CEGSAC New Student Tips (Revised Fall 2026)

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Introduction and Disclaimers

Welcome to the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering (LSCCE) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana! This manual was created by civil and construction engineering graduate students for civil and construction engineering graduate students. Our goal is to answer commonly asked questions and provide links to resources that we found helpful.

These tips and advice cover a lot of information! We don’t recommend that you read it from start to finish, but rather that you skim or search for specific information when you come across a question or doubt. This manual reflects only the opinions of the writers, we hope it will be useful to you.

Please send any comments or suggestions to any of the board members of the Civil Engineering Graduate Student Advisory Council, whose contact info can be found on our website: https://eng.purdue.edu/CCE/Academics/Organizations/CEGSAC

Follow our organization on social media to keep in touch and learn more about upcoming events: Instagram, LinkedIn, and join our Activities WhatsApp group (scan below)

For other resources and the latest info please check live, Purdue-maintained sites such as:

Contents/Quicklinks

Safety Information

Basic Information

  • How do I arrive at Purdue?
  • What can I find on campus?
  • How do I connect to the Internet on campus?

Living

Local Tips

Studying and Working

Safety Information

In case of emergencies, the following contact information is good to have in mind:

Basic Information

How do I arrive at Purdue?

Purdue is located in West Lafayette and is accessible by driving (near Interstate 65), from the Indianapolis (IND) and Chicago (MDW or ORD) airports, or from Purdue University Airport (LAF) which offers service through United. You can find more detailed information and options for commercial travel services to help you travel between campus and the airports:
https://admissions.purdue.edu/visit/getting-to-purdue/

What can I find on campus?

In terms of what’s on campus, Google Maps can be helpful for getting around between buildings, but you can also find detailed map information here:
https://purdueuniversity.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=d7e5d06fb5344f5fb53819c42d3e91ed/

How do I connect to the internet on campus?

The wireless network at Purdue covers most of the campus and provides Internet access to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Students, faculty, and staff generally use PAL 3.0 & Eduroam. Use your Purdue career account username and password to connect.
https://it.purdue.edu/services/wifi.php

Living

This section has resources related to getting around campus, finding a place to stay, and taking care of your physical and mental health.

Transportation

How do I get around campus? (West Lafayette and Lafayette, and Indianapolis)

  • Bike
    • Bicycles are expected to follow vehicle traffic patterns, so for safety make sure you’re familiar with the rules of the road before riding - especially on roads. E.g.: https://bikeleague.org/ridesmart/rules-of-the-road/
    • Students are also strongly encouraged to register their bikes with the Purdue Police Department if they plan to use their bikes around campus. Registering your bike allows the Purdue Police to help (with lock maintenance, repairs, instruction, etc.) https://www.purdue.edu/bikes/index.html
    • Salt and Light - Bike Rental for international students
      Salt & Light Christian Fellowship has a program where you can rent bikes for a deposit (which will be returned to you when you return the bike). You can learn more here: https://slcfpurdue.com/bike-loan-program/
    • University Surplus Store – Cheap option, Abandoned Bikes
      Students looking for a cheaper alternative to buying a brand-new bike should check out Purdue’s University Surplus Store. Bikes that have been abandoned and are not reclaimed are transported to the University Surplus Store and sold off for lower prices
  • Motorized bikes or scooters (Veo)
  • Buses (CityBus)
    • CityBus serves the greater Lafayette area, and offers transit between campus and off-campus locations (housing, downtown Lafayette, stores, and more)
    • They have an app which is useful to view the routes and track bus locations https://www.in.gov/citybuslafayette/how-to-ride/mycitybus-app/
    • For purchasing tickets and passes, you will need the EZFare app https://www.in.gov/citybuslafayette/how-to-ride/fares/
      • Purdue generally offers a subsidy for semester passes during the academic year, but this is being agreed on a case-by-case basis
    • Be mindful of the hours of operation for each line! For example, no buses run on Sundays.
  • Purdue on-campus transit
  • Purdue Campus Connect shuttle to Indy
    • Purdue also has regular shuttles to the Indianapolis campus, which are available free of charge to all students.
    • To access the service, download the R2U Connect mobile app and book your ride in advance for your preferred time.
      • Please plan your journey ahead of time, as same-day bookings may not be available.
    • You can find information about the timing and how to reserve the shuttles here:
  • Car
    • If you have your own car, be mindful that most parking on campus requires a parking permit. You can find info on each of the permits, the locations where parking is allowed, and cost here: https://www.purdue.edu/operations/parking/home/permits/students/
      • Parking on and around campus is relatively limited, and there is a lottery for permits allowing garage parking before the start of each academic year.
    • Neighborhood parking is available near Hampton Hall. Refer to the map for permissible parking locations.
      https://en.parkopedia.com/parking/west_lafayette/?arriving=202308031100&leaving=202308031300
      • Many of the streets closest to campus are restricted to 2-hour parking and can only be used once each day regardless of time spent in the location. West Lafayette issues parking tickets based on blocks, so you cannot park in one designated block for more than two hours per day.

