Hi, Everyone! I am going to Purdue this summer to start summer research as well. Seems a lot of your have the same case with me. I have been there twice already, there is not many places to hang out, but some, like the Chaucey hall area. Mad Mushroom pizza is good, by a recommendation from a friend. Mayo? A Japanese restaurant is also worth trying. And there is a good Chinese Sichuan Restaurant called Nankin! Got to be Spicy too!
I will probably live about 2 miles away from campus. There is a bunch of apartments like McCormick, Willowbrook that are relatively close and cheap. The apartments that are within walking distance is usually not as good and they are expensive as well.