We recommend arranging temporary housing for when you arrive.
Short-Term Homestay
Andeo International Homestays: is a local non-profit that coordinates homestays. They connect international students with host families in the Portland community in order to increase cross-cultural understanding. Homestays can be scheduled on a term or monthly basis, and stays include three meals per day, internet access, locality to public transportation, and orientation materials about the Portland area.
ACES Homestay: is a professional Pacific Northwest based non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to international cultural and educational exchange since 1995. They believe that only through interaction can the peoples of the world truly understand each other, establish friendships, and promote world peace. An ACES homestay is a great option for students excited to learn about American culture, improve their English skills, and share their culture by participating in household activities and conversations with their host. Apply at least one month before you wish to begin your homestay.
Hotels & Short-Term Rentals
Students may also look for a hotel or Airbnb for a short-term stay while they look for permanent housing. There are many hotels and short-term rentals available in Portland. Here are a few that are within walking distance to the UO Portland Campus.
The Kennedy School: a 1915 school that has been converted to a hotel, complete with bars, restaurants and an outdoor terrace with a pool. McMenamins is responsible for may well-known restaurants and hotels in Oregon.
The Tiny Oasis: nestled in the Alberta Arts District in Portland, this custom tiny home offers a unique, cozy stay. With restaurants, bars, and shops just steps away, everything you need is within walking distance. 17-minute walk or 7-minute transit to the UO Portland Campus.
Portland Neighborhoods
Being a graduate student means you will spend a lot of time on campus. You may want to be within walking/ biking distance and want to feel safe getting to and from where you live. The neighborhoods directly around campus are a good place to start your housing search, with each having their pros and cons.
With quite an extensive public transportation system and moderate commute times, Portland graduate students do have more options in terms of neighborhoods to choose from. Portland is divided into four quadrants (NE, NW, SE, and SW), divided by the Willamette River into the west side (downtown) and east side.
Close to Campus, NE Portland:
- Concordia
- Alberta Arts District
Location & Transportation
Biking
Portland is a great city for biking and has an extensive network of dedicated and shared bike paths. Check out our Biking in the US Resources for more information!
Public Transit
Hop Fastpass: a transit fare card for TriMet, C-TRAN, and Portland Streetcar.
TriCounty Metropolitan District of Oregon: is the bus and light rail train system for the Portland metropolitan area. The 75, 8, and 17 bus lines both stop near campus. The Max Yellow line runs from downtown up through NE Portland along I-5.
C-TRAN: Clark Country transit including Express commuter service to downtown Portland and connections to the nearest light rail station.
Portland Street Car: Serving Portland's central city with zero-emission transit every day.
Check out our Public Transit Resources for more information!
UO Housing
UO Housing includes apartments and houses owned and managed by the University. Portland University Housing offers on-campus or near campus fully furnished apartments & housing options specifically designed for graduate and upper division students.
UO Off-Campus Housing
UO Off-Campus Housing is a university-operated directory of private, off-campus student housing options only accessible to UO students. Listings are up to date and from verified landlords and property management companies. Make sure to change the campus location to UO Portland in order to find rentals nearby our UO Portland campus.
UO Roommate Matching
In partnership with Apartments.com, UO Housing has an online forum for students to find roommates. Sign on with your Duck ID, register under the Roommates tab, and add your roommate profile. When you get to the Education tab, choose "UO Portland Campus" and save your settings.
Dean of Students
Off-Campus Housing Resources
UO Dean of Students Office offers a range of resources and support for students. Check out their website to check them out!
Low Income Housing: The Housing Authority of Portland provides resources and a housing search for low-income individuals and families through Home Forward. Home Forward housing offers apartment communities, as well as rental assistance programs. They also update a weekly list of apartment communities that have Home Forward's project-based voucher subsidy in some units.
Housing in the U.S. often comes with utilities to keep the apartment comfortable and functioning. These include water, sewer, electricity, gas, garbage, recycling and sometimes even internet and cable TV subscriptions. Your landlord should include a description of all basic utilities covered in the lease agreement. Depending on the lease agreement, you may be responsible for setting some of them up yourself.
Water & Sewer
It is common that water is included, however most rentals will require that you set up and pay your own bill.
Electricity
Most rentals will require that you set up and pay your own bill for electricity.
Portland General Electric (PGE)
Garbage & Recycling
Some property management companies (including UO Housing) cover garbage and recycling in their rental fees. In some cases, they will be accounted for in a flat-rate utility fee. However, some will require that you set up accounts for garbage and recycling removal. Unless specified by your landlord, you will need to select a garbage and recycling service.
City of Portland Garbage & Recycling
Gas
It is common that natural gas is included, however some rentals will require that you set up and pay your own bill.
Residential Services: get natural gas to your home and information on equipment and appliances
Moving Resources: start, stop, or transfer your services
Internet
There are a few different internet providers in Portland. Each provider has different price ranges and internet speeds, so you should spend some time researching them to find one that best suits your needs.
Portland University Housing
Portland University Housing includes the following utilities:
- Electrical and lighting
- Access to UO Secure (Wi-Fi) and UO Secure (Wired) internet
- Trash and recycling
- Air conditioning and heating
- Water
- Sewage
Questions?
If you have any other questions, email us at gegradstudies@uoregon.edu. We look forward to speaking with you!