PNW LSAMP CONFERENCE 2025
April 5-7, 2025 • Oregon State University
Explore OSU!
Discover the best campus dining, cultural hubs, transportation options, and local attractions that make OSU and Corvallis vibrant. Enjoy curated tips and practical insights to help you navigate campus life and make the most of your experience!
On Campus

OSU’s on-campus experience is all about diversity, community, and vibrant energy. Here, you’ll discover a range of dining options—from casual eats at the Memorial Union to hidden gems off the quad—each offering unique flavors and atmospheres. Explore cultural centers that celebrate heritage and inclusion, alongside creative arts venues and athletic events that add a dynamic pulse to campus life. This section highlights the best spots to relax, connect, and immerse yourself in the everyday experiences that make OSU truly special.
Other Ways to Explore Campus:
- The OSU Planetarium: Located in Weniger Hall, the planetarium hosts public shows that explore the wonders of astronomy and space science.
- The OSU Art Galleries: Featuring rotating exhibitions from student artists, faculty, and visiting creators, OSU’s galleries offer an inspiring glimpse into the creative arts.
- The OSU Craft Center: Located in the Memorial Union, this space offers hands-on workshops in ceramics, woodworking, fiber arts, and more for those looking to explore their creative side.
Activites
Experience a range of on-campus dining delights, with options available at the Memorial Union and other parts of campus.
At the Memorial Union:
- Panda Express
- Happy Lemon ( Bubble Tea)
- Javastop (Coffee, Bagels, & Pastries) - closed Sundays
- Bites (Convenience Store)
- North Porch Cafe (Asian Fusion Cuisine)
- Off the Quad
Other campus food options can be found on our Food @ OSU website. Discover additional choices including ramen, pizza, teriyaki bowls, Mexican cuisine, and more. (Closed weekends unless otherwise stated)
Explore the diverse cultural centers at OSU, each offering unique programs and events that celebrate heritage and community. Please note that these centers are closed on weekends.
This creative arts hub features four indoor and two outdoor venues, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and performances by both international touring groups and local OSU artists. Tickets for events can be purchased through their website, and the Stirex Gallery is open on varying hours from Tuesday through Saturday.
Experience the excitement of OSU sports during the LSAMP Conference week, where track, baseball, and softball games are on offer. Tickets are available for purchase, providing you with an opportunity to cheer on your favorite teams.
Transportation
Getting around Corvallis and beyond is simple with a variety of accessible and cost-free transportation options. Whether you’re riding across campus, traveling through the city, or taking a trip to nearby destinations, reliable transit services make every journey easy and efficient. If you prefer to drive, Corvallis is a highly navigable city with well-maintained roads, bike-friendly streets, and plenty of parking options downtown and on campus. Exploring downtown Corvallis is a great way to discover unique shops, cafés, and community events, all within a walkable and bike-friendly area. For those planning outings, Google Maps and local transit apps provide accurate directions, live traffic updates, and the best routes for walking, biking, or driving. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, Corvallis makes it easy to get where you need to go.
Additional Ways to Get Around & Explore:
- Walking & Biking: Corvallis is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and extensive bike lanes. Many key destinations, including downtown, campus, and parks, are within walking or biking distance. Bike racks and rental options are available throughout the city.
- Parking & Driving: Street parking and public parking lots are available downtown and on campus, though some areas may require permits or timed parking. Be sure to check posted signs for restrictions.
- Rideshare & Car Rentals: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Corvallis, providing a convenient option for quick trips. Local car rental agencies also offer short-term vehicle rentals for those needing extra flexibility.
- Scenic Drives & Nearby Destinations: Enjoy a drive through the Willamette Valley, visit local wineries, or take a day trip to the coast or nearby hiking trails. Corvallis’ central location makes it easy to access Oregon’s natural beauty.
These options provide even more ways to explore and enjoy everything Corvallis has to offer, whether you’re staying local or venturing beyond the city.

Overview
The Beaver Bus is a free shuttle service operated by OSU and available to everyone—not just students. It features three routes with departures every 15–20 minutes, and a live tracker is available online for real-time updates. Please note that this service does not operate on weekends.
Corvallis Transit System buses offer fareless travel throughout the city, eliminating the need for tickets or permits. Comprehensive route information and a live tracker via Google Maps ensure that you can easily plan your trips, though some routes may not run on weekends.
Albany Transit System provides several fareless routes, accessible via a connector from the Corvallis downtown transit center to the Linn-Benton Community College stop. Up-to-date schedules and live tracking on Google Maps make it easy to coordinate your journey.
For those looking to explore the coastal areas, the Coast to Valley Express Bus connects Corvallis to Newport Coast, operating seven days a week. This service requires an exact fare of $5 each way, with detailed schedules and live tracking available online to help you plan your trip.
Local Restaurants & Other Good Picks in Corvallis
Discover a vibrant culinary scene in Corvallis, where a diverse selection of local restaurants and hidden gems awaits. From casual cafes and bakeries to upscale eateries offering international flavors, each spot is celebrated for its unique atmosphere and delicious fare. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, these curated picks provide memorable dining experiences that capture the local flavor and charm.
Some Good Picks
- Great Mexican food with a casual sit-in environment!
- Open everyday until 9pm
- Visit their website
- Wonderful food, walking distance to campus!
- Typical hours: 11:00 am - 8:30pm
- Closed on Saturdays only, limited hours on Sundays
- Visit their website
- This easy-going counter-serve offers traditional Hawaiian dishes such as sweet shoyu chicken.
- Closes 8:00 pm
- Check out their menu
- Warm, easygoing stop serving Mexican staples from tacos with in-house corn tortillas plus cocktails.
- Closes 9:00 pm
- Visit their website
- Amazing hangout spot, great selection of food and drinks
- Closes 9:00 pm
- Visit their website
- Relaxed beer cafe offering Belgian-inspired comfort food, a rotating beer selection, and live music.
- Closes 10:00 pm
- Visit their website
- Halal Mediterranean spot serving chicken, lamb, and shawarma, plus vegan and vegetarian options.
- Closes 9:00 pm
- Visit their website
- Family-friendly joint serving juicy burgers, crispy fries, and craft beers, plus many dipping sauces. Doesn't accept reservations
- Closes 10:00 pm
- Visit their website
- Casual kitchen for Korean eats such as bibimbap, plus basic Thai & Japanese mains & Italian gelato.
- Typical Hours: 11:30 am - 3 pm and 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Visit their website