Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN, USA

Reviews

Purdue University-Main Campus

Erika from Indiana

a current student here
56 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am studying in the school of science. My classes are challenging, and I am definitely learning from my professors. There are plenty of resources to get extra help here as well such as free help rooms or study sessions with teaching assistants.
Am enjoying being here
I love it here. I really enjoy the classes I am taking, and the social life is awesome! There is definitely something for everyone. Whether you are wanting to get involved in Greek life or maybe just a few clubs, it all is available at Purdue. Being able to attend Big Ten sporting events isn't so bad either.
Bang for the buck
Any college tuition is expensive, but at Purdue you really are getting your money's worth. You are getting a great education and will graduate with a degree from a very respectable and accredited university. Especially in the science field and engineering, several businesses hire Purdue graduates because of the great educational reputation.
Aside from benefits for your future, Purdue has a lot of great ways you can get bang for your buck. If you are living in the dorms, there are plenty of activities and programs offered. The dining hall food is unbelievably amazing and there is so much variety. There are a variety of free admission events put on by clubs throughout the year where students can relax and have fun as well.
Tips for prospective students
Take a tour. If you are still taking part in the college search, visit the Purdue campus. While on a tour, ask questions! The tour guides want to help you to decide if Purdue is your perfect fit. Ask about programs associated with your intended major, about dorm life, anything! It may be a good idea to have some questions in mind that you would like to have answered. Also, see if you can sit in on a lecture. It is a really great way to get a feel for what your classes would be like.

Don't be scared off by the large number of students. It is a big campus, but after a couple of weeks it will start to feel much smaller. Especially within your focused schools you will get to know people who will be in several of your classes. Also, every class does not have 500 students in it. Some of your classes will be large and others much smaller. I had anywhere from 15-400 students in a class this past semester.

If you are an incoming student, participate in Boiler Gold Rush (BGR). It is an awesome new student orientation program and a great way to meet new people. There are a ton of super fun events throughout the week, not to mention free stuff. It is also a great way to calm any nerves you might have about leaving home, finding your way around, or starting classes.

Get involved in something! There are so many clubs offered here that span the spectrum, and if you somehow find what you are looking for is not offered, you can start that club! This is seriously a great way to meet new people or try something new.

Do not be afraid to get to know your professors! Two words: Office Hours. They want to meet you too! It can be a little intimidating at first, but after you meet with one professor you will find that they are really nice and can give you great advice or help in their course.

Great for these types of students
If you are wanting to pursue a career in engineering, pharmacy, or in a science field, Purdue is a really good option for you. Students who are motivated, determined, and work hard will really find Purdue to be a good fit. You will be surrounded with people just like you. Students who are outgoing and enthusiastic will love the sports scene and school spirit. The Boilermaker community is full of people who are friendly, outgoing and extremely well-rounded.

Amanda from Fort Wayne, IN

a current student here
32 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am in the nursing program and joined a learning community. This is where around 20 freshman nursing students get put in most of the same classes and are put in the same resident hall. This helps with finding people to study with and is a great way to easily make some new friends. Most of the programs have learning communities and I would recommend getting into one. It is not absolutely necessary for success in college but it might help make things a little bit easier.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is wonderful. There are many restaurants close by and lots of things to do. There are many free concerts and movie nights on campus and this is a good thing to take advantage of. The people here are great. Most of them are hard workers and it is easy to find people that have similar interests.
Bang for the buck
Purdue is a public university therefore it is one of the less expensive campuses in Indiana. However, there is very little financial aid given unless your family is extremely poor. Purdue does give a lot of student aid when it comes to loans. The student will only get around 5,000 dollars in loans but the parents will be able to get the rest through a parent plus loan. This does help when paying for school because the interest is very low on all of these loans. Work study and grants are very rarely given out unless you are very good at a sport, especially football or basketball. One thing that's good to know though is that with a Purdue degree you will have many amazing job offers and this is essential in this day and age.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you go to all of your classes. Many professors will give extra credit points or actual points for good attendance. Most of your classes will not have a lot of homework and only a few tests so every point you earn is important. There are rarely any easy points in college. Set aside time to study each week, that way you won't panic when the tests come around. For many of the harder classes, it is recommended to begin studying for test AT LEAST a week in advance. Don't procrastinate or you'll be very sorry when the grades come out at the end of the semester. Also, try to get involved around campus. This helps you make friends and will look good on future resumes. Also, having some good friends will help you get through your first year. Go home as little as possible. Several people I know went home to visit their boyfriends almost every weekend during the school year. These people now have few to no friends at school. The best time to bond with your new friends and meet even more new people is during the weekends. If you go home all the time you will have a lot of trouble in the long run with loneliness because of this. Tough it out for a few weeks because I guarantee you'll be grateful you did by the end of the year. College is where you will meet some of the best friends you will ever have.
Great for these types of students
Students that want to learn and enjoy a big campus with lots of diversity. The campus is within the city so students who love having many things to do on the weekends will love this school. Purdue is so active during the night and this makes the campus an amazing place to be.

