Class of 2024 and Their Sophomore Experience

As the Class of 2025 are slowly adjusting to a new lifestyle of college life and being away from home, the Class of 2024 are also getting a new experience. 

Many of the sophomore students were not able to go to in-person classes last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Classes were either taking place completely virtually or in a hybrid format- where certain students would participate in class both virtually and in-person during each set week. Most events and extra-curricular activities took place virtually through Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This year, as Protect Purdue guidelines have adjusted accordingly to the COVID-19 statistics around West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, people are once again able to experience life outside of a computer screen.


Alena Megregian (Aerospace Engineering '24) and Athulya Nair (Biological Engineering '24) excited about sophomore year!

One drastic change from last year is the transition from online classes to in-person classes. Students are now able to sit in lecture halls and classes, with an appropriate mask, and be within direct sight of the professor. Being able to walk academic buildings for classes and be surrounded by like-minded students really puts me in a productive mood to learn and ensures that I stay productive throughout the day. I also really like being able to see the professors’ enthusiasm for the class and their dedication to making sure that students are receiving the right education. When asked about her sophomore experience with classes, Ally Beach- Insect Biology ‘24, said, “I like how the classes are more in-person. I didn’t really function well having classes on Zoom, and it affected my study habits. I like being in a learning environment that isn’t my bed or my desk. Having classes where I can sit next to people and talk to them is really helpful to me.”


Sophomores in the College of Engineering were also able to transition into their desired engineering field of choice this year. This is a big step from last year, where intended engineering majors would take a variety of courses preparing them for their official engineering major. The class of 2024 attended several different events virtually in Purdue’s First-Year Engineering program last year in order to decide which field of engineering best fit their interests and career paths. After listening to various speakers discuss their future within their respective fields, the class of 2024 put in their selections for their intended major the following year. I had chosen to go into biological engineering, and my experience has been nothing but positive. I love being able to take more specific classes related to my major, and I like being with others who are able to share that same passion and drive for our major. Vai Elango- Biological Engineering ‘24, when asked about how she felt about her transition into her major, said “I like that it’s more focused on what I want to do in the future instead of learning about engineering in a general sense.” She mentioned that her favorite class so far was ABE 290, a sophomore seminar designed for biological engineering majors to learn more about the opportunities and events that are available to them in order to help them succeed within college and the workforce.


Although the Class of 2024 may feel like they are once again in a new environment, they are taking advantage of every opportunity given to them. Being able to walk around and see so many faces on campus makes Purdue University seem so much more vibrant and full of life. I can’t wait to see what else Purdue has to offer, and I’m excited for all of the engineering opportunities that are out there!


Athulya Nair, Biological Engineering '24

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