1. What will the weather be like?
2. Should I bring my bike?
3. Should I bring my car?
4. Should I insure my stereo and computer if I bring them?
5. What are fraternity and sorority rush?
6. What is cooperative housing?
7. What if I don't get along with my roommate?
8. What is October Break?
9. How can I meet people?
10. What types of clubs does Purdue have?
11. How can I become involved in student government?
12. What do students do on weekends?
13. What is the policy concerning alcohol?
14. What religious activities are offered here?
15. How can I get involved in sports?
16. How do I get football and basketball tickets?
17. Is public transportation available?
18. Is there public transportation to the Indianapolis and Chicago airports?
19. How much money will I need?
20. What happens if I'm awarded financial aid?
21. Should I have a checking account?
22. What if I'm short of cash?
23. How can I find a part-time job?
24. Where can I find the menu of what is being served in the residence halls? How about the Boiler TV schedule?
25. Where can I find information about dining at the Purdue Memorial Union or the restaurants of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management?
26. When is my tuition and fee payment due? Can I get an extension on my due date?

What will the weather be like?

We probably will have some hot days in August & early September, so a fan will be very handy if you will be living in an un-airconditioned residence hall.  Make sure you bring an umbrella and rainy-weather clothing.  You will probably need boots and winter gear by November or December.  Click here for the current weather conditions in West Lafayette.

Should I bring my bike?

If you're not already in the habit of using your bike for transportation, you might want to wait.  Only outside storage is available and bikes should be securely locked.  If you do bring a bike make sure it has some kind of identification engraved on it, and be sure to register it with the Purdue police.

Should I bring my car?

Freshmen are not allowed to have cars unless they live 1.5 miles or more from campus, making them eligible for a commuter (C) parking permit.  Parking spaces on or near campus are very limited.  Most campus parking is reserved for faculty & staff who buy permits, for visitors, and for upperclassmen who are residents of housing units. Most off-campus street parking has time limitations set by the city.  Students get around campus by walking, riding the bus (see public transportation below), or riding a bike.  Shopping areas, bookstores, and restaurants are within walking distance from campus. Bus and taxi service is available, and the bus is free!  If you need a parking permit for a special circumstance and live in a residence hall, you should talk with your hall manager. If you live off campus contact the University Parking Office.

Should I insure my stereo and computer if I bring them?

It's a good idea to insure any valuable personal items you bring. Your belongings may be covered by your family policy. Keep your room locked when you leave it to prevent theft.

What are fraternity and sorority rush?

Fraternities usually have an informational meeting (callout) early in the fall and spring semesters for prospective members. Fraternity rush is explained at the callout, with most rush events and pledging following later in the semester. Although these events occur throughout the year, most students are only able to move into the house the following year. Sorority rush events take place in the fall; pledging begins later on in the semester. Sorority members are also allowed to move into their houses the following year. About 20 percent of Purdue undergraduates are in Greek organizations. Information about fraternities and sororities is available in the Office of the Dean of Students.

What is cooperative housing?

A cooperative house is one "where students live and work together to promote friendship, leadership, and life skills."  Cooperatives are similar to fraternities and sororities in that they involve a group of students living together. They are different from Greek organizations in that they are typically smaller, not related to a national organization, and require members to contribute a set number of hours of work at the house each week.  One of the pluses is that co-ops are generally the least expensive housing option for college students.  New members are selected through a rush process held generally early spring semester.  Contact the Student Activities and Organizations office at (765) 494-1231 or visit the cooperative housing website for more information.

What if I don't get along with my roommate?

Residence hall counselors and staff can help with roommate problems. Residence halls generally do not have empty rooms, so changing rooms is difficult early in the semester.

What is October Break?

October Break is a mid-semester break in classes generally held the second Monday & Tuesday in October.

How can I meet people?

Talk with people who sit near you in class. Contact campus religious organizations. Join one of the musical organizations on campus. Participate in activities at the Recreational Sports Center. Attend sporting events. Participate in activities at your residence hall and elsewhere on campus. Get involved in one of the 700+ student organizations on campus (read the Exponent, campus posters and flyers, or the Mortar Board for callout times and locations). Smile at people you pass.

What types of clubs does Purdue have?

Purdue has 700+ student organizations on campus.  The complete list of student organizations can be accessed via SSINFO (> Student Life > Student Organizations). If you don't find what you're looking for, it only takes one other student and a faculty/staff member willing to be your advisor to start your own organization! Many clubs hold callouts (or informational meetings) early in the fall & spring semesters.  These are announced in your Mortar Board, the Exponent, and on posters and flyers around campus.

How can I become involved in student government?

Purdue Student Government (PSG) welcomes new student involvement.  You can make contact via the PSG website or by stopping by the PSG offices in Stewart Center.  Student government activities are also available in the residence halls and other housing organizations.  The Undergraduate Studies Program has it's own USP Student Council and USP Student Senator - think about getting involved!

What do students do on weekends?

