About Portland & the Pacific Northwest
Portland Is Part of the UP Experience
Here, we know that it’s not just about what you learn, but where you learn it. As a University of Portland student, you’ll study in one of the most dynamic and values-driven cities in the Pacific Northwest: Portland, Oregon. Perched on The Bluff overlooking downtown, our North Portland location isn’t just scenic—it connects you to real-world opportunities and a community that inspires meaningful curiosity and action.
Find everything you need to know about University of Portland's location, from what makes our city unique to things to do near UP, how to plan your visit, and why our location is part of our mission-driven promise.
Where Is University of Portland?
University of Portland is located in Portland, Oregon, within the University Park neighborhood of the city’s North Portland district, affectionately called “NoPo.” Overlooking the Willamette River, UP sits in a vibrant residential area surrounded by beautiful parks, award-winning restaurants, unique shops, and much more. Portland is a city known for its creativity, connection, and care for the common good—and it’s all right outside UP’s campus.
Things to Do Near University of Portland
Whether you’re interested in live music, professional sports, top-tier restaurants, or the great outdoors, Portland has it all, and there’s always something happening for you to get involved in.
Theater & Arts
With over 300 music venues and theaters in the city—from intimate jazz cafes to full-size concert halls and arena stages—Portland offers something for every type of art lover. Tour the Portland Art Museum, attend a local music festival, or catch a student performance right here on campus.
Sports & Recreation
Step into Portland’s energetic sports scene by cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers, catching a Rip City Remix G-League game on campus in our Chiles Center, gathering some friends for a Portland Pickles baseball game, or attending a Timbers or Thorns soccer match.
Food & Restaurants
Eclectic food carts, bustling farmers markets, award-winning restaurants—there’s a reason Portland consistently ranks as one of the best food cities in the U.S. From pizza to barbecue to Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and Haitian cuisines, Portland is a foodie’s paradise no matter what you’re craving!
Living on Campus
UP’s residence halls, dining locations, student spaces, and welcoming community create a vibrant and inspiring place to live. And with Portland’s parks, coffee shops, and culture just beyond The Bluff, our residential campus makes it easy to access everything the city offers.
You Can Make a Difference Here
At University of Portland, engaging with the community around us is part of how we educate the whole person. Through the Moreau Center for Service and Justice, you can partner with Portland organizations on service-learning projects, immersion programs, and social justice initiatives that make a real impact. From volunteering locally to exploring systems of equity and change, you’ll expand your worldview and capacity to lead with empathy and action.
Plan Your Visit to UP
Want to know what makes University of Portland one of the best colleges in the Pacific Northwest? Come experience it for yourself. Explore our campus, connect with current students and staff, and find out why more than 2,500 students call UP their home.
Find Your Place in Portland
From the energy of downtown to the beauty of The Bluff, University of Portland offers a campus experience shaped by curiosity, community, and opportunity. Explore what your life could look like here and take the next steps to make it happen.