Cody from Lake Village, IN

a current student here
20 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I started off my college career last year in the college of science, learning quite a lot of new material in all of my courses. Also, each course does not only deliver the information itself, but its connections with real-life situations as well. All of the professors and teaching assistants are very knowledgeable in their specific fields, which definitely aids in the learning process.
Am enjoying being here
The atmosphere here is wonderful! There is always something going on: performances, club activities, sporting events, and they all allow you to meet new people who have interests that are similar to your own. Also, this school has an enormous amount of diversity in its students, which I believe is an essential part of any university.

Aside from events, the university itself is quite amazing. The residence halls are all great, and they even offer programs and activities for the students who live there. Furthermore, there are the dining courts, which not only offer amazing food, but also an amazing variety for ANY diet.

Then there are the sites around campus. The student union is an amazing place to meet for lunch/dinner and socialize, and the fountains around campus are great places for sitting outside. There are also all of the academic buildings which are exceptionally fun just to be in!
Bang for the buck
Sure, college can be expensive, and Purdue is not an exception to the rule, but as far as it goes for Indiana students, Purdue is probably the best choice. Not only does your cost of admittance include your tuition and room/board, but it also includes estimated travel expenses, book costs, and other miscellaneous expenses that may occur throughout the semester, which, to me, seems to be an extremely efficient system. Also, when you apply for housing, you also apply for a meal plan, which not only allows you to eat at any of the university dining halls, but also gives you extra dining dollars which can be used at the university grills, the union, and the mini-marts on campus! In short, if you are looking for an Indiana school that fits your budget, Purdue is the choice for you.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to get to know people, whether it be your roommate, your professors, or just other students on campus. Getting to know people is part of the college experience, and at Purdue, it is DEFINITELY not hard to to; there are people everywhere! Also, your roommate is probably one of the most important people you meet at school, so don't neglect to get to know each other a bit. And finally, there are your professors; they have office hours for a reason! They want to get to know their students, and if you are having any problems, they are more than happy to explain the material to you until you understand.

Aside from meeting people, it is also important to complete any/all coursework (even if it is deemed optional). The work is designed not only to test your knowledge of the material, but also to prepare you for the exams that come later in the semester. And even though you may feel pressed for time with so many assignments, if you manage your time carefully, you can get everything done with time to spare!

Finally, don't get stressed out over exam week(s). They are just tests, like any other test you've ever taken, but with new material. If you get stressed over the exam, chances are, you won't be focused when you are studying. Do what I do, start studying 2-3 weeks before the exam to cover the older material before your professor starts covering new material in lectures. If you do this, you should have no problem studying ALL of the material with time left over to go back over sections that you may have had issues with, allowing you to do your very best on each exam!
Great for these types of students
Purdue is great for ANY student, but specifically, students looking to major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or pharmacy are probably the best candidates for the college. Every major option at Purdue is sure to be rewarding to the student taking the courses. However, out-of-state students not majoring in any of the areas mentioned above should probably consider other colleges, as out-of-state tuition is a bit pricey. But Purdue has something to offer for everyone, no matter where they come from, what their major is, or what their interests are. It is a well-rounded university, full of students who are proud to study there.

