What to expect from the Purdue college experience - College of Engineering - Purdue University

College students typically take between 12-18 credit hours, 12 being the minimum to be considered a full-time student. Classes might look different from day to day. A class may have a lab component in addition to a lecture. The syllabus, available online or given out in class, is the best tool to help manage time for homework and studying. It consists of the class due dates and exam dates, which help planning ahead. College professors don’t often remind you when things are due because of the syllabus — so noting due dates in a planner or calendar at the beginning of the semester is the best way to ensure work is submitted on time.

Class sizes can vary from a handful of students to 300, especially in general education courses. Sit in a place that is conducive to learning. While many classes may allow laptops, it’s good practice to take notes with on paper. Writing notes helps retain the information better than typing. Notes then are available to review later for exams or projects. To maximize learning in each class, put your phone away or on Do Not Disturb and ask questions if you need further clarification. Staying quiet while paying attention ensures that you and your classmates are benefiting the most from the class time.

Expect that homework will take longer and be more in-depth than it was in high school. As you begin studying more specialized material, the homework may become less memorization and copying information and more application and thoughtful analysis. If a homework assignment is due on a Friday, for example, try to start by Tuesday or Wednesday to give plenty of time to complete it and learn the material.

Group work is the best way to tackle college homework and projects. Find a study group and use academic resource centers to bounce ideas off of someone else and work through problems. Reserve study rooms to meet with a group on homework or a project. Messaging apps like GroupMe and WhatsApp can be helpful for staying in touch and arranging times to meet.

The best way to learn the material is to avoid looking up every answer and work through it with guidance as needed. Peers, professors and teaching assistants (TAs) are some of the best resources if there are more questions on class material. Attend office hours and supplemental instruction (SI) sessions to ask more in-depth questions or get to know your professors early on. Doing so can also help in later college years, when you are looking for recommendations for jobs or awards.

Class-provided study guides and practice exams are helpful resources to use when studying for an exam. If a Crib Sheet (also called a “cheat sheet”) is allowed, writing it out by hand will help you know where an equation you might need is much faster than if you type and print it out.

First-year curriculum

The first two semesters will be part of a course that is all about teamwork: Ideas to Innovation (I2I), Honors, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) and Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS). The team will provide an opportunity to solve problems with a group, take on working roles and engage in critical analysis.

Classes in the first-year curriculum may include the following, in order to complete First-Year Engineering (FYE) in West Lafayette:

• ENGR 13100 (2 credits): Transforming Ideas to Innovation I

• MA 16100 or MA 16500 (4-5 credits): Calculus I

• CHM 11500 (4 credits): General Chemistry I

• Oral or written communication foundational outcome course, typically ENGL 10600 (4 credits) or COM 11400 (3 credits) second semester

• ENGR 13200 (2 credits): Transforming Ideas to Innovation II

• MA 16200 or MA 16600 (4-5 credits): Calculus II

• PHYS 17200 (4 credits): Physics I

• Science Elective, typically either CHM 11600 (4 credits): General Chemistry II, or CS 15900 (3 credits): Introductory Programming

• Oral or written communication foundational outcome course, typically ENGL 10600 (4 credits) or COM 11400 (3 credits)

First-Year Engineering Program (West Lafayette) and First Year Experience (Indianapolis)

Learn more at www.purdue.edu/futureengineers/first-year-engineering/

FYE academic advising

Academic advising links you with a professional who can help you navigate academic success, personal values and goals, professional ambitions and class registration. You are assigned an academic advisor and will meet at least once each year to register for classes and check to make sure you’re on track for graduation. It is best practice to schedule an appointment online at least two weeks in advance. Advisors are great for discussing options at Purdue, evaluating a degree path, providing accurate information about Purdue curriculum and acting as a sounding board for major decisions. There are also walk-in hours for academic advising for time-sensitive needs.

Learn more at FYE Advisors - School of Engineering Education - Purdue University.

Transition to Major (T2M)

Learn more at Transition to Major - School of Engineering Education - Purdue University.

Purdue was ranked safest college campus in 2024 by data scientists through Academic Influence, which evaluates its top picks through security measures, low crime statistics, availability of mental health services and transparent reporting of crime data. Safety is crucial for learning and exploring your future in college, both while walking about campus and living in community.

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Purdue has clubs and student organizations for a wide variety of interests – there’s almost always something to do, every night of the week. It can be a little overwhelming to see all the possibilities, so pace yourself by starting with things similar to your interests, hobbies or aspirations. Most post their events on Instagram pages, so it’s best practice to follow them for updates and leadership opportunities.

For many students, college is the first time you may live away from home or outside of your guardian’s home. You might not have the time every day to talk to your family, but scheduling time to talk each week can help you keep connected to home and help your parents know what’s up in your world.

If you and your family can set a date, parents often appreciate getting to come to campus and having you show them around. It may take more planning if flights are involved than if it’s just a car ride, but a visit over a weekend is a great way to catch up and stay connected to home.