2026 In-Person International Parent Welcome

West Lafayette

The International Parent Welcome for West Lafayette will take place from Friday, August 14th, 2026, to Monday, August 17th, 2026. All parents, guests, and family members are welcome to join. Participants should register through their student registration for BGRi at MyPurdue no later than July 31, 2026.

Indianapolis

The International Parent Welcome for Indianapolis will take place from Friday, August 14th, 2026, to Monday, August 17th, 2026. All parents, guests, and family members are welcome to join. Participants should register through their student registration for BGRi at MyPurdue no later than July 31, 2026.

2026 Schedule

Friday, August 14, 2026

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM: BGRi Student & Parent Check-in
Cordova Recreational Center, Black and Gold Gym, 355 N Martin Jischke Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Do not forget to stop at International Student Services table for International Parent Welcome check in and receive your welcome bag (one per family). 

Lunch and Dinner (on your own)

Saturday, August 15, 2026

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: International Parent Welcome
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), WALC 1055 - Hiler Theatre, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Enjoy some coffee or tea and get a preview of what to expect over the course of International Parent Welcome. We will depart from WALC 1055 together as a group and walk to BGRi Opening Ceremony together. 

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: BGRi Opening Ceremony
Stewart Center (STEW), Loeb Playhouse, 128 Memorial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Walking Tour
Departing from Stewart Center (STEW), Loeb Playhouse, 128 Memorial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Lunch (on your own) and Free Time
Chauncey Hill

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: About International Student Services (ISS) & Maintaining Student Visa Status
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), WALC 1055 - Hiler Theatre, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Parent & Family Connections
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), WALC 1055 - Hiler Theatre, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Free Time

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Parent Welcome Reception
Dauch Alumni Center, 403 West Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Heavy hors d'oeuvres served. Dinner (on your own)

Sunday, August 16, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: International Parent Panel
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), WALC 1055 - Hiler Theatre, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Free Time & Card Writing
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), Room 1132, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Do not forget to bring your student’s residence hall and room assignment  

We will have supplies in the room (WALC 1132) to decorate a card for your student. You can either go to lunch early and return to make the card, or make the card before heading to lunch on your own. 

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Immigration Counselor Question & Answer Session
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), WALC 1055 - Hiler Theatre, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Have any questions for International Student Services related to Immigration Advising? Come ask your question to an Immigration Counselor. If you do not have any questions, you are free to use this time to shop around the Greater Lafayette area. 

You are free the rest of the day after making the card and if you do not have any questions for the Immigration Counselor. 

Monday, August 17, 2026

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Campus Partner Presentations
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), WALC 1055 - Hiler Theatre, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Academic Advisor Chat
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), WALC 1055 - Hiler Theatre, 340 Centennial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch(on your own) & Visit Offices
Chauncey Hill & Campus

You have additional time to go around to different offices around campus to get any questions answered. 

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: International Student Safety
Stewart Center (STEW), Loeb Playhouse, 128 Memorial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Parent Thank You & Send-Off
Stewart Center (STEW), Lobby, 128 Memorial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Just outside of the Loeb Playhouse, we will have some refreshments, final networking session, and prize drawings! 

This concludes our International Parent Welcome! 

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: BGRi Closing Ceremony
Stewart Center (STEW), Loeb Playhouse, 128 Memorial Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907

2026 Schedule

Friday, August 14, 2026

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: BGRi Student & Parent Check in

• BGRi Student Check-in: Purdue Student Center, 1st Floor, 520 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202 
• International Parent Check-in: Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, 2nd Floor, 543 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202  

Do not forget to stop at the International Student Services table for International Parent Welcome check in and receive your welcome bag (one per family). 