Housing

What kind of housing options are available for students?

  • Most students choose to rent housing off-campus
  • Purdue has an official off-campus housing site: https://www.purdue.edu/odos/offcampus/ Admittedly the website may not be the most user-friendly, but you can also contact offcampushousing@purdue.edu directly with 1-1 questions if you have specific questions, for instance about a particular complex or similar
    • There are several other websites to find off-campus housing including BoilerApartments.com or Apartments.com.
    • Sites like Craigslist, Facebook, Reddit, or WhatsApp groups can be useful for finding options for sub-leases or roommates
  • There are many different factors you may consider, but usually you’ll want to at least consider the rent and security deposit required, your options for transportation to campus, and whether the complex may house other grad students.
  • Be cautious of websites or services that ask for payment upfront, as they may add unexpected charges or fees.

How do I set up utilities?

  • Depending on your lease agreement, you are often responsible for setting up utilities with local providers upon moving in. That may include the following services, with common providers mentioned in parentheses which you can contact to begin the process for setup.
    • Cable/Internet (Xfinity, Frontier, Metronet)
    • Gas (Centerpoint)
    • Electricity (Duke Energy)
    • Water & Sewage (often directly sorted with the apartment/city)
    • Mobile phone (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, US Mobile)

Well-being

Where can I work out or exercise on campus?

  • The France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center (CoRec) is accessible to all fulltime Purdue students by swiping your Purdue ID
    • It features two 1/10-mile indoor tracks on separate levels, as well as an expansive aquatic center, rock wall and sports areas (basketball, volleyball, badminton, hockey, ping pong, etc.)
    • The Turf Recreation Exercise Center (TREC), adjacent to the COREC, has turf fields primarily used for playing pick-up or intramural soccer.
    • Next to the TREC, there are outdoor pickleball and tennis courts that are available to anyone in the spring, summer, and fall.
    • The indoor tennis courts are at the Schwartz Tennis Center on McCormick Road (discounted price with Purdue ID).
    • Additionally, there are the Intramural Fields, mainly for intramural teams but also open for pick up soccer, baseball, and softball.
    • There is also a place to golf on campus off of Cherry Lane called Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex with two 18-hole courses and a driving range.

Are their exercises or equipment available to use?

What other resources are available to promote healthy living?

How do I enroll in insurance? Who do I contact if I have questions?

  • Enrollment for health & dental is open until Sept 8, 2026
    Note that this is mandatory for international students
    • Search your inbox for emails from Academic HealthPlans for information
    • https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/gradstaff/
  • There is a student insurance contact which can answer questions about United Healthcare coverage
  • In general, services from PUSH or on campus are covered under your insurance. If you need to seek care beyond the services available on campus, it will be best to find providers in-network with your student insurance (United Healthcare). You can use their site to find providers covered with your policy
    https://www.uhc.com/find-a-doctor

Where should I go if I need medical help, or a regular checkup? Where can I meet a doctor on campus? How do I get an appointment?

