Staying Happy and Healthy as a Purdue Engineer

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It isn’t a secret that Purdue Engineering has a rigorous course load, and it is important to stay up to date with your coursework. But it is just as important to proactively take care of yourself, because it is incredibly difficult to succeed academically when you are not physically and mentally healthy. Purdue offers lots of ways to stay happy and healthy that have helped me, so let's dive into some of these resources! 





Staying Physically Healthy 

Purdue Student Health Center (PUSH) 

Given that I am an out-of-state student, my doctor is nowhere near campus. So, whenever I get sick or injured, the first place I go to is our student health center (PUSH). PUSH offers a variety of services to students from physical therapy to vaccinations to women's health. You can either book an appointment or walk in to PUSH with any health issues that may be facing you. After I did a half marathon, injured my foot, so I walked into PUSH and they gave me an X-RAY and prescribed my antibiotics that I was able to pick up next door at our Purdue pharmacy. I am fortunate enough to only have gotten colds during my time at Purdue so I have not had to use PUSH for any sickness that I have had, but I know friends who have gone to get tested for Strep Throat, Covid, or the Flu at PUSH and after being prescribed a medicated were able to recover. 

France A, Cordova Recreational Center (Co-Rec) 

Another great way to stay physically healthy is to stay active by visiting the Co-Rec, Purdue’s workout facility! They have a swimming pool, climbing walls, free weights, bikes, treadmills, weightlifting machines, and so much more. If planning your own workout isn’t something that you enjoy doing, you can participate in the various workout classes the center offers for free. I personally enjoy the cycle classes, but there are also yoga, Pilates, total body strength and other classes offered. I also enjoy using the various sport facilities to play badminton and ping pong, but basketball is also very popular. The Co-Rec also offers nutrition courses and cooking classes, so you can help feed your brain with the best or learn a new cooking technique. All of these are great ways to stay both physically and mentally healthy, as working out often improves my mood.  

Staying Mentally Healthy and Happy 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES)  

Engineering is stressful and life happens. Going to therapy or seeing a psychiatrist is something that can potentially benefit everyone and asking for help may be scary, but it is very important. If your mental health needs improvement or if you are looking for support, both Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES) are there to help you. CAPS offers a variety of services such as individual/group psychotherapy, psychiatrist visits, crisis intervention, and more. All services are completely free to students; however, psychiatrist visits cost $25 per visit. All Purdue students can make an appointment for a one-on-on therapist with CAPS by calling them. I have been seeing the same therapist, free of charge, since the start of my sophomore year, and she has helped me a lot with anything from imposter syndrome to relationship issues. My therapist works for both CAPS and CARES, so she only works with engineering students and is more knowledgeable about issues that engineering students may face. The CARES hub is in Armstrong and is dedicated to supporting the culture of wellbeing amongst engineering students. They offer a variety of well-being events as well as a study space with an employee that is always present to help support students. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential, and both CAPS and CARES offer resources and events to help students manage stress and succeed academically. 

Taking a break  

My biggest piece of advice is to take a break from studying, when appropriate, to prevent burning out. It is important to continue to spend time doing what you love in college. I enjoy taking breaks to go hang out with my friends, work on a craft, or walk around our beautiful campus.  

Purdue has numerous resources to help stay happy and healthy as a Purdue engineer, and these are some of my favorites that I often take advantage of. Taking care of yourself is just as important as your academic success, and often the two go hand in hand. 


Ellie Bergeron, Chemical Engineering '27

Women in Engineering Leadership Team 

 

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