Student Life
At OHSU, you’ll find a student body driven to advance health, research and education. You’ll also find a welcoming culture with plenty of opportunities to grow outside the classroom — from community, cultural and interprofessional activities to sports and recreation.
On this page, you’ll learn about ways to get involved, build connections and sustain your social and physical health at OHSU.
Get involved
Recreation, sports and fitness
Find more on O2
Current students can find more information and contact the Office of Student Life on O2.
Why OHSU?
Learn why people like you choose OHSU.
Get involved
Attend a community event
Fun, educational and community-focused events happen throughout the year at OHSU's Portland campus and off-campus in Oregon communities. Below are just a few annual events organized by the All-Hill Student Council and Office of Student Life. Watch the Event Calendar, OHSU Now and your OHSU email for more events hosted by various groups.
Orientation and Commencement events
New and graduating students can learn about orientation and Commencement on O2.
Welcome Barbecue and Information Fair
Kick off the academic year with food, drinks and music. Visit dozens of information tables to learn about student life, academic services, student interest groups and much more. You can even get your flu shot from employees of the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Learner Lunch with the President
Twice a year, students and OHSU’s president share lunch and an open dialogue about the state of the university. Come add your voice to conversations on new education initiatives, OHSU's vision and our shared role in the local community and across the globe.
Fall Fest
Fall Fest at The Pumpkin Patch invites you to Sauvie Island, a popular destination for outdoor activities and local produce just north of Portland. Eat s’mores and socialize around a bonfire, paint and purchase pumpkins, complete the corn “maize” and more.
Winter Retreat
Take a weekend getaway at the Sunriver Resort near Bend, Oregon. Enjoy outdoor winter activities (with discounted Mt. Bachelor lift tickets) or stay in and enjoy amenities such as spa services, hot tubs and various dining options.
FLAME Awards
The All-Hill Student Council's annual FLAME Awards celebrates students and faculty who go above and beyond in volunteerism. While honoring winners, attendees at the Oscars-style event socialize, play games and win prizes.
Spring Social
Food, drinks, bowling, billiards, games and karaoke are all on the menu at Punch Bowl Social in downtown Portland. Join the All-Hill Student Council for a fun-filled night and celebrate the imminent return of summer.
Connect at social and cultural activities
Organized by students and administrative groups, social and cultural activities are a great way to build connections with the OHSU community. You'll find plenty of opportunities to join in on activities through your school, program, classmates and various campus organizations.
The Confidential Advocacy Program and Center for Learner Diversity and Inclusion offer a variety of activities and resources.
Add your voice to the All-Hill Student Council
The All-Hill Student Council is a group of elected student representatives from each of OHSU’s schools. The council brings together students from across disciplines and represents student opinion in interactions with faculty and administration. Council members work to improve students’ educational experience at OHSU, organize social events and fund student interest group activities that support all students.
Visit the All-Hill Student Council page on O2 to:
- Contact the council
- Learn about council roles and view current leadership
- Learn which OHSU committees have student representation
- Request funding for an interdisciplinary event
- Request funding and other support for your student interest group
Join a student interest group
Student interest groups offer you the opportunity to build meaningful connections with people who share your interests. Groups have varying focuses, including academic and professional development, recreation and social advocacy.
Visit the Office of Student Life page on O2 to:
- Browse student interest groups
- Register a new group or renew registration
- Apply for funding
- Review related school policies
Find the space you need at the Student Center
The Student Center is your space to relax, study or meet with other students.
- Enjoy facilities and amenities free to students, such as the pool, hot tub, media room and study and lounge spaces.
- Visit the Campus Store for OHSU apparel, merch and more.
- Volunteer at the Food Resource Center and support the OHSU community.
Volunteer with young Oregon students
On Track OHSU! works with local and rural schools to increase the number of students from underrepresented minority backgrounds in the health sciences. As a volunteer, you’ll serve as a role model and mentor to middle school and high school students.
Recreation, sports and fitness
Explore Oregon’s nature, art, culture and food
No matter which OHSU campus you’re on, there’s so much to explore. Oregon offers near-endless natural beauty, a huge diversity of art and culture and some of the best food in the country.
Join an intramural sports league
The Student Center hosts co-ed intramural sports leagues, including indoor futsal, basketball and volleyball.
Exercise at the Student Center
The Student Center provides fitness facilities on Marquam Hill free to students, including:
- A six-lane, 25-yard lap pool
- An exercise room, with free weights, benches, treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, a stair climber and more
- A gymnasium with a collegiate-size basketball court
Get fitness support at March Wellness and Fitness Center
March wellness and fitness center provides medical fitness services, coaching and classes on the South Waterfront campus. As an OHSU student, you get free membership after you complete the enrollment process.