
Portland State University offers on-campus housing for students, with 10% of students living in college-affiliated housing and 90% living off campus. First-year students who live more than 25 miles from campus and are under 20 years old are required to live in a PSU residence hall during their first year. PSU Housing offers in-person tours of its on-campus housing options, which include Broadway, Ondine, Saint Helens, and Blumel units. While on-campus housing is available, it is reported to be expensive and not of great quality, with many students opting to live off-campus in cheaper housing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Students living on campus | 10% |
| Students living off campus | 90% |
| First-year students living on campus criteria | Students under 20 years old, enrolled in 8 or more credits, and living more than 25 miles from campus |
| First-year students exemption criteria | Students who took a gap year after high school and have less than 30 college credits |
| Housing options | Broadway, Ondine, Saint Helens, and Blumel units |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

First-year students living over 25 miles away are required to live on campus
At Portland State University, first-year students living over 25 miles from campus are required to live in university housing for their first year. This rule applies to students who are under 20 years of age, have enrolled in 8 or more credits, and started their first year during the Fall, Winter, or Spring term. The First Year Experience (FYE) program helps students transition to university life, providing academic support, opportunities to make friends, and a home at Portland State University.
The FYE program is designed for students who graduated from high school less than a year before their Fall Move-in date. Students who took a gap year after high school and have fewer than 30 college credits may also be eligible. The program requires these first-year students to live in a PSU residence hall and have a meal plan for the academic year.
Students who start their first year during the Summer term are expected to live on campus the following academic year. While freshmen are not required to live on campus, 10% of students at Portland State University live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, with the remaining 90% living off-campus.
Portland State University offers in-person housing tours for students interested in living on campus. Students can take a look inside the Broadway, Ondine, Saint Helens, and Blumel units. For students with young families, the university offers some daycare programs, which are in high demand.
Temple University: A Medical Student Hub?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

90% of students live off campus
Portland State University (PSU) is an urban campus located in Portland, Oregon. The university offers on-campus housing for students, but it is not mandatory for freshmen to live on campus. However, according to data from fall 2023, 90% of students choose to live off-campus, with only 10% residing in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing.
First-year students who meet certain criteria are required to live in a PSU residence hall during their first academic year, including the fall, winter, and spring terms. These requirements typically apply to students under the age of 20 who live more than 25 miles from campus and enrol in at least 8 credits. Additionally, students who graduated from high school less than a year before their Fall Move-in date are eligible for the First Year Experience (FYE) program, which helps with the transition to university life and creating a home at PSU.
The PSU Housing department offers in-person tours of on-campus housing options, including the Broadway, Ondine, Saint Helens, and Blumel units. However, some students find on-campus housing expensive and prefer to live off-campus in cheaper accommodations, commuting to campus by public transport, bike, or car.
While the majority of students at PSU choose to live off-campus, the university has a large student body with a diverse population. In 2020, the university was home to approximately 18,656 undergraduates, with a full-time attendance rate of 68.4% and a part-time attendance rate of 31.6%.
In summary, while on-campus housing is available at Portland State University, the majority of students opt to live off-campus, creating a unique dynamic where the campus is bustling with a mix of residents and commuting students.
Students Biking to University: A Common Practice?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$29.95

