By: Caitlin Jones, Q9 UWS doctor of chiropractic and sports medicine student
Being from Virginia and never visiting the Pacific Northwest before applying to UWS, I was a bit terrified to pick up and move across the country. Especially when all I knew about Portland was that it rained a lot. After I took the plunge and made the move, I am so happy that I did. Sure, it rains, but not nearly as much as I thought. The summer is also worth all those dreary days. I have a Jeep Wrangler that’s used to being flooded with a summer downpour at least once a week and I’ve been able to keep the top off all summer without flooding it once!
As a break from school, I really wanted to get into hiking and between Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon Coast – there are hundreds of hikes within two hours or less from Portland. Some even right in the city limits – hello Pittock Mansion and your beautiful views! I’ve had friends that have gone crabbing, skiing, rock climbing and kayaking. Oregon is home to some of the best outdoor activities. During this pandemic, it has been a sanity saver with all the amazing places to stay safe while will getting outside and enjoying yourself.
If you’re joining the UWS student family this fall or winter, you are not required to move to Portland just yet. I’d recommend moving to Portland if you’re able, both financially and with your COVID comfort-level. The first few quarters are tough and having a solid study group can really help you learn the material. There are a ton of on-campus resources that you will have access to such as the library and the UWS Health Center. Having chiropractic treatment in the clinic will help you build relationships with upper quarter students as well as get you familiar with how we treat patients here.
If you’re wanting to move to Portland, reach out to the admissions department and they can give you some advice on how to find housing. Personally, I found my roommates on our UWS student Facebook page and we found a house close to campus on Zillow. Even as an older student myself, it really helped me to live with other students, because we helped each other through the difficult parts of this program.
And if you aren’t able to move to Portland quite yet – don’t worry! Admissions is working on setting up some socials for you. There’s also a mentor program, student clubs such as the Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) and the Student Canadian Chiropractic Association (SCCA) to help you build relationships with other students. It sounds cheesy to say, but we really are a family here at UWS.
