July's Featured College: Purdue University

By: Emily Long

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, has an interesting
history. The legislative act upon which the school was founded was
introduced and signed by President Lincoln
in 1862. The bill helped establish Indiana’s
new college for agriculture and “mechanical
arts,” but Purdue has since grown to include
ten individual schools, from education and
liberal arts to veterinary science and
nursing. A wide variety of degrees are
offered to students in each, so everyone can
find a course of study that fits their needs.

In addition to a host of great academic
choices, Purdue has hundreds of student
activities and clubs available. Some of the more unique ones include
Village Cricket Club, a campus radio station, Clay Club, and the Medieval
Society; if for some reason you can’t find something you like, you can
simply create your own group. About 16% of students participate in
Purdue’s Greek system, and the online campus calendar is packed with
sporting events, arts and entertainment shows, lectures and seminars
with interesting guests, and career-oriented programs. If you are an
athlete, you will surely find your place on one of Purdue’s 18 varsity
teams across 12 sports. The Boilermakers compete in Division I’s Big Ten
conference along with such powerhouses as Ohio State and Michigan, so
even non-athletes will find plenty of excitement as spectators!

Purdue’s website has lots of great information about housing and dining
plans for undergraduate students. Nearly 30% of students live in campus
housing, and Purdue claims the title of largest Housing Operations
department in the nation. Within this system, residentially based
programs (including service, athletics, and recreation) exceed 10,000
every year. You never need to look outside your dorm to stay occupied!

The dining options also exceed the
typical expectations of boring,
unhealthy, or gross college food.
Five food courts offer students
stations like “Create Your Own
Pizza,” Thursday Steak Night,
made-to-order omelets and waffles,
and a Grab On-the-Go! Option for
quick study breaks or snacks
between classes. Windsor Court
offers great international,
vegetarian, and vegan choices for
health-conscious students. You can buy a plan that includes anywhere
from ten to twenty meals per week, along with flexible Dining Dollars.

One of Purdue’s growing programs is Study Abroad. Last year, nearly 1300
students participated in 185 programs in countries like Kenya, Dominican
Republic, Australia, South Korea, and France. This summer, 14 students
will be assisting at the Bejing Olympics as part of a program in China.
While 1300 is a small percentage of the overall student population (31,186
undergraduates), more are choosing to leave campus every year. If study
abroad is on your to-do list, Purdue gives you options.

Along with an increasingly globally aware population, Purdue is creating a
more engaged student body. Programs like community leadership
internships, pre-college science outreach mentorships, and technical
assistance programs to local businesses get students off campus and into
the real world with the West Lafayette community. While the school
clearly offers enough on-campus activities to keep you busy for more
than four years, it also encourages students to explore the wider Indiana
setting.

Purdue is a large state school, but there is a place and activity for
everyone who attends. Check out admissions information, school history,
and lots more at www.purdue.edu!