Undergraduate
Studies Program Young Hall, 8th Floor
302 Wood Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2108
Phone: (765) 494-0843
Fax: (765) 496-1139
E-mail: usp@purdue.edu E-mail web site administrator
The old saying goes that if you don’t like the weather in Indiana, just wait a few minutes. Late summer weather is often hot, humid, and stormy. Early fall weather varies between hot and humid and cold and rainy. Students can count on rain, snow, ice, and cold in the winter, starting in mid-November and lasting into mid-March. Winter daytime temperatures average around 30°F, but can dip to sub-zero levels mid-winter. Spring weather can be nice, with highs between 50°F -70°F, but it is often rainy. Students usually bring a jacket, umbrella, and rain boots in August, and then bring their snow boots and winter coats back with them after October or Thanksgiving Break. Layering your clothing works best in Indiana weather.
Purdue has lots of plant life, including flowers, grasses, trees, ferns, and mushrooms. Students should consider stocking up on necessary medications in late fall and early spring to contend with pollen or mold allergies.
Our area does experience occasional severe weather, mainly in the form of thunderstorms, high winds, hail, flooding, and very rarely, tornados. Tippecanoe County and Purdue have excellent procedures in place to keep students and the surrounding community informed and safe.
Biking is a popular form of transportation around Purdue’s campus, but you might want to keep several things in mind. First of all, only outside storage is available (bikes cannot be stored in dorm rooms). Secondly, bike thefts do happen (about 100/year), so bring a sturdy lock and learn how to effectively secure your bicycle. As added security, engrave identification onto your bike. You should register your bike with the Purdue Police.
Should I bring my car?
Freshmen are not allowed to have cars unless they live a long distance from campus (30 minutes or more), making them eligible for a commuter parking permit. Parking space on or near campus is limited. Most campus parking is reserved for staff with permits, for visitors, or for upper classman in the residence halls. Most off-campus street parking has time limitations set by the city. Students usually get around campus by walking, bicycling, or by CityBus (free with your Purdue ID). Shopping areas, bookstores, and restaurants are within walking distance of campus. Taxi service is also available. If you need a car 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 Visitor Information Center on Northwestern Avenue.
Should I insure my stereo and computer if I bring them?
It is a good idea to insure any valuable personal items you bring. Check your family’s insurance policy as your belongings may already be covered. Keep your room locked when you leave it to prevent theft and make sure that you roommate locks it, too.
What
is Fraternity Rush? Sorority Rush?
Fraternities and sororities usually have a callout early in the fall for all prospective members. Recruitment (sometimes called “rush”) is explained at the callout, with most recruitment events following immediately afterwards. Students usually do not move into the house until the fall of their sophomore year. About 20 percent of Purdue undergraduates are in Greek organizations. .
Greek recruitment can be a great social and networking experience, but students need to keep in mind that it may take up a lot of their time, if they let it. Balance is the key to success in both academics and Greek participation.
What is cooperative housing?
Cooperative Housing life is much like Greek life, requiring recruitment and offering great social networking experiences. Recruitment occurs in January, but members are inducted year-round, depending on space. Contact the Office of the Dean of Students (Schleman Hall, room 250) for more information at (765) 494-1231.
What
if I don't get along with my roommate?
The best thing to do is to prevent roommate problems before they begin and to keep the lines of communication open throughout the “getting to know you” process. Early in the fall, establish ground rules that both you and your roommate can agree upon. Some roommates even draw up written and signed contracts! If problems do arise, talk to your floor’s resident assistant immediately. If no solutions can be found, keep in mind that changing rooms is difficult early in the semester, but is often possible between semesters.
What is October Break?
October Break is a mid-semester break in classes (usually the second Monday and Tuesday in October) to give students time to catch up with (or unwind from) studies.
How
can I meet people?
Talk with people who sit near you in class. Participate in activities at the Recreational Sports Center or join an intramural team. Join a musical organization. Contact your campus religious organization. Your residence hall counselor can tell you about programs and activities in your hall and on campus. Check out all of the wonderful activities and organizations Purdue has to offer at the Get Involved at Purdue website. Flyers for callouts are posted on the flyer board on the front page of this and on kiosks throughout campus.
What types of clubs does Purdue have?
Purdue’s large size equals huge diversity in activities, clubs, and organizations – over 800 in all. Furthermore, if we don’t have a club for your favorite activity, you and a friend (and a faculty advisor) can start your own! Many clubs hold callouts or informational meetings early in the fall. These are announced in your Mortar Board, the Exponent, on the Get Involved at Purdue online flyer board, on posters around campus, and on table notices in the residence hall dining rooms.
How can I become involved in student government?
Purdue Student Government (PSG) welcomes new student involvement. Visit their offices in Stewart Center, Room G-6. PSG frequently runs announcements in the Exponent about opportunities for involvement. You could also serve in student government within the residence hall or your college or school. 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?
We definitely encourage students to stay on-campus for most weekends to help them feel more established at Purdue. A variety of plays, intercollegiate athletics, lectures, concerts, intramural contests, and other University-sponsored events are always available. Both Purdue Convocations and Purdue Theatre (.pdf) 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 many parks, museums, and other local attractions. Indianapolis and Chicago are within 2 hours driving distance, as well. Finally, students even budget 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 violation will result in disciplinary action.
What
religious activities are offered?
Student religious foundations and organizations, in cooperation with the churches, synagogues, and mosques of the Greater Lafayette area, offer creative and varied spiritual ministry and welcome your participation. Consult the Get Involved at Purdue site for specific information and watch the Exponent for activity notices.
