How many courses will I take?

When should I buy my books?

Will I need a personal computer?

When will I find out where/when my classes are?

How much time should I spend studying?

Will my parents get my grades?

Do professors take attendance?

Where can I study on campus if I don't want to study in my room?

Which library can I use?

What if I need help in a class?

What do I do when I want to change my major?

What do I do if I need to change my schedule?

Will I get the same grades I did in high school?

What Purdue schools require foreign language proficiency?

How many courses will I take?
The average course load is 15 - 17 credit hours, or about five classes.  You and your academic advisor will develop a schedule that is rigth for you, so you may carry more of fewer classes. 

When should I buy my books?
Local bookstores list books needed for each class, so you can buy your books ahead of time if you want.  You have a better chance of getting used books if you buy them early.  Most professors don't expect students to have books on the first day of class.  If you change classes or have books you don't need, bookstores will give a full refund if you have the receipt and have not marked/written in the book.  Be sure to ask what the bookstore's return policy is and if there is a deadline after which they won't take returns. 

Will I need a personal computer?
Personal computers are not required, although many students find them helpful. All residence halls have computer labs, and 30 academic buildings have computer labs. Information about Computer Labs may be found at http://www.itap.purdue.edu/ (>Teaching and Learning, >Instructional Computing Labs, >Lab Schedules). If you desire your own personal computer, your residence hall manager can give you information about hooking up and securing your computer in the residence hall. 

When will I find our where/when my classes are?
If you register for classes during Day on Campus, the Bursar's office will mail you your tuition & fee statement and class schedule in mid-July.  Your schedule is your fee receipt and tells you when and where your classes meet.  You can also see your class schedule via myPurdue. 

 
How much time should I spend studying?
A general guideline is about two hours of study for every hour you spend in class. You'll spend more time for some classes and less for others. Good study habits and reading skills are necessary if you plan to earn As and Bs.

 
Will my parents get my grades?
Grades are no longer mailed to students.  You will be able to access your grades via myPurdue beginning Wednesday of the week following final exams.

 
Do professors take attendance?
Individual professors have different policies. It is obviously to your benefit to attend class even if the professor does not take roll. Class absences due to serious illness, accident, or other unique situations beyond your control should be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students. Students are expected to be present for every meeting of the classes in which they are enrolled. (University Regulations, Section VI.A)

 
Where can I study on campus if I don't want to study in my room?
The Hicks Undergraduate Library and all school libraries have space for studying. Students also study in lounge areas of the Union and Stewart Center, as well as empty classrooms. Some departments also have study lounges. All residence halls have study areas.

 
Which library can I use?
Publications describing the libraries and library services are available in the Hicks Undergraduate Library or at www.lib.purdue.edu. You will probably use the Hicks library or the HSSE library for much of your work during the first two years. All libraries have information desks with staffs available to assist students. If you need help, just ask!

 
What if I need help in a class?
Talk with your instructor. Professors and teaching assistants (TAs) expect students to come and talk with them — all have posted office hours. Lists of tutors are available through the Office of the Dean of Students and from residence hall counselors. Some libraries, the Boiler Copy Maker Copy Center (PMU Room 157), and many housing units have class notes and test files. You can also take advantage of facilities like the Writing Lab, the Academic Success Center, Math Help Room, and the Chemistry Resource Room. An online source of help information is at www.purdue.edu/helpdesk (> Academic > Academic Help). Talk with your academic advisor.

 
What do I do when I want to change my major?
Talk to your academic advisor. He or she will help you with the CODO procedure.

 
What do I do if I need to change my schedule?
See your academic advisor immediately, or talk with another advisor in your department. There are deadlines for making schedule changes and many are in the first or second week of classes.

 
Will I get the same grades I did in high school?
Some classes may be easier than those you had in high school, but most will be more difficult, be faster-paced, and require more studying, reading, and problem solving. Many students experience a slight drop in grades while adjusting to a new, more independent learning style.

 
What Purdue schools require foreign language proficiency?
The College of Education and College of Science require proficiency through the 201 level, while the College of Liberal Arts requires proficiency through the 202 level. The Department of Child Development and Family Studies in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences requires proficiency through the 202 level. Other Purdue colleges/schools do not have a foreign language requirement, although many permit foreign language courses as electives.

return to top