Laws in the U.S.

Laws are decided by the government of the city, state, or country. There can be different laws in other states, so be careful when you travel and make sure to check the laws of the states you visit.

International students must follow both Federal and State laws in order to maintain immigration status. For more information, please check the Maintaining Visa Status page.

  Alcohol

What is OK:

  • Drink alcohol inside a building or within the designated area if you are 21 years or older.
  • Buy alcohol for someone who is 21 years or older.
  • Have an unopend container of alcohol in public and in a vehicle.

What is NOT OK:

  • Drink alcohol if you are under the age of 21.
  • Buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 21.
  • Drink alcohol outside and in a vehicle.
  • Have an opened container of alcohol in public and in a vehicle.
  • Drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

DO NOT drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol. You could be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), which has serious immigration consequences, including possible deportation.

    Drugs

It is a crime to have any controlled substance (drugs) except prescription medicines. Having or using any illegal drugs is a serious crime in Oregon. You are not allowed to take any prescription drugs unless they are prescribed to you. Do NOT share prescription medications with anyone!

Under the Oregon's state law, as of July 1st, 2015, marijuana is allowed to use for recreational purposes if you are:

  • American citizen
  • 21 years old or older
  • Using in their homes

Under the Federal Laws, marijuana is still ILLEGAL. This means, international students are NOT allowed to possess or use marijuana whatsoever, since international students must follow the Federal Laws. 

  Smoking

In Oregon, smoking is NOT allowed in businesses, restaurants, and bars. The OSU campus is completely smoke-free. This means smoking (including electronic cigarettes) anywhere o campus is NOT ALLOWED. View the map of OSU's Corvallis campus boundaries.

IMPORTANT: As of January 1st, 2018, the legal age of the state's tobacco possession are increased to 21 years old. This means, stores and vendors are NOT legally allowed to sell tobacco products to someone under the age of 21. 

Resources:

 

Policies on campus

Policies are the rules of the university. All OSU students must follow the Student Conduct Code. For more information, go to the OSU Student Conduct Code page.

  Using Campus Computers & Internet

Do not illegally download or stream copyrighted movies, music, TV shows, or other materials. There may be websites or programs you use in your home country that are illegal to use on OSU computers. OSU monitors when files are shared illegally and will know who is responsible.

Keep your ONID username and password private.

  Weapons on Campus

Guns, explosive, dangerous chemicals, and all other weapons are NOT allowed on campus. If you live on campus, you cannot keep these items in your room. The police will become involved in any situation regarding a weapon on campus.

 

Resources

ASOSU Student Legal Services
Lawyers provide free legal help for OSU students who have legal issues off-campus. Do not wait to make an appointment. Call as soon as you have any problems or questions about the law.

SEC 340
Phone:(541) 737-4165
​Email:[email protected]

Office of International Services
The International Student Advisors can help you with your visa and immigration issues.

University Plaza 130
Phone: 541-737-6310
Email: [email protected]