How
can I get involved in recreational sports?
Sign up for your housing unit’s athletic program. Off-campus students also have teams. You can sign up at the Recreational Sports Center, which coordinates a large intramural program. Non-competitive and individual activities also are available at the RSC. Group exercise classes abound. Pick up an information booklet while you are there or visit their website. If you are interested in varsity sports, contact the appropriate coach at Mackey Arena.
How
do I get athletic tickets?
Information about purchasing football tickets will be mailed to you during the summer and about basketball tickets early in the fall. There is a charge for student tickets for all athletic events. If you have questions, or if your parents want to purchase tickets, contact the Athletic Ticket Office at (765) 494-3194 or toll free at (800) 497-7678 or visit their website. The VIP “All Sport” Card, which gives card holders access to all regular-season home games in all sports, is available in limited quantity at various points throughout the semester, and sells out fast!
How can I buy Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO) Christmas Show tickets?
Ticket information about the PMO Christmas Show will be available no later than the beginning of August 2009. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the box offices within Elliott Hall, Pao Hall, or Stewart Center, or by calling the Purdue Box Office at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW (7469) between 10am - 6pm, Monday through Friday. Student deals are also available.
Is
public transportation available?
Along with privately-run taxi services, West Lafayette and Lafayette is served by CityBus of Greater Lafayette, which offers free bus service to Purdue students, staff, and faculty with a valid Purdue ID. The Campus Loops run a regular, convenient route around campus both day and night. City routes visit popular sites, including shopping centers, apartment complexes, and parks, in West Lafayette and Lafayette. For more information and maps of the routes, call CityBus at (765) 742-RIDE or visit their website.
How do I get home if I don’t have a car?
Greater Lafayette is serviced by Amtrak, Greyhound, and private bus services to the Indianapolis and Chicago O’Hare airport, as well as rental cars. In 2009, Purdue began a free web service called Boiler Ride, which facilitates the arrangement of carpools to and from class and rides home.
Lafayette Limo offers
transportation to the Indianapolis Airport every two hours,
nine times a day. To reserve seats, call (765) 497-3828. Express Air Coach offers shuttle service between the Purdue Airport and Chicago's O'hare Airport. Call (765) 743-3120 to reserve a seat.
What if I need medical attention?
The Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) is a fully accredited, primary-care outpatient facility. Services are available by appointment or walk-in. The center offers a variety of services including medical, urgent care, diagnostic X-ray and laboratory, physical therapy, counseling and psychological services, and alcohol and other drug counseling. Most services are covered by your University fees; others such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and physical therapy are provided on a fee-for-service basis. The University recommends that every student be covered by health insurance, either through their parents or by purchasing Purdue-sponsored insurance.
How do I arrange for health services such as allergy shots or blood tests?
The Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) offers many services, including an Allergy & Immunization Clinic. Contact PUSH at (765) 494-6504 as soon as possible to work out the details for this or any other routine services you need.
What if I have to miss a class because of illness?
You might ask another student in the class for notes and assignments, but you need to contact the professor if you will miss a test. If you miss a class for an extended period, contact your residence hall counselor so your instructor can be notified. For extended absences (more than five days), contact the Dean of Students Office at (765) 494-1747.
What is the Safe Walk Program?
At Purdue, we encourage students to practice good safety habits. For example, we do not recommend that students go out alone at night. The Safe Walk Program is a service of the Purdue Student Security Patrol (PSSP), which provides an escort to and from university residences, the academic campus and the Chauncey Village area. The PSSP is staffed by students who are selected and trained by the Purdue Police Department. This free service is provided all year, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. Contact the Safe Walk Program at (765) 494-SAFE (7233).
How much money will I need?
The amount of money that you will need will vary, depending on your activities, where you live, and whether you will hold a job during the school year. We recommend that students and parents sit down in the summer and draw up a budget. Popular items that students like to or will need to spend money on include: books, textbooks, special items needed for classes, food and snacks, movies, clothes, laundry, grocery items, room decoration, concerts, and transportation home.
Your tuition, fees, and housing bill is now available only on myPurdue. Starting with the Summer 2009 session, paper invoices will no longer be sent. All information will be available through the Bursar’s e-Bill service (.pdf) and is accessible by both students and parents.
What happens if I'm awarded financial aid?
When possible, your financial aid award will be credited against your Purdue bills. If aid funds remain after your account is paid, the bursar’s office will issue a check. You should plan to pay your initial expenses (books, off-campus rent, etc.) from other resources and be reimbursed when your aid check becomes available. If you have questions, call the Division of Financial Aid, (765) 494-0998 or by e-mail at facontact@purdue.edu.
Should I have a checking account?
Most students find checking accounts 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 automatic teller machines are located in the Purdue Memorial Union and in the residence halls. The Union has a check cashing service, which will cash checks for a maximum of $50 per day for a $1 transaction fee with a Purdue ID card.
What if an emergency arises and I am short of cash?
The Office of the Dean of students has small emergency loans available for 30 days with no interest. Contact (765) 494-1747 or visit their Emergency Loan website for more information.
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?
Both Work-Study and non-Work-Study student job postings are available through the Division of Financial Aid’s Student Employment Service. The residence halls employ many students. Ask for an application at your hall’s main office. Check the ads in the Exponent and the Lafayette Journal and Courier. Watch the bulletin boards in your academic area or an area in which you’d like to work. Often departments have jobs posted in their offices.
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 this website.
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 their website.
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?
