Hey, Westsiders! Break out of your bubble and cross the damn river. The Portland Streetcar is free for students. This form of transportation can get you to some of the coolest parts of town. From campus hop on the B Loop, get off at Southeast Grand Avenue and Stark Street, walk about 10 minutes and you’ll find yourself at Base Camp Brewery. Bam. Easy as pie. Explore the endless destinations you can get to for free here: portlandstreetcar.org/schedules
Need some new funky-fresh beats to boogie to class to, but too broke to afford Spotify preems? No need to fear! If you’ve been living under a rock then you haven’t heard about Spotify’s 50-percent-off student discount. Get Spotify Premium for a mere $4.99 per month. You’re welcome.
We could all stand to be a bit more cultured—don’t deny it. We all know the last time you really read through an entire book (Barnes & Noble called, they want their bookmark back) was far too long ago to remember. So until the day comes when you can actually read for pleasure again, head on down to the Portland Art Museum for their student discounted fee of $20…for the entire year!
There is a magical place on campus called the PSU Food Pantry where you can get FREE food. Yep, that’s right, your eyes are not deceiving you. All the produce and bread you want. Although canned goods and perishables are limited to five items per student, you can go as often as you want throughout the week. Their hours are Monday through Friday 12:30–2:30 p.m. in the basement of Smith Memorial Student Union, to the right of the bowling alley. Be sure to bring your own bags and get in line early!
You stay classy, fashionistas and grab your 10 percent discount from ASOS.com. The online store, whose name I will never be certain how to pronounce (do you only say the letters or is it pronounced ace-os?), has some amazing sale days where you can stock up on all your fashion needs. And gentlemen, no need to worry—their men’s clothing is on point.
Rain or shine the Harvest Share comes to campus every second Monday of the month. Located just outside Shattuck Hall (you’ll see the long-ass line), stock up on all your fruits and veggies. You are limited to one of each kind of vegetable or fruit per person and you gots to bring your own bags, but hey, it’s free! Partnered with the Oregon Food Bank, Portland State is trying to increase healthy food choices among students, so thanks PSU!
These are only a few of the wonderful things Portland has to offer its students. Go spend a day in Powell’s, take a hike through Forest Park—whatever you do, do it with style.