Anne from West Lafayette, IN

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am in the College of Science, and the classes are challenging, but not so difficult as to be unmanageable. The course studies for all majors are rigorous and test your abilities at time management and focus. The pace is much quicker than in high school, but not so quick as to leave you racing to keep up.
Am enjoying being here
Purdue offers a wide variety of clubs and societies for students to participate in. There are also frequent events on campus that are both promotional to a certain company or aimed at recruitment for different clubs, etc. Also, the campus is located in the city, so there are always things to do and places to go off campus. A lot of the surrounding community is diverse and interesting, with many stores well within walking distance or along the bus route. You will never be left without something to do. Also, there are so many study groups and areas for students to come together and help each other with homework, studying for exams, and just have fun while getting work done.
Bang for the buck
If you are an Indiana resident, then Purdue is the perfect place for you to attend. The tuition is much cheaper than many private colleges who offer the same programs of study. If you aren't an Indiana resident, Purdue is still a nationally recognized college for excellence. With scholarships and grants, the out of state tuition can be very affordable as well. The programs of study here are well worth the cost of attendance.
Tips for prospective students
Don't take too many credit hours your first semester. It will be easier to get yourself acclimated to the new environment and find activities and clubs to become a part of if you aren't bogged down with hours of studying and homework. I would suggest taking 15-16 credit hours your first semester, and then bumping it up to 17-18 credit hours your second semester. Also, you shouldn't skip class. A lot of professors do put their notes online, but the notes can never make up for actually being there in person. Many professors have in-class quizzes or take attendance, so skipping class can hurt your grade. Attendance points are the easiest way to help yourself get good grades. Being in lecture also helps when it comes to test time. A lot of professors will go over previous exams and take questions during lecture to help you get ready. Also, just having been to lecture helps with studying and cuts down on the time you have to spend preparing outside of class. One final suggestion: bring a good umbrella and good rain shoes. West Lafayette has a pretty wet spring, and there's nothing worse than sitting in lecture for 50 minutes with wet socks on.
Great for these types of students
Hard-working, self-motivated, socially diverse, and open-minded students are the perfect match for Purdue. Students who are looking for a college where they can mix fun and education would find a home at Purdue.