PSU is located in downtown Portland
Portland State University (PSU) is a large, urban university located in downtown Portland, Oregon. The campus is situated in the heart of the city, offering students a unique and vibrant college experience. With a total undergraduate enrollment of over 15,000 students, PSU is a diverse and bustling hub of academic life.
The university's downtown location provides students with easy access to all that the city has to offer. From cultural experiences at museums and galleries to exploring the city's vibrant food scene, PSU students can take advantage of numerous opportunities for learning and leisure. The campus itself is a hub of activity, with various clubs, organizations, and resources available to students, catering to a range of interests and pursuits.
While PSU offers on-campus housing, only 10% of students choose to live in college-owned residences. First-year students who live more than 25 miles from campus and meet certain age and credit requirements are required to live in university housing for their first year. This policy ensures that those transitioning from high school can benefit from the First Year Experience (FYE) program, which helps students adjust to college life, providing academic support and facilitating friendship groups.
For those who choose to live off-campus, PSU's downtown location offers a range of accommodation options. Many students opt for cheaper alternatives, commuting to campus via public transport, bike, or car. The urban setting suits students who enjoy the fast-paced city lifestyle, and for those seeking a change of pace, PSU offers a 'study abroad' program.
Overall, PSU's location in downtown Portland provides students with a dynamic and diverse college experience. The urban setting enhances the academic and social aspects of student life, offering easy access to cultural, culinary, and recreational opportunities. Whether living on or off campus, students can take advantage of the benefits of PSU's prime location in the heart of Portland.
International Students' University Experience: A Ted Talk
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students can choose from six living-learning communities
At Portland State University, first-year students have the option to join one of six living-learning communities, known as First Year Experience (FYE) communities. These communities offer a unique opportunity for students to live and learn with peers who share similar academic interests and goals.
The FYE programme is designed to ease the transition to university life, providing academic support and helping students make friends and feel at home. Students under 20 who graduated from high school less than a year before starting at PSU are eligible for the programme. Those who took a gap year and have fewer than 30 college credits may also qualify.
One of the six FYE communities is Creativity in Action, which aligns with PSU's Design, Creativity and Performance pathway. This community brings together students with interests in art practice, graphic design, music, architecture, and theatre. Another FYE community is located in Broadway and focuses on STEM fields, offering a space for students to build a community centred on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In addition to these, PSU offers the following living-learning communities:
- Global Engagement Community (GEC): Promotes an exchange of global and local perspectives, providing intercultural learning opportunities and activities. Residents can participate in a 1-credit Global Engagement Seminar and interact with international and domestic students.
- First-Year Veterans LLC: Offers veteran students a dedicated space to transition to the State College area and the PSU educational environment, surrounded by peers with shared experiences. The community is located in the White Course Apartments, featuring fully furnished 4-bedroom apartments.
- Professional Golf Management (PGM) LLC: Tailored for students in the PGM Program aspiring for a career in the golf industry. Students live together, participate in tournaments and social events, and explore internship opportunities with faculty members.
- FlourishPSU: The Wellness Community: Aims to foster resilience, compassion, and well-being among first-year students, offering a supportive environment to learn and grow together.
These living-learning communities at Portland State University provide a diverse range of options for students to find their niche, connect with like-minded individuals, and enhance their overall university experience.
International Students at Rice University: How Many?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

PSU offers a meal plan for on-campus students
Portland State University (PSU) offers on-campus housing for students. First-year students who live more than 25 miles from campus, are under 20 years of age, and have enrolled in 8 or more credits are required to live in a PSU residence hall during their first academic year. The university also offers a First Year Experience (FYE) program for students who qualify based on age and time of enrollment. The program helps students transition to campus life, get academic support, make friends, and create a home at PSU.
The PSU Eats website provides more information about dining on campus and purchasing a meal plan. The Campus Meal Plan is accepted at every Campus Dining location and offers the best discount structure for students who eat more than 10 meals per week on campus. Students can also use LionCash, a prepaid spending account, to purchase meals on campus. This option provides flexibility and a 10% discount on qualifying purchases.
Exploring UTA: A Student Body of Thousands
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, first-year students who live more than 25 miles away from campus, are under 20 years of age, and enroll in 8 or more credits are required to live on campus.
Yes, the First Year Experience (FYE) program helps students transition from high school, offering academic support, opportunities to make friends, and a home at Portland State University.
Yes, you can apply for an exemption from the Housing Requirement Exemption Committee, which is primarily made up of representatives from Admissions, Student Affairs, the Disability Resource Center, and University Housing.
Only about 10% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, with 90% of students choosing to live off-campus.
PSU Housing offers in-person housing tours for students interested in living on campus. Residence halls include Broadway, Ondine, Saint Helens, and Blumel units.











































