fall 2023 enrollment numbers.

There are several factors that may contribute to the high percentage of students living off campus at PSU. One reason could be the university's location in an urban area, which may offer a variety of housing options such as apartments or shared rentals within a reasonable distance from campus. Additionally, PSU has a significant number of transfer, continuing, and graduate students, who may prefer to live off campus due to their different needs and preferences compared to traditional first-year students.

PSU does offer on-campus housing options for students who wish to live on campus. The university encourages freshmen to live on campus, as research shows that first-year students who do so tend to have higher grades, stay in school longer, and report a more positive college experience overall. The First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed to support freshmen in their transition to university life and help them build a strong foundation for their academic journey. However, despite these benefits, PSU still has a high percentage of students choosing to live off campus.

In conclusion, while Portland State University offers on-campus housing and encourages freshmen to take advantage of it, the majority of students at PSU, around 90%, choose to live off campus. This may be due to the availability of housing options in the surrounding urban area or the unique needs and preferences of the student body, which includes a significant number of transfer, continuing, and graduate students.

First Year Experience (FYE) program

The First Year Experience (FYE) program at Portland State University (PSU) is designed to help first-year students transition from high school to college life at the university's urban campus. The program is focused on providing academic support, helping students make friends, and creating a sense of home at PSU.

On-Campus Housing Requirement

PSU has an on-campus housing requirement for first-year students who live more than 25 miles away from campus, are under 20 years of age, and enrol in at least 8 credits. These students are required to live in a PSU residence hall during their first academic year, which includes the fall, winter, and spring terms. This requirement also applies to students who have recently graduated from high school and those who took a gap year and have less than 30 college credits.

Housing Options

First-year students at PSU live on freshmen-only floors in the Broadway and Ondine studios. Students accepted into the Honors program can also choose to live in the Stephen Epler residence hall, which offers an honors-specific community. All units come with a private bathroom and basic furnishings, including a bed, dresser, desk, and chair.

Academic Communities

The FYE program at PSU offers six living-learning communities, allowing students to live and learn with peers who share similar academic interests. These communities are designed to fulfil the Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ) class requirement, making it easier for students to form study groups, collaborate on assignments, and build strong connections.

The available FRINQ courses for the 2024-2025 academic year include:

• "The Work of Art" (UNST 132) at Broadway, which explores the role of art in shaping personal, social, and cultural identities through interdisciplinary texts and explorations.
• "Race & Social Justice" (UNST 102) at Ondine, which focuses on social and cultural awareness and understanding, encouraging meaningful dialogue about global citizenship.
• "Portland" (UNST 108) at Ondine, which examines the connections between people and the places they live, considering the social, cultural, economic, and political aspects that shape a community.

Additional Communities

In addition to the academic communities, PSU offers themed communities for first-year students with specific interests. These include:

• The STEM community at Broadway, which brings together residents interested in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
• Viking floors at Broadway and Ondine, catering to first-year students with a variety of interests who want to explore all that PSU and Portland have to offer.
• The Honors Community at Stephen Epler, providing a dynamic and close-knit living environment for high-achieving and highly motivated students.

Meal Plans

As part of their Housing Contract, all first-year students at PSU will select a meal plan. There are four meal plan options available, including access to Victor's all-you-care-to-eat dining hall in Ondine. Some meal plans also include Dining Dollars that can be used at various locations across the PSU campus.

The FYE program at PSU aims to provide a comprehensive and supportive environment for first-year students, ensuring a smooth transition to college life and setting the foundation for their academic success.

Students under 20 and who graduated from high school less than a year prior qualify for FYE

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1946 as a post-secondary educational institution for World War II veterans. The university has evolved over the years and now offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

On-Campus Housing

PSU has a range of on-campus housing options available for students, with around 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students living in ten residence halls. The two largest residence halls are University Pointe, a 16-story apartment building, and Ondine, a 15-story high rise.

First Year Experience (FYE) Program

The First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed to support students in their transition from high school to university life at PSU. The program is mandatory for first-year students who live more than 25 miles away from campus, are under 20 years of age, and are enrolled in at least eight credits. The program helps students get accustomed to the urban campus, provides academic support, and facilitates friendship and community building.

