For those incoming PSU students who will be living on campus, having 10 buildings to choose from isn’t something to do blindly. Each building offers different things—room type, size, amenities, cost and location. The university is also working with students and developers to change housing to meet the needs of a growing student population.
So, what is a student who plans to reside on campus getting into?
The Blackstone
This building is five stories tall and located north of the library on the Park Blocks. Sleeper units have community bathrooms that feature both bathtubs and showers. The other units offer tubs only. Not a huge commitment to sustainability. Like all buildings, it has a laundry facility and nearby parking in PSU parking structures. This building is about mid-range in pricing for on-campus housing, running from $1,310 a term if you are willing to share a one-bedroom with a roommate, up to $3,635 a term for a single student to occupy a two-bedroom unit. Of course, the two-bedroom units are reserved for students with children. Located on the Park Blocks, the Blackstone is pretty central to all PSU goings-on and a great location for those who want to enjoy the Portland Farmers’ Market in the summer.
Blumel Hall
This hall is the L-shaped structure situated between Science Building 2 and Parking Structure 3. The location is fairly convenient—it’s just a few steps from the Vue Building where Starbucks and Subway are located. It’s also close to parking. Blumel is composed of 189 one-bedroom units, which range anywhere from $1,315 a term to $2,755 a term, depending on how many people you are willing to share this 500- to 600-square-foot space with. Perhaps the biggest perk is that all utilities—including phone, cable and Internet—are included in the rental price, something you would rarely find in off-campus housing.
Broadway
Broadway is, as you may have guessed, located on Broadway. While it hangs on the edge of campus, it is close to student favorites such as The Cheerful Tortoise and Chipotle, and directly across from the Campus Public Safety Office. Sustainability lovers will enjoy the eco-roof. Again, all utilities are included in the cost of rent. However, if you are a baker you may not like these apartments—while they have stove tops, there are no ovens. Every unit is a studio, and they range from $1,510–2,340 per term, cheaper if you are willing to share the small space with another student.
King Albert
This building actually features pictures on the Web site, and it looks like a really cute place. However, like the Blackstone, it only offers tubs, so those who like to conserve water might turn up their nose at King Albert. It’s a very small building, with only 64 units—all studios. It does feature the Meetro, a University-owned coffee shop, on the ground level. While these units are all unfurnished, the PSU Web site offers a solution for furniture. King Albert units cost from $1,760–2,075 a term.
Montgomery
Montgomery Court is a nice building, constructed in the early 1900s. With garden views and a very “green” feel to it, its 143 single units are furnished with bed, dresser, desk and chair. Shared bathrooms are separated by gender. Like the Blackstone, it is situated on the Park Blocks for maximum convenience to parking, campus and places to eat. Utilities are included. This is a great building for single students who want to get cozy with other students—with shared bathrooms and a new community kitchen, you will get to know your neighbors. Montgomery prices are also amongst the most reasonable, from $1,260–1,605 a term.
Ondine
Ondine is the largest of student housing—a 15-story high-rise with 216 beds total. A couple of blocks from the green lawns of the Park Blocks, it is nevertheless centrally located both to campus and to surrounding businesses, such as Hot Lips Pizza and the Student Health and Counseling Center. It also has a large variety of amenities, such as a television lounge and its own dining hall, Victor’s. A room at Ondine will cost you anywhere from $1,205–1,860 per term.
Parkway Manor
This building’s major plus is that it is on the streetcar line, which gives you easy access to the Pearl District, Powell’s Books, etc. It also offers wooden floors and a wide variety of rooms, from sleepers to two-bedroom family units. You will pay for cable, if that’s important to you, and you only have access to it if you live on the second and fifth floors. Rental rates range largely here from $1,295–3,635 a term.
The St. Helens
The apartments in this building are very similar to most apartments found in the Northwest District. They have wooden flooring and cute white kitchens with glass-door cabinets. TV buffs beware: Cable is not available in the St. Helens. However, the first-floor apartments are all ADA approved. It is also tucked near Blumel, so a little farther back from campus and a bit quieter. Very near Parking Structure 3, as well. A room at the St. Helens will set you back $1,800–2,700 per term.
Stephen E. Epler Hall
This is one of the newest housing options on campus. It also boasts a commitment to sustainability with bicycle storage and the Global Village Program takes place on the top floor. This more modern building is located on the west side of King Albert, so it’s a short walk to Hoffman Hall and the Peter Stott Center and Community Field. You can expect rental rates of $1,510–2,340 a term for these studios.
Stratford Court
From $1,335¬–2,670 a term will get you a spot in one of Stratford Court’s studios or one-bedroom units. It is also located on the streetcar line, and it’s tucked away behind Science Building 1 for a bit more privacy. It’s also close to McMenamins, Starbucks and Paccini. Featuring the coveted wood flooring, this building is fairly popular.
So there you have it, the 10 buildings of PSU on-campus housing. John Eckman, executive director of Housing and Transportation Services, said that PSU is working with American Campus Communities to increase the number of beds in housing, enhancing academic support services and improving current housing.