Dear Purdue Freshman,
As a 2020 graduate of Purdue University, I understand that your college experience is going to be a bit off for the next few years. COVID-19 has changed a lot of the ways we do things now. As such, it's going to be harder to try new things and meet new people. But do not fear my ambitious young friends, I have provided a list of the 8 things I miss the most about Purdue.
Disclaimer: This list is coming from a very librarian-esque person. As such, most of the party/drinking hot-spots that you will come to discover (i.e. Neon Cactus and Harry's) are not going to be listed here. It's just a list of all the things I wish I had known about my freshman year (i.e. favorite spots and activities).
8.) Parks
One of the great things about going to college in an area that's not considered a "city" is the local feel of the parks. Indiana as a state is already rather known for its natural beauty, and there is certainly no shortage of well-maintained parks. My favorites were Happy Hollow Park, which featured a lovely playground that is newly remolded, and Celery Bog, which provided long walking trails and great views of wildlife. I spent a lot of hours during the summer, spring, and fall at these parks - and made some of my fondest memories there. If you're looking for a pick close to campus, Pickett Park is a great place to take a picnic lunch in the spring and a sled in the winter.
7.) Group X
This is one thing I wish I had known about my freshman year, but didn't start utilizing until my senior year. Purdue's gym is renowned for being very state-of-the art, and that includes the group classes. I believe Purdue's spinning, Zumba, and barre classes are the best I have ever taken. The instructors are great and the classes are fun and fast paced! It's a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress.
6.) Columbian Park Zoo
This is a fun one! Many students don't know that there's a free zoo in Lafayette featuring a menagerie of animals. They have even built a penguin exhibit that was meant to open spring of 2020, but the shipment of penguins was delayed by COVID-19. I love that this zoo always has baby goats in the spring that you can feed. It's free, has a train, and is right next to a lovely park that is perfect for a picnic lunch. This is a great place to visit, and a very sweet place to go for a first date.
5.) EPICS
EPICS stands for "Engineering Projects in Community Service," and is a class open to all majors. I loved my time working on the "Innovation to Reality" team, and made some of my best friends there. It was great getting to help the community and work with engineers on a STEM project. The best part is there are lots of teams to choose from! So no matter what your interests are you can find something that you will like. I recommend that everyone do a project, even if only for one semester. It's also gives your resume a great boost!
4.) Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co.
One of the better known coffee places on campus - Greyhouse is involved heavily with the "Campus House" Christian ministries. As a result, they go out of their ways to find ethically sourced teas and coffees. In their establishment, you will find an abundance of seating, board-games to play with friends, and a cozy serene atmosphere. It was always one of my favorite places to study, and served a lovely matcha latte.
3.) Volunteering
I joined the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program my second year of college, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I got the opportunity to spend time with my Little, who I am still in contact with today, and provide her with one-on-one attention and support. There are lots of volunteer organizations of a similar variety around campus, and they are in desperate need of volunteers. It's a great way to make a difference in the community, boost your resume, and do something you're passionate about.
2.) Tsaocaa
Newly opened in 2020 - Tsaocaa is the best bubble tea shop on campus (in my opinion). It has a huge variety of different types of teas, bobas, and toppings to choose from. Their staff is delightful, polite, and prompt. My favorite thing to get was a "Strawberry Green Tea Slushy with Milk Foam and Mango Boba." My husband and I still drive 3 hours sometimes to get this tea, visit my "Little" from the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program, and grab lunch at the last place on my list...
1.) Yatagarasu
Best. Ramen. Ever! Believe me, I have tried quite a few places, but Yatagarasu takes the cake! Their ramen is rich and delicious with tons of toppings. I always get the tonkotsu miso ramen, and my husband likes the miso spicy. I also love their momo oolong tea and takoyaki (which is probably my favorite thing there). They also added poke bowls in March of 2020 during the shutdown, and they are delicious with very high quality ingredients. They have a lunch special on weekdays where you can get a drink, bowl of ramen, and appetizer for $15. You have to try this place at least once. Even if you don't like ramen, their cheshu don is amazing.
While I was in college, these were the beloved spots that I always enjoyed. I have great memories of these places and experiences, and hope you will too. I know the world looks different now, and you were probably envisioning something different for your college experience, but it will all work out. Someday things will go back to normal, and going away to your freshman year of college during a pandemic will be a story that you tell your grandchildren. Just remember that you are not alone. Boiler Up!