Portland State vs Seattle U: Campus environment and housing?

Hello! I'm trying to decide between Portland State and Seattle University, and I'm curious about the campus environment and housing options at both schools. Any feedback on how these two schools compare in terms of student life, campus aesthetic, and dorm quality is greatly appreciated!

Hi there! I can definitely give you some insight comparing the campus environment and housing at Portland State University (PSU) and Seattle University (SU). Let's look at them one-by-one:

1. Campus environment:

- Portland State: PSU's campus is located right in downtown Portland, giving students easy access to city life. The campus itself has a more urban feel, featuring a mix of modern and traditional buildings. PSU also has several green spaces throughout the campus, which serve as great spots for studying and socializing.

- Seattle University: SU is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, so it also offers a city-based campus experience. However, Capitol Hill is Seattle's most diverse and vibrant neighborhood, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options nearby, so you'll experience a more particular kind of city life here. The campus is also more traditional with green spaces, gardens, and predominantly red-brick buildings.

2. Housing:

- Portland State: PSU offers a variety of housing options ranging from traditional residence halls to suite-style living arrangements. Housing costs vary depending on the building and room type, but there is something to fit most budgets.

- Seattle University: SU has several residence halls primarily for first-year and sophomore students. Housing options include traditional dormitory-style rooms and suite-style living. SU's housing costs also vary, but they tend to be on par with PSU.

3. Student life:

- Portland State: Being a commuter-heavy school, PSU's student life is a bit different from that of a traditional college. There's still a strong sense of community, but many students live off-campus or have jobs in Portland, which can affect the campus atmosphere. However, there are a lot of opportunities for students to get involved through clubs, organizations, and campus activities.

- Seattle University: SU, on the other hand, has a more traditional "college feel" with its campus life. While many students do also live and work off-campus, there's still a close-knit community. SU offers a wide array of organizations, both academic and social, as well as sports teams and campus events.

In summary, deciding between Portland State and Seattle University really comes down to your personal preferences. PSU offers an urban campus in the heart of a downtown metro area with a commuter-style atmosphere, while SU has a slightly more traditional college feel in a vibrant city neighborhood. Fortunately, both schools have solid housing options to fit various preferences and budgets. Good luck with your decision!