Oregon State University's campus covers a large swath of the city and defines Corvallis's character as a college town. The campus mixes old brick collegiate buildings with modern research facilities and is well-landscaped with mature trees. The main quad is a pleasant place to walk, particularly when classes are in session and the campus is alive.
Key buildings worth seeing include the Memorial Union (the student union building, dating from 1928), Austin Hall (the business school, a handsome building used in exterior shots for the show Leverage), and Reser Stadium (the OSU football venue). The Valley Library, renovated in 1999, has become a flagship example of sustainable library design. The campus is freely walkable and maps are available at the visitor centre.