Launch Logistics & Planning 

Here, you can learn how to plan your travel, find housing and check-in information 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 Costs
Launch Housing
Session Changes

Travel Planning for your Launch day:

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

Wait to 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 can't add more students to that session, so save yourself the hassle of making travel adjustments and wait to book until your spot is confirmed. Confirmation emails are sent out within 24 hours of a completed Launch registration.

Explore accommodation options: We encourage students to stay with us in the residence halls the evening after Launch to promote making new connections and experiencing life in the residence halls. We also have accommodations available for families and guests who want to stay overnight in the residence hall, although they will be assigned a different building than students.   

We have a limited amount of space available in residence halls the night before Launch for those traveling from more than 50 miles away. You can request this accommodation when you register.

 For those wishing to stay off campus, here are plenty of hotels, Airbnbs, and other accommodations in the Corvallis and Albany area. Check out these resources for more information:

Familiarize yourself with transit options: Oregon State's Transit page offers an overview of ways to get around campus, around Corvallis, and around the surrounding areas. It also offers options for travel to and from the Portland Airport.

We can't wait to see you at Launch and help you start your journey at Oregon State University! Go Beavs!

Driving Directions:

For driving directions, we recommend using the OSU Welcome Center to navigate to the Reser Stadium lot.

Due to some construction around campus, we recommend allowing extra travel time to ensure you arrive on time.

Once you've parked, our friendly staff in orange polos will guide you to the check-in location.

Parking for Launch:

New Student Onboarding arranges a complimentary B/C daily permit for each student attending Launch so you can park nearby. 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.

You can review available parking areas using Oregon State's Transportation Services Maps (see below for specific B/C daily permit map). OSU uses virtual parking permits based on your car's license plate number, so there's no need to print anything ahead of time. Here's what to look for and do:

  • You'll receive instructions via email about how to claim your B/C daily permit within 48 hours of your scheduled Launch day.
  • Make it a habit to monitor your ONID email each day as your Launch date approaches.  
  • You can find B/C parking areas using this Zone B/C Daily map.

Launch check-In takes place at Parker Plaza, and our final official session of the day is in the LaSells Stewart Center. For your convenience we recommend you park at:

  • Reser Stadium, Parking Zone B2 or C, or
  • Parking Zone B2 of the Parking Garage (661 SW 26th St, Corvallis, OR 97331).  

While we recommend these locations for convenience, your B/C daily permit is good for any B or C daily permit zone.  

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.

ADA parking note: 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 spot on campus, regardless of zone.

Weekend Launch Days: Permits are not required on Saturday or Sunday in A, B, or C zones or in any ADA space. Permits are required in all other parking locations at all times, year-round. If you are visiting on the weekend, please obey all posted signs and pavement markings. We recommend parking at the garage using the directions above. ADA parking can be found throughout campus; please refer to our ADA campus parking map for specific locations.

Checking In & Sample Schedules:

Check-in will be located at Parker Plaza on 26th street in front of Reser Stadium. During Launch check-in, you'll receive a copy of your Launch schedule so you'll know exactly where to go throughout the day.  

Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. Pacific Time, and we ask everyone to be checked in by 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time.  

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.  

At 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time, we’ll begin gathering in the plaza to transition to our welcome session. 

View Sample Launch Schedules

Items for a Successful 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 all day.
  • 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: Corvallis summers can be hot, you’ll be moving between sessions, and we want you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Umbrella or rain jacket: You never know! Bring these items so you’re prepared in case of rain.
  • Snacks: While meals will be provided, having some snacks on hand can be helpful. You’ll be expending a lot of energy during Launch, and recharging with snacks can help keep your energy up.
  • Any required documents: Make sure to bring any paperwork or forms you need.

Launch Costs:

Student costs: Student attendance at an in-person Launch session costs $55. This includes on-campus parking; lunch, dinner, beverages and snacks throughout the day; and activities and program materials. 

  • If you filed a FAFSA and will be receiving a Pell Grant, you will most likely qualify for a scholarship that covers 50 percent of your Launch attendance fee (it does not include housing or guest costs).

Family/supporter costs: Family/supporter attendance at an in-person Launch session costs $85 per person. This includes lunch, dinner, beverages and snacks throughout the day as well as activities and program materials. It also helps cover the cost of OSU’s Parent & Family Portal.

Housing Costs: We welcome you to extend your in-person Launch experience with additional evening activities and an overnight stay.

  • The student cost for an overnight stay is $43 and includes breakfast, and housing.

  • The guest cost for an overnight stay is $54/person and includes breakfast, and housing with a suite-style bathroom. 

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

Hawai’i Launch: Student attendance at Hawai’i Launch costs $100. Family/supporter attendance at Hawai’i Launch costs $125. This helps cover the cost of venue rentals, meals, materials, and program expenses.

Registration: Students will register themselves and any guests for Launch via Beaver Basecamp after they have completed the Prepare: Online Modules phase of onboarding. Students are required to complete their Launch guest registration payment at least 10 days before their session using the link in their Launch confirmation email, page, or Beaver Basecamp.

Staying in the Residence Halls:

Students will room with another student in one of our residence halls, based on the preferences they indicate on the Launch registration form. This process reflects University Housing and Dining Services' (UHDS) housing application and roommate selection process. We are not accepting roommate requests for Launch, except for accommodation needs related to accessibility or disability

Family and supporters will stay together in a private room with a lock, as part of a suite in a different residence hall than their student. This suite will be shared with families and supporters of other students.

What to Bring: We recommend packing as you might to stay overnight outside your home. Bring a change of clothes, any medication you need, and toiletries for bedtime and waking routines. We also recommend that you have a personal fan, as the residence halls are not air-conditioned. Linens and towels will be provided.

Session Changes:

You can edit your Launch registration details up to 10 days before your Launch Day. Edits might include adding or removing guests or updating your housing or accommodations choice. You can also cancel your current registration and reschedule to another in-person Launch Day or to a virtual orientation session.  

Before signing up for another session, please make sure to cancel your current session first.

Due to FERPA privacy laws, we are unable to disclose or change Launch details for anyone other than the student. This means that you, the student, must make any changes to your Launch registration details.