  • The Purdue University Student Health Services (PUSH) building has a number of doctors with different specialties: https://www.purdue.edu/push/
    • Your annual physical, bloodwork, and women’s wellness visit should be covered by your student insurance
    • Bloodwork, imaging, and other services are also located in the basement of the PUSH building
  • Most PUSH services are by appointment, which can usually be done online or by phone.
    • You will need to arrive at least 15 minutes early and bring your Purdue ID and insurance card (or have your information up to date on the website)
  • PUSH also provides allergy shots, immunizations, travel counseling, including vaccinations required for travel. (765) 494-1818 and
    https://www.purdue.edu/push/services/students/allergy-immunizations.php
    • Keep an eye out for vaccine workshops in the fall, such as to obtain flu vaccines

If I get sick after normal business hours, what can I do?

  • Urgent Care or Emergency Room services are the best option if you have an urgent medical need outside of normal business hours.
    • PUSH Urgent Care This extended care service is available after PUSH closes in the afternoon and does not require an appointment. There may also be telehealth options available. Refer to the website for weekday and weekend hours: https://www.purdue.edu/push/about/general-info/after-hours.php
    • Off-campus Urgent Care
      During those times when PUSH Extended Care is not open, local urgent care services are available at the following locations:
      • Arnett Clinic
        • 2600 Greenbush Street, Lafayette (765) 448-8000
      • IU Health Arnett Hospital Emergency Medicine (24 hours)
        • 5165 McCarty Ln, Lafayette (765) 448-8000
      • IU Health Urgent Care
        • 1 Walter Scholer Dr, Lafayette (765) 448-8000
      • Franciscan Express Care
        • 909 Sagamore Pkwy, W. Lafayette (765) 463-6262
      • Unity Immediate Care Center
        • 1321 Unity Pl. Suite B, Lafayette (765) 446-1362
    • Area Hospitals
      There are two local hospitals in West Lafayette/Lafayette. These include:
      • IU Health Arnett Hospital
        • 5165 McCarty Ln. Lafayette, IN 47905 (765) 448-8000
      • Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health Lafayette East
        • 1701 S. Creasy Ln, Lafayette, IN 47905 (765) 502-4000

What resources are available for psychological counselling or mental health support?

  • Purdue University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers counseling and therapy services in the form of one-on-one appointments, group and couples therapy, emergency/crisis, alcohol and other drugs program, and psychological testing

Where do I go if I need prescription medication?

  • You will need a prescription from a doctor to order your medicine from a pharmacy. It is recommended that you bring prescriptions from home for the first few months so that you don’t have any delays getting your medicine. Also, carry your prescription/doctor’s note with you through customs.
  • On-campus pharmacy, Purdue University Pharmacy (PUP)
    • Generally it’s the cheapest to get your medication here They also have general medications, including cold and flu medications
    • https://www.purdue.edu/rx/
  • Off-campus options
    • There are also several off-campus pharmacies, you can find one close to your apartment or campus for convenience
    • Some options include:
      • CVS
      • Walgreens
      • Target
      • Meijer
      • Walmart
      • Payless

Local Tips

This section includes information specific to West Lafayette and the Indiana area which may help you settle in, for instance related to weather, typical etiquette, setting up a bank account and local identification (state ID and SSN), as well as shopping and entertainment.

Weather

What is the weather like and how can I prepare for it?

  • The temperature in West Lafayette, IN varies from an average high of 85° Fahrenheit (29° Celsius) in July to an average low of 19° Fahrenheit (-7° Celsius) in January.
  • Winters can be quite a shock, but they are manageable with proper attire. A good quality coat or parka, insulated, waterproof boots, a warm hat, scarf and gloves as well as wool socks or thermal base layers are strongly encouraged. See Where can I go to buy clothes and shoes? for suggestions of where to purchase these.
  • Other things to watch out for in winter:
    • Beware of pipes freezing – in very cold weather pipes may freeze if they aren’t properly insulated. For this reason, do not ever turn off your heat in winter even if you are out of town for an extended period of time. If water isn’t coming out of the faucets, notify your landlord immediately to prevent pipes from bursting.
    • Black ice forms on roads and sidewalks, causing very slick and dangerous surfaces which are difficult to see. Walk and drive more slowly and carefully when there are slick conditions, particularly when taking turns.

