From Seattle to Eugene (school, university, live)

[baboo]

I have applied to a graduate program at The University of Oregon in Eugene. It has one of the best programs in my field on the West Coast. I was wondering how different Oregon is from Washington. More specifically Eugene from Seattle. I am incredibly liberal/left-wing and very open minded. Many posts seem to indicate that in Oregon people are a little suspicious of new comers and very conservative. Is this true? I always imagined Oregon to be like Washington, am I wrong? Any help would be great thanks!

[DocOregon]

I lived in Eugene 4 years while I attended the U of O as an undergrad. It was a great place to attend college. Eugene is a very nice town with lots to do. Though there are a fair number of conservatives outside the university area, most residents are quite liberal, and the university community is very accepting of left-wing causes and ideology.

[baboo]

Thank you so much for the response. U of O sounds so great... if I get into the graduate program I will definately be going there!

[urban nomad]

Hi I lived in Eugene from 1990-1994 when I was a grad student. It's a great town, but it's not as lively as Seattle. In fact, I moved from Eugene to Seattle for a second graduate degree (long story), and I was happier there, but that's probably because I really prefer big cities. Eugene is very left of center, and you will feel welcome there if you identify that way. The campus itself is beautiful, probably the most beautiful campus I have experienced, and student life offers a lot of diversity in terms of interests. Also you can't beat the geographic location if you like to hike/climb/ski. It's also warmer than Seattle, with lots more rhododendrons. The town itself is kind of sleepy, especially in summer.

[baboo]

Originally Posted by urban nomad

Hi I lived in Eugene from 1990-1994 when I was a grad student. It's a great town, but it's not as lively as Seattle. In fact, I moved from Eugene to Seattle for a second graduate degree (long story), and I was happier there, but that's probably because I really prefer big cities. Eugene is very left of center, and you will feel welcome there if you identify that way. The campus itself is beautiful, probably the most beautiful campus I have experienced, and student life offers a lot of diversity in terms of interests. Also you can't beat the geographic location if you like to hike/climb/ski. It's also warmer than Seattle, with lots more rhododendrons. The town itself is kind of sleepy, especially in summer.

Thanks!!! That's good to know. Although I love Seattle because it is so lively, I am sure I will love Oregon too. I have heard that Oregonians are quite unwelcoming and closed off, but i hear that about Seattlites too, so I think I will be ok. Thanks again!

[Marko3]

Baboo, You'll be just fine in Eugene. I agree with earlier posts that Eugene isn't as lively as Seattle, but then again, it's much smaller. However, the town does go crazy when it's football season, and the U of O is a loved school in this state. Eugene is warmer than Seattle, much less traffic congestion, and it doesn't rain as much as it does in Seattle, but you're from Washington, so you're used to the Pacific Northwest weather. I have several friends that have attended the University of Oregon, and all have loved it. My sister is currently attending, and loves it. The school is not the first choice for technical or science careers, but has great liberal arts, English, Business, and pre law programs. I think you'll enjoy Eugene, you may miss the excitement of Seattle, 5 hours to the north by car, but Eugene does hold a certain charm to it.