Welcome (or welcome back!) to Lafayette-West Lafayette, the vibrant home of Purdue University. Whether you're a brand-new Boilermaker or a seasoned student returning for another great year, this guide will help make your move-in experience smooth, exciting, and stress-free.
🗃️ 1. Pack Like a Pro
Get started with the essentials so you're set from day one.
Don’t forget:
- Important documents: ID, driver’s license, insurance card, health records, acceptance letter, class schedule
- Purdue ID or temporary credentials for move-in
- Prescription medications & a small first-aid kit
- Extra-long twin bedding, mattress topper, pillows, and towels (for those moving into the residence halls!)
- Power strips, laundry supplies, cleaning wipes, shower caddy & flip-flops
- Desk supplies, fan, Command hooks, and storage bins
- Laptop, chargers, headphones, and any academic gear
Tip: Indiana weather can change fast—bring layers, including a rain jacket, umbrella and boots!
🗺️ 2. Navigate Like a Pro
Purdue’s West Lafayette campus is massive and constantly evolving, with over 50,000 students and dozens of academic buildings, residence halls, and green spaces. Not sure where your 8 a.m. lecture is or how to find your residence hall?
👉 Check out the official Purdue Campus Map to easily locate everything you need.
🚌 3. Catch the Bus (and Never Miss a Class)
Purdue students can ride CityBus or SP Plus (SP+) depending on where you would like to go for area transportation! Use real-time GPS tracking to plan your route and avoid long waits.
👉 Find more info. here.
🍕 4. Fuel Up: Dining On & Off Campus
Craving pizza, sushi, or vegan eats? Purdue and the surrounding area are full of amazing restaurants, cafés, and hidden gems.
👉 Browse this Campus Dining Map for on-campus options and don’t forget to explore local favorites at HomeOfPurdue.com.
🌆 5. Explore Greater Lafayette
Want to take a break from campus life? There’s plenty to see and do just beyond the university. From outdoor adventures and local shopping to festivals and live performances, there’s something for everyone.
👉 Visit HomeOfPurdue.com to download guides or request your free Experience Guide filled with insider tips and local hotspots.
✈️ 6. Need a Ride to the Airport?
Planning trips home or flying in friends or family? Shuttle services to Indianapolis International Airport and Chicago O’Hare make transportation easy. Flights are also available out of Purdue Airport to Chicago.
👉 Browse shuttle info here: Transportation Options
🎉 7. Mark Your Calendar: Can’t-Miss Festivals & Events
Purdue isn’t just about academics—Lafayette-West Lafayette is packed with fun! From Beers Across the Wabash to Global Fest, there’s something happening nearly every weekend.
👉 Check out the full event calendar.
☕ 8. Read Up: Student Life, Local Eats & Brewery Fun
Need a coffee fix? Want to level up your game day experience? Dive into local blogs that cover all the essentials—from a Caffeine Crawl through College Town to a Brewery Bar Crawl Around Greater Lafayette: Six Places To Sip, Savor, and Explore to Purdue Fall Sports Season Checklist.
👉 Explore blogs here: Home of Purdue Blog
🤝 9. Finding Community through Greek Life, Cooperatives, or Student Organizations
Build lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and find your home at Purdue through Greek life, student organizations, and cooperative living.
🧘♀️10. Purdue’s Wellness Resources
From Recreation & Wellness 🏋️♂️ to Counseling & Psychological Services 🧠—support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout your college journey.
🛍️ 11. Shopping
Explore the nearby local shops and boutiques 🛒 around Lafayette and West Lafayette for unique Boilermaker gear 🎓, dorm essentials 🛏️, and one-of-a-kind finds that will make your new space truly feel like home. For textbooks and Purdue gear, visit University Book Store 📚.
📱12. Important Apps
Make sure to download these important apps: Outlook 📧, Brightspace 📚, Purdue Sports 🏈, Purdue Dining & RecWell 🥗🏋️, Duo Mobile 🔐.
🎓 Whether you're hauling boxes into your first dorm or unlocking your off-campus apartment for year four, we're glad you're here. Boiler Up! 🔥 and get ready for an amazing school year!
*Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students check out Boiler Gold Rush & BGR International
Kick off your Purdue journey at Boiler Gold Rush or BGR International—a week of fun, friendship, and campus exploration designed especially for incoming freshmen and transfer students before fall classes begin.