Who Qualifies for FYE?

Students under the age of 20 who graduated from high school less than a year prior to enrolling at PSU are eligible for the FYE program. Additionally, students who took a gap year after high school and have less than 30 college credits may also qualify. This program ensures that first-year students have a strong foundation for success at PSU, with research showing higher grades, improved retention, and a more positive college experience for those who live on campus.

First-year students who live on campus perform better in the classroom

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1946 and has since grown into a four-year college offering undergraduate degrees in 123 fields and postgraduate degrees in 117 fields. As of 2023, PSU had a total enrollment of approximately 21,000 students, with an undergraduate enrollment of 15,960 and a graduate enrollment of 4,559. The gender distribution is 42.3% male and 56.0% female, with the remaining students identifying as non-binary or unknown.

In terms of housing, PSU offers a mix of on-campus and off-campus options for its students. According to the latest data, 10% of PSU students live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 90% live off-campus. The university has ten residence halls, including University Pointe and Ondine, which are the largest and can accommodate around 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Research has shown that first-year students who live on campus tend to perform better academically and have higher grades. They also experience a stronger sense of belonging and are more involved in the campus community. This can be attributed to various factors, including the convenience of being closer to classes, dining halls, and other campus resources. Living on campus also facilitates the formation of friendships and provides easier access to extracurricular activities and support services, such as writing centers.

For first-year students at PSU, living on campus can offer similar advantages. With a large percentage of students living off-campus, those who reside on campus may benefit from increased opportunities for social interaction and a stronger sense of connection to the university. Additionally, the convenience of having classes, dining options, and resources within close proximity can positively impact their academic performance and overall college experience.

However, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks of on-campus living, such as the cost, potential distractions, and lack of privacy. The cost of living on campus at PSU can vary depending on the specific housing arrangement and the student's financial situation. Students living on campus may also need to navigate distractions from social activities and manage their time effectively to balance their studies and social life. Nonetheless, for first-year students, the benefits of living on campus often outweigh these potential drawbacks, contributing to their academic success and overall well-being during their college journey.

Students can choose from six living learning communities

Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university in Portland, Oregon, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,960 as of Fall 2023. The university offers on-campus housing for students, with 10% of students living in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, and 90% living off-campus.

First-year students at PSU have the option to choose from six living-learning communities, allowing them to live and learn with peers who share similar academic interests. These communities provide a supportive and engaging environment for students to transition to college life, offering academic support, social connections, and a positive college experience.

One of the living-learning communities available to first-year students is the STEM community, located in Broadway and Ondine residence halls. This community is designed for residents interested in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, offering them a space to build connections and collaborate with peers.

Another option is the Honors Community, located in Stephen Epler residence hall. This community is specifically for students admitted to the Honors College, providing a close-knit and dynamic environment with other high-achieving and motivated students. Living in Epler offers honors-specific programming, additional resources, and proximity to the Honors House.

The Race & Social Justice community, located in Ondine residence hall, explores the intersection of social and cultural awareness with meaningful dialogue. Students in this community engage in social and cultural dialogue, examining what it means to be a well-rounded and informed global citizen.

The Portland-themed community, also located in Ondine, focuses on the connections between people and the places they live. Students in this community will explore how history, social, cultural, economic, and political factors shape the urban environment and the diverse communities within it.

The Viking community, available in Broadway and Ondine residence halls, is for first-year students with a variety of interests who want to experience the breadth of what PSU and Portland have to offer. This community provides a well-rounded introduction to the university and the city, allowing students to explore different areas of interest.

Lastly, the Health, Happiness, & Human Rights community, located in Broadway residence hall, examines the relationship between individual and community health, well-being, and human rights. This community emphasizes the social determinants of health and the intersections between health and communities, offering a holistic perspective on wellness.

In addition to these six living-learning communities, PSU also offers other themed communities and housing options for students with specific interests, such as athletics, the arts, and more. These communities provide a great opportunity for first-year students to find their place on campus, make connections, and enhance their college experience.

Frequently asked questions