Becoming a Boilermaker: Boiler Gold Rush
Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) is Purdue’s largest orientation program. It takes place on campus during the week before classes begin. In my opinion, BGR is a “must do” for incoming students. It is a great way to make friends, familiarize yourself with campus, and get adjusted before the stress of classes ensues. There are so many reasons why BGR is amazing that it is impossible to describe them all in one blog but, I want to highlight the key reasons why BGR is beneficial for incoming students.
Familiarizing Yourself with Campus
As I mentioned earlier, when students participate in BGR, they move in an entire week prior to the beginning of classes. This time is very beneficial in many ways. Most of all, it helps students get comfortable with Purdue’s campus. There are designated times built into BGR which give students a tour of campus. Students have the ability to ask upperclassmen to walk their schedules and point out important academic buildings. Outside of BGR programming, students have free time to explore Purdue’s campus. After my BGR experience, I felt very confident in knowing the location of essential places such as Purdue’s dining halls, gym, and libraries. This was very helpful to know before classes began. It made my first week of classes a lot less stressful!Understand the Resources Purdue Offers
Throughout the week of BGR, there are numerous events planned. Many of these events are informational for students to learn about the resources that are available to Purdue students. The informational sessions introduce new Purdue students to key resources Purdue offers. For example, new students are introduced to Purdue University Student Health services. As a Purdue student, it is important to be informed of resources like these to be successful personally and academically.Build Your Purdue Community
Moving to college is a big transition for everyone. It is most people’s first time away from their family. Now that students are away from their families, it is important for them to find their Purdue family. It is essential for students to find people they can rely on at Purdue’s campus. BGR is the perfect way to find those people. Throughout the week, there is plenty of time set aside for bonding with other students. There are also many fun social events planned to help students meet each other. Events such as Fountain Fest and Slayter Slam are great ways to socialize and make friends. Even after BGR programming has concluded for the day, new students are often found socializing. I met my best friends playing sand volleyball after BGR had ended for the day. I am grateful everyday for the community that BGR has given me.As a new student, there are aspects of adjusting to college that can be stressful. There is stress of adjusting to Purdue’s big campus, excelling in classes, making friends, and so much more. BGR is a great way to alleviate many of these stresses. It gives students the tools to explore campus, make friends, and understand the resources available to Purdue students. By the time classes start, students are able to stay focused on school because students will have already started to adjust to living away from home. Be sure to sign up for Boiler Gold Rush by July 31st! The program has played a large role in my success, and I urge all new Boilermakers to participate to ease their transition to Purdue.
Sophia Jarc, Industrial Engineering '26
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