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 or see 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 need to do to change majors?

What if I am unsure of my major?

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

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

Which Purdue majors require foreign language proficiency?

How many courses will I take?

The average course load for a first-semester freshman is 14 to 17 credit hours, or about five classes.  You and your advisor will develop a schedule that is right for you based on the courses and majors you would like to explore, so you may carry more or fewer classes.  In order to move up the classification chain (freshman to sophomore, etc.), however, you will usually need to average 30 credits per year (or 15 credits per semester). 

When should I buy my books?

Both Purdue University and our local bookstores list books needed for each class, so it is easy to buy your books ahead of time.  You have a better chance of getting used books if you buy them early. 

If you change classes or have books you don’t need, bookstores will give a full refund within the first or second weeks of classes - IF you have the receipt and have NOT broken the plastic wrap on textbook or software packages. 

We recommend, however, that you wait to buy books for ENGL 10600 or 10800 until after the first class meeting.  Book titles and quantities are determined by the section instructors and may not be posted at the bookstores. 

Your EDPS 10500 “Academic & Career Planning” class requires a ‘course packet’ of materials which can be purchased directly from the Boiler Copy Maker (PMU 157) or ordered online and then picked up.  EDPS 10500 packets will be available 1 - 2 weeks before the beginning of classes.   

To find book requirements online, go to www.purdue.edu/textbooks.  Prices for new and used books can be found at the Follett’s (http://www.efollett.com) or the University Bookstore (http://www.purdueu.com) sites. After using this website, students could also order books from www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, or www.textbookx.com.

Will I need a personal computer?

Computers are fast becoming a necessity of college life, but they are not required at Purdue and we do not recommend a specific brand or type.  This is mostly because our ITaP’s Teaching and Learning Technologies supports and maintains over 50 instructional computing labs on campus.  The computers in these labs provide an extensive software suite and a secure work environment.  

If you are in the market for a computer or laptop, check out the ITaP store in Stewart Center (STEW), room G-65, or online at http://www.itap.purdue.edu/shopping/.  Your residence hall manager can give you information about hooking up and securing your computer in the residence hall. 

Software is also available at a discounted education rate through ITaP at http://www.psts.itap.purdue.edu.  Students will need to use their Purdue Career User name and Password to view and order software.   It is recommended that students wait until after the first day of class to purchase software, as there are no returns allowed if a mistake is made.  Software can be picked up at the Boiler Copy Maker Copy Center, located in Purdue Memorial Union (PMU), room 157.

Purdue also supports a wireless network called Purdue Air Link (PAL), with hot spots in most residence halls (in common areas, but not the individual student rooms) and major academic buildings.  Set up information, videos, and a building coverage list are located at http://www.itap.purdue.edu/airlink/.

Although laptops are wonderful, their portability makes them easy targets for thieves.  If you do bring a laptop to campus, make sure to turn on the password protection, buy a lock (like a Kensington lock), and register it online with the Purdue Police Department. 

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

If you registered for courses during your STAR date, your schedule, including the days, times, and locations of the classes, will be visible immediately on myPurdue.  A grid view of your classes is available under the “Week at a Glance” link.  A text version of your schedule is available under the “Concise Schedule” link.   At that point, we recommend that you use a Campus Map to plan out your daily routes.  Time between most classes is about 10 minutes.  Knowing where you are going before classes begin and “walking” your class schedule can save stress and frustration later. 

How much time should I spend studying?

A general guideline is about two hours of study for each hour you spend in class.  You’ll spend more time for some classes, especially those with laboratories, and less for others.  Consistency is the name of the game in college – studying steadily over the semester rather than cramming right before tests yields better grades and better retention of material.

Will my parents get or see my grades?

No, unless you give them access through myPurdue.  Grades will be available in myPurdue and will be accessible only by you (or anyone who has your user name and password).  However, we strongly recommend that you keep the lines of communication open with your parents about your grades, as they can assist your progress and often are the ones paying for college.

 
Do professors take attendance?

Individual professors have different policies.  It is to your advantage to attend class even if the professor does not take attendance, because you are ultimately responsible for learning the material presented in class.  Extended class absences due to serious illness, accident, or other situations beyond your control should be reported to your residence hall counselor, academic advisor, and to the Office of the Dean of Students (Schleman Hall, room 207).  The Dean of Students can then send a note to your professors letting them know the situation.