What about tornadoes? Why are there sirens sometimes on Saturday mornings?

  • While occurrences are infrequent, Purdue is in an area susceptible to tornadoes. This webpage has some safety preparation and response information:
    https://www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/INPREPared/tornadoes/
  • Tippecanoe County has hazard warning sirens that go off if there is a potential threat. These sirens are tested at 11:00 am on the first Saturday of every month - no action is required during these scheduled tests.

Social & Classroom Etiquette

Lax, Joanne. “Graduate Communication Needs.” Purdue University. West Lafayette, IN. 2015.

What is proper classroom etiquette?

  • Students are expected to arrive on time and be seated prior to the start of class.
  • During the lecture, they should not engage in conversations with other students or other distractions such as using a cell phone or reading a newspaper.
  • Students are encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions.
  • Students are permitted to quietly leave the classroom to use the restroom or make an important phone call without asking the professor.
  • Understand the professor’s expectations.
  • Coursework deadlines are usually strictly enforced.
  • Teamwork on assignments is usually encouraged but copying is not.
  • Follow Purdue’s rules for academic integrity.
    https://www.purdue.edu/odos/osrr/academic-integrity/graduate.html

What is proper meeting etiquette?

Meetings follow similar etiquette to the classroom and timeliness is important. If you are asked to RSVP, you must indicate whether you intend to attend the event or not. You are expected to attend meetings and events if you have affirmed your attendance in an RSVP. If your plans change and you are no longer able to hold the meeting, be considerate and inform the host as soon as possible.

What is proper office etiquette?

In your own office/lab, respect others by:

  • Being cordial
  • Maintaining area cleanliness
  • Keeping down noise (music/talking/loud eating) – many students use headphones for listening to music.
  • Not bringing in/leaving smelly food
  • When visiting someone else’s office:
    • Knock on the door, even if ajar; Don’t jiggle the doorknob.
    • Wait to be invited before you enter.
    • Don’t sit unless invited.
    • Remain on the far side of the desk.
    • Silence your cell phone.

What is proper email etiquette?

Students are expected to respond promptly to messages and to check Purdue email daily.

  • If the recipient does not respond immediately, be patient and do not nag them.
  • Use correct grammar, punctuation, abbreviations, capitalization, and spelling.
  • Avoid contractions and emoticons.
  • Use the subject line to indicate the topic of the message. Do not leave it blank.
  • Be certain that your name appears in English letters.
  • Appropriate opening line:
    • Dear Dr./Mr./Ms./Prof./Professor
    • Do not use “Esteemed ___” or “Miss ____”
    • Appropriate closings include Sincerely, Regards, Cordially, Best, Best Regards, Kind Regards

What is normal hygiene etiquette in the United States?

Most people shower once every 1-2 days. Additionally, deodorant/antiperspirant is worn, and people brush their teeth daily. It is also customary to only wear clothing items once or twice before washing them.

Local Bank Account & Identification Information (IDs, SSN)

Where can I set up a local bank account?

A few common options for local bank accounts used by students include:

How do I get a driver’s license?

  • You are encouraged to apply for an Indiana state driver’s license as soon as possible (note: many companies require proof of a valid US for internship/employment offers). Refer to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website for specific requirements: https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/learners-permits-and-drivers-licenses-overview/identification-cards
  • If you have an out-of-country driver's license and are a resident of Indiana, you must pass the vision screening, written test (also known as knowledge test), and driving test (also known as driving skills examination) to obtain an Indiana driver's license. It is recommended to obtain the International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from your home country, prior to departing for the US (however it is not mandatory in Indiana). The foreign license or IDP is valid for driving in Indiana for one year or until your home country license expires, whichever comes first.
  • If you are moving to Indiana from another state and hold a valid driver's license in that state, you are no longer required to complete a written test. If your out-of-state license has expired when transferring to Indiana, you are required to take the written test. If you do not possess an existing driver’s license you may need to obtain a learner’s permit first and complete 6 months of driving practice under the supervision of a licensed driver.
  • There are a few driving schools in the area if you are looking for support in learning to drive:

How do I get a state identification card (state ID)?

Identification cards may be issued to an Indiana resident of any age who does not have a driver’s license. It is recommended that you obtain a State ID if you do not intend to obtain a driver’s license. You cannot hold both an identification card and a driver’s license at the same time, even if one is issued by another state.

For more information, see the following site: https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/learners-permits-and-drivers-licenses-overview/identification-cards

How do I obtain a social security number (SSN)?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for students who are working on assistantships with the department or working on any on-campus jobs. The following steps may be indicatively noted as the procedures for obtaining a SSN.

  • Graduate staff who are employed with the department will receive a new hire onboarding process email from the CE department (online process). Complete the onboarding process as Part 1 of the requirement.
  • Submit required physical documents for I-9 verification (Part 2) to Potter Engineering Center (for engineering students) or as instructed in email.
  • The Engineering center will assist in initiating the SSN application which will be submitted to ISS for validation. ISS may take up to 7 days.
  • Submit the ISS certified SSN application form along with the required documentation to the SSN application center at Lafayette office (physical submission).
  • SSN processing may take 7 -14 days (a physical card will be mailed to you)

Shopping

Where can I go to buy groceries or food items?

  • Groceries
    • Most students purchase food at either a grocery store (ex: Payless, ALDI, Fresh Thyme etc.) or a Superstore (Ex: Walmart, Meijer, Target, etc.).
    • There are also many ethnic specialty grocery stores like Indian, Chinese, African stores located around West Lafayette and Lafayette, for example: Better World Market, Safari, Indian & International Grocery, Asia Global Market, Mama Ines, or La Tapatia We recommend asking other students in your program or doing a quick google search if you are looking for something in particular.
  • Food bank options
    Food banks are non-profit organizations that distribute food in the community for low or no cost. There are several options around campus and the greater Lafayette area.
  • Restaurants
    • There are many restaurants scattered all around West Lafayette and Lafayette which you can find with a quick Google search
    • There are three main areas that students frequently go to:
      • The first is the Chauncey Hill area (outlined in BLUE in the map below). Chauncey Hill is centered around State Street between Grant Street and River Road. The area has many restaurants, bars, and shops that are very popular with Purdue students including undergrads.
      • The second area is called the Levee (outlined in PURPLE in the map below). The Levee area is also centered around State Street but runs from about River Road to the Wabash River.
      • The last area students frequently go to for restaurants is Downtown Lafayette (outlined in GREEN in the map below), and is more popular with graduate students.


Approximate areas on map, made using Google Earth

  • Campus Dining
    • Purdue campus provides various dining options including the following https://dining.purdue.edu/
    • Other options include:
      • Restaurants in Purdue Memorial Union
      • Centennial Station - at the Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC)
      • The Bistro - at Rawls Hall
      • Continuum Café -at Lynn Hall
      • Così - at Honors College
      • Boiler Bistro - at Marriott Hall
      • LavAzza - at Marriott Hall
      • Port - at Lawson Computer Science Building
      • Chick-fil-A - 401 N Russell St
      • Amelia's Cafe - Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering
  • Alcohol
    • Alcohol in the US is typically purchased at either a bar or a liquor store although it is also available for purchase at most places that also sell groceries.
    • Bars are located primarily in the areas described in the “Restaurants” section. Liquor stores are available throughout the town, so we suggest doing a Google search to find one nearest to you.
    • When purchasing alcohol at any point, you must have a valid, government issued, photo ID with your birth date listed (passport, driver’s license, etc.) and some places may ask you for two forms of ID (can use credit cards as second form as long as first form has your photo and birthday listed). Only people above 21 years old may purchase alcohol in the US, and on Sundays, the sale of alcohol is only permitted between the hours of noon and 8:00 pm or in restaurants and bars within the state of Indiana. All persons present when buying alcohol must be 21+ with ID.

Where can I go to buy furniture or home items for my apartment?

