Many of us have hit that dull point of the summer when we are sorta, kinda, secretively itching to go back to Purdue. And many of the income freshman are really, truly, not secretively excited to being an amazing new chapter in their lives. Here’s your chance to reminisce over all that Purdue has to offer.
1. The campus
Photo by Tate Kirgiss
Let’s be honest. Although West Lafayette, Indiana doesn’t sound like the most exciting place, the campus itself at Purdue is absolutely beautiful. Have you seen the spring flowers and fall leaves? Not only that, but the signature red brick buildings creates a sense of cohesion and looks spectacular from above. Not a fan of the brick? Just take a look at the engineering fountain or the clock tower at night and appreciate the gorgeous campus we wake up to everyday.
2. Fountain Runs
Photo courtesy of Purdue University on Facebook
The most iconic part of BGR, and one of the only ways we can still be children at heart, are fountain runs. It’s pretty self-explanatory: you run through one of the fountains on campus, get soaked, and have a great time.
**SpoonTip: Just because the fountain is still on in November or December, doesn’t mean you should run through it in 30 degree weather.
3. The Dining Courts
Photo courtesy of Purdue Dining & catering on Facebook
With dining courts ranked #17 by Business Insider for Best College Dining Hall, missing the pizza at Ford and noodle bowls at Hillenbrand just kind of happen no matter how much you tell yourself otherwise. Although the food is pretty bomb, there are a few things the dining courts could add to their selection to make a truly pleasurable experience at every meal swipe.
4. Triple XXX Breakfasts
Photo courtesy of Triple XXX Family Restaurant on Facebook
The restaurant is unique in Purdue history and many of the menu items have amazing stories behind them. I won’t spoil anything for you; just know that a Triple XXX breakfast is essential when visiting campus, whether its the 1st time or 100th time you’re here.
5. Insomnia Cookies
Photo courtesy of @insomniacookiesofficial on Instagram
Just like the name says, I can’t sleep at night because a.) I’m craving a dozen triple chocolate chunk cookies from Insomnia, or b.) I just ate a dozen triple chocolate chunk cookies from Insomnia. Either way, I’m not complaining, because this magical cookie heaven is just a delivery away.
6. The Co-Rec
Photo courtesy of @lanthera on Instagram
If you’ve seen any other fitness center at a university, you know we boilermakers are blessed to have such a getaway on campus. Saunas, indoor tracks, even classrooms abound in the Co-Rec. It’s become sort of a hangout place, equipped with a smoothie bar called Fuel, for people of all fitness levels to come together. Don’t let anyone tell you Purdue is a boring place. Clearly they haven’t seen the rock climbing wall yet.
**SpoonTip: If you want an after-workout snack but aren’t feeling a smoothie or protein bar, try these 9 Foods to eat after a workout.
7. Thursdays are for bar hopping
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
I know, I know. Purdue isn’t exactly located in the most metropolitan area, which is why Thursdays seem to have an extra special place in our hearts. Go to Harry’s, The Cactus, or anywhere else on campus and find swarms of people just looking to have a good time. And don’t worry, if you’re not the drinking type just enjoy the atmosphere. I’m sure your friends will be willing to take a few extra shots in your stead.
8. Grand Prix Week
Photo courtesy of Purdue University on Facebook
What may be the highlight of the Spring semester (other than the end of it) is Grand Prix week. It’s when the weather’s nice, activities are abundant, and everyone is looking for something to distract them from their looming final exams. Whether or not you actually are into the racing portion, relish the time because you probably won’t be seeing daylight for the next few weeks, as professors often likes to make exams harder than they need to be.
9. Chilling with Fellow Boilermakers 24/7
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
With Purdue’s campus being so condensed, friends aren’t more than a few minutes away from each other. That means constant Netflix marathons, bingeing on popcorn and Mad Mush, and those late night study sessions that always seem to happen the night before an exam. No matter what the reason, I’m always grateful to have such amazing friends at an equally amazing school.
10. A mutual hatred of IU bringing the entire campus together
Photo courtesy of Purdue Athletics on Facebook
It’s true: we are all friends when Purdue goes against IU in anything. And while we don’t necessarily know each other by name, we put past our petty differences because the we are all boilermakers and Purdue has got to win a football game for once.
11. The Boilermaker Express
Photo courtesy of Purdue University on Facebook
Waking up to this little piece of Purdue on the regular really makes you appreciate your alarm clock; at least it has a snooze button. Still, we are grateful to have one of the most unique mascots ever, because there’s no way Sparty or a Hoosier could stand in the way of our Boilermaker Express, both physically and hypothetically.
12. Being asked what a “Boilermaker” is and having friends to back you up
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
This question, especially if you’re not from Indiana, gets thrown out a lot. When people ask me, “What exactly is a Boilermaker?” withstanding that 10-second interval of silence is a lot easier to endure with a friend. I still don’t know what exactly a Boilermaker is, but I couldn’t be more proud to be one, damnit.
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
We sincerely welcome all incoming freshman this fall and will guarantee you an amazing 4 years at Purdue. For returning students, now that you’ve had your minute of nostalgia, it’s a good time to call your friends, professors, academic advisors, and the people who give out parking tickets like candy to tell them you love them and can’t wait to see their faces in for the next semester.