What's One Thing WiE Wish We Knew Before Coming to Purdue?
Starting college is an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially in a challenging field like engineering. There’s so much to learn- not just in the classroom but about navigating college life, finding community, and balancing everything that comes with being a student. Looking back, many of us realize there are things we wish we had known before stepping onto campus for the first time.
To help you, a future Purdue student, I asked a few women in engineering here at Purdue to share their insights. From managing tough coursework to finding a support system, their advice highlights the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
One thing I wish I knew before coming to Purdue is how easy it is to get involved on campus. Starting first semester, I wasn’t sure what clubs to join and going to the club fair was a bit overwhelming. I also felt that I didn’t find much that I was interested in and by the time I did, I thought it was too late to join. I now know that is not true as many clubs are very welcoming to new members even after they’ve already had their callout meeting. I also now know that you can easily find clubs to join through social media or by asking classmates about what they’re involved in. Every club that I’ve either joined or attended callouts for has been super happy to welcome new members even if you have no experience or connections in the club. I definitely would’ve tried more new things in my freshman year if I had known this!
One thing I wish I knew before coming to Purdue is just how important it is to find a balance between academics and everything else—friends, clubs, mental health, and just taking time for myself. Purdue’s academics are tough, and it’s easy to get caught up in constantly studying or feeling like you have to be productive 24/7. However, some of the best experiences come from getting involved in things outside of classes. For me, being involved in organizations like the Theme Park and Design Club (TPED) and IM sports has not only helped me build valuable connections but has also reminded me why I chose engineering in the first place. Through these experiences, I’ve found a community of people who support and inspire me, making the challenges of coursework feel more manageable. Engineering is incredibly rewarding when you have people to share it with. I’ve realized that taking breaks and making time for the things that bring me joy actually makes me a better student, teammate, and leader. If I had known this earlier, I wouldn’t have stressed so much about trying to do everything perfectly—I would have trusted that success isn’t just about grades, but about growth, relationships, and enjoying the journey.
College is definitely a big step, but the experiences shared here highlight the valuable lessons many Purdue students have learned along the way that will make this transition easier for you. From the importance of balance to the impact of getting involved early, these perspctives show how finding a community can make all the difference. Purdue offers countless opportunities to grow—academically, socially, and personally—and taking that first step to explore them can shape an incredible college journey.
To help you, a future Purdue student, I asked a few women in engineering here at Purdue to share their insights. From managing tough coursework to finding a support system, their advice highlights the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
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Jiya First Year Engineering |
One thing I wish I knew before coming to Purdue is how much freedom and time there is to take classes outside of your major. Depending on how you want your college career to go you can add on minors and even take classes that you find interesting totally outside of your major. Even though engineering is a time commitment, there is always room for your interests and hobbies whether that be learning about ancient history or taking an art studio class.
Anika
Mechanical Engineering
One thing I wish I knew before coming to Purdue is that the transition from high school to college is incredibly challenging, and it looks different for everyone. For me, I found it difficult to adjust to the rigorous engineering academics at Purdue, as my high school experience was very different. In my first few FYE Exams, I received grades lower than what I desired, which was frustrating. That said, I wish I knew at that time and before coming to Purdue that it is okay to fail. Someone once told me that “failure is only feedback and feedback is a blessing”, which really resonated with me. Now, even if something doesn’t go as planned, as long as I know I have done my best and I understand how I will make a positive change next time, I am content with myself! As uncomfortable as it was to enter “gray areas” of my learning, coming to Purdue to study engineering was mentally and academically fulfilling- my grades, wisdom, and confidence multiplied.
Ella
Mechanical Engineering
One thing I wish I knew before coming to Purdue is that callouts take place within the first week or two of classes. These are simply informational sessions where clubs introduce what they do, their goals, and how students can get involved. They are completely low-pressure and are really just an opportunity to explore different organizations before committing to anything.
The first few weeks of college can feel overwhelming, with so much happening at once. However, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for callout announcements on Instagram, flyers around campus, or at the club fair during BGR. Attending these sessions is a great way to learn about different organizations, meet new people, and start building a community right from the beginning of your college experience. Taking that first step early on can make a big difference in finding your place on campus and making the most of your time at Purdue.
Elizabeth
Biomedical Engineering
One thing I wish I had known before coming to Purdue is just how many different ways there are to approach the same situation. With people coming from such diverse backgrounds, cultures, and upbringings, you quickly realize that there are countless ways to achieve the same goal. Whether it’s how someone tackles a team project, manages their time, or even how they eat their cereal, you’ll be exposed to a variety of approaches. College is a time to learn from your professors, but it’s equally important to learn from your peers. Treat others with respect, because your way may not always be the best. Stay confident in what you know, but remain open to learning from others. Through these everyday interactions, you'll grow into a more well-rounded person, shaped by the diverse experiences and people you encounter in college.
Grace
Mechanical Engineering
One thing I wish I knew before coming to Purdue is how easy it is to get involved on campus. Starting first semester, I wasn’t sure what clubs to join and going to the club fair was a bit overwhelming. I also felt that I didn’t find much that I was interested in and by the time I did, I thought it was too late to join. I now know that is not true as many clubs are very welcoming to new members even after they’ve already had their callout meeting. I also now know that you can easily find clubs to join through social media or by asking classmates about what they’re involved in. Every club that I’ve either joined or attended callouts for has been super happy to welcome new members even if you have no experience or connections in the club. I definitely would’ve tried more new things in my freshman year if I had known this!
Mia
Mechanical Engineering
One thing I wish I knew before coming to Purdue is just how important it is to find a balance between academics and everything else—friends, clubs, mental health, and just taking time for myself. Purdue’s academics are tough, and it’s easy to get caught up in constantly studying or feeling like you have to be productive 24/7. However, some of the best experiences come from getting involved in things outside of classes. For me, being involved in organizations like the Theme Park and Design Club (TPED) and IM sports has not only helped me build valuable connections but has also reminded me why I chose engineering in the first place. Through these experiences, I’ve found a community of people who support and inspire me, making the challenges of coursework feel more manageable. Engineering is incredibly rewarding when you have people to share it with. I’ve realized that taking breaks and making time for the things that bring me joy actually makes me a better student, teammate, and leader. If I had known this earlier, I wouldn’t have stressed so much about trying to do everything perfectly—I would have trusted that success isn’t just about grades, but about growth, relationships, and enjoying the journey.
Mia Ortlieb, Mechanical Engineering '27
WE Link Leadership Team
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