Purdue University

[MadScience]

Didn't see a topic on here yet for Purdue so I thought I'd start one

 

Will anyone be attending Purdue this fall for their graduate studies? I accepted their offer and will actually be starting in the summer and am really unfamiliar with the area. What's graduate student life like (when you have free time) and where would the nearest areas be for camping/outdoors type activities? Any awesome restaurants you'd recommend?

[rohit2412]

Hi, I'm also joining there a bit early during the summers, In July.

I have a few friends there who tell me that the weather is pretty cold with horrible swings of temperature. And the place is a sleepy town (this somehow makes me happy, coming from a terribly populated third world country's city). 

I would love to hear from existing students regarding places to visit. Since there is a lot of snow, I wonder if there are any skiing places around.

[LadyZoom]

I'm currently at Purdue so I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about the area via PM.

 

I really like the area, but there's not a ton of things to do. Although this hasn't been much of an issue for me as I generally stay very busy. It's a really good town if you like outdoor activities, as there's practically unlimited space. All in all, it's a very chill place and good for relaxing in down time.

 

There should be loads of places to camp...I know Turkey Run is fairly popular and I'm sure there are other places even closer. As I said, there's plenty of space for outdoor activities. Decent bike paths, lots of golf courses, huge open fields for sports...etc.

 

As far as restaurants: Triple XXX (burgers/fries), Von's Dough Shack (calzones), Mad Mushroom (best/greasiest cheese sticks ever)

There are others, but these are my go to's for comfort food.

 

Weather is fairly unpredictable. Within the past week is has gone from about 20-60F. You will definitely be experiencing all four seasons. The key thing in the winter is the wind. Make sure you have clothes to break the wind. We do have quite a bit of snow, but skiing isn't fantastic due to the terrain. There is a place called Perfect North that students make trips to, but if you're from a skiing area it won't be what you're used to.

 

Overall, I like the area. It's very chill and relaxed, which is good when you're trying to focus on school. But it's very easy to get away to Indy or Chicago for a day for shopping or as a cheap getaway.

[gradorbust]

I will be attending as well, super excited to be going.  Already got my place picked out.

[MadScience]

I will be attending as well, super excited to be going.  Already got my place picked out.

 

Me too! Did you decide to stay in West Lafayette or Lafayette? I can't wait to move up there and get started

[gradorbust]

I managed to get a nice place in west lafayette, only about 2.1 miles away from my department offices and it is a straight shot down one road. I was quite happy when I found it.

[rohit2412]

Gradorbust, what was the rent like for such a place?

[gradorbust]

My place is 490 for a one bedroom 620 square feet.  Also madscience I will be getting there around July so am super excited.  Gonna spend that last month getting read to start TAing.

Edited April 13, 2013 by gradorbust

[MadScience]

Gradorbust, that's a really great deal! I'll be in Lafayette in a 1 br, 750 sq ft for $650. I'm starting summer research on June 3rd, can't wait! Definitely excited about TAing in the fall too.

[kanu]

Hello Everyone!

 

I starting my graduate studies at Purdue in the Fall as well and am super excited! I get there on the 1st of August and can't wait to do so I am currently signed up for Purdue Village as it is literally a hop, skip and jump away from my department. I would however like to move out in December, preferably to a town house or a two bedroom apartment in a quieter area (preferably with little to no undergraduate parties). Any suggestion about this will be lovely, feel free to PM me. 

 

Having done my undergraduate in Indiana I am used to the weather and I know that you need a car to get around. Especially if you need to go to get groceries or to the doctor's office. However I was thinking of getting a car after my first year and was wondering if it is manageable to go places using the bus system? Also, are the buses frequent? 

 

Though I have been in Indianapolis for 4 years, as an international student, it is always a new experience and it is always exciting to meet new people  

[LadyZoom]

A car is definitely nice, but you should have no problem managing with the bus system if you live at Purdue Village. There is a bus that runs by there every half hour and goes to Walmart, which is pretty well the only place to shop in West Lafayette anyway. There's also a bus that runs between Purdue Village and campus every 10-15 minutes. It's not as easy to go to places in Lafayette with the buses. However, there is a doctor's office on campus (PUSH) that is pretty decent and will take care of pretty well anything besides surgery. And there's a pharmacy next door to it. 

[gradorbust]

There are a bunch of websites to choose from.  There is also a list of apartments with student reviews on the purdue housing section.

 

I found one that generally had positive reviews, location, and price.  I then called them and asked them to do a video tour of the apartment for me.  Thought it matched what I was looking for and got it.

 

Honestly I have lived in some shitty places, so if it is not ideal I can deal with that for a year.  Just spend more time in the lab.

[KindaHardWorker]

Definitely try and live close to campus if you can.  Parking was a nightmare and it probably has only gotten worse.  Saturdays during football season you won't want to use your car, but you should be having fun anyway.  There are bars and food places concentrated near Chauncy Hill and some good places down further such as 9 Irish Brothers, Scotty's, and of course Neon Cactus for Thursdays.  It's a crazy mix of Indiana farm folk and internationals, one of the biggest greek systems in the country with one of the biggest engineering populations.  Basically, there are enough people and enough niches that you will a place and group of people to settle in with.  And the weather is seriously back and forth.  Never put away your winter gear until June.

[Zuoanwuwu]

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.    

[gradorbust]

I am just hoping for 1-2 good indian food restaurants.  Hopefully one northern and one southern, depending on which I am feeling that day.

[AdilB990]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm an international applicant, and want to apply into Purdue's Transportation Engineering program for Spring 2014. Can any one tell me (or ballpark a figure) for the Civil Engineering Department's GRE score requirement? I've already mailed them a couple of times in the recent past but still awaiting a reply.

 

My unofficial GRE score is not exceptionally good, so I'll apply only if I feel I have a realistic chance of getting in. Any other useful tips or info will be welcome.

 

Thanks in advance,

Adil.