Christina from Gurnee, IL

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Purdue changed my life.
I have learned so much, thank you.
Hard to say goodbye.
Tips for prospective students
Please, please, please, please stay focused.
I know how tempting it is to say that you can go out for an hour and you'll get to that assignment later. But trust me, easier said than done.
College is the best, worst, craziest, easiest, and most stressful part of your life. Sometimes all at the same time.
But you're here for a reason. To educate yourself. Don't get all wrapped up in the glories of adulthood because your childhood will pass you by. And the one thing I miss the most is my easy-going childhood.
Academic Rigor
Purdue is hard.
Like, duh, right?
But hear me out.
This is not the type of school to slack off in. Especially for engineering.
Keep up with your studies or you will fall behind.
Dorm Life
The dorms are so much fun.
I highly recommend that freshman live in the dorm for their first year. This is where you make your closest friends. The ones that will stick by you for the next 4 years. And of course you'll make more, but these ones are special.
Plus, there are a bunch of activities each hall and floor do just to give you the chance to socialize.
But, if you don't want to live in the dorm, you don't have to. There are plenty of places to live on and off campus that aren't dorms.
Food and Dining
Ah, the dining courts. The waiting for an hour on chicken tender and make your own mac and cheese night.
I, personally, like the food. It's pretty good. Plus if you have the meal plan it's SO convenient. The way it works is like this:
You buy a plan (say 13 swipes per week). 3 meals a day, the courts are open 3 times a day for 6 days, closed Sunday (if I remember correctly). So you are basically covered for the whole week.
Plus you get to eat and not have to worry about cooking yourself food or buying groceries. Plus if you can't sit down and eat, there are on-the-go options.
But, if you don't want to pay for the meal plan (which could be expensive depending on what you get) there are plenty of restaurants to go to or order from. Because delivery is huge on campus, why walk to a place when someone can bring the food to you?
What to do for fun
What can't you do?
There's bowling at the Union, the gym to work out, the movies, clubs, sports games, and Indianapolis is just a bus ride away. So much to do without being crowded or distracted. I love how big campus is, but what I love more is how we're not surrounded by a huge city, full of distractions.
There is plenty to do, you will not go bored, trust me. If you are lucky enough to have spare time, don't waste it. As important as studying is, getting some fresh air and going out is actually very good for you.
Us engineers can only take so much learning about pipe flow in a week.
Bang for the buck
Purdue is very expensive for us out of state students. It can get hard; budgeting, making sure you have enough money for food and rent, but I would do it all over again if I had to.
I'm getting a world class education and the title of a PURDUE GRADUATE. I say that's worth it.
Purdue's engineering program in world renowned, and the experience has been amazing. I have the best professors and the best classmates because every one of us is serious about furthering our educations.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I really don't want to spoil too much, but I'll hint at some things. You'll have to figure it out:
Humans shooting "zombies" with Nerf guns. Can't forget the sock "grenades"!
Go below the Union for some fun for the whole family.
Take a nice look at our clock tower, it's special.
There's a hug circle on the ground behind the Union. Go to the middle and clap.
I hope you can find the Star Wars room. :)
Great for these types of students
Nerds.
Athletes.
Introverts.
Extroverts.
Literally everyone.
You really find your kind here.
Are you the nerdy, athlete that likes to volunteer and go to church? There are dozens like you.
Are you the shy, workaholic that loves music? There are dozens like you.
Are you the video game player that likes to code and cook in your spare time? There are dozens like you.
Don't be shy, talk to each other. We're all here to learn and make memories.
Clubs and Activities
I'm not lying when I say that Purdue has HUNDREDS of clubs and activities. From intramural sports to the board game club. If you like doing something in your spare time, there are probably of club of people just like you. And if there isn't, you cna always make your own.
Also, there is a Disney club. Enough said.
Greek Life
I'm no expert on the greek life but what I can tell you is that there are so many houses for each kind of person. There's an engineering sorority, a frat that focuses on business and soccer, a science frat, etc.
You'll fit into multiple houses, and the memories and friendships you make there will last a life time.
College is what you make it. You don't need to be a part of greek life to make it through, but you can join if you want. That's the beauty of it.
Campus Safety
I feel completely safe walking on campus. We have the blue boxes that call the police if you feel scared. A cop will come to you and walk you home if you want. And there are plenty of street lights keeping the campus lit. There is also an email service and text service that alerts everyone of event. I sometimes see cops patrolling around too. There is an on-campus police station and an on-campus fire station. There is even an on-campus health center to help students if they are sick, injured, or need a check up.

Evan from Placentia, CA

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Purdue University is filled with surprises. No one would expect a school in central Indiana to be one of the most diverse, most academically rigorous, most involved, healthiest, and inspiring universities in the world. It is literally difficult to find things, social or academic, that Purdue isn't world renown for and the Big Ten nature of the school makes it home to one of the greatest times in a student's life.
Tips for prospective students
Expect to be challenged, but don't let that detour you. You will find that Purdue is filled with passionate nerdy people and that even if you are a procrastinator now (I was), the enormous academic passion of the student body will help you love the challenge.

Get involved! there is over 1000 student organizations at Purdue and if for some strange reason you can't find one that suits you, you can make your own with only two members. However it is college, so no one is going to make you get involved, use the resources that are in front of you. You will be a happier person if you do.

Utilize the amazon stores to the fullest! Purdue is one of the few schools that have actual amazon stores (2) on campus. They allow for one day pickup on most things with the fantastic amazon prime discounts. They make your life easier for sure!

