Launch Program Logistics and Planning for Summer and Fall admits

Here, you can learn how to plan your travel for your orientation at Oregon State University. Make sure to read through all the sections to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Launch day experience. 

Travel & Parking
Launch Check-In & Schedule
What To Bring
Launch Fees
Staying in the Residence Halls
Session Changes

Travel Planning for your Launch Orientation Session:

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Beaver family and can't wait to see you in-person at Launch orientation! To make your journey as smooth as possible, here are some tips for planning your trip.

Traveling to and From Oregon State University:

  • Do not book travel until your Launch Day is confirmed: We highly recommend waiting to book any travel or accommodations until you’ve received confirmation of your Launch session date. Once a session is full, we cannot add more students to that session. So please save yourself the hassle of making travel adjustments and wait to book until your  Launch registration is confirmed. Confirmation emails are sent out within 24 hours of a students Launch registration submission. 

Where to Stay during Launch:

  • Explore accommodation options: There are  plenty of hotels, Airbnbs, and other accommodations in the Corvallis, Albany or Philomath area. Check out these resources for more information:

Transportation Options to, from and around OSU:

  • Oregon State's Transit page offers an overview of ways to get around campus, Corvallis, and the surrounding areas.
  • If you are flying into Portland or Eugene airport, you can learn more about shuttle options here. 

Parking Details:

Launch registrants will receive a parking permit via email prior to their Launch session. Permits are required in all A, B, or C Zones, or any ADA space, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round.

How to Claim Your Launch Parking Pass:

  • New Student Onboarding will email all orientation registrants a B/C daily permit 48 hours prior to their Launch session. This will allow you to park near Launch check-in and the residence halls for those staying overnight.
  • Monitor your OSU email every day leading up to your Launch session, this is where you'll receive instructions detailing how to claim your B/C daily permit.
  • No Printing Required: OSU uses virtual parking permits based on your car's license plate number, so there's no need to print anything ahead of time. 

Where to Park Upon Arrival at Launch:

  • Your permit will allow you to park in a B/C parking lot. You can locate each of those lots using this Zone B/C Daily map.  
  • We recommend parking in the lots closest to Reser Stadium and/or the Parking Structure (please view map for details)
  • ADA parking: Though our permit is for B and C zones, it is also valid for vehicles with a DMV-issued ADA parking placard to park in any ADA parking spots on campus, regardless of zone.
  • You can view all available parking lots using Oregon State's Transportation Services Maps. 

Getting Around Campus:

  • Oregon State offers the Beaver Bus to help folks get around campus. Use the Beaver Bus tracker to know where the bus is in its route, in relationship to the stop you might be at.

How Long Should I Plan on Staying for Launch? 

  • Once the day wraps up, you’ll be invited to unwind and continue exploring campus and building community through social activities like visiting OSU's Creamery, mixing and mingling with other families and guests, exploring campus with a group of your new peers, or staying active during the beautiful Corvallis summers! 

 

Launch Check-In & Sample Schedules

7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. (PST): Check-in for Launch - we kindly ask that you do not arrive later than 8:45 a.m.

  • Located at Parker Plaza on 26th street in front of Reser Stadium.
  • During Launch check-in:
    • You'll receive a copy of your Launch agenda with all of the times, locations and details of your orientation program. 
    • A resource fair will be held simultaneously to check-in, so as soon as you’re checked in, you can visit the resource fair to learn more about services and programs that can support you at OSU.  

    • During the afternoon, you and your guest(s) will explore resources, programs, and opportunities designed to support your success at OSU. Visit our Launch Interest Exploration and Drop-In Session webpage to learn more!

View Sample Launch Schedules

What to Bring to in-person Launch:

To make sure you have everything you need for a successful Launch day, here’s a checklist of items to bring:

  • Comfortable attire: Dress in layers to accommodate varying weather and indoor temperatures and wear comfortable shoes that will support moving around campus.
  • A picture ID (driver's license, passport, etc.): you’ll need this so we can give you your OSU ID card.
  • Notebook and pen: Take notes during sessions of things you want to remember or questions you need answered.
  • Reusable water bottle: You’ll be moving around campus buildings throughout the day, we want you to stay hydrated.
  • Umbrella or rain jacket: You never know! Bring these items so you’re prepared in case of rain.
  • Snacks: meals will be provided but having some snacks on hand is always helpful during a long day. 

Family Support Services During Launch

The OSU campus has a network of lactation rooms that are available to students, employees and visitors.  If you or a family member need access to a lactation room while on campus for Launch, reach out to the Family Resource Center at 541-737-4906 or [email protected].

If you're an incoming OSU student in need of child care for your child during your Launch session, reach out to the Family Resource Center at 541-737-4906 or [email protected].  They may be able to assist you in finding care on campus or in the Corvallis community. 

