As you return to campus after summer break, many of you are looking for places to hang out or grab a bite to eat that won’t deplete your bank account. Luckily, PSU’s urban campus gives you access to tons of tasty, fun and affordable options (and free and low-cost ways to get to them). Whether you’re looking for a place to grab lunch between classes, take a break from studying or get your caffeine fix, here’s a roundup of some student-tested favorites that won’t break the bank.
CHEAP EATS AND DRINKS
Phat Cart, 420 SW College St.
This food cart turned brick-and-mortar spot offers Asian fusion food for a great price, and is an all-time student favorite for grabbing lunch near campus. Students recommend the Crispy Chicken Bento, which comes loaded with fried chicken, veggies, rice and aioli, as well as the Larb Poke Tuna Bowl, featuring Ahi tuna, crushed roasted brown rice, arugula and a spicy Thai lime vinaigrette. Phat Cart also has breakfast offerings and an inventive cocktail list.
Sesame Donuts, 1503 SW Park Ave.
Sesame Donuts is conveniently located on the Park Blocks, just a short walk from campus. It’s independent and family-run, and has the best deal on donuts you’ll find near PSU! And they don’t just offer donuts — stop in for a bagel, croissant or variety of caffeinated beverages. Sesame Donuts is definitely one to put on your budget-friendly list.
Harrison Food Carts, 979 SW Harrison St.
There’s no shortage of food carts to enjoy near campus, but some of the most beloved are in the pod on Harrison, just north of the library. Home Taste, Sheesh, Asian Fusion and Khao Niew Lao nearly lost their spots on campus last year due to wastewater regulation changes, but were saved after a campus outcry. Grab an affordable meal (a musubi is only four bucks!) and eat on the picnic tables near the carts, or beneath the trees in the Park Blocks.
Bobacat Tea House, 1924 SW Broadway
We all know that Portland is a coffee lover’s paradise, but what about those of us that prefer tea? And if you need your tea to include the word bubble, be sure to check out Bobacat, a cozy teahouse on Broadway. This beloved shop is conveniently located near Fariborz Maseeh Hall and across the street from Shattuck Hall, so you can grab an affordably-priced boba before or after class. And they’re open until 9 p.m., if you need a hit of caffeine while studying. For a few more bucks, you can pick up a croffle — croissant waffle — with toppings like banana, Nutella and cream.
Portland Farmers Market, 1803 SW Park Ave.
The Portland Farmers Market in the Park Blocks is a city institution, and no PSU student should graduate without walking through the market at least once. Held every Saturday morning throughout the year (except for the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s), the market is a bustling community event that brings together the best produce and offerings local growers and makers have to offer. While picking up fresh veggies and more, you can also sample items like fruit, cheese, freshly-fried tortilla chips and locally-grown hazelnuts; grab a breakfast burrito from the famous Enchanted Sun cart; or just sit on the grass and listen to whichever musician is closest. If you have SNAP benefits, be sure to stop by the information tent to learn about Double Up Food Bucks, a program that will match up to $20 on purchases of fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans and more.
AFFORDABLE ARTS AND CULTURE
Washington Park, 4033 SW Canyon Rd.
Washington Park is an easy walk or bus ride from campus, and contains some of the most beautiful views in the city. Stroll through the famous International Rose Test Garden, a tiered garden of more than 10,000 rose bushes that represents more than 600 different varieties, usually in bloom from May through October. From there, walk through a few of the 12 miles of hiking trails in stunning Hoyt Arboretum and learn about the 2,300 species of trees and shrubs that conservationists have nurtured there. If you’re really feeling like a hike, climb up to the grounds of Pittock Mansion, home of the former Oregonian owner Henry Pittock. On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood rising in the distance. And the best part? All of this is free to access.
Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St.
Portland’s famous bookstore, Powell’s, is a student’s home away from home. It sprawls over an entire city block and is an easy (and free with your PSU ID) streetcar ride from campus. It’s all too easy to get lost in the stacks and spend an entire afternoon reading and browsing the excellent selection of new and used books. If you need a pick-me-up, the café inside the store offers coffee and treats. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day, and free — unless you’re tempted by a new title from your favorite author. Powell’s also has free readings and talks by prominent local and national authors in both their downtown Portland and Beaverton locations.
5th Ave Cinema, 510 SW Hall St.
5th Avenue Cinema is PSU’s on-campus, student-run cinema house. They screen an eclectic selection of camp, cult, classic and contemporary independent and mainstream films — things that you can’t ordinarily watch on the big screen. Admission is free for PSU students, faculty, staff and alumni. Best of all, there is free popcorn at every show.
Viking Gameroom, Smith Memorial Student Union
Some students aren’t aware that there is a bowling alley right on campus! Grab a few friends and head to the basement of Smith Memorial Student Union, where you’ll find six Brunswick regulation-length bowling lanes with automatic scoring system, automated bumpers and options in classic or cosmic environments. It’s only $3 per game plus a $1 shoe rental. If bowling’s not your thing, you can rent one of five billiards (pool) tables for only six bucks an hour. They also have Xbox One gaming systems and screens available for only $3.60 an hour, with a game library that includes FIFA 24, Madden NFL 24, NBA2K24 and Minecraft — or bring your own to play there!
Vikings Athletics, various locations
PSU students get free admission to all NCAA Division 1 Vikings Athletics events! The PSU men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams play on campus inside the state-of-the-art Viking Pavilion, where students can often get free food and swag while supporting their teams. The women’s soccer, softball and football teams play at Hillsboro Stadium, and the athletics department provides free bus transportation for students to attend the fall football games. PSU teams compete in the Big Sky Conference and have frequent matchups with in-state rivals Oregon, Oregon State and University of Portland. Visit goviks.com to see upcoming schedules and learn more.
Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave.
Just a few blocks away from campus, the Portland Art Museum — one of the premier art museums in the area — has a variety of discounted and free ticket options for students. Pick up a College Student Pass, good for a year of free entry, for only $25. They also participate in Arts for All, so if you have SNAP, you can get two tickets for only $5 each. Every first Thursday of the month is free, and you can also reserve free passes through the Multnomah County Library. And don’t forget that PSU has a free art gallery right on campus, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU, which showcases some of the most unique and cutting-edge art in the city.
No matter how you like to spend your free time, you’re sure to find it in Portland. And with a little know-how, you don’t have to let a lack of funds stop you from enjoying what makes our city and campus great. This list is only the beginning — so get out there and explore!