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

All Purdue Libraries have quiet spaces for studying.  Some libraries, like the Hicks Undergraduate Library (HIKS), feature café areas, like UnderGrounds, to study and eat.   All residence halls have study rooms.  Students can also study in the lounge areas of the Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center.  Some academic departments also have study lounges.  On nice days, there is plenty of outdoor green space where you can study, too.

Which library can I use?

Any of our 14 libraries are available for your use, though popular locations for first-year students tends to be the Hicks Undergraduate Library (HIKS) or the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education (HSSE) Library, both located in the Stewart Center (STEW).  All of the libraries have information desk staff available to assist students.  If you need help finding materials or a location to study, just ask.

What if I need help in a class?

There are many ways to get help in a class.  We recommend that you first talk with your instructor about your current grades and what steps you should take to improve them.  Professors and TA’s all have posted office hours, usually located in the course syllabus (a document explaining class policies passed out on the first day of classes).  Some instructors hold periodic help sessions, so listen for these in class. 

If you find you need more day-to-day assistance, consider enlisting a paid or free tutor.  Lists of tutors are available through the departments or the Office of the Dean of Students.  Our students also recommend doing your homework in one of our departmental help rooms (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, etc.).  That way, if you need help with a homework problem, you can get it right away.  Help rooms also tend to have copies of practice exams and other materials to help you learn the subject. 

Besides departmental help rooms, Purdue has various academic help facilities such as the Writing Lab (Heavilon Hall, room 226), the Academic Success Center (Beering Hall, room 3268), and the Chemistry Resource Room (Wetherill Labs, room 117). 

Group study is also popular at Purdue.  There is no service on campus to match you up with students in your classes, so be friendly and start building your study network early in the semester.  Also, make sure that you have an outside expert for consultation should a problem stump you all.

Part of being in college is learning to recognize when you need help and how to find it.   Be persistent!  If a certain type of help doesn’t help, seek out other types.  If you don’t know where to start, ask your advisor!  

What do I need to do to change majors?

At Purdue, the process of changing majors is called CODO’ing (Changing Of Degree Objective).  To CODO, first check with your advisor about the CODO process for your desired major.  Most colleges and schools require a set of minimum grades, courses, and documents before a CODO can take place.  At the very minimum, most colleges/schools will require that you attend a “CODO meeting,” which is an informational meeting about their program requirements.   

After you have met all of the CODO requirements, you will need to file CODO paperwork.  To do this, follow the procedure outlined on our CODO Procedures page.

What if I am unsure of my major?

Fortunately, you are in one of the best programs on campus for career exploration, USP!  All USP students must take EDPS 10500, Academic and Career Planning, which will walk you through the career exploration process.  If after taking this class, however, you are still unsure about your major, individual career counseling is available at the Center for Career Opportunities (Stewart Center, room 194), the Purdue Counseling & Guidance Center (Beering Hall, room 3202), and the Office of the Dean of Students Counseling Center (Schleman Hall, room 207).  You can also always talk through major ideas with your USP advisor!

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

Students can add, drop, and modify the times of courses themselves using myPurdue.  This can be done throughout the summer and through the end of the first week of classes.  However, we recommend they consult with an advisor first to discuss the consequences of any changes. 

After the first week of classes, students should pay attention to their Purdue e-mail for notices from their advisors, as the rules to modify courses changes depending on which week it is in the semester.  It is also strongly recommended that students print out (or at least bookmark) the Schedule Revision calendar.

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

While some classes may be as easy as those you had in high school, most will be more difficult, faster- paced, and require more studying, reading, and problem-solving.  Students may experience a slight drop in grades the first semester while adjusting to a new, more independent learning and living style. Good study habits and a proactive attitude toward learning can help prevent grade slumps. 

Which Purdue majors require foreign language proficiency?
All majors within the College of Science require proficiency through at least the 102 level, plus one more level, if elected. All majors within the College of Education require proficiency through the 201 level (3 semesters of college language), while all the majors within the College of Liberal Arts require proficiency through the 202 level (4 semesters). Finally, some majors within the College of Health & Human Sciences require proficiency through the 202 level (4 semesters). Contact your academic advisor for assistance.

Other Purdue colleges and schools do not have a foreign language requirement, although many use foreign language courses as electives in the their degree programs.

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updated 8/10/11