Student Checklist
Below you'll find a list of the tasks that you shall accomplish prior to start of your first term. We know that the more familiar you are with academic requirements, student services, and the registration process the less overwhelmed you'll feel at Orientation and the prepared you'll be for the start of classes. Be sure to check back again soon as this page is currently being revised.
Prior to Orientation:
| PSU Computing Account (Odin) |
Once you're admitted to PSU, one of the first things that you'll want to do is to create your Odin, or PSU computing, account. To get started, read the instructions on your letter of admission or, for help, call 503-725-HELP(4357). |
| Financial Aid |
Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible if you've not already. Check the status of your financial aid award at https://my.pdx.edu |
| Academic Advising | Prior to attending Orientation, be sure that you review Portland State's undergraduate curriculum. |
| University Housing |
We hope that you'll consider living on campus -- apply for housing as soon as possible to ensure you have a room for your first term. |
| Overnight accommodations | Visitors to PSU can take advantage of our conference housing at a special rate. |
Prior to the start of the term:
| Submit paperwork | A list of required and recommended paperwork that should be submitted before the term begins...(more) |
| Dining Plans | PSU offers a variety of dining and meal plans for PSU students...(more) |
| Student ID cards | How to obtain and activate your PSU Student ID card...(more) |
| Paying Tuition and Fees | Learn about your PSU One card, student accounts and how to pay college tuition and fees...(more) |
| Health Services | PSU offers health and dental services on campus for PSU students...(more) |
| Buy Textbooks | Purchase your textbooks from the PSU Bookstore...(more) |
| Transportation | There are many transportation options that you can use to travel to PSU...(more) |
| Future Terms | Information useful for your future terms at PSU...(more) |
Submit All Applicable Paperwork:
- High school transcripts (submit to Admissions Office)
- Official college transcripts (submit to Admissions Office)
- Test scores (submit to Admissions Office)
- Proof of measles vaccination/exemption (submit to Student Health & Counseling Office)
- Financial aid materials (submit to Financial Aid Office)
- Housing (submit to Housing Office)
- Your PSU student ID card will be mailed to your current address 4-6 weeks prior to the start of your first term. You will have the opportunity to have your photo taken for your ID card at Orientation.
- For information about the PSU One Card, please check http://www.pdx.edu/bao/onecard.html.
- If you still need to submit your proof of measles vaccination, please submit this as soon as possible to the Center for Student Health and Counseling on the corner of Sixth and Hall. International students must submit this prior to registering for classes for your first term.
- Detailed information regarding student health and dental services, including insurance, may be found at http://www.pdx.edu/shac/.
Students must be registered for classes prior to purchasing a transit FlexPass or a student parking permit
Public Transportation:
As PSU is located in downtown Portland, parking on campus is limited. We therefore encourage that students walk, bike, or utilize public transit. A student FlexPass provides PSU students with all-zone access to the MAX light-rail, buses, and the Portland Streetcar operated by Tri-Met(http://www.tri-met.org/). During fall, winter and spring terms, the FlexPass is available to all students registered for at least 3 credit hours for about $190 per term. The FlexPass must be purchased in-person at the Transportation and Parking office which is located on the first floor of the Academic and Student Recreation Center facing Sixth Avenue. For information, visit http://www.transportation.pdx.edu.
Parking:
Students who plan to park on campus should purchase a PSU student permit as early as possible once they go on sale. There are a variety of permit options ranging from $74 to $318 per term. Permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and often sell out. The Transportation and Parking office is located on the first floor of the Academic and Student Recreation Center facing Sixth Avenue. For information, visit http://www.transportation.pdx.edu.
- Portland State University's dining services offer a wide range of meal plans that can be purchased, including a declining balance plan. For more information on these plans, please refer to the PSU Dining web page.
- Purchase textbooks at PSU Bookstore (beginning 1-3 weeks prior to the start of the term). It is important to wait until this time to purchase textbooks as any books purchased prior to this date may not be eligible for a full refund should you need to return the book. Books may also be purchased on the web at www.portlandstatebookstore.com.
- Meet with an academic adviser to plan future terms, in the Undergraduate Advising and Support Center and your Major department or college.
- For future terms, students register for classes based on their class standing (e.g. Senior, Junior, Sophomore, Freshman). Registration information will be available in the Schedule of Classes published online each term on the Registration website. You are held financially accountable for all courses for which you register even if you never attend class. If you no longer want to take a course, you must drop the course early in order to recieve up to a 100% refund for the course tuition. Drop/add dates, refund period dates, and other important dates may be found in the Academic Calendar. As summer courses operate on a vastly different time schedule, view the Summer term Schedule of Classes for respective dates.
Please contact the Orientation and Campus Visits office with any additional questions or concerns,
(503) 725-5555, toll free (800) 547-8887 ext. 55555, orientation@pdx.edu
