Advice For Out-Of-State Students

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As a girl from Texas, I definitely had to adjust to living out of state. I traded year-round sunshine for snow, self-cooked meals for dining halls, and the ease of being home for new residential halls. However, as much as it felt like a big leap, it is one I would take again in a heartbeat. Over time, I have learned that living out of state is not just about adapting to new weather, but it is about finding community, discovering yourself, and realizing how Purdue can truly become your home away from home.

Socially

When I first arrived at Purdue, I was scared that I would feel homesick or lonely, but that fear did not last. Purdue makes it really easy to get involved and meet people who share your interests. One of the best choices I made was joining the Women in Engineering (WiE) Learning Community, as it gave me an instant community of friends who understood what it was like to start college in a new environment. This learning community really made me feel like I belonged at Purdue, offering events to socialize with other WiE, being able to knock on your neighbor's door to work on homework together, and getting connected with RAs who have been in our position as a woman in engineering. Another great way to get familiar with Purdue was our orientation called Boiler Gold Rush (BGR). BGR not only helped me learn how to get around campus, but it gave me student organizations, lifelong friends, and confidence that Purdue is the perfect place for me. Truly getting involved in campus and putting yourself out there, helped me feel connected fast. And before long, campus did not feel so unfamiliar anymore, it felt like home.

Weather

The weather, on the other hand, took some getting used to. Growing up in Texas, I had never experienced true snow fall and especially had never been in it. However, it was not bad as one may think. Purdue salts the roads and sidewalks, making it very easy to get around as well as providing bus routes that you can easily take to get around campus if you do not feel like walking. Purdue also has tunnels under some buildings and roads to allow for you to get from one building to another, such as the tunnels connecting the Purdue Memorial Union to Grant Street Garage and the Stewart Center or connecting all of the Windsor residence halls and dining hall together. These helped me bypass the cold outside, but I still love walking around campus as the cold was not too bad, because heavy coats, cozy beanies, and sweaters kept me nice and warm. By the end of winter, I even started looking forward to winter again for next year, as it brought everyone together, whether it was through getting a hot beverage together, going ice skating, or having snowball fights with friends.

Transportation

Getting around campus was also much easier than I thought. Purdue's campus is extremely walkable and there are shuttles or buses to take around campus and into Lafayette. There is a paid public bus that can drive you into town, a private shuttle you can reserve, or a free campus bus called Purdue Transit. This has been very helpful for getting across campus through Purdue Transit, going into Lafayette with CityBus to buy groceries, or hanging out at the local mall with friends. Or if you are someone who loves to use a bike, scooter, or skateboard, Purdue has dedicated lanes across all of campus to make it easier and safer to get around on wheels. I have even seen multiple people on roller skates or a unicycle, so whatever your style is will be great and easy to get to where you need.

Location

One thing that surprised me the most about living in West Lafayette was how much there is to do, even in a smaller college town. There is always multiple events happening on campus, whether it is going to concerts, career fairs, or improv comedy shows through different programs and student organizations. Purdue is also easy to explore beyond campus. The Chauncey area is a popular spot to spend time with friends, taking a break to get food and drinks, or finding a nice study spot in a cozy cafe. Another way to find other activities and opportunities is though the Reindeer Shuttle, an amazing way of transportation to directly travel to Indianapolis or Chicago. So, it is really easy to travel to another city for a day with friends or meeting your family and visiting a new city. You really get the best of both worlds, having a close-knit college community surrounded by big-city opportunities.

Looking back, I cannot imagine my college experience anywhere else. Purdue is my second home, not only because of the community I have but because of the way this campus encourages you to grow. Being part of the Women in Engineering Program has shown me what it means to belong to a community that supports you in every step of college. If you are nervous about leaving your home, that is okay and normal as I was too. But Purdue is full of people who are ready to welcome you, snow that is beautiful, and a plentiful of opportunities that remind you why you chose Purdue in the first place.

Haley Self, BME '28

WE Link Leadership Team

 

Stay Connected With Purdue WiE Program! 

Facebook: Purdue Women in Engineering 

Instagram: @purdue.wie 

Blog: purduewiep.blogspot.com 

Email: welink@purdue.edu 

YouTube: Purdue Women in Engineering Program - YouTube 


Use the hashtag #PurdueWiE on Facebook and Instagram! 

Purdue Women in Engineering


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