A variety of plays, intercollegiate athletics, lectures, concerts, intramural contests, and other university-sponsored events are always available. Both Purdue Convocations and Purdue Theatre offer a wide variety of performances, and students can get tickets at significantly reduced prices.  Clubs, organizations, and residence halls also arrange weekend activities. Students can visit parks, museums, and other local attractions. You might even plan some weekend time for studying!

What is the policy concerning alcohol?

The legal age in Indiana for alcohol consumption or possession is 21. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in university facilities, with certain exceptions, and violations will result in disciplinary action.

What religious activities are offered here?

Student religious foundations and organizations, in cooperation with the churches and synagogues of the Greater Lafayette area, offer a creative and varied spiritual ministry, and welcome your participation. Consult "Student Organizations and Services" or the telephone book for specific information, and watch the Exponent for activity notices.

How can I get involved in sports?

If you're interested in recreational sports, you can sign up for your housing unit's athletic programs. Off-campus students also have teams. You can sign up at the Recreation Sports Center (RSC), which coordinates a large intramural program. Noncompetitive and individual activities are available at the RSC. Pick up an information booklet when you're there. If you're interested in varsity sports, contact the appropriate coach at Mackey Arena.

How do I get football and basketball tickets?

Information about purchasing football tickets will be mailed with your tuition invoice. Information about basketball tickets will be available early in the fall. There is a charge for student tickets for both football and basketball games. If you have any questions or if your parents are interested in purchasing tickets, contact the ticket office in the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility at (765) 494-3194 or (800) 497-7678. Information about purchasing tickets may also be found on SSINFO, select "Student Life."

Is public transportation available?

Along with taxi service, Lafayette is served by CityBus, which offers free service throughout the Greater Lafayette area and the Purdue campus. The Campus Loop runs a regular convenient route around campus day and night, and it's FREE to Purdue students - just show your student ID card. For schedule or route information, call CityBus at 742-RIDE or visit www.gocitybus.com.

Is there public transportation to the Indianapolis and Chicago airports?

Lafayette Limo offers transportation to the Indianapolis Airport every two hours, nine times a day. For further information call (765) 497-3828 or visit www.lafayettelimo.com.  Express Air Coach offers shuttle service between the Purdue Airport and Chicago's O'hare Airport.  Call (765) 743-3120 or visit www.expressaircoach.com.

How much money will I need?

The average student spends about $50 per week.  It's important to budget money for snacks, movies, clothes, doing laundry, shampoo, toothpaste, stamps, transportation home, etc.  Once you arrive on campus, most University bills will be mailed to you at your local/campus address, or you can choose to specify your home or other address as your billing address via SSINFO (> Personal > Addresses and Phones).

What happens if I'm awarded financial aid?

Whenever possible, your financial aid will be credited toward your Purdue bills.  If aid funds remain after your account is paid, the Bursar's office will issue a check to you.  You should plan to pay for initial expenses (books, off-campus rent, etc.) from other resources and then be reimbursed when your financial aid check becomes available.  If you plan to receive financial aid beyond your freshmen year, be sure to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 1 of each year.  Contact the Division of Financial Aid (765-494-5050) for more information.

Should I have a checking account?

Most students find checking accounts to be convenient.  Local merchants usually will accept your check from an out-of-town bank or credit union if you have a Purdue ID card.  Several ATMs operated by local banks/credit unions are located in the Purdue Memorial Union and in the residence halls.  The Union has a check cashing service, which will cash checks (up to a maximum of $50 per day) for a small charge for students showing their Purdue ID.  If you are employed in the Greater Lafayette area, a local bank or credit union account may be convenient for depositing paychecks.

What if I'm short of cash?

Interest-free emergency loans are provided as a service to Purdue students for short-term use. The usual loan is approved with a student's signature and with picture ID for a maximum of $200 for 30 days. Loans may be approved weekdays, except Tuesday mornings, between 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:45 p.m. at the Office of the Dean of Students in Schleman Hall, Room 207.

Students granted emergency loans are expected to assume responsibility for prompt repayment. Unpaid loans result in the encumbrance of the student's academic record. Those on academic probation will not be approved for emergency loans during the final six weeks of the semester.

How can I find a part-time job?

The residence halls employ many students.  Ask for an application at your hall's front desk.  Check the jobs listed on SSINFO (> Student Life> Student Job Postings), as well the Help Wanted ads in the Exponent and the Lafayette Journal & Courier.  Finally, watch the bulletin boards in the department/area in which you'd like to work.

Where can I find the menu of what is being served in the residence halls? How about the Boiler TV schedule?

On line menus and Boiler TV program and movie listings may be found at www.housing.purdue.edu.

Where can I find information about dining at the Purdue Memorial Union or the restaurants of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management?

Information about dining at the Purdue Memorial Union is located at www.union.purdue.edu. For information on restaurants operated by the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, see HTM Restaurants.

When is my tuition and fee payment due? Can I get an extension on my due date?

See Tuition and Fees.

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