  • New Items: Furniture and home items can be purchased new from many locations. Most Superstores sell basic items like tables and futons. For mattresses, there are many discount mattress stores in the area, and places like Furniture Row have affordable options as well as other furniture. Be aware that most furniture stores will charge a delivery fee if you cannot transport the items yourself.
  • Used Items: Since students are in graduate school only for a few years, many often opt to buy used/ previously owned furniture. Second-hand stores like Goodwill sell both clothing and furniture, but you can also find furniture items for sale on websites like Craigslist, Facebook groups (ex: Buy/Sell/Trade Lafayette/West Lafayette) or Facebook Marketplace, and from graduating students. If you decide to purchase items from private sellers (not stores), please meet the sellers in public locations and bring a friend with you.
  • Another option is Purdue University Surplus Store. At the University Surplus Store you can buy bikes, furniture, and other items. Lafayette also has a new and used furniture store called Merrell’s Furniture and Sell-it-here.

Where can I go to buy clothes and shoes?

  • Tippecanoe Mall: A common place for students to purchase clothing is at the Tippecanoe Mall. There are many store options as well as a few restaurants. For a complete list of stores available at the mall please see: https://www.simon.com/mall/tippecanoe-mall/stores
  • Department Stores: Other locations such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington, and other clothing specialty stores exist within the Lafayette and West Lafayette Area.
  • Superstores: As well as selling groceries and home items, superstores typically also have a large clothing section for men, women, and children. A benefit to shopping at superstores is the items tend to be more affordable. However, these products also tend to show wear and tear faster.
  • Second-hand options: There are multiple stores within the community that sell second hand/used clothing, one of which is Goodwill store. These stores can also be called consignment shops. Because stores move periodically, we recommend doing a Google search to find second-hand/thrift stores.

What sort of services are typically tipped?

It is common (but not required) to tip for services in the United States. There can be a lot of confusion surrounding tipping because there are no set “rules”. Below are some suggested guidelines for commonly tipped services:

  • Waiter/Waitress at a restaurant: 15-20% of your total bill
  • For delivery, 10-15% of the bill
  • Bartender at a bar: $1-2 per drink
  • Hairdresser/barber at a hair salon: 15-20% of your bill
    • Same percentages apply to manicurists & masseuses
  • Taxi driver: 15% of your fare
  • Doorman or shuttle driver that help to carry your luggage: $1-4 per piece of luggage

Entertainment

Where can I learn about local events?

  • Local events: Both Lafayette and West Lafayette host many festivals and events throughout the year. The Civil Engineering Main Office often shares information about upcoming events, you can also check the city website for lists of festivals and events. https://www.homeofpurdue.com/calendar/annualevents.html

Where can I learn about sporting events?

What is there to do outside?

  • State Parks: Indiana has over 30 state parks and lakes including Prophetstown State Park located just north of campus. Turkey Run State Park is about 60 miles away from campus. Many state parks offer hiking, camping, boating, swimming, and more so there are always other activities available. For information on all the state parks, visit the DNR website:
    https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/
  • Local parks: On campus there is the Horticulture Park which connects to the cross country path. Celery Bog, Cumberland Park and Happy Hollow are local areas with hiking. Happy Hollow has areas for barbequing. Cumberland Park also has a local farmers market in the Summers. Columbian Park, in Lafayette, has a water park, small zoo, playground and playground:
    https://www.lafayette.in.gov/447/Columbian-Park

Studying and Working

This section focuses on resources available to support your studies and work on campus.

Funding

Who do I contact if I have questions about my existing funding?

  • You may contact your faculty advisor to discuss your existing funding or complementary supporting options. Additionally, you may request information for other funding sources or opportunities from the Civil Graduate Program Administrator, Jenny Ricksy
    https://eng.purdue.edu/CCE/Academics/Graduate/ContactUs

What types of funding are available on campus?

What funding opportunities exist for graduate student travel and professional development?

Course Registration

How do I register for classes? When and where can I find information to do so?

Academic Resources

What student mentors or assistance are available to answer questions or concerns about life on campus?

