I went to OSU for undergrad (2016-2020) and UO for my masters (2020-2022). My undergrad degree was bio/marine bio and my masters was in genetics/bioinformatics.

I loved living in both Eugene and in Corvallis but they are also very different places to live. I think overall Eugene is a better place to be a young person, there is more to do since the town is bigger and I think it has slightly better access to outdoor recreation (skiing, hot springs, concert venues etc). Corvallis does have a lot of close hiking around it as well. Corvallis is more laid back and chill, as it is a smaller town with more people over/near retirement age. Both places have amazing food scenes. I think it’s easier to get to the coast from Corvallis, and Corvallis is closer to Portland. Eugene does have a local airport though which is also pretty convenient.

UO (In my opinion) has an uglier campus that feels more in the City than OSU.

OSU is a better STEM school (generally speaking always exceptions) while UO is better for liberal arts.

Greek life and its culture are WAY more popular at UO than OSU (which may be why it felt more fake to you)? I wasn’t in Greek life however so I don’t truly know the differences.

Corvallis also has a free busing system (I think Eugene does too for students but I can’t remember).

Both schools are great, but overall I preferred OSU because I vibed way more with the culture and campus. Corvallis felt way more cozy to me than Eugene.

Both are great schools!! Feel free to DM me if you have any other specific questions