Visit! Before you choose a school you should always visit. Purdue tends to have a stronger name the further you are away from Indiana, so if you are an Indiana resident you should definitely visit the school before you look at other Indiana schools, to see why the name is so strong world wide. If you are like me and are an out of state student, the visit will sell the school to you in ways you can't get without the visit.

Be ready to be thrown into a world of diversity that is almost definitely different than what you are used to. Purdue has more international students than any other public university, second most to only one private school. You will meet people from literally everywhere.
Academic Rigor
Purdue is considered the 6th most difficult school in the United States to receive an A. In other words, it is VERY difficult. However this is what makes the Purdue degree so world renown. You will learn to handle challenges that students from most places wouldn't be able to complete after they graduate. This fact can be verified by the insane amount of career fairs that exist on campus, including Industrial round table which takes place every year, one of the largest (if not the largest) career fairs in the world. We have 300% more on-campus interviews than any other university in the US. It is very uncommon for a student not to have a job when they graduate. Many majors have 100% job placement rates after graduation.

The faculty are incredible, the class sizes small, the research opportunities numerous, and the industry engagement is in-depth.

I have had multiple classes with only 5 other students and the world leading expert on autonomous aircraft as the professor. This sort of thing is not uncommon at Purdue.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is a good time! Granted a few of the halls have no AC and are relatively old, There are also many that have AC and other amenities, and are very new. The RAs are well trained in what they do, and every floor, as well as the entire dorms are given money to spend on fun events. A good example is my freshman year, Earhart Resident Hall, named after Amelia Earhart (she was a professor at Purdue), used their extra funds for a spring break trip. If you lived in Earhart Hall you could spend 300 dollars to go to New York City which subsidized by the Hall, covered housing, airfare, food, and events. 7 day trip, for only 300 dollars total.
I highly recommend living in the dorms as it is a great way to meet friends.
Food and Dining
Purdue is ranked 16th in food in the US. The food is great! With 5 differently themed dining halls, restaurants in various places, markets, a food truck, and the food in the union all accessible through the meal plan, there is excellent variety.
Meal plans are only available if you live on campus however, and I will definitely miss the dining halls when I head off campus next year.
What to do for fun
Purdue is a large school, so it has the large school resources. You can do just about anything. Technically it is a dry campus, so alcohol is not allowed on campus grounds. However parties do occur off campus property, and are a good time for those who drink and those who do not alike. There are tons of events year round. Concerts are a must and so massive names come through. I am a Sophomore and just in my time at Purdue we have had names like: Hunter Hayes, Waka Flocka, Panic! at the Disco, Lolo, Hoodie Allen, Small pools, ext, and this upcoming spring Cage the Elephant. As well as other shows such as illusionists and the like. Typically these are free or offered at a incredibly reduced price for students. Free movies on campus are very common and held in various places. In the union there is an arcade in a bowling alley. For the more fitness types our gym, the Corec, is a $100,000,000 facility that is about an entire block and four stories tall. Intramural sports are also very popular. We are in the Big Ten athletic conference with sports that experience various degrees of success and are A BLAST to go to. Our marching band, the All American Marching Band, is extremely popular to watch and put on incredible shows during the football games. School spirit is an enormous part of the Purdue Experience and is seen in almost everything we do, including the famous Purdue Grand Prix, a go-cart race held in the spring semester every year. Once you become 21, the bars are available to you in town including names like Harry's chocolate factory which has been ranked as the best college bar in the nation before.
Bang for the buck
Your investment is well spent here. You will grown academically, professionally, personally, and socially here to a level you did not previously find possible. THIS PLACE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. You get the academics of what WSJ ranks as equal to UC Berkeley with better outcomes, and the social atmosphere as any other Big Ten University. You really can't beat it. I moved nearly 3000 miles to attend Purdue, and I can not see myself anywhere else.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Like many of the large midwest schools, we have some strange traditions. You will notice students don't walk under the famous bell tower out of fear of not graduating in four years, or clapping in the acoustically strange clapping circles. Many myths are built around our founder John Purdue, and his grave on campus. There is a strong rivalry with Indiana University and many myths are associated with them. You can see students jump in the concrete footprints of Neil Armstrong's steps on the moon, arguably one of our most famous alums. Students love doing fountain runs, where students will run through all of Purdue's many fountains in a single run. There is even a fountain with four lion's heads that spit water where students drink from as it is rumored to bring good luck for tests (don't worry the water is potable).
Great for these types of students
Great for academically driven students, who are VERY passionate in their fields on learning in general. This university isn't for everyone, but if you love to learn you will find a home here.
Clubs and Activities
There is over 1000 organizations, literally everything you can think of. There is even a pizza debate club that debates two pizzas in formal debate style. Literally everything. As far as activities go, it would be difficult not to find something to do. Between athletics, arts, music, social events, class trips, and tons of resources and places to hang out, it is literally difficult to be bored. If that does occur however, Chicago and Indianapolis are not far away!!
Greek Life
I am not personally involved in Greek life, but I know a bit about it and my girlfriend is. There is about 50 fraternities and 30 sororities. 20% of the school in involved and they are a major presence on campus. Not major enough to where you feel like you are missing out by not being involved, but major enough where you do not feel like an outcast if you are involved.
Campus Safety
Have never had an issue on campus. We are the safest college in the Big Ten, and in the 13th safest college town in the Nation. There are emergency poles all over in case of an emergency. We are serviced by our own police department, as well as both west Lafayette and Lafayette PD. We also have our own Fire department and every fire fighter in it is trained in all forms of fire fighting, this includes airplane rescue (we have our own airport).

