Office of Summer and Winter Sessions

Support and Fun - West Lafayette

As a member of the Early Start program, students make lifelong friendships and get to know the campus before 50,000 students arrive. The relationships students form will help develop a strong sense of belonging and encourage academic and career success. Early Start is a great way to make Purdue your home away from home! While we are primarily here to support academic success, we know it is important to have fun.

Academic and Social Support

GS 12000 

Taking GS 12000 during the summer is a smart way to start college with momentum and support. The course helps you build the habits that matter most early on—time management, study strategies, goal-setting, and knowing how to use campus resources before the semester gets busy. It also gives you a chance to reflect on your strengths, adjust to college expectations, and build connections with classmates, peer mentors, and staff, so you feel more confident and prepared heading into the fall.

 

 GS 19500 – Preparing for Undergraduate Research Experience (1 credit)

A preparation course for undergraduate research that introduces students to research
environments, expectations, and skills such as professional communication, basic
research ethics, and how to connect with faculty and research teams.
Best for: Students in any college planning to join undergraduate research, Honors projects,
or Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP).

Additional Academic Support

  • Academic advising
  • Counseling services
  • Health and wellness resources
  • Emergency services
  • And more!

Peer Mentors

Early Start peer mentors are experienced Purdue students trained to help incoming freshmen navigate life at Purdue. Peer mentors will show you around campus, help you find classes and resources, walk you through what to expect during your first year at Purdue, and tell you all their tips and tricks for everything from where to eat to how to pass your exams. Peer mentors come from a wide variety of programs at Purdue, so no matter what program you’re joining, there will be peer mentors who can help you navigate the academics and connect you to other students in that program.

Fun Summer Events!

There is an entire community of support surrounding our students! But we’re not ALL about studying. Early Start will provide frequent events and field trips to help students make friendships that will last a lifetime. The campus is lively with more than 10,000 students taking on-campus courses during the Summer.

List of Prior Summer Events

  • Early Start Kickoff on Krach Lawn
  • Bowling night at the Union
  • Silent Disco
  • Campus-wide scavenger hunt 
  • Annual Talent Show
  • Field trip to Purdue Indianapolis
  • Purdue Trivia 
  • Paint your own Pottery Night

Sidequests

In addition to these fun events, students will also have the opportunity to participate in sidequests. Sidequests are mini clubs hosted by Early Start Peer Mentors and are designed for students to meet people who share common interests and hobbies. Some examples of previous sidequests include karaoke, book club, dog walking, basketball, and game night club.

Need help? Contact Think Summer for assistance.