12 Norms Any Portland State Student Can Relate To
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

12 Norms Any Portland State Student Can Relate To

Portland State is truly a special place.

70
12 Norms Any Portland State Student Can Relate To

Whether you have attended or are attending Portland State University, you know it is a school with a unique atmosphere that we've become accustomed to. Our differentiations became our norms and we experience an outcast-type university every day; and that is just the way we like it.

Here are 12 things any PSU student or alumni can relate to.

1. Jaywalking.

If you aren't jaywalking at PSU's campus then you're most likely a freshman, a tourist or an elder. It's almost strange if you don't jaywalk. The closer you are to getting hit by a car, the cooler you become.

2. The crows.

We all know that Hitchcock feeling the Park Blocks give in the winter. There are literally thousands of crows above us all the time, and it is frightening.

3. The Segway tours.

Comes with sandals and socks.

4. The Par Block shenanigans.

The Park Blocks are never a dull time when it comes to people-watching. Whether it's street musicians, canvassers, protesters or that guy who rolls around in an office chair, the blocks give entertainment on a daily level.

5. Secondhand smoke.

Why buy cigarettes when you can just get your nicotine fix by walking through PSU? The campus called itself "smoke free" this year, but whether it is tobacco or a joint, the clouds keep coming.

6. Street preachers.

You haven't been to PSU long enough if you haven't been told you are going to hell. Street preachers of all kinds like to come to our campus and tell us all about the "good word."

7. Parking Hell.

Three hundred seventy-nine dollars per quarter, $12 to $15 for day passes, and rarely is there parking anywhere unless you go so high up the parking garages your nose starts to bleed.

8. The seasons.

One of the greatest and most fascinating things to see is the changing of seasons at Portland State. The trees represent all four seasons in the year and give us complete eye candy.

9. The rent.

We (or our parents) all know the struggle of paying insanely high rent. It may not be San Francisco prices, but we Oregonians are not used to this.

10. Public transit.

"Doors on my right." "Doors are closing." "Please hold on." "Train is departing."

You know the drill.

11. Brochures and signatures.

"Don't make eye contact, don't make eye contact, don't make eye contact..."

"Hi would you like the sign for the 'Saving of the Geckos Project?'"

"...Sure."

12. The vibe.

With all this said, Portland State is truly a special place filled with diversity, culture, and a certain vibe that is hard to beat. The students have an "all in this together" type of attitude. We're underrated and we don't care, because we don't need someone else's approval to be rad.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94352
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments