Life At Purdue

Experience the Boilermaker Community

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Two students sitting across from each other and eating in a dining hall.
Four students eating lunch together at an outdoor table on campus.
Two students sitting on the floor of a dorm room playing video games.

Housing and Dining

Living on campus is an immersive experience that enhances all Purdue has to offer.  

West Lafayette 

  • First-year students can choose between a variety of housing options.
  • Five dining courts and an array of restaurant options ensure that great food is never far away. 

Indianapolis 

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Student Clubs and Organizations

Discover that great minds don’t just think alike. They also get together to appreciate art, celebrate hip-hop, build robots, keep bees — and explore 1,000-plus other interests.

Learn More
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Recreation and Wellness

Explore all the ways you can feel your best, from signing up for a fitness class to cooking with nutrition experts.

Learn More

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Student Support Services

Find the resources and support systems to help you navigate your years here and face any challenge, big or small.

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Fraternities, Sororities and Cooperatives

Form lifelong friendships, network with people from all over the world and build leadership skills in one of our over 90 fraternities, sororities and cooperative organizations.

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Arts and Entertainment

See unforgettable musical and theatrical shows — or perform in one yourself — and visit the special exhibits at Purdue Galleries.

On InstagraM

Here’s What’s Happening Now

Every great journey starts with a strong team. Our sincere thanks to the incredible partners who have helped make the Earhart expedition possible. 

🥾 @columbia1938 
⌚ @bulova 
👓 @randolphusa 
🛬 @dhlus
The people behind the mission 💛 

The heart of the Taraia Object expedition is a 17-member-strong team of scientists, divers, filmmakers and researchers. Meet a few of them and discover why they are “proud to be the people who could solve an enduring mystery once and for all.” 

🧭 Rick Pettigrew, Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALI), project director 

As the architect of this historic investigation, Pettigrew has high hopes for the team. “I don’t see anything stopping us,” he said. “We have experienced people who know their specialties and are confident in their abilities.” 

🦀 Ren LaRocca, ALI, assistant 

LaRocca brings firsthand experience in navigating Nikumaroro, an island that is bigger and more dynamic than people think. “Going to Nikumaroro in 2017 was a special moment,” he said. There are “no mosquitoes, snakes or spiders,” but you do have to watch out for the coconut crabs. 

🚂 Steve Schultz, Purdue senior vice president and general counsel, field assistant 

Schultz is leading the team of Purdue specialists on this mission. “We’re all geared up for adventure,” he said. “The overwhelming sentiment right now is excitement and also a singular focus on getting the equipment organized and testing it.” 

Every great journey starts with a strong team. Go to the 🔗 in our bio to see our incredible sponsors and partners.
“We started tailgating with two chairs and a table out of the trunk of our car,” says Penny Thompson. “Fast-forward to today, and there’s a painted van, tents, a grill and games.” 

From home games to the 2023 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, they have made plenty of amazing memories — with more sure to come. 

See photos of Beastie, the Thompson family’s customized van, at the 🔗 in our bio.
Final leg of travel 🛥️, next step in investigating a mystery 🔎 

In their first few hours at sea, the Taraia Object expedition team encountered rain and rough seas and enjoyed a hot meal of chicken stew. 

“(The ship) doesn’t have all the creature comforts we’re accustomed to, but the Marin Mainiku has everything we need,” said Steve Schultz, the university’s senior vice president and general counsel who serves as the Purdue team lead for the expedition. “This isn’t a pleasure cruise.  But it’s our home for the next three weeks, and we’re happy to be aboard and underway.” 

The team of 17 scientists and specialists is bound for Nikumaroro in the South Pacific. Upon arrival, they will navigate the rugged interior of the island to reach the lagoon they believe contains Amelia Earhart’s missing plane. 

Get the latest update at the 🔗 in @lifeatpurdue's bio.
First leg of the journey ✅ Next stop: Nikumaroro 🧭 

After three days and thousands of miles, the Archaeological Legacy Institute, Purdue Research Foundation and Purdue University expedition team have arrived in Tarawa, Kiribati, where they are making final preparations before a six-day ocean voyage to Nikumaroro, a remote island in the South Pacific. Once there, they will investigate the Taraia Object to determine if it is Amelia Earhart’s missing plane. 

🤝 Our sincere thanks to the incredible sponsors and partners who have helped make this expedition possible. Learn more at the 🔗 in @lifeatpurdue’s bio.
Make Indianapolis your first or alternate campus choice on the Common App to automatically be considered for benefits like: 

➡️ A renewable $10,000 scholarship 
➡️ Career consulting 
➡️ Access to the Purdue Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

Apply at the 🔗 in the @lifeatpurdue bio.