Student Accommodation Portland ( Oregon )

Portland, famously known as the "City of Roses," is one of the most vibrant and student-friendly cities on the U.S. West Coast. With leading institutions like Portland State University, University of Portland, and Reed College located here, the city attracts thousands of students every year. Finding a comfortable, affordable place to live is one of the first important steps when moving to Portland, and University Living makes it easy. 

University Living, a trusted global student housing platform, offers a wide range of accommodation options, from ensuite rooms to studios, shared apartments, and modern PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations). Students can explore properties based on their specific needs — whether it’s distance from campus, amenities like a gym or study rooms, furnished units, or budget-friendly deals. 

The platform also allows students to filter housing options based on price range, location, room types, amenities, and lease durations. With features like virtual tours, detailed listings, verified properties, and 24/7 expert assistance, finding the right home becomes a smooth and convenient process. Plus, booking early through University Living often comes with added benefits like discounted rates, free airport pickups, or room essential kits, ensuring a stress-free move into Portland’s student life. 

Portland offers students a broad mix of housing choices, designed to suit different lifestyles, budgets, and preferences. Understanding the types of accommodations available can help you find a home that truly fits your needs: 

Student Housing (PBSAs)

Purpose-built student accommodations are specially designed for students and offer an all-in-one living experience. These properties come fully furnished and include amenities such as gyms, study lounges, high-speed internet, game rooms, and often social events that foster a sense of community. PBSAs provide a secure, inclusive environment ideal for students who prefer structured, student-centered living. 

Private Apartments

Private apartments are perfect for students who seek more independence. Available in studio layouts, one-bedroom, or multi-bedroom setups, these apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, and comfortable living areas. They allow students greater flexibility in terms of space, privacy, and living arrangements. 

University Halls 

Managed directly by universities, on-campus halls offer dormitory-style living. Typically, they include furnished bedrooms, shared kitchens or dining halls, and easy access to academic buildings. University halls often create a strong sense of campus community and are great for first-year students or those who want the full campus experience. 

Some of the best student housing in Portland includes: 

• University Pointe at College Station  
• MW8 Apartments  

Portland offers an outstanding blend of academic excellence, eco-conscious living, cultural richness, and endless outdoor adventures. It's a city where students can enjoy thriving university campuses while exploring art galleries, attending music festivals, hiking lush green trails, or relaxing at cozy coffee houses. Known for its sustainability initiatives, Portland is bike-friendly, community-driven, and offers a progressive lifestyle that resonates well with younger generations. 

Students in Portland also benefit from a diverse food culture, an inclusive atmosphere, and abundant internship and job opportunities, especially in tech, healthcare, education, and creative industries. Plus, with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Seattle or San Francisco, Portland provides excellent value for student life.

Facts About Portland:

• Portland has a population of approximately 650,000 residents. 
• The city is known as "The City of Roses" because of its ideal growing climate for roses. 
• Portland boasts over 10,000 acres of public parks and natural areas. 
• It consistently ranks among America’s top bike-friendly cities, with 350+ miles of bikeways. 
• Major companies like Nike, Intel, and Adidas have headquarters or large offices in the Portland metro area. 

Portland offers a relatively manageable cost of living compared to other major cities on the West Coast, though budgeting wisely is still important. Here’s a detailed breakdown of average monthly expenses for students: 

Accommodation Costs:

Shared apartments or student residences typically range from $700 to $1,200 per month, depending on the location, property type, and amenities. 

Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Internet): 

Students should budget around $120 to $160 per month for utilities and high-speed internet. 

Groceries and Food:

Monthly grocery bills can vary between $250 and $400. Cooking at home is more budget-friendly, while dining out at casual eateries may cost $10–$20 per meal. 

Transportation: 

Public transport is highly affordable with student discounts. A monthly TriMet Hop Fastpass costs about $100, covering buses, MAX Light Rail, and streetcars. 

Entertainment and Miscellaneous:

Social outings, entertainment, gym memberships, and shopping can add up to around $150 to $300 monthly, depending on lifestyle. 

Overall Budget:

Students should expect to spend approximately $1,300–$2,200 per month in Portland, depending on their housing choices and personal habits. 

Portland is divided into several student-friendly neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience: 

Downtown Portland

Perfect for Portland State University students, Downtown offers proximity to campus, museums, cultural centers, and countless cafes, all within walking distance. Public transport access is excellent here. 

Northwest District

This vibrant neighborhood is filled with historic homes, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants. It offers a perfect blend of urban and residential living, ideal for students wanting convenience with character. 

Southeast Portland

Known for its eclectic vibe, Southeast Portland offers an artistic atmosphere, affordable apartments, and endless quirky shops, food trucks, and vintage stores — a hotspot for students of Reed College. 

North Portland

A quieter and more suburban environment, North Portland is favored by University of Portland students. It has beautiful parks, bike paths, and a more laid-back lifestyle while still offering easy downtown access. 

Northeast Portland

This neighborhood offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces, making it perfect for students who want a balance between study and social life. 

Portland's public transportation system is extensive, affordable, and environmentally friendly, making it ideal for students without a car: 

TriMet Bus System

The backbone of public transport in Portland, TriMet buses connect all major neighborhoods and universities. Students can easily travel from residential areas to campus or city hotspots. 

MAX Light Rail

The MAX connects downtown Portland to surrounding suburbs, the airport, and popular locations. It’s fast, reliable, and student discounts apply. 

Portland Streetcar

Operating within the downtown core, the Streetcar links the Pearl District, South Waterfront, and Portland State University, making commuting easy and cheap. 

Biking

Portland is consistently ranked among the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with hundreds of miles of bike lanes and trails. Many students choose to bike year-round. 

Students can purchase a TriMet Hop Fastpass for around $100 per month, which covers unlimited rides on buses, trains, and streetcars. 

Living in Portland means students have endless opportunities to explore: 

Washington Park

A massive urban park that houses the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and numerous hiking trails. 

Powell’s City of Books

The largest independent bookstore in the world, a must-visit destination for every student and book lover. 

Portland Art Museum

Home to impressive collections of American, Native American, European, and contemporary art. 

Lan Su Chinese Garden 

An authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden in downtown Portland offering tranquility and beauty in the middle of the city. 

Multnomah Falls

Located just 30 minutes outside the city, this 620-foot-tall waterfall is a breathtaking spot for day trips and hikes. 

Forest Park

One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., perfect for hiking, running, and experiencing Portland’s lush natural environment.