Lunch (on your own)

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: International Parent Welcome & Refreshments
Sigma Theta Tau (STT), Room 102, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

3:15 PM - 5:30 PM: Campus Partners Presentations
Sigma Theta Tau (STT), Room 102, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Dinner (on your own)

Saturday, August 15, 2026

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Coffee & Tea
North Hall, Lobby, 820 West North St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

We will meet at the lobby before walking together to BGRi Opening Ceremony. 

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: BGRi Opening Ceremony
Hine Hall, Auditorium, 598 Blake Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: International Parent Panel
Sigma Theta Tau (STT), Room 102, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

12:30 PM - 1:20 PM: Lunch provided
Sigma Theta Tau (STT), Room 102, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Banking 101
Hine Hall, Auditorium, 598 Blake Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Aboard the Parent Shuttle to Purdue in West Lafayette
North Hall, Parking Lot, 820 West North St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

4:20 PM: Arrive at Purdue Memorial Union
Purdue Memorial Union (PMU), 201 South Grant St, West Lafayette, IN 47907

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: West Lafayette Campus Tour
Purdue Memorial Union (PMU), 201 South Grant St, West Lafayette, IN 47907

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: International Parent Welcome Reception
Dauch Alumni Center, 403 West Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Heavy hors d'oeuvres served. Dinner (on your own)

7:45 PM - 8:00 PM: Aboard the Parent Shuttle to Purdue in Indianapolis
Dauch Alumni Center, 403 West Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47907

9:20 PM: Arrive at North Hall
North Hall, 820 West North St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Sunday, August 16, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Card Writing
Sigma Theta Tau (STT), Room 102, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: About International Student Services (ISS) & Maintaining Student Visa Status (Lunch provided)
Sigma Theta Tau (STT), Room 102, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: International Student Services (ISS) Session
Hine Hall, Auditorium, 598 Blake Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Counselor Question & Answer Session
Hine Hall, Auditorium, 598 Blake Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: International Safety Session
Hine Hall, Auditorium, 598 Blake Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Walking Tour
Hine Hall, 598 Blake Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Dinner (on your own)

Monday, August 17, 2026

9:00 AM - 6:30 PM: Free Time to Shop & Explore Indianapolis

Use this day to visit campus offices if needed, explore Indianapolis, and get any shopping for your student done before departing. 

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (on your own)

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: BGRi Closing Ceremony
Madame Walker Legacy Center, Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202

 

West Lafayette

Purdue West Lafayette is conveniently located near Interstate 65. We’re about one hour north of Indianapolis and two hours south of Chicago. Whether you choose to travel on your own or through commercial services, West Lafayette is easily accessible. There are many lodging options available in the surrounding area just a short drive away from Purdue, as well as options on or within walking distance of campus. Use the resources below to help you plan for your trip.

Commercial Travel Services

Air Travel  

• Purdue University Airport (opens in new window) (LAF): Located on campus, offers daily service to and from Chicago O’Hare  
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND): 65 miles south of West Lafayette 
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): 140 miles north of West Lafayette 
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): 130 miles north of West Lafayette 

Airport Shuttle Services 

Lafayette Limo (opens in new window) 

• IND to/from campus: Regular daily service, reservations recommended  
• ORD to/from campus: Prepaid service, runs based on reservations only 

Reindeer Shuttle (opens in new window)  

• IND to/from campus: Regular daily service, reservations recommended 
• ORD to/from campus: Regular daily service, reservations recommended 

Ground Travel  

• Amtrak (opens in new window)
• Greyhound (opens in new window)
• FlixBus (opens in new window)

These services are available to the local area, stopping at a station in downtown Lafayette. Visitors can ride Greater Lafayette’s CityBus (opens in new window) system or hop on a rideshare service to Purdue (about 1.5 miles away).

Indianapolis

Primarily located in the heart of downtown, our Indianapolis expansion covers the city in its entirety with multiple facilities across Indiana’s capital. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” personal and commercial travel to Indianapolis is easy to navigate with Chicago, Louisville and Cincinnati all within a three-hour drive. When it comes to lodging, enjoy the conveniences of a major city with many options on or near our Purdue location. Use the resources below to help you plan your trip. 

