Winter at Purdue: Boilermaker Edition

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Winter at Purdue comes with snowy days, crisp air, and plenty of windy walks across campus, but it also brings so many great memories. Whether you are warming up with a hot coffee, gearing up for outdoor activities, or cheering on the Boilermakers, there are always ways to make the most out of the colder months. For some, winter at Purdue may be a new experience for some, but it’s one we all share and enjoy together as Boilermakers!


Vidhi Desai, Mechanical Engineering


Another well-loved winter tradition here at Purdue University is ice skating. Just a short drive off campus lies Riverside Skating Center, a picturesque ice rink that offers the perfect environment for creating long lasting memories and the perfect group photo! On extra chilly days, warming up with hot chocolate after some time on the ice serves as the cherry on top for a fun outing. Whether you are an experienced skater or stepping onto the ice for the very first time, this is the perfect winter activity to take a break from academics, spend time with friends, and stay active during the winter months!

Grace Fuller, Biomedical Engineering


One of my favorite activities during the winter is getting coffee with friends! When it is cold outside, there is nothing better than sitting in a cozy place with coffee by your side. There are so many coffee spots around campus that are a great spot for doing work. My favorite is Saxby's located in ARMS because it is right on campus and has amazing coffee. Some other options around campus are Grey House, Leaps Coffee, Starbucks, Indie Coffee Roasters, and Vienna Espresso. Going to different coffee spots has been great for seeing all parts of campus and trying new things!

Natalie Anderson, Industrial Engineering


Even during the winter months, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors both within walking or busing distance of Purdue and just beyond campus. Close by, the trails along the Wabash River, Happy Hollow Park, Celery Bog Nature Area, and Purdue Horticulture Park offer opportunities to get off campus and decompress in nature. Further from Purdue, state parks such as Turkey Run, Shades, and Prophetstown State Park are equally impressive in the winter. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable hikes, and the lighter crowds create a quieter experience. If you’re busy with classes, even just walking around Purdue’s campus during the winter provides pretty sights of the red brick buildings against the snow.

Gabi Layman, Biomedical Engineering


My favorite thing to do at Purdue during the winter is to stay active at the Corec! The Corec has everything you could possibly want when you work out, whether you’re into lifting, running, or playing sports! My personal favorite thing to do is get some shots up on one of the basketball courts. The Corec is also home to a climbing wall, pool, Group X and F45 fitness classes, and so much more! Aside from physical health, the Corec also has resources to improve your mental health, such as the mindfulness room and available light therapy treatments to help during the winter months. It’s a great place to go when it’s too cold to walk around campus and is free for all full-time students!

Angelus Vazhappilly, Industrial Engineering


One of the best parts of Purdue in the winter is going to Mackey to support the basketball teams. Game days just feel different. The student section is packed, everyone’s wearing black and gold, and the energy in the arena is electric. As March Madness gets closer, every game starts to matter more, which makes it even more exciting to be there. Doing the chants and dances with the rest of the crowd and celebrating big plays together makes it such a fun experience. It’s more than just a game, it’s one of those classic Purdue memories you’ll always look back on!


Winter at Purdue has a way of turning even the coldest days into something special. It’s found in the little traditions- the spontaneous ice skating trips, late-night study sessions warmed by coffee, and the walks across campus bundled up with friends. Whether it is your first winter here on campus or another season filled with familiar traditions, each experience is special in its own way.

The best part of it all is the community. Even long after the snow melts, the memories you made stay with you. No matter how you choose to spend your winter at Purdue, it is a season that leaves you with stories and moments you will carry long after your time here at Purdue comes to an end.

Spring 2026 Blog Team

Recruitment Project Committee

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