Purdue University is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, about one hour north of Indianapolis and two hours south of Chicago. This fall Purdue saw their largest enrollment ever with a student body of 41, 573 of which 30, 043 are undergraduates.  Although a large university, Purdue projects a warm, friendly atmosphere, and a very walkable campus, approximately a 20-minute walk from one side of campus to the other. Purdue offers programs in over 211 major areas of study and is especially well known for its engineering curricula.

Visitor Information: Tour Purdue

Transportation: The nearest commercial airports are Indianapolis International (65 miles) and Chicago O’Hare (140 miles) and Chicago Midway (130 miles). Shuttle service is provided to and from Indianapolis by Lafayette Limo and from O’Hare by Express Air Coach or by Reindeer Shuttle. Amtrak and Greyhound also serve the area, stopping at a station in Lafayette. From there, visitors can ride Greater Lafayette's CityBus system to Purdue (about 1.5 miles.)

FYI: Purdue students and alumni are known as Boilermakers, the name of the intercollegiate athletics teams representing the University. The nickname is often shortened to "Boilers" by fans.

Stay:  The Union Club Hotel (closing for a year for renovations) is the most convenient option with an on-campus location in the Purdue Memorial Union. The other closest options are the Hampton Inn, The Hilton Garden Inn, The Residence Inn and the Holiday Inn City Centre. For a full list of accommodations with distances to Purdue click here.

Coffee: Greyhouse Coffee and Supply Co. is right on campus, a unique not-for-profit organization started and owned by a college church community at Purdue called Campus House. Every cappuccino helps as Greyhouse supports countless organizations throughout Greater Lafayette such as homeless shelters and hunger relief initiatives. Also close to campus are a Starbucks on 3rd Street and Lavazza on University Street.

Breakfast:Greyhouse is busy throughout the morning serving a selection of crepes both savory and sweet with gluten-free options.  (Head back later in the day for delicious gelato) Town and Gown is a 5-minute drive from campus, serving all day American eats with a nice patio weather permitting.  Another Broken Egg Café, a mini-chain is another popular morning spot.

Lunch: Right on campus on the ground floor of the Purdue Memorial Union is the Union Commons with an array of quick eating options. Student favorite Pappy’s Sweet Shop has been serving burgers and milkshakes in the basement of the Union since 1927. Triple XXX Family Restaurant, more than a diner is an institution in West Lafayette and the state’s oldest drive-in restaurant. Purdue students rave about the Duane Purvis Burger (named for the All American) an unusual pairing of melted cheese, pickles and peanut butter. Maru Sushi is always crowded for a reason, known for having the best sushi in town. In the mood for noodles and curries check out Thai Essence or for pizza head to Lotsa Stone Fired Pizza.

Dinner

Casual: We love Brunos, a Purdue institution, serving American fare in an atmosphere reminiscent of a mountainside inn. One parent raves about the pizza and salads at Arni's. AJ’s serves Chicago-style hot dogs, gyros, and Italian beef and burgers - students love the Chicago Dog. You won’t leave hungry from the Nine Irish Brothers, a classic pub offering hearty meals and live Irish music on the weekends. East End Grill offers a seasonal traditional American menu in a cool industrial space. 

A Step Up:  In the historic downtown, La Scala is considered to be West Lafayette’s finest Italian, serving farm fresh local food from their own and other local farms. Bistro 501 is an upmarket bistro serving cuisine with a French flair. Enjoy the best prime rib in town at Mountain Jack’s Steakhouse alongside other old school steakhouse favorites such as stuffed mushrooms and coconut shrimp appetizers.

Late Night Snack: A local tradition, Mary Lou Donuts has people lining up for their classic donuts, apple fritters, and French crullers. One student told us this is a must-do Lafayette experience when visiting Purdue.

Local Attractions:  The Lafayette-West Lafayette area is a history buffs dream brimming with beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture. Visit the Tippecanoe Battlefield & Museum or explore Prophetstown State Park.  Browse downtown’s antique stores, art galleries and eclectic boutiques, and quaint coffee shops. Howl with the wolves at Wolf Park, explore Celery Bog Nature Preserve, Clegg Gardens, Wabash Heritage Trail and the Columbian Park Zoo.