Commercial Travel Services

Air Travel 

• Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Located 15 miles from downtown Indianapolis 

Airport Shuttle Services 

• IndyGo (opens in new window) offers $4 per day passes for all fixed bus routes throughout Indianapolis as well as fixed route service from the airport to downtown for $1.75 per ride.  
• Taxi services are available with a $15 minimum charge for all fares from the airport, regardless of distance.  
• Uber and Lyft rideshare services are also available. 

Ground Travel  

• Amtrak (opens in new window) 
• FlixBus (opens in new window) 
• Megabus (opens in new window) 
• Greyhound (opens in new window)  

 

West Lafayette

Visitors are encouraged to arrange lodging early as lodging options fill up quickly. Please be aware that guests are not allowed to stay with students in their University Residences. 

Purdue West Lafayette is very walkable, and the Union Club Hotel (opens in new window) in the Purdue Memorial Union is a convenient on-campus location for overnight visitors.  

There are a variety of other lodging options in the Greater Lafayette area — some within walking distance. Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette (opens in new window) is a great resource to locate nearby hotels, campgrounds and vacation rentals to fit your needs.  

Indianapolis

Indianapolis hosts a wide variety of lodging options. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown (opens in new window) is a location close to Purdue for overnight visitors.  

Visit Indy (opens in new window) is a helpful resource for locating nearby hotels, restaurants, attractions and more.

West Lafayette

Once you are able to visit campus we encourage you to explore the Greater Lafayette area. The area has a lot to offer, whether you are looking at exploring local foods, visiting a near by park, or taking a walk through the downtown Farmers Market. Information about these resources and more can be found on the following pages:

• Purdue Visitor Information (opens in new window)
• Home of Purdue (opens in new window)

Indianapolis

We suggest parents review the VisitIndy webpage (opens in new window) to see what the area has to offer and to plan what attractions and events they would like to visit during their time in Indianapolis. Indianapolis has numerous restaurants, museums, galleries, and entertainment events to enjoy.

West Lafayette

Free / Relaxed Parking (August 14- 17) 

The following locations will have relaxed parking available for visitors: 

• Co Rec Parking Lot (1205 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47906) 

• University Garage (201 N. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907) 

• McCutcheon Garage (250 McCutcheon Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906) (this is further from where we will be most of the time) 

• Note: Standard surface parking lots do not require a permit on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday), and Northwestern Parking Garage is free on weekends, too. 

Please do not park in: 

• Handicap spaces unless you have a valid permit 

• ParkMobile (metered) spaces unless you intend to pay through the ParkMobile system 

Visitor parking information can be found here: 

Purdue Visitor Parking Information 

Paid Parking Garages 

The following gated garages charge hourly parking fees: 

• Grant Street Parking Garage (120 N. Grant Street)

• Harrison Street Parking Garage (719 Clinic Drive)

Hourly rates are available at Purdue Parking Rates 

Indianapolis 

Free / Relaxed Parking 

The Parking Lot 92 (630 N. Blackford St, Indianapolis, IN 46202) will have relaxed parking available for visitors (meaning you should not receive a ticket: 

Please do not park in: 

• Handicap spaces unless you have a valid permit 

• Metered or "permit only" parking lots (with the exception of Lot 92). 

    Visitor parking information can be found here: 

Parking and Transportation Services 

Paid Parking Garages 

The following gated garages charge hourly parking fees: 

• Gateway Garage (XL) (525 North Blackford St.)

• Tower Garage (IP) (875 W. North St.)

• North Street Garage (XC) (819 W. North St.)

• Hourly rates are available at Paid Parking Garage Rates  

Another way to navigate the campus and city bus systems is through IndyGo (opens in new window). 

If you have any questions or concerns about the International Parent Welcome, please contact us at ISSprogramming@purdue.edu (opens in new window).