Kara from South Bend, IN

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In high school, I was lucky enough that I didn't have to study for many of my classes. After the first couple of weeks at Purdue, however, I realized that I had to study a lot if I expected to pass my courses. It sounds a bit odd, but it has been rough learning how to study. Not only have I gained knowledge about my classes, but I have also learned many traits that will help me outside of school.
Am enjoying being here
The atmosphere is amazing! I choose Purdue based on its academic purposes, but also because it is a member of the Big Ten. I am a huge sports fanatic when it comes to Purdue sports, and there are many students that share this with me. I am a member of the VIP club at Purdue which means that I get into all of the home games for any sport. So far, I have gone to every football game, almost all the volleyball games (including a trip down to IU), a lot of the Boys' Basketball games (front row at one game!!!), and a couple of the Woman's Basketball games. The school spirit is really high here, and it is a blast to be included in the Purdue family.
Other than sports, Purdue offers so much. There are clubs for anything and everything. And if by some chance Purdue does not offer something that you are interested in, feel free to make a club for it!
Bang for the buck
I am studying Engineering, and Purdue has definitely earned my respect for this course. It is a tough major to study, but because Purdue is known for its Engineers, it is a great place to study it. The food is also great. There are five different dining halls to choose from and each specializes in something different, such as Earhart is more oriental food, and Windsor is geared towards vegetarians. I am a vegetarian, and while I prefer Windsor, there is something for my at each dining court.
Tips for prospective students
You will hear a lot of this information again and again, but listen to it.
>GET INVOLVED. There are so many different clubs and activities for you to join. Do it. Not only will you meet other students that share similar interests, but you will have fun!
>BE SOCIAL. When I say this, I do not mean go out and party every night. What I mean is, do not be anti-social. For example, when you are in your room, leave the door open. This allows others on your floor to come in and talk. You can meet some great people this way.
>STUDY. If you are in tough classes, be ready for a lot of late night studying. One tip, do not sit in your room. Go to a quiet room, a library, somewhere where you won't be distracted.
Great for these types of students
Purdue is a great choice for:
>Students who enjoy sports.
>Aspiring Engineers.
>Students who want to meet new people from around the world.
>Check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Brad from Casper, WY

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes at Purdue are filled with a ton of information. You will learn a lot, but that does come at a cost. You will have to work for your grades, but in the end it really pays off.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is absolutely beautiful! It is kept in credibly clean. The weather is moderate, although the summers can get a bit hot.

