Home to the University of Oregon (UO), Eugene is ranked a top 50 place to live in the USA (Money.com 2024). As a UO student, you’ll be right in the heart of Eugene — never far from all that the city has to offer.
From thrilling sporting events and beautiful hikes to vibrant markets and delicious food, Eugene provides an unbeatable quality of life. Here are five reasons why Eugene is a top US college town.
1. Active outdoor lifestyle
Whether you’re exploring the serene outdoors or cheering on the UO athletics teams, you’ll live in a city that values an active lifestyle.
Known as Tracktown USA, Eugene is city of runners. Its ideal climate and many trails make it the perfect place to go for a jog. Explore the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System, a 12-mile trail along the Willamette River, or Pre’s Trail — a four-mile-long path named after UO athlete, Steve Prefontaine.
UO is also home to 18 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s and women’s sports teams. The University’s 11 sporting facilities, stadiums, and centers means there are many places to watch the Oregon Ducks play.
For example, you can catch a college football game alongside 54,000 fans at Autzen Stadium, or take in track and field meets at UO’s famous Hayward Field. Named after Bill Hayward, a renowned UO coach, Hayward Field hosted the US Olympics Trials and World Athletics Championships. And make sure to wear UO’s colors: green and yellow!
2. Vibrant arts and culture scene
Dubbed a “A Great City of the Arts & Outdoors” by locals, Eugene certainly lives up to its nickname. There are many opportunities to enjoy cultural experiences, community events, live music, and street art.
Attend Eugene’s annual Oregon Asian Celebration, which showcases authentic street food, traditional dances, and hands-on crafts. Or watch an outdoor concert at the Cuthbert Amphitheatre!
There are also several seasonal markets for you to explore. Market Fest, which happens every August, is a free community festival with live music, food and drinks, and hundreds of vendors. Visit Eugene’s Saturday Market, the oldest open-air crafts market in the USA happens weekly from April to November, or shop for locally handmade goods and grab a bite to eat at the International Food Court!
And when you study at UO, you’ll be even more connected to these local experiences. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is right on campus and free for UO students. Here, you can see an incredible diversity of pieces, with galleries dedicated to art from Asia, Europe, America, and more. For students studying art-related majors, you can access collections that aren’t on display through your courses, or take on an internship at JSMA where you’ll curate exhibitions in collaboration with museum professionals.
Interested in cinema? There are several film festivals that take place across Oregon, such as the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon held right in Eugene or the Oregon Short Film Festival in Portland. Students studying film at UO will even have the chance to submit films for some of the festivals!
3. Heaven for foodies
Eugene’s proximity to the ocean, mountains, and agriculture allows for locally sourced food and farm-to-table dining!
Enjoy Eugene’s diverse foodie scene, including the iconic Market District. Located in downtown Eugene, 30-minutes by bus from UO, Market District has plenty of cozy cafés, fancy fine-dining, and casual eateries to choose from.
With UO’s campus food ranked in the top 1% in the USA (Niche.com 2025), you’ll be close to good food on and off campus!
4. Easy to take fantastic trips
Whether you prefer biking, taking the bus, or riding the train, it’s easy to go on exciting trips both in and out of Eugene.
Only an hour to the Pacific Ocean by bus, explore Oregon’s 362-miles of coastline. Take the hour-long bus from Eugene to North Jetty Beach and see the waves crash against the shore. Or take a day trip to Crater Lake National Park to see one of the deepest, clearest, and bluest lakes in the world and enjoy beautiful views of the Cascade mountains.
The popular city of Portland is a 2.5-hour train ride away. Visit the Portland Saturday Market, Japanese Garden, Forest Park, and so much more! You can also take in a soccer game and cheer on the Portland Timbers, or attend a basketball game to see the Trailblazers compete.
5. Great place to start your career
Eugene is the perfect place to launch your career — after all, it is the birthplace of Nike! Just a quick direct flight away from cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, you’ll be close to thriving job markets in the USA.
And there are plenty of job opportunities for students! From internships and volunteering to part-time jobs, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience and exposure in your field of choice. UO students have completed internships at companies such as:
- Intel
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
- American Red Cross
- Oregon Coast Aquarium
Plus, with over 70 majors to pick from — including 20 STEM-classified programs allowing extended OPT so you can work in the USA for up to three years — you’ll have lots of options open to you!
Join the flock, be a Duck
Eugene’s high-quality of life makes it a great place to study and live! Become part of a global community of Ducks who are making a difference. Kaplan can help you navigate the application process, prepare you to study abroad, and support you in becoming a mighty Oregon Duck!
