Student moving from Orlando to Portland in Jan .. what are some good things or places to know?

I know it's a pretty broad question, so sorry for that. I'm moving from Florida where I've lived my whole life, to Portland in January for Architecture school. Just curious if you guys could give me some basic tips on living downtown, things maybe you wish you'd known ahead of time. I'll be out there in a couple weeks doing some apartment hunting. I'd like to live close to PSU, but I don't really know which areas are good or bad, or have a large student community.

Just looking for anything really, moving tips, winter clothing advice, etc.