You will never be bored. When there is down time from course work, Purdue has over 800 clubs and organizations, so everyone will be able to find something that fits their fancy.
Bang for the buck
Purdue increased its tuition 5% this year, and for us out of state students that is a lot.. But the cost is worth the education, and the prestige of receiving a diploma with the title Purdue University on it.
Tips for prospective students
-Make a daily schedule. Find times between classes, and instead of laying around, use that time for homework and study so that you can have free time at night.
-Get involved in organizations. They are incredibly fun, and allow you to meet new and interesting people both from, and outside of your major.
Great for these types of students
Those who know what they want, and are not afraid to put forth a little work to get it.

Nicole from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The variety of classes is incredible and the professors enjoy what they're teaching... which makes it easier on us students to learn the material!
Am enjoying being here
Purdue has a club for basically every interest, and if you still can't find the right one for you, they allow you to start your own! The students are all really friendly and I feel comfortable around everybody. You're always able to find something to do and the traditions and atmosphere of the campus make it so enjoyable!
Bang for the buck
Purdue University is a great school and graduates some of the best students! The programs offered to prepare you for whatever you choose to do with your life are top notch. You get out what you put in but Purdue makes the 'putting in' part easy!!
Tips for prospective students
The key is just knowing how to balance fun and academics. Finding ways to have fun at Purdue and making friends is easy! But if you skip class a lot and lose sight of the reason you're in college, it's just as easy to let your grades slip.
It can also go the other way. It's important to have a nice, full schedule but don't overdo it! Give yourself time to go out and run through the fountains or chant in the student section of the football games!
Great for these types of students
Engineers, for sure!
Students looking for a big University but still wanting to be able to feel like a part of a community.

Marie from Goose Creek, SC

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Purdue is basically a land of opportunity; you get out of it what you put in, and much, much more. More majors and minors than you can imagine, even more clubs and organizations--something for everyone! I love this school and campus to the bottom of my heart and would recommend it to anyone.
Tips for prospective students
Go to BGR! It might sound like a lame college orientation, but you will meet so many friends and learn SO much about Purdue.
Academic Rigor
Guys--it's hard. But Purdue is a top school, so getting your butt kicked by academics (it will happen to even the smartest of the smarty-pants!) is only going to put you on top of the applicant pile when it comes time to get a big-kid job.
Dorm Life
It's a dorm, not a hotel. There are a TON to choose from at Purdue though, and each one is different/offers different things. Regardless of where you stay, I guarantee you will love it and it will end up having a special little place in your heart.
Food and Dining
PURDUE HAS THE BEST FOOD EVER. I'm not even kidding. I've been to other schools dining courts, talked to other friends about the food at their schools...seriously, Purdue wins. Plus there are like 5 to choose from for every meal. NOM.
What to do for fun
Under 21: the levy has a ton of stuff to do, including a movie theatre, shopping, and a pottery place. There's a bowling alley in the Union, free movies on Slayter Hill and in Loeb, and a ton of free events going on all the time!
Over 21: ...we have good bars.
Bang for the buck
Sports. Tradition. Brains. Boilermaker Love. We have it all.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Sledding down Slayter Hill on dining court trays (how you get them is up to you...;)
XXX (relax, it's a restaurant)...they have the famous peanut butter burger
Great for these types of students
Anyone?!
I used to think I wanted to go to a small school, but at Purdue, you get both the big school and small school experience. Attention in classes (sometimes you have to seek it out, but it's there), but huge atmosphere where the possibilities are endless. Sounds corny, but it's totally true.
Clubs and Activities
There is literally a club for every interest. If you don't find one that fits yours, create it!!!
Greek Life
I'm not involved in the greek community, but if you want to be, ours is huuuge.
Campus Safety
Don't walk alone at night...it's a no-brainer for any campus. There are lots of cab services around, and a walking service that you can call if you want someone to walk to home at night! Overall, if you're smart, it's a safe place :)