Portland State University

Date: Apr 06 2015
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I have had two classes out of about 15 that I have enjoyed, and even still, those classes were purely lecture based with no interactive aspects. The political science department is alright, but I would not recommend the university. The classes are incredibly easy; I don't do homework, study, and only attend about half my classes- still get all A's. I am a Freshman, but most of my courses are upper division, so it is not like I am just sitting through beginner classes. Additionally, the classes don't teach anything new. All things you would have learned in high school, are common sense, or would just read about on the internet.

Looking past academics, the other aspects aren't great either. The Housing office screws you over when you are signing up for continued housing. If, big IF, they answer emails, it is usually several days later. They claim housing is on a first come, first serve basis, and I signed up the first day of the contract opening, but they gave me one of the last timeslots for signing up. Worsening that matter is that there are four people I know who signed up three weeks later than I did that got an earlier timeslot than I. When I talked to Housing, they basically told me to deal with it because they didn't want the hassle of changing it.

Moving onto the required freshman meal plan- they claim if you have allergies, you can get out of it. But I am allergic to most of the fruits and vegetables they serve, and pork, but they still require me to stay on it. I went in to the office one time having a reaction because they cross contaminated their food (they got something I am allergic to on the spinach) and it was noticeable I was having a reaction, but they still would not let me cancel. The food at Victors is disgusting. It is undercooked, has little taste, and there is so much grease and fat (even in their healthier dishes) that is makes people sick to their stomachs.

The student life is mediocre- there are a limited number of activities, extracurriculars, greek life, etc. and they are very exclusive about who joins. I have tried to be a part of thirteen student clubs, with no luck because I don't fall under a certain race or religion. Because the school is so large, it is very difficult to make any sports teams- not just the competitive teams, but also the intramural and recreational teams.

I would not recommend this university to anyone looking to get something out of their college experience or learn anything remotely new. If I could transfer, I would.