The Complete Guide to Living in Indianapolis

The Complete Guide to Living in Indianapolis

We’ve surveyed our current students and asked them to share things they started doing after accepting admission, or resources they found helpful as new students arriving on campus for the first time. So, we’ve included their feedback in the accumulated resources and added some of our own, and hope you find it helpful, as you start your campus experience!  (Please note that we are not endorsing any particular vendor and they are not listed in any particular order; be sure to double-check things such as hours, as they may have changed since this list was released.)  As you come across new resources you feel would be helpful to share with our students, please let us know by sending an email to Sheri Tague: sltague@purdue.edu.

Suggestions for what to bring (or not bring) with you to campus

We sent out a survey to our existing graduate students about what they thought was helpful and not helpful to bring to campus, and here’s how they responded:

Some things to think about bringing with you:

  • High performance laptop for both study and entertainment, possibly electronic tablet as well
  • Favorite snacks if you’re not sure they’re available near campus
  • Winter clothes, especially warm coat/hat/gloves/snow boots—it can get very cold here during the winter months, but you should always dress in layers.
  • Waterproof boots
  • Comfortable foot wear, as you will do a lot of walking
  • Unusual cooking appliances, if you use any (ex: pressure cooker).  You can always bring more kitchen items, but it’s recommended for standard items (plates, utensils, etc) to consider purchasing here so you don’t have to transport a lot, as there are several places to purchase these rather cheaply, especially during all the back-to-school sales or the second-hand stores.  (Please note:  Inside North Hall, students are not permitted to have cooking devices aside from a microwave.   Things that emit steam, gas, create a flame, etc., are restricted (so no rice cookers, hotpots, small grills, etc.)
  • Driver’s license from your home country, if you have one
  • Photos, things that help you relax and/or related to your hobbies (like musical instrument if you play, specialized sports equipment, etc), artifacts from travel/life experiences as they can help remind you of home, can bring peace, and may also help be conversation starters with peers/co-workers.
  • Cell phone
  • Scientific calculator of your brand choice
  • Bicycle (Some students say bring with you, others recommend not to bring it with you, but to purchase or rent one once here.   Many students, faculty, staff ride bicycles, scooters, and skateboards on and to/from campus.)
  • Motivation and lots of energy to get the most out of Purdue. 😊

Some things to think about not bringing with you:

  • Too many clothes and utensils (bring basics, and if you find you need more, consider purchasing once you’re on campus)
  • Bicycle (see above and decide what’s best for you.)
  • Undergrad notes and text books (a lot of respondents did and it was a big regret as they never used them; most text books can be found through Purdue libraries)
  • Be careful on bringing various appliances as the voltages may not be the same as here in the U.S.
  • Utensils, cups, notebooks, etc
  • Expectations—don’t limit yourself before even arriving on campus, come with an open mind, ready to explore and pursue new experiences.

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Medical Treatment in the US and Well-Being Resources

Please Note:  if you ever find yourself or a friend in a life-threatening medical emergency, call 9-1-1 for emergency services (police/fire/paramedics)

The US medical system is complicated and can be confusing, even to those of us that have lived here all our lives.  Medical care is very expensive in the U.S. and people are expected to pay for it themselves.   A simple procedure can cost thousands of dollars.  If you end up needing a procedure, you’ll receive bills from the hospital, the various doctors involved, labs, medicines, etc.  International students are required to purchase Purdue student health insurance which can help offset high health care costs.  Read your Student Health Insurance policy over and make sure you’re aware of what is covered and what is not, where you can go for treatment, etc. well before you’ll need medical assistance.

Medical insurance is intended to help you keep your costs as low as possible, especially against a serious illness or injury that might normally cost thousands of dollars.  For each injury or sickness, you are responsible for a portion of every medical bill, called a ‘co-pay’ (co-payment) or ‘deductible’.  

‘Co-pay’ is a flat fee that you pay at the time you go to your doctor or fill a prescription.   ‘Deductible’ is the amount of money you must pay out of your own pocket toward a covered claim, before your insurance plan starts to pay.   For example, a $1,000 USD deductible, means you pay the first $1,000 of covered services yourself.  After you reach your annual deductible, you usually then only pay a co-pay or coinsurance for covered services and your insurance company pays the rest.  There could be separate deductibles for certain services, like prescription drugs.   You must follow what your insurance plan covers in terms of providers, prescription drug coverage, etc, in order for them to pay any amount.  Not all procedures, labs, or tests may be covered, so READ, READ, READ, and ASK questions before agreeing to a lab or procedure to know what your financial responsibility will be.   There should be a toll-free number with your insurance policy so that you can always call the company and ask specifics in regards to your proposed medical treatment and what your plan covers.

Make sure that your medical care provider will accept your health insurance before seeing them, or you’ll be responsible for all costs associated with the visit.  Make sure you know when you’ve met your deductible so you know what your financial responsibility will be going forward. 

Sometimes you may be expected to pay the entire amount up-front, and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement of the insurance-covered expense.  Always be prepared to pay the entire bill any time that you receive medical care or buy prescription medicine, just in case.  Always make sure to bring your health insurance ID card with you anytime you are requesting medical services or picking up prescription medicine, as sometimes a medical provider will call the insurance company to verify that you have insurance, but they’ll also need that information for your medical file.   Always remember to get a detailed statement of your bill before you leave the medical office for your records, or in case you need it to submit a claim to your insurance company.

Medical Services Terminology

Primary Care Physician (PCP) is a health care professional who practices medicine.   Usually this should be your first stop for routine medical care.  Most PCPs are doctors, but nurse practitioners and physician assistants can sometimes also be PCPs.

