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Aerial view of Eugene and the University of Oregon campus under a blue sky.

Life in Eugene

Local eats and outdoor escapes. Craft coffee and creative culture. Eugene, Oregon is the perfect college town. Need a taste of the big city? Portland is less than two hours away.

Your journey to the UO starts here. Submit an application, explore financial aid and scholarships, or schedule a campus visit.

Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2026

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Life at the UO is more than classes. It's community, culture, and the kind of experiences that shape who you become.

Week of Welcome Begins: September 25, 2026

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I love the music scene here. There are so many talented local bands and some of them are students, and they like to perform at house shows and in smaller venues. It’s such a fun community. I just love it.

Bella Thomas
So Much to Do

Bored in Eugene?Never.

  • Hike a trail.
  • Catch a band.
  • Bike miles of trails.
  • Drop by the Saturday Market— hundreds of crafts stands, food vendors, live music.
Need a break? Grab coffee at a locally owned bookstore and plan your next move.

Places We Love

We asked some University of Oregon students to weigh in on their local faves. They come in all flavors—from cheap eats at a local mainstay, to vintage shops and a city park with 200-year-old Douglas firs.

An EmX bus stops at a station in Eugene.

Getting Around

Ducks ride the Lane County bus system for free around town. Public transportation also takes you to the coast and the Cascades. Prefer to cycle? Grab a ride from a bike share dock or try the UO Bike Program, which offers rentals, repairs, and a DIY workspace.

Yasui Hall breezeway with students walking by

Eugene Housing

First-year undergraduates live on campus, but after that you can live in town. Share a rental with friends, find a roommate through the UO, or opt for University Apartments.

A flower mural brightens an exterior wall in Eugene.

An Urban Canvas

How to celebrate art, Eugene style? Local and international muralists have painted walls, a transit station, and a sawdust silo. Their legacy: dozens of murals to brighten your way as you walk (or bike) around the city.

Students hike a wooded trail near Eugene.

Outdoor Adventures

Blanketed in trees, tucked between mountains and ocean, Eugene is a renowned hub for outdoor adventure. With so much to explore, even a few sprinkles—known around here as liquid sunshine—won’t slow you down.

  • 71 Miles of paved off-street bike paths
  • 4,800 Acres of natural areas for outdoor fun, including rivers, trails, and parkland
  • 30 Minutes to Salt Creek Sno-Park for sledding and tubing
Tacos are served with lime wedges.

The Eugene Food Scene

Eugene is a culinary hot spot, where acclaimed chefs make magic with the local bounty: fresh salmon, foraged mushrooms, organic produce. From food trucks to farm-to-table restaurants, it’s all here for the tasting.

  • 74 Known food trucks, trailers, carts and pop-ups
  • 12+ Food stands at the Saturday Market serving everything from pizza to Afghani street food
  • 28 Days of the Eugene Vegan Chef Challenge, with new plant-based dishes served in restaurants across town
A colorful mural depicts Oregon mountains and wildlife.

Arts and Culture

Eugene pulses with creative energy: Museums and music, local theater and big-name acts, art galleries and the renowned Oregon Bach Festival. Low-key or extra loud, you’ll find something that moves you.

  • 86 Performing arts organizations in Eugene and across the river in Springfield
  • 60+ Live music stages, from concert halls to coffee shops
  • 100+ Street murals by local and international artists In Eugene
The Oregon Duck sits in a courtyard at Bean Hall.

See For Yourself

What’s living in Eugene, Oregon really like? Find out with a campus visit. While you’re here, check out the lively music, food, and culture scene.