Settle into a city full of creativity, rich culture, and endless adventure—an unforgettable backdrop for your studies. The only thing missing is you.
Living in Portland, the City of Roses
Portland is as vibrant as the roses that inspired its nickname. From quirky coffee shops to hidden street art and riverside adventures, there’s always something new to discover between classes. With easy access to buses, bikes, and city trails, you can hop from a campus lecture to a coffee cart, gallery, or an evening out with friends in minutes. You will feel right at home here, surrounded by neighborhoods as unique as you are.
Our Portland Campus
Located in Northeast Portland’s vibrant Madison South neighborhood, the UWS campus is home to the College of Chiropractic and College of Naturopathic Medicine programs.
Schedule a tour, see classrooms, clinics, and student life firsthand, and discover all our campus has to offer on our Visit UWS page.
Six ‘Quadrants’? Why Not. It’s Portland.
Portland is separated into six quadrants, each containing charming and unique neighborhoods with their own distinct flavors and culture. Each quadrant is a mini world of its own, and the neighborhoods within—more than 90 in total—create the patchwork personality that makes Portland so endlessly interesting to explore.
Wait … six quadrants? That’s right! Even our city map embraces the motto, “Keep Portland Weird.”
Northeast Portland
Culture and campus life connect in Northeast Portland, the city’s largest quadrant and home to University of Western States. Northeast Portland buzzes with cultural energy of the arts, sports, and community. Explore the many vibrant murals in Alberta Arts District, catch a Blazers game at the Moda Center, enjoy historic theaters, and discover endless food spots.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- Alberta Arts District
- Lloyd
- Hollywood
Northwest Portland
Northwest Portland blends big-city excitement with natural escapes. Browse art and boutiques in the Pearl District, wander Nob Hill’s charming tree-lined streets, and lose yourself in the natural beauty of Forest Park. You’ll find great food, rich history, and plenty of unforgettable views everywhere you look in Northeast Portland.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- Pearl District
- Northwest/Nob Hill
- Forest Park (one of America’s largest urban forests)
Southwest Portland
Southwest Portland offers something for every mood. Sip coffee in the bustling downtown, hunt vinyl at record shops in Goose Hollow, stroll the walkable streets of Multnomah Village with its indie shops and local cafés, and then wander among 10,000 roses and serene trails in Washington Park. Every street, plaza, and park has something new to discover.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- Downtown
- Goose Hollow
- Multnomah Village
Southeast Portland
Southeast Portland is where the city’s personality truly comes alive: artsy, quirky, and endlessly flavorful. Cruise the vibrant streets of Hawthorne and Belmont for food carts, coffee shops, and vintage finds. Explore the Central Eastside’s industrial edge, wander the peaceful paths of Mt. Tabor Park, or chase thrills at Oaks Amusement Park along the riverfront.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- Belmont
- Central Eastside
- Sellwood-Moreland
North Portland
North Portland, the city’s “Fifth Quadrant,” bursts with neighborhood character and outdoor adventure. Grab late-night bites on Mississippi Avenue, hang out under the iconic St. Johns Bridge, catch sunsets at Cathedral Park, and kayak the Smith and Bybee Wetlands. North Portland is where students go to play and explore.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- Mississippi
- St. Johns
- Sauvie Island
South Portland
South Portland is our newest quadrant—a riverside stretch with striking city views. Paddle the Willamette River, stroll the South Waterfront Greenway, or ride the Portland Aerial Tram for a breathtaking look over Portland. In between, dig into global flavors from Filipino pastries to Lebanese kebabs. Here, life moves a little slower, and the river is always close by.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- South Waterfront
- Johns Landing
Housing Resources—Finding Your Portland Pad
No matter what kind of student life you’re looking for, Portland has a place for you. Local resources like the UWS Switchboard can help you find nearby housing opportunities and connect with potential roommates.
Whether you’re looking for cozy apartments near campus, larger units to share with friends, or even a pet-friendly rental, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your lifestyle:
Check out our full Housing page for more resources, tips, and top picks.
Getting Around Portland
Payment Options
Hop Fastpass: You can use the Hop Fastpass app for contactless payment on buses, MAX Light Rail, and the Portland Streetcar. Reloadable Hop cards and virtual Hop cards are also available.
Streetcar and MAX Light Rail
The Portland Streetcar and MAX Light Rail cover much of the city. The MAX Orange Line connects inner east Portland to downtown, while the A and B Streetcar Loops run through the Central Eastside and South Waterfront, making trips to class, friends, or shops simple.
Buses
Portland’s TriMet buses cover the city and suburbs with frequent service, low fares, and friendly drivers. Most buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks, making it easy to combine cycling with public transit.
Biking and Scooters
Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. BIKETOWN electric bikes and e-scooters make it easy to explore neighborhoods or grab coffee between classes. Miles of protected bike lanes and scenic pedestrian bridges, including Tilikum Crossing, help you get around safely.
Things To Do in Portland
Food and Drink
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
Grab a bite at downtown Portland’s famous food cart pod. - Podnah’s Pit Barbecue
Savor smoky, Texas-style barbecue in the heart of the city. - Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Fuel up with legendary coffee from one of Portland’s best study spots. - The Observatory
Sip cocktails and unwind at this trendy happy hour spot. - Voodoo Doughnut
Indulge in over-the-top doughnuts that could only come from Portland.
Music
- Moda Center
Attend concerts and events at Portland’s largest music venue. - Oregon Symphony
Experience one of the oldest symphonies in the U.S. - Roseland Theater
Enjoy popular live music in an intimate venue with a diverse lineup. - Revolution Hall
Catch comedy and music acts in a renovated 1920s high school. - Wonder Ballroom
See live performances—from metal to pop—in a historic, art-filled venue.
Sports
- Portland Trail Blazers (NBA Basketball)
Catch Portland’s beloved basketball team in action. - Portland Timbers (MLS Soccer)
Join one of the most passionate fan bases in the league. - Portland Thorns FC (NWSL Soccer)
Cheer on one of the top women’s soccer teams in the world.
Outdoor Activities
- Mt. Tabor Park
Hike an extinct volcano in the city and take in stunning views. - Forest Park
Trek miles of urban trails just steps from downtown. - Willamette River
Kayak, paddleboard, or take a stroll along the scenic waterfront. - Multnomah Falls
Marvel at one of Oregon’s most iconic natural attractions. - Washington Park
Explore the Portland Japanese Garden and visit the Oregon Zoo.
Indoor Activities
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Discover a planetarium, tour a submarine, and explore other interactive science activities. - Portland Art Museum
Explore the oldest art museum in the Northwest. - Powell’s City of Books
Get lost in the world’s largest independent bookstore. - Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar
Play vintage arcade games, sip craft beer, and dance to DJs on the weekends. - Lan Su Chinese Garden
Stroll a serene, authentic Chinese garden.
Tips, Tricks, and Resources
If you want to dig deeper into Portland, these helpful resources will help you settle in and start living like a local:
- Travel Portland: Your go-to guide for everything from events and dining to hidden local gems.
- Visitor Guide: This digital guide is packed with tips, maps, and ideas to get the most out of this city.
- City of Portland: The official site for city services, news, and community updates.
