Finding your way at Portland State

Have you found yourself dropped into unfamiliar territory? Miles away from everything you know or love? Strap on your ruby slippers, and fear not–here are some things you should know about your new school and home.

One of the most economical pieces of advice I have to offer is to utilize public transportation.

There are those who refuse to ride, stating reasons such as inconvenient schedule times and crowded, less than sanitary riding conditions. However, if you pay close attention to the schedules and arrive at bus/MAX/streetcar stops just a few minutes early, you should have minimal problems. And while the bus may not be the most fragrant and glamorous option, it is a small inconvenience for what it offers.

Students can save nearly $200 on gas costs each month by riding public transit. Making use of this service also is the green way to go, reducing your carbon footprint.

If you’re a people person, it can be a great way to meet fellow students and commuters. As far as the dirt, you can always keep your hands in your lap and some hand sanitizer in your bag. FlexPasses are available through Portland State at a reduced cost.

If you choose to use public transportation and you are not up for conversation with strangers in the wee hours, I would strongly suggest investing in a set of headphones. Even if you have nothing to plug them into, the visual deterrent they provide to other riders is all it takes.

This also comes in handy in fending off what I call the Clipboard Army. These are the crowds of salesman and organization members that swoop down upon campus, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s The Birds. While it is possible that they have important things to say, and great causes, if you are short on time and/or money, you will want to avoid them. Offering them a polite but stern “no” just doesn’t seem to work in most instances.

Portland offers many different experiences to the unseasoned student. I realize that vegan cuisine is not for everyone, but you might just find that you like it. There’s also a wealth of other foods that, up until moving here, I had never tasted: Thai, Indian, Mediterranean and Japanese. If you’re going to gain that freshman 15, you might as well enjoy it.

Discover biking.

Regardless of the feud between the bicyclists and cars, it can be great fun to bike around downtown. Just be sure you are aware of traffic–there have been many incidents with cars and it seems everyone has chosen a side. I firmly believe we can all get along if we are conscious and cautious.

Research what bike-related events there are in Portland (and there are a lot!) and do as much as you can. It will be worth the time.

With that said, don’t lose your own identity while you are here. It can be tempting to forget where you came from, and be afraid to express your own opinions and beliefs because they might offend others. Don’t lose yourself. Speak up–in class, in groups you might join and in your community. Just because others may not agree with you, that does not mean your input is not valuable.

In my own experience, there are some students at Portland State who will smash you down if you are not on the bandwagon with their cause. Using big words and being passionate about their beliefs does not necessarily make those people smarter than you. Be passionate about your own beliefs, while listening to others.

Everyone has something to learn about everyone else. Trying to please everyone is a lost cause. It is possible to be yourself while still exploring how you feel, and how others view the world. The trick is to always question what you hear and see.

As a student at Portland State, the most crucial part of your stay here is your education. Make the most of it. I love that the university allows you to take control of your own edification. You are responsible for making sure you take the required courses. You are free to take courses that many other schools would not even offer–take advantage of that. However, realize that with the freedom college offers comes responsibility.

I have heard many complaints from students who feel there is not enough guidance at PSU. It is true that there is not a set outline for most majors. You are not assigned an advisor who takes you through each step of the process.

In all legal and moral senses of the idea, you are an adult now. You must learn to stand on your own two feet and take charge of what you are learning and taking in from your life. There are many professors and administrators who may help you with your journey.

However, you must make the decisions for what is best for you. Make the best of your years at PSU and of the outrageous nonresident tuition you are paying to attend. Well, that is another story.

Instead of being a stranger in a strange land, immerse yourself in the culture that is your education at Portland State. Expect the unexpected and welcome it. Follow the yellow brick road to this emerald (moss-covered) city and enjoy the experience.