Admissions

Get involved in every and any club in which you have an interest. This school is full of oppotunities, people to meet, and places to go, but you have to put in a little of the leg work to network to these groups.

Don't be afraid to ask question, whether it be to a neighbor, professor, hall director, etc. Joining clubs and other activities help you to meet other people which make living on campus a lot easier. Take advantage of the free events (ex. movies, coffee, field trips, etc.) because youre paying for the steep tuition. Don't be lazy, search for scholarships!

Don't let yourself get trapped in the UP bubble. (This is something my friends and I have to remind ourselves every year) So, don't be lazy about taking advantage of the public transportation system and make plans to go out and explore Portland. The school is located on a bluff in NW Portland, but that shouldn't stop you from going out to places like Alberta Street, Mississippi Avenue, NW 23rd Street, or even downtown Portland. The public transportation system is super easy to navigate and if you have any questions or concerns, your Freshman Workshop Leader can be your guide to the city (you'll find out who/what that is later in the summer... expect a call from them!)

Definitely push yourself to get involved. There are a lot of awesome clubs and organizations with caring and talented individuals ready to meet you. Just remember that what you get from these clubs, organizations, and people, depends on the amount of effort you put in to contribute.

Go visit the campus for yourself and take advantage of being a student for a day or even spend the night with a current UP student. Being exposed to the campus and classes will give you a feel if UP is the place for you.

Study Abroad! I did the year long program to Salzburg, Austria and it was the best experience of my life (and cost me less than if I'd stayed on campus)! The University of Portland encourages all of its students to study abroad and therefore makes it possible for everyone. No matter what your major is you can make it happen!

Over the summer prepare and exercise routine, the food at UP is very good and if you aren't careful enough that can be an issue. The next important thing is to get used to rain. Lastly, focus on work and family, UP isn't cheap, and family is always needed to help pay.

Go in for a prospective student tour/interview. Even if you are already admitted to the school, this interview helped me to understand UP better and made my college decision easier. Plus, you get a free t-shirt!

Visit campus. Attend a few classes and consider spending the night. You need to know that it is a good fit for you.

Get involved early with any and every club that you can. Also keep your room door open during the day if you're in there, people will stop by and say hi and hang our.

Visit the campus and get a feel for the school. It may be more expensive, but it is so worth it.