First off, let me start by saying WELCOME TO PURDUE! Your time here will surely be the best of your life and it all starts in those awkward first couple of weeks. You'll find your best friends, finally learn how to do your own laundry, and hopefully take major interest in some classes that will actually help you in your future endeavors. Above all, you'll begin to get comfortable here. As you spend some time on campus between classes, you'll need to find those places where you can study, grab a bite to eat, or just hang out. Once you do, it'll really start to feel like home, and you'll never want to leave.
Aside from dining courts, Purdue has a lot of great places to eat that accept dining dollars. If these come with your meal plan, USE THEM. Treasure these bad boys, for they will save you when you need Starbucks or a snack to kill time between classes.
1. Starbucks
Located in Third Street Suites and the Union, with limited options in the Catalyst Cafe in Wetherill, Starbucks is the perfect pick-me-up between classes, and also doubles as a great place to get some work done. Although it's a little louder than other study spots, I found myself in Starbucks when I had some emails to send, organization to do, or scheduling to figure out.
2. Pappy's Sweet Shop
Pappy's is a wonderfully cheap diner located in the basement of the Union. They have options like tater tots, hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches, along with some of the most delicious milkshakes I've ever tasted. Pappy's is great for those Sunday night dinners when you don't have the dining courts as an option.
3. Cary Knight Spot
Also great for Sunday dinner is the Knight Spot. Located in the basement of Cary Residence Hall across from Lambert Field House, Knight Spot has pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more. Only open for dinner and later, Cary is the place to be when you need some good grub late at night.
4. Third Street Market
On the main floor of Third Street Suites, Third Street Market has everything you would find at an upscale gas station. Last year, I bought a birthday cake at Third Street just because I could. What else are your dining dollars for?
It's also ideal to have a favorite study spot. For me, I'm not a fan of the libraries, but that's just personal preference. Either way, find something that works for you, because as easy as it sounds to just stay in your room an study, it's not going to happen with all the distractions in there.
5. The Union
Between classes on campus, I spend can spend three to four hours at a time just studying in the Union. It's great because if you need a pick-me-up, there are so many options right downstairs. Plus there are couches and love seats upstairs, too. Way more comfortable than a wooden chair.
6. Krach Student Leadership Building
Located across from the Co-Rec, Krach features desks, comfy seats, cubicles, and even conference rooms that you can rent out for group projects. It has white boards on every floor that are great for group collaboration, and is conveniently located close to many dorms, including Meredith, Wiley, Shreve, Windsor, Tarkington and Owen.
And for those times when you just want to hang out with friends, try some of these places.
7. Slayter Hill
Weather permitting, Slayter Hill is the perfect place to relax on a beautiful day. Savor these pretty days while it lasts, and come winter, prepare your sleds. For all of you who can appreciate a fresh snow, head to Slayter for a study break and the sledding hill of a lifetime.
8. Memorial Mall
Another good one for pretty fall days, Memorial Mall is such a great place to hang out. You can people-watch, sun bathe, or just read a book with the subtle busy-ness of those heading to and from class.
9. Residence Hall Basements
Don't knock it till you try it. People are always coming through the basement just to see who's hanging out. Try doing your homework down there, but realize that after about the second week of school, it turns into a place where people act like they're studying, but really just socialize.
