As summer draws nearer, many Oregon State University students prepare to spend the season in Corvallis, whether to take classes, work jobs, or simply enjoy the town. Although OSU’s campus will soon become much quieter, there will still be plenty of activities in the area, including numerous services provided by the university for students during the offseason. 

University Housing & Dining Services provides summer housing in the International Living-Learning Center, and operations will continue in Arnold Dining Center, including the Service Center. According to UHDS Director of Operations and Facilities Brian Stroup, approximately 200 students in total have signed up to stay in the ILLC over the summer, with students in on-campus apartments also staying year-round.

“Students can also check food.oregonstate.edu over the summer for what additional café or retail locations may be open,” Stroup said. “Other buildings on campus such as the Valley Library and Dixon Recreation Center are open, but their hours vary.”

Starting on June 22, the Valley Library will be open on Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with separate hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The full schedule can be viewed on the library’s website.

Stroup also said that in addition to the routine maintenance and deep cleaning that the school’s buildings receive over the summer, this year, the B wing of Weatherford Hall and the fourth floor of the ILLC will be renovated. 

A word of warning for students staying on campus is that residence halls are not equipped with air conditioning. Stroup said that on especially hot days, UHDS will provide information on where the cooling locations are and tips on how to stay cool. 

Off campus, the city of Corvallis has plenty to offer students over the summer as well. Noemi Montoya, a fourth year Elementary Education major, has spent the last three summers in the Corvallis area, during which she has explored all around town.

One major highlight for Montoya is the Corvallis Farmers Market, which has been organized downtown every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. since April, and will be running through November. She also pointed out the Majestic Theatre and natural areas like Avery Park and Bald Hill as prime summer destinations.

The Peavy Arboretum, a research forest managed by OSU, has numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and is located relatively close to town.

“Everything’s pretty walkable,” Montoya said. “If there’s an event to go to, you can just walk over there or use the free transportation in Corvallis.”

The Corvallis Transit System’s city buses will continue to run over the summer, though some routes will adopt adjusted schedules. The Beaver Bus will also continue operations, excluding the LBCC Corvallis Route.