… When you’re not in the library or business school, that is. So, you’ve got your application squared away, and you know the details of getting to Portland when the time comes, but where are you going to live? Today’s topic was actually recommended by a current MIM student, who encountered a few hiccups in finding a place in Portland, and thought that incoming students might like a few pointers.
The first big decision, is whether or not you want to live on campus or nearby. Some of the advantages to living on campus are that your student account will be automatically charged for your rent for a term at a time, meaning that if you have financial aid coming to you, then your rent will automatically be paid out of any dispersement that you receive, making things very easy. Also, you’ll be on campus – that means you can literally roll out of bed five minutes before class. On top of that, besides for school purposes, you will be in the heart of downtown, with easy access to things to do and see, as well as easy access to Portland’s incredible public transportation system. It’s because of these reasons, that I chose to live on campus.
Now, this all sounds too good to be true, right? Well, there are some downsides. First, and most obvious: you are living in student housing. Remember your days of undergrad, and the dorms there? Well, welcome back. You will have an RA, and be at the whim of every nitty-gritty rule in the student housing handbook. Second, it’s not the cheapest place you could live. I’ve asked friends, and done the math and found that I’m likely spending, on average, about $100-200 more dollars a month than friends living in a non-school owned building next door. Finally, there are some pet restrictions. There are a few buildings that do allow you to have pets, but regardless of the building, there are no dogs allowed. You can have a cat though, assuming you live in the right building, and that the room you do get is larger than 300 square feet.
All in all though, there are a lot of great places to choose from that are near campus – and the list is too long to even think about mentioning if you consider all of the places that are located near a lightrail line, which can take you right to campus. Below I’ve got a list of links that will direct you to places that some of my fellow MIMers are living, as well as on campus options.
On campus:
- Blackstone
- Blumel Hall
- Broadway
- King Albert
- Montgomery
- Odine
- Parkway Manor
- St. Helens Court
- Stephen Epler Hall
- Stratford Court
Off campus:
Well, I hope that this was of some use to you guys. Let us know if you have any questions! And remember, send us your blog topic ideas, to make sure that you get the most out of our blog!
-パトリック
Portland State MIM 