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Helpful linksIf you need immediate fire, police or emergency medical assistance, call 9-1-1
BANKING When you arrive in the U.S. you'll need to set up a bank account in order to store and transfer your money. Most businesses and restaurants accept debit cards, and this accounts for roughly 60% of American transactions. You will also need to order a check book when you arrive in the U.S., as many apartment complexes require you to pay your bills with a check. If you live in Parkland Apartments behind Columbia School of English, these are the closest banks to you: Bank of America 4012 Southeast 82nd Avenue Portland, OR 97266 Eastport Plaza (503) 275-1765 bankofamerica.com Bank of the West 8135 Southeast Division Street Portland, OR 97206 (503) 821-1050 bankofthewest.com Umpqua Bank 1417 Southeast 107th Avenue #3 Portland, OR 97216 (866) 486-7782 umpquabank.com LIVING Finding an apartment in Portland can be difficult: We have one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country. However, if you stay in Parkland Apartments, you can rent a one- or two-bedroom apartment right behind our school. If you want to live off-campus here are a few resources to get you started: Portland General Electric: Once you have an apartment, usually you will be responsible to paying for your electric bill and setting it up in your name. Once you have a signed lease with your new apartment, you can set up an account with Portland General Electric by going to their website and clicking "register now" in their sign-in box. The process will walk you through setting up a utilities, account. You can always call them or go into their office if you have difficulties. NW Natural: Portland is home to many vintage apartments, and some of these use gas heating instead of electric. Depending on your apartment, you may have to set up an account with NW Natural gas instead of Portland General Electric. Ask your landlord about what kind of power/heating your apartment needs, and they will help direct you. Comcast Internet: If you live off-campus, you may also need to set up your own Internet or cable access. You can order this any time online once you are in your apartment. If you need help getting through the steps, Comcast can install the proper equipment for you. GETTING AROUND Portland has a comprehensive transportation system. If you do not have a car, you'll still be able to get around the city by bus, MAX light rail train, street car or on bike. Read more on our Transportation page. Below are some links to help you create a transportation route: Trimet: Trimet runs the bus and MAX light rail train systems. Use their site to plan trips, find better routes, and plan for delays. You can also access their system on-the-go with apps for your smart phone. Portland Streetcar: Portland Streetcar can help you get around the downtown and inner SE, SW and NE areas. Plan your trip on their site ahead of time. Biking and Walking: Many Portlanders bike and walk to get around. Portland is very bike friend. Portland Bureau of Transportation created this interactive map to help you identify the best walking/biking route. Driving: If you do have a car, you'll need to pay attention to your apartment's parking situation. Some apartments don't have parking, or require you to pay for parking. For most of Portland's east-side, with the exception of the inner areas, no parking passes are required. However, if you park downtown or in the inner east-side, be sure to check signs specifying 1- or 2-hour parking and buy tickets to display in your car at your curbside window. HEALTH AND SAFETY Download a full list of health and safety providers here. Providence Portland Medical Center 4805 Northeast Glisan Street Portland, OR 97213 (503) 215-1111 providence.org ZoomCare Urgent Care Portland, Oregon 97206 (503) 608-3086 Portland Police Bureau: East Precinct 737 Southest 106th Ave Portland, OR 97216 (503) 823-4800 portlandpolice.com Oregon Poison Center 1-800-222-1222 ohsu.edu/poison/ For additional services not listed here, visit the office of emergency management for Multnomah County. Health Insurance The Columbia School of English recommends health insurance for international students. We recommend the Compass ISO Silver Plan. GROCERIES You can find many different kinds of grocery stores in Portland, including organic, cultural and cost-effective options. Here are the grocery stores near and around Columbia School of English: Walmart - Walmart is a department store with clothes, electronics and hardware, in addition to being a grocery store. It is right down the street from Columbia School of English in Eastport Plaza. 4200 Southeast 82nd Avenue Portland, OR 97266 Eastport Plaza (503) 788-0200 walmart.com Fred Meyer - Fred Meyer offers the same departments as Walmart, but has a larger produce and bakery section in their grocery store. 5253 Southeast 82nd Avenue Portland, OR 97266 (503) 788-2852 fredmeyer.com 2850 Southeast 82nd Avenue #1 Portland, OR 97266 (503) 517-8877 fubonn.com 7120 Southeast Flavel Street Portland, OR 97206 (503) 445-0425 groceryoutlet.com 4034 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard Portland, OR 97214 (503) 236-4800 newseasonsmarket.com |
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