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| Oregon
University System (OUS)
1. Can we really find housing in 2 to 4 days? Yes. It is much easier to find housing (apartments and rooms for rent) in Portland, Corvallis, Eugene, etc., than in Germany. Past students have routinely been able to find housing in 3-4 days. To increase your chances of finding housing quickly, we recommend that you keep an open mind and remain flexible with regard to various living arrangements and apartment/housing styles, location, and price. The more picky you are, the longer it will take to find your 'ideal' housing. The best thing to do is to listen to the advice of the PSU graduate student staff who are helping you. Please see the Online Resources section of this Web site for housing resource information.
2. Ideally, I'd like to live in a well kept, furnished house, in a good location, that is shared by other Americans and/or international students. Is this possible? This type of housing does exist, but the number is small. Please note that it may be difficult to find that 'perfect' housing with 'perfect' roommates in an ideal location at the price you want. It is important to keep an open mind and be willing to compromise on certain criteria, whether it be location, price, tidiness, furnishing, interior décor, type of roommates, etc. In other words one must not be too picky.
3. Will there be enough time in the schedule to accomplish all that we need to do (find housing, furniture, register for class, get university ID card, buy books, buy a bike or car, get an Oregon drivers license, shopping, etc.)? YES. Although it looks impossible now, trust us, we will help you accomplish all that you need to do to in order to set up your new life and get ready for school. You will have time in the last afternoons (after the Orientation sessions finish) and in the evenings to do things. On Wednesday morning, September 7, UO, OSU, and WOU students will be able to visit their respective campuses. During this time you will be able to meet with your international student adviser, get your student ID card, and your university computer account. Wednesday afternoon, September 7 and all day Friday, September 9, will be devoted to helping you look for housing. If you do not get everything taken care of, you still will have one week after the orientation before classes begin for settling in, shopping, registering for classes, etc. For students going to EOU and SOU, we can assist you with making temporary housing arrangements in La Grande and Ashland if needed.
4. Do I need to bring anything special for the Orientation? Be sure to bring: sunscreen, your swimsuit (for the rafting trip), sandals or shoes for the rafting trip, sunglasses, a hat, good walking shoes, shorts, long pants, light jacket, both short and long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirt or sweater (the evenings may be cool & breezy, especially during the camping trip), an umbrella, and of course, your camera. If you plan to travel a lot during your stay in the U.S., we recommend bringing a sleeping bag. If you plan go camping a lot, you might also want to bring your camping equipment (if you already own it). Some university Outdoor Clubs will also rent camping equipment. PSU's Outdoor Program will provide camping equipment for the Oregon Coast camping trip during Week 2. However this equipment may be old. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag and equipment if you wish.
5. How much does housing usually cost? It depends on where you live, on the size of the unit, and the utilities & amenities that are included. Because it's a big city, housing in Portland is more expensive. In Corvallis and Eugene, be careful about looking for the "cheapest deal." In these towns, "cheap" is synonymous with poor quality. Here is a sample of monthly housing prices:
Please see the Online Resources section of this Web site for additional housing information. 6. There is so much to do. Where should I begin? We'll provide you with a checklist of "Things to do" and the order in which to do them. Follow this list and the advice given to you during the orientation sessions, and you'll be able to get everything done.
7. Where can I buy inexpensive furnishings for my apartment or room? You can find inexpensive household goods at: Yard
Sales (People selling things in front of their house) Classified Ads in the local newspaper "For Sale" Signs posted around campus Discount Stores, such as:
8. Should I buy a car while I'm in the US? In Portland it is very easy to live without a car. If you will be living in Corvallis, Monmouth, La Grande, or Ashland you might want to consider buying a car. These are medium to small size towns that do not have public transportation. Getting to the store may be difficult if you don't have a car. A bicycle is good; but riding a bicycle in the cold, rainy winter (or snow in La Grande) is not very pleasant. Because of the size of these towns (and the remote location in the case of La Grande), having a car will enable you to get out of town when you want to. Of course, it is possible to get by without a car. You can always find a friend with a car or rent a car. Past BW students have lived in these places with and without owning a car. If you plan to travel a lot, you may also want to consider buying a car. Another alternative to buying a car is to rent a car for short trips/vacations over the holidays. During the orientation we will discuss the pros and cons / dos and don'ts of buying a car. We will also provide advice on buying car insurance, getting an Oregon driver's license, and highway safety.
9. How much should I budget for living expenses? The following is a rough estimate of living expenses in Oregon.
10. I'd like to join this orientation, buy I'm not a Baden-Württemberg exchange student. Is this possible? Yes. But you must pay the full, unsubsidized program fee of $780, for the two-week Orientation), or $430.00 for PART 1/ WEEK 1, or $350 for PART 2 / WEEK 2.
11. I will attend EOU in La Grande or SOU in Ashland. Will this Orientation be useful for me? And what are these towns like? You will be able to apply all of the information you learned in the Orientation in Portland to you living situation in La Grande or Ashland. Unfortunately, because La Grande and Ashland are both over a 5-hour drive from Portland, we will not be able to take you there on Sept. 7th or 9th for apartment hunting. Do not let this worry you. The faculty, staff, and advisers at EOU and SOU will be able to assist you with all of your needs upon your arrival. The best way to learn about EOU/La Grande and SOU/Ashland is to talk with current or past BW participants who have studied there. Both La Grande and Ashland are small towns located very near the mountains. La Grande is primarily a logging and cattle ranching community. Anthony Lakes Ski Area is nearby. Be sure to bring your skis and plenty of winter clothes. Ashland is best known for it's Shakespeare Festival that runs from February to October. If you like outdoor recreation, you'll enjoy living in these two areas. Refer to the Online Resources page for additional information about Ashland and La Grande.
12. What is Corvallis and Eugene like? Both are "university/college towns." Corvallis is more conservative than Eugene and Portland. Eugene is known for its liberal, hippy, counter-culture. The students and community people in both Corvallis and Eugene are HUGE American college football fans. Both schools have excellent teams. For additional information about Corvallis and Eugene, please see the Online Resources page.
13. What is Monmouth like? Monmouth is a very small "university/college town." It is just outside the city of Salem, Oregon's capital. For additional information about Monmouth and Salem, please the Online Resources page.
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