  • The Civil Engineering Graduate Student Advisory Council (CEGSAC) aims to have student representatives from each of the CE disciplines. These representatives are eager and willing to answer your questions or refer your concerns to the faculty. The organization’s website has the names, emails, and pictures of each officer, so please reach out to these students with questions or concerns
    https://eng.purdue.edu/CCE/Academics/Organizations/CEGSAC/people
  • The Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG) is composed of student senators, who are representatives from each school. Senators meet to voice ideas and concerns from the student body.
  • The Office of Graduate Assistance consists of individuals that act as impartial and, in most cases, confidential resources for any graduate students with questions or concerns. You can schedule a meeting to voice concerns such as: adjusting to grad school, the relationship with your advisor, funding difficulties, etc.
    https://www.purdue.edu/academics/ogsps/academics/office-of-graduate-assistance-oga/
  • ‘Senior’ students, who have been here longer than you and that have the same advisor as you, are also likely to be great resources.

What resources are available to help with professional development?

  • The Purdue Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) provides writing guidance on resumes, cover letters, and personal statements. The center assists students with developing a career plan, job search strategies, and mock interviews. Students can make appointments to meet with center employees on a 1-on-1 basis.
  • The Office of Professional Development regularly hosts useful workshops on various topics ranging from career preparation to imposter syndrome or buying a car or house

Where do I find information or data for classes or research? (journal access, books, GIS data, etc.)

  • Purdue libraries offer many resources to support your coursework and research
  • There are librarians dedicated to each subject area if you have questions about a particular area:
    https://lib.purdue.edu/help/askalib/librarians/
  • There is also a general chat service where you can consult with librarians for support finding or accessing any resources:
    https://lib.purdue.edu/help/askalib/
  • You can also request specific materials, e.g. books or journal articles, which Purdue may not have direct access to by InterLibrary Loan. The content will be delivered by pdf or physically to a library on campus, depending on how you request it:
    https://lib.purdue.edu/services/interlibrary-loan/

Where can I download software for classes or research?

  • Purdue IT’s community hub is the place to go for software distribution for students with licenses provided from Purdue (e.g. Microsoft Office 365 suite)
    https://it.purdue.edu/services/software.php
    • If you need software which isn’t available here, work with your PI to get appropriate access.

Where can I get additional help with my English?

Grad Student Study Locations on Campus

What spaces are provided specifically for graduate students to meet, study, and access computers or printing on campus?

  • Room 2158 in Hampton Hall has dedicated study space and lockers for graduate students
    • The green roof area, Room 2152, is also a nice place to study
    • The computer lab in Room 1212 has desktop computers and free black and white printing available for civil engineering students
  • There is also the Purdue Graduate Student Center, located near the Northwestern Parking garage across from the MSEE and Physics buildings, next to Wang hall
    https://www.purdue.edu/academics/ogsps/current-graduate-student-resources/purdue-graduate-student-center-pgsc/
    • This includes study spaces for graduate students, board games, and often has free snacks and coffee or hot chocolate available from the front desk courtesy of the Purdue Graduate Student Government.

Student Organizations

How do I find information about student groups on campus?

  • Student Groups: With over 1,000 student organizations at Purdue, this is usually at least 1 event occurring every week. For information about student organizations available on campus and upcoming events, check out the Boilerlink website
  • International Center - creates cross-cultural connections between diverse people through education (language programs- ESL and foreign), arts, cultural events, etc.
  • International Programs - coordinates events, workshops and travel

What are the Civil and Construction Engineering specific student groups?

What affinity groups exist for different communities on campus?

  • Purdue also hosts many Cultural Centers which have different offices and locations on campus, you can learn more about each on this site:
    https://www.purdue.edu/odos/cultural-centers/index.php
    • Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center
    • Black Cultural Center
    • Latino Cultural Center
    • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center
    • Native American Educational and Cultural Center

Other Support

As an international student, where can I get support for questions about services related to immigration or orientation information?

Where can I go for support, especially if I need emergency funds or absence?

Where can I go to discuss accommodations related to accessibility of my classes or work?

Where can I go if I have questions about billing, tuition, or payments?

Where can I go if I have problems with my ID?

Where can I go for legal advice or consultation?

  • Student Legal Services offers legal assistance to students:
    • You may want to keep in mind that SLS cannot represent or consult on cases where the other party is also a Purdue student, like roommate conflicts

Where can I go for general support or questions as a graduate student?