
Portland State University's urban downtown campus requires first-year students living more than 25 miles away to live on campus for their first academic year, with residence halls including Broadway, Joseph C. Blumel, and Ondine Halls, all part of a First Year Experience (FYE) program built around helping students transition to campus life.
Enrollment
15,900
Total Students
Freshman Class
3,975
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Sep 24-27, 2026
Fall 2026 (completed)
Acceptance Rate
91%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
Check-in time is based on your last name and building - find your specific building's move-in guide to determine your exact date and time. Residents can check in after their assigned timeslot but not prior; the Broadway Service Desk stays open until 10pm for late check-ins. Most residents do not keep a car on campus, relying instead on MAX light rail, bus, streetcar, or walking and biking.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Move-in runs September 24-27, 2026, with check-in times assigned by building and last name. Early arrival on September 24 offers the most time slots, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for some buildings.
- Check-in location
- Broadway and Ondine residents check in at their own building lobbies; Blumel, St. Helens, and Stephen Epler residents check in at Hoffmann Hall. Late arrivals can use the Broadway Service Desk until 10 p.m. daily.
- Parking
- Broadway/Ondine movers should use the nearby downtown parking structure closest to Broadway, with 75-minute loading-zone permits available until 4:30 p.m. on September 24. Blumel/Stephen Epler/St. Helens movers should use the parking structure near 12th Avenue.
- What you'll receive
- Bring your PSU ID card or a government-issued photo ID to receive your move-in folder and keys at check-in.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Large U-Hauls and commercial box trucks are discouraged given limited street parking - if you have an oversized vehicle, consider alternative parking or a smaller rental van. Parking structure height limits also apply, so check clearance if driving a taller vehicle.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
Residence halls (4)
Open to undergraduates (first-year students may be able to live here)
Broadway Hall
Ondine Hall
St. Helens Court
Stephen Epler Hall
Apartments (1)
Apartment-style housing, usually for upperclass students
Blumel Hall
Apartment ยท Coed
Housing Links
Who can live where
- Residence halls:
- Not marked first-year only, so they may also house returning students. Assignment follows the school's housing process.
- Apartments:
- Apartment-style housing, often for sophomores and up. Confirm eligibility with the housing office.
Eligibility rules vary and can change. Check with the housing office.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - September 21, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$13,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- CVS Pharmacy0.8 miles
- Walgreens3.3 miles
- Target5.3 miles
- Walmart6.5 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Portland State University.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.
Dates last checked September 2026.