Purdue University will welcome almost 9,000 new Boilermakers to West Lafayette and Indianapolis during Boiler Gold Rush 2025. Staff and faculty are encouraged to plan ahead for heavier pedestrian and vehicular traffic during move-in days and throughout orientation (Aug. 15-23).
BGR in Indianapolis
This year marks the inaugural Boiler Gold Rush International (BGRi) program in Indianapolis. Move-in for BGRi takes place Friday, Aug. 15. Programming for BGRi in Indianapolis runs Aug. 16-18.
Move-in for Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) in Indianapolis is Monday, Aug. 18. Programming for BGR in Indianapolis runs Aug. 19-23.
Pictured: Purdue University President Mung Chiang walks through the BGR Welcome Tunnel with students and orientation Team Leaders.
Throughout BGR and BGRi, expect heavy traffic around the following areas:
- University Tower
- North Hall
- Lux on Capitol Apartments
- Boiler Park near Lot 71
- Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue
The campus community is also invited to welcome our newest Boilermakers to Indianapolis by participating in the BGR Welcome Tunnel at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, outside the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue.
BGR in West Lafayette
Move-in for BGRi in West Lafayette is Friday, Aug. 15. Programming for BGRi in West Lafayette runs Aug. 16-18.
Move-in for Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) in West Lafayette takes place Aug. 16-19. Programming for BGR in West Lafayette runs Aug. 19-23.
Pictured: Family helps move their student into Shreve Hall during BGR move-in.
Most returning students will begin moving in on Friday, Aug. 22. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 25.
During move-in days and throughout orientation, central campus will experience heavier car and pedestrian traffic. This may cause delays or disruptions to normal business for staff and faculty. The areas most impacted include:
- Stadium Avenue (between Northwestern Avenue and McCormick Road)
- U.S. 231 (from Martin Jischke Drive to Airport Road)
- Mitch Daniels Boulevard (from Airport Road to Martin Jischke Drive)
- McCormick Road (between Cherry Lane and Third Street)
- Third Street (from Russell Street to McCormick Road)
- France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center
- Purdue Memorial Union
- All side roads in the vicinity of residence halls and dining courts
BGR staff will be operating golf carts within the following boundaries: Cherry Lane to the north, Northwestern Avenue to the east, Harrison Street to the south, and McCormick Road to the west. Golf cart drivers are instructed to avoid operating on sidewalks. When no other route is available, carts must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists and obey all signage.
Several areas will be posted and enforced as no-parking and tow-away zones. Families are instructed to park at various locations around campus, depending on their student’s residence hall location. Each family will receive a move-in pass with a parking location listed on the pass.
All BGR participants will check in at the Co-Rec and may park there during the day. ADA, ParkMobile and Reserved parking will still be enforced.
Pictured: BGR volunteers excitedly welcome new students during check-in.
More information
Additional information about Boiler Gold Rush is available on the Orientation Programs website and on the Orientation Programs Instagram (@AllAboardPurdue). Those with immediate questions should contact Craig Johnson, director of Orientation Programs.
Jedaiah Gottfried
Communication Assistant for Teaching and Learning, tlcoms@purdue.edu
