Welcome Home to Portland, Oregon
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.”
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 Trail Blazers game at the Moda Center, enjoy historic theaters, and discover endless food spots.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- Alberta Arts District
- Lloyd
- Hollywood
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 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 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 Mount Tabor Park, or chase thrills at Oaks Amusement Park along the riverfront.
Favorite Neighborhoods
- Belmont
- Central Eastside
- Sellwood-Moreland
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 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
What Do You Love About Portland?
We asked students what they love most about living and studying in Portland, and many had a hard time picking just one thing. Come experience Portland and discover what you’ll love about it, too.
Housing Resources
No matter what kind of student life you’re looking for, Portland has a place for you. Local resources like the UWS Switchboard and our partner 4stay 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:
Getting Around Portland
Portland’s public transit system is easy to use and budget-friendly for students. With the Hop Fastpass app, you can tap your phone to get on buses, MAX Light Rail, and the Portland Streetcar. Reloadable Hop cards and virtual cards are also available.
UWS students who rely on public transportation may also be eligible for reduced-rate monthly TriMet passes, offering an affordable option for getting to campus each day.
The Portland Streetcar and MAX Light Rail connect much of the city. The Blue, Green, and Red Lines run through Northeast Portland, providing convenient rail connections near campus.
From the nearby NE 82nd Ave MAX Station, UWS is just a short walk or quick bus ride away, making light rail a practical option for students who prefer a car-free commute.
Portland’s TriMet buses cover the city and surrounding suburbs with frequent service, low fares, and friendly drivers. Most buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks, so you can easily combine cycling with public transit.
With a TriMet bus stop right next to campus, getting to class is simple and convenient from neighborhoods across Portland.
Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. BIKETOWN electric bikes and e-scooters make it easy to explore neighborhoods, commute to campus, or grab coffee between classes. Miles of protected bike lanes and scenic pedestrian bridges help you get around safely and confidently.
The UWS campus is on the Tillamook Neighborhood Greenway bike route. Bike racks are located to the south of the main entrance and inside the parking garage, making cycling to campus a convenient option.
Favorite Things to Do in Portland
Here’s what UWS students say are some of their favorite Portland experiences.
Food and Drink
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
Grab a bite at downtown’s famous food cart pod, where there’s something for everyone. - Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Portland is a coffee lover’s city, and students love fueling up with legendary brews at one of its best study spots. - Ken’s Artisan Pizza
Enjoy wood-fired pizza at this Portland pizza scene landmark. - Voodoo Doughnut
Indulge in over-the-top doughnuts that could only come from Portland.
Favorite Coffee Shops (Student Picks)
Honey Latte Cafe Stomping Grounds Futura Coffee Roasters Insomnia Coffee Co. Cà Phê
Live Entertainment
- Kickstand’s Comedy In The Park
Join 1,000 comedy fans who turn up each weekend to hear live standup in Laurelhurst Park. - 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. - Mississippi Studios
Munch on one of the best burgers in Portland while enjoy live music and comedy.
Sports
- Portland Trail Blazers (NBA Basketball)
Catch Portland’s beloved basketball team in action. - Portland Fire (WNBA Basketball)
Root for Portland’s new WNBA team. - 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. - Portland Pickles (WCL Summer Baseball)
Get wacky with Portland’s favorite baseball block party happening all summer long.
Outdoor Activities
- Mount 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. - Columbia River Gorge Trails
Take in breathtaking waterfall views along scenic trails like Eagle Creek or Angel’s Rest. - Lan Su Chinese Garden
Stroll a serene, authentic Chinese garden.
Indoor Activities
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Discover a planetarium, tour a submarine, and explore other interactive science activities. - Portland Art Museum
Visit 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.
Explore Portland Further
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.