“The college experience is a lot more than just going to your class or doing your assignments,” said Gurwinder Mann, student success services senior coordinator at INTO Oregon State University.
“It’s about building that community. It’s about exploring what’s around you and making the most of the time.”
The first step to embracing the Pacific Northwest is realizing that exploration does not have to be difficult or costly.
Anthony Zak, associate program manager at INTO OSU, has been in Oregon for 13 years and advised new explorers to “start close” and visit places that are easily accessible, especially if they do not have a car.
Right outside of campus, a world of short, easy hikes awaits. Zak suggests local spots such as Bald Hill, Fitton Green and the McDonald-Dunn Forest as a “good introduction to Oregon.”
Ethan Strickler, student success services senior coordinator and a lifelong Corvallis local, confirmed that the best part about Oregon is its nature. The nearby hikes provide “the feel—the vibe of Oregon.”
Zak also said Oregon’s proximity to spectacular landscapes is a benefit as one can be 50 minutes from the ocean and two hours from the mountains. This allows students to reach the state’s iconic destinations quickly.
Strickler, who likes the beach, named Pacific City and Cannon Beach as his favorite coastal spots.
Zak also mentioned Cannon Beach, famous for “The Goonies,” and further added that he enjoys “walking anywhere along the coast.”
The coastal city of Newport is only about an hour drive away and is an easy place to explore.
For those drawn to the highlands, Zak, a self-described “mountain person,” recommended visiting Smith Rock, which is a “really nice place to walk.”
Both Mann and Strickler chose Crater Lake as a top destination regardless of money or time constraints. Mann described Crater Lake as “very peaceful and beautiful.”
Students can manage the expense of these trips by self-catering and pitching a tent in a campground for $10 or $15. Dispersed camping is also free.
Mann pointed out that OSU clubs and INTO OSU organize trips and events at “very reasonable or free prices.” He advised students to “always be on the lookout” for those opportunities.
Before venturing out, Zak advised new explorers to “absolutely know what your limits are.”
If an activity is new, he suggested trying to “find somebody who’s done it before.” He also recommended doing things by “going to the same place across the seasons.”
A final piece of advice for newcomers to the northwest is to “get some good boots.” Zak warned this is important because “it’s going to be muddy.”
“Don’t let the weather deter you. It’s going to rain for a while,” Mann agreed, encouraging new students to “overcome your comfort zone” to embrace the college experience.
“There’s nothing that you cannot do,” Mann said.