Staying in the Residence Halls at Launch:

Staying in the residence halls is a fun part of the Launch experience and a great way to get insight into living in the residence halls. Housing is available the night before Launch for those traveling more than 50 miles outside the Corvallis, and it is available to everyone on the night of Launch.

  • Night before Launch​​​​​​
    • Enjoy early check‑in and a relaxed start to your Launch session. In the evening, you’re invited to our Launch Preview, an informal social hour where you can: 
      • Get a sneak peek at the day ahead 
      • Ask questions directly to student staff and professional team members 
      • Participate in a student/staff FAQ session 
      • Meet other students and families who are staying overnight

Where You’ll Stay

  • Students will share a residence hall room with another student attending Launch, based on the preferences they indicate on their Launch registration form. 
  • Family and supporters will stay together in a private room (with a lock) within a larger suite shared by other families and supporters attending Launch. This suite will be located in a different residence hall than students. 

What to Bring 

While you aren’t moving in yet, we do recommend packing a few specific items and leaving the rest at home. 

  • What you should pack: 
    • Anything you would bring with you for an overnight stay that is allowable in the residence halls 
    • Comfortable clothing and shoes 
    • Personal hygiene products, soap, and toiletries 
    • Device charger(s) 
    • Shower shoes
    • Personal fan – the residence halls are not air conditioned (and Corvallis does have hot summer evenings!)
    • Reusable water bottle 
  • What you do not need to pack (these will be provided for you): 
    • Pillow 
    • Pillowcase 
    • Two flat sheets 
    • Microfiber blanket 
    • Two towels 
  • Included in your overnight stay: 
    • Breakfast at one of our dining centers
    • Free wireless internet 

Launch Fees:

Launch Program Fees:

  • Student fee: in-person Launch session attendance fees are $65. This fee includes on-campus parking, a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, activities and all program materials. The charge will be applied to the student's account during their first term at OSU.
  • Family/supporter fee: in-person Launch session attendance fees are $95 per person. This fee includes on-campus parking, a light breakfast, lunch, snacks, activities and all program materials. This fee also includes your membership to OSU’s Parent & Family Portal. This is where you'll receive information throughout your students time at OSU.

Launch Overnight Housing fees: Our Launch program is a full day on-campus program, and we recognize many of you might want to stay overnight prior to or after your Launch experience. We welcome you to extend your time on campus to help alleviate early morning or late-night travel and or give you additional time to explore campus on your own. 

  • Student housing fee: an overnight stay for a student is $45 per student per night, which includes breakfast and shared overnight accommodations. This will be applied to the students account during their first term at OSU.
  • Family/supporter housing fee: an overnight stay for a family or supporter is $55 per person per night, which includes breakfast and private accommodations with a suite-style bathroom. 

Additional Program Fees:

  • Hawai'i Launch: Fees will be updated in mid-April. Please check back at that time for updated information.

  • Virtual Launch: There is no cost for the Virtual Launch experience.

Payment Deadlines:

  • Families/supporters attending Launch Orientation, including those utilizing overnight housing, are required to submit payment in advance of their scheduled Launch session.

Updating Launch Registration Details:

  • Students will be able to modify their registration, including adding or removing guests, selecting overnight housing, or canceling attendance up to (but no later than) 7 days prior to their Launch orientation session.
  • After 7 days prior to the registered Launch session, all student and family/supporter registrations and details will be locked and payment will be required.

Submitting Payment of Guest/Supporter Launch and/or Housing Fees:

  • Following the 7 day deadline (registration lock date), a payment link will be issued to both the student and any registered guests reflecting the total balance due for orientation and housing fees. All payments must be completed prior to attending the session.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellations must be completed prior to the 7 day lock date. 
  • Any cancellations made after this date but before the day of the registered Launch session will result in a charge of 50% of the total registration and housing cost. This balance will be billed and sent for collection.


No-Show & Transfer Policy:

  • Students and guests who do not cancel prior to the day of their Launch orientation session or those who do not attend their scheduled Launch orientation session (no-show) will still be responsible for any applicable fees.
  • Fees paid or charged for a missed session will not be transferred or applied to a future session.
  • If a student or guest registers for a new Launch Orientation session, a new registration and full payment will be required.


Failure to submit payment for any outstanding balance may result in additional fees and further collection actions.

Updating Launch Registration Details (for either student or family/supporters):

  • Students may modify their registration, including adding or removing guests, selecting overnight housing, or canceling attendance, up to 7 days prior to their Launch Orientation session.
  • After this deadline, all Launch registrations will be considered final and the system will be locked.

If you want to modify your Launch orientation session date:

  • You must cancel your current Launch session registration prior to the 7 day deadline and then register for a new session. 
  • Failure to cancel your current Launch registration prior to the 7 day deadline for that specific session will then be charged the applicable fees outlined in the Cancellation or No-Show Policy.