PULSe Resources

“Living in West Lafayette has been very reasonable and enjoyable. With our graduate stipend I have been able to pay a two-bedroom apartment (900 sq. ft for $600/month), my car and other expenses without much problem. I live off campus in the West Lafayette area and I enjoy very much the serenity around it. The food around campus is great! Many restaurants with different ethnic backgrounds are established in the area and good bars as well as the fun and night life. For the sports fans, Purdue’s football and basketball games are just another way to spend some free time with friends. In other words, I believe that West Lafayette is a great and affordable city where you can make possible your graduate studies without much financial stress.”

Victor Roman, Microbiology

“The cost of living in West Lafayette is very affordable. On our graduate stipend, I have more than enough money for my living expenses. Many apartment complexes in the area offer graduate student discounts. For the past two years, I have been paying only $323 dollars for my bedroom in a 3 bedroom town house that is only 3 minutes away from campus and on a bus route. For the one bedroom apartment that I am currently living in, I only pay $475 dollars for 650 sq ft.”

Renee Killins, Molecular Signaling and Cancer Biology

“I have lived on or near Purdue’s West Lafayette campus for seven years. Currently, I am living in an affordable ($575/mo) single bedroom apartment a pitching wedge away from campus. Living close to campus has many perks. I am able to walk to my laboratory, virtually all campus buildings, countless restaurants, and several bars. In turn, I have nominal fuel expenditures and zero trouble parking. Aside from living arrangements, I must warn of the weather in northern Indiana. We experience both intense summers and winters. SPF 50, a heavy coat, and snow boots could be handy during these times. Otherwise, it is easy to become immersed in the diversified culture, academic and athletic excellence, and rich tradition Purdue and the city of West Lafayette have to offer. Boiler Up!”

Matt Rudisill, Microbiology

“This is a typical college town with reasonable living expenses. The most beneficial thing is that you are able to save the money for traveling and for the back-home flight ticket. I was in a big city, compare to that, I enjoy the living pace here better. I’ve learned how to appreciate the nature because of the seasonal scenes and the rural atmospheres; I see people working efficiently without any rush and tension; and I do like the way people enjoy their daily life here.”

Hsing-Hui Wang, Molecular Signaling and Cancer Biology