Whether you’re an incoming student making a pre-Orientation trip up to PDX or a current student exploring the city over the summer, there’s always something to do in Portland on a student’s budget.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry–which Portlanders often refer to as “OMSI”–is a popular attraction for science-interested persons of all ages. OMSI hosts a number of year-long exhibits including tours of the U.S. Navy’s last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback; the Kendall Planetarium; and rotating presentations at the OMNIMAX theatre. OMSI also features a variety of special traveling exhibits throughout the year, many of which are included in the price of admission.
OMSI also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for both adults and children, ranging from greeting OMSI patrons upon arrival to “facilitating scientific exploration” at major exhibits to manning activities tables for the youngest OMSI visitors in the Science Playground. Click here for an updated list of adult volunteer opportunities at OMSI.
OMSI volunteers receive free admission to the museum and attractions, discounts at the OMSI science-store and onsite restaurants, as well as many other long term benefits. Many of OMSI’s volunteer positions require a set time commitment over a nine month period (perfect for those with a long term interest in the sciences!), however Reed groups have traditionally been able to set up a single volunteer opportunity as residence hall outings or organization sponsored trips.
Volunteering at OMSI can be a fun break from the Reed bubble (even for those of us who generally prefer to appreciate science via the Discovery Channel rather than the Reactor), but it can also be difficult to get away from the Reed bubble for long periods of time. For those who cannot make the volunteer commitment but still want to experience OMSI on a student budget, try $2 Days at OMSI. Visitors will only pay $2 for admission on the first Sunday of each month.
