Frequently Asked Questions

- Will I get the room I want?
- What if I don't get along with my roommate?
- What if I need something fixed or replaced in my room?
- Where do first year students live?
- I need a place to store my stuff for the summer. How can I do this?
- I have a Yahoo! account, but I do not get the Housing emails.
Will I get the room I want?
Housing Assignments are made on a first come, first serve basis. This means that your assignment priority is based on the date we receive your completed contract. The earlier you submit your contract, the more likely you are to get the housing you want. Housing contracts are currently available - to be included in the first round of assignments for Fall 2012 and to be GUARANTEED a spot, please complete your contract no later than March 23, 2012.
Housing assignments are also affected by your building and room preferences. For first year students, your choices are to live in Ondine or Broadway. You will be asked to select your preference between the two, and if your first choice can not be accommodated, you will be placed in the default second choice.
For non-first year students or those over 20 years of age, if you choose a very specific room and/or a specific building, the Housing Office will have limited options to assign you the housing you want. You will be limited to select 3 choices, based on the 10 buildings available. If you indicate a preference for a single room and select more than one building, you will increase your chances of getting a single.
What if I don't get along with my roommate?
You should first try to resolve the issue with your roommate. If you feel uncomfortable trying to resolve the issue alone, you have staff available to help. You should speak with your Resident Assistant (RA) on your floor or in your building or your Area Coordinator (AC) to try to resolve the issues with your roommate. If your problems cannot be resolved, you can go to the University Housing office and submit a Room Transfer Request (RTR). Transfers take place in all quarters except Spring and Summer, and happen once the Housing Freeze is lifted (during the 3rd week of the term).
What if I need something fixed or replaced in my room?
All maintenance problems should be reported as soon as they are discovered. If you have a maintenance problem in your room/unit, please complete a Maintenance Request online on our website through your Housing Portal Login. If you have a maintenance emergency, please visit the University Housing Office, Montgomery Area Desk between the hours of 9am-midnight, call the Resident Assistant On-Call number, or contact a Housing or Residence Life staff member immediately.
Where do first year students live?
All first year students at PSU who want campus housing are required to live in the First Year Experience (FYE). The First Year Experience (FYE) program is located on the lower floors of the Ondine and Broadway Buildings. Resident Assistants and Learning Communities Assistants reside on the floors of the First Year Experience Program to help first year students get to know one another, the university and the city. Educational and social programs are held regularly, and assistance is available to aid students in navigating the University System.
Students in the FYE program will also be able to select one of five different Themed Housing Community options. These options will surround themes in Health & Wellness, Cultural Diversity & Awareness, Substance/Tobacco Free, Quiet, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math majors. Selection of one of these within FYE will place you on a floor with other students that have similiar interests. For more information, please go to First Year Experience.
Within the First Year Experience, there are three additional Living Learning Communities (LLCs) that first year students can choose from. These LLCs require students on the floor to be enrolled in the same Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ) course. Each course and community has approximately 30 students. This floor also has the benefit of an LCA (Learning Community Assistant) who works with faculty and the course theme to put together course-specific programming. Should you select an LLC within FYE, please keep in mind that upon receiving your housing assignment, you will be enrolled into the corresponding course. Please keep this in mind when registering for classes during Orientation!
FYE FRINQ in Global Leadership: This LLC will explore an examination of 'Leadership' and what it means to be a leader today, across cultural and global perspectives. To participate in this community you will be enrolled in a special edition of the Freshman Inquiry, called "On Democracy" taught my Christopher Carey.
FYE FRINQ in Sustainability: This LLC will teach students more about the practical and theoretical approaches to sustainable living. It will enhance your academic and social experience by encouraging community participation, promotes financial sustainability, and encourages examination of public-private partnerships within the community. To participate in this community you will be enrolled in a special edition of the Freshman Inquiry, called "Sustainability" taught by Jeff Fletcher.
FYE FRINQ in Work of Art: Click here
For a visual diagram of your choices as a first year student, please click here.
I need to find a place to store my stuff for the summer. How can I do this?
The University Housing Office has a vendor relationship with Pearl Self Storage, located in the downtown area of Portland. They not only offer the best rates around, they also have a U-Haul available for rent through them. That means that if you make arrangements with them, you can arrange to pick up a truck, and transport your stuff to their storage location! Stop by the Housing Office for a flier or more details. Fliers offer 50% off of your first month's rent, so don't miss out!
Yahoo! Email Problems
Yahoo! occasionally rejects PSU email. Remember, it's your responsibility to ensure you receive emails - both from your pdx.edu account and otherwise!