It’s usually cheaper to establish a primary care physician that accepts your medical insurance than visiting Urgent Care facilities.  Please understand that you should only go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room, if it’s an actual urgent need.   Obviously, if you’re in a medically life-threatening situation, you should get to the Emergency Room.  If you are unable to get transported to the emergency room yourself, you (or someone) should dial ‘9-1-1’ as that is the telephone number that will take you to the 911 call enter who coordinates emergency services for the area and will send out police/fire/ambulance to your location to render initial assistance and stabilize you for transport to the hospital.

Don’t be surprised if you can’t get an appointment for the same day you need assistance with your primary care physician.   Sometimes, you might be more successful if you call first thing in the morning as there’s a chance they’ll block off a few appointment times later in the day for ‘emergencies’, but there’s no guarantee.   For non-emergency issues, expect to wait a bit for an appointment time.

Most primary care physicians will require you to meet with them for a ‘wellness’ check before they will take you officially on as a patient, as they want to be able to establish a baseline of your medical condition.   So, once on campus, try to set yourself up with a primary care physician, so you can get this ‘wellness’ appointment done before you actually need their services when you’re sick.

Walk-In Clinics/Urgent Care—These are facilities that allow you to walk-in for treatment where an appointment isn’t always necessary.   However, you’ll want to check the facilities polices, as since COVID, sometimes it is necessary to schedule an appointment to be seen that day.   These are staffed with doctors/nurses who treat minor health problems and most allow for X-rays and other diagnostic procedures to be done on site.  These should not be confused with a hospital emergency room.

Hospital Emergency Room—located at full hospitals and these are the most expensive places to obtain medical care, so should not be used for routine illnesses.   Your insurance is likely to pay for visits here, if you have a serious, life-threatening medical emergency such as traumatic injury, breathing problems, high fever, serious burns or an urgent need when other walk-in care facilities are closed.  

Ambulances—Only use an ambulance if emergency medical procedures may be needed along the way, as ambulance transportation costs hundreds of dollars.   Your insurance may only cover part of the ambulance fee, and even then, only if the ambulance was needed for a true medical emergency.  For serious, but non-life-threatening health problems, use a less expensive form of transportation, like a taxi or ask a friend to take you to the hospital, etc.

Medical billing can take a while to process, as they’ll run things through your insurance company to see what they will pay, so don’t be surprised if you receive a statement several months after receiving services, showing that your insurance didn’t cover the full fees and requesting you to pay the balance of what is still outstanding.

Well-Being Resources

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  • Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) - A new web and app-based mental health resource is now available courtesy of Purdue Counseling and Psychological Services. TAO is free for all students, faculty, and staff using your Purdue log-in credentials.
  • TaskHuman - A mobile app that connects you to your Purdue ECE Mentors via one-to-one video calls, while also helping you achieve all your personal well-being goals with nearly 1,000 well-being coaches.
  • Student Healthcare - Purdue in Indianapolis students have access to IU Indianapolis Campus Health services located at: Lockefield Village, 1st floor, 980 Indiana Ave. Health services available to Indy students include general medicine, acute care, physical exams, wellness screening, women’s health, sexual health, immunizations, and travel medicine.  Visit IU Indianapolis Campus Health for more information, to make an appointment, or call 317-274-8214.   
  • Telehealth (PUSH) - Purdue students in Indianapolis have access to virtual health care/telehealth from Purdue University Student Health Service (PUSH). To ensure that you receive the care you need, schedule an appointment through the Patient Portal, or by calling 765-494-1700.
  • Pharmacy - Students can choose to fill their prescriptions at any local pharmacy in Indianapolis. There is a pharmacy located on-campus in University Hospital.
  • Campus Recreation and Student Wellness - A $50 per semester membership fee will give Purdue Indy students access to:

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Student Life

Located on the third floor of the Engineering and Technology building, the Student Life office suite houses Associate Dean, Sara Dickey, and various support staff to help. The office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You can contact the office at 765-495-7797 or visit them in ET 331. For general questions about student life, email StudentLifeIndy@purdue.edu

  • Dining Hall and Eateries: Tower Dining, The Den, Chancellor’s, Caribou Café, Copperhead Jack’s, Market at Campus Center, Einstein’s Bros Bagels, Ace Sushi, Panda Express, Chick-Fila, and other favorites.
  • The Campus Center – food, quiet study spaces, meeting, class, and conference rooms, games room, gym/fitness room, theater, and a bank (Indiana Memorial Credit Union) and ATM.

Campus Arts & Culture

  • The Ray Bradbury Museum – Celebrated science fiction writer.
  • The Madam Walker Legacy Center - a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural education, promoting social justice, supporting entrepreneurship, and empowering youth to become entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
  • The Galleries at Herron - Visit the Galleries year-round.  All exhibitions and talks are free and open to the public, and the buildings and gallery spaces are wheelchair accessible.
  • Cultural Arts Gallery – Located on the first floor of the Campus Center, the CAG features work from local and student artists, as well as faculty and staff across campus.  Exhibits change monthly.

See also Area Attractions and Community Information for Indianapolis

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Social Media Recommendations

Students have shared the following social media platforms to consider using to connect to various Purdue student groups, like Purdue, Mechanical Engineering, OMEGA, Purdue Graduate School, Purdue Grad Student Government, etc., or to keep in touch with those back home:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • GroupMe
  • WhatsApp
  • Discord
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • ME Grad Student blog
  • WeChat
  • Slack

Here are ME’s specific social media links:

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How to Meet Other Grad Students

Go to campus ‘meet & greets’ and other events, to meet fellow students.  Socializing is important and will greatly improve your Purdue experience.   The School of Mechanical Engineering (ME) will usually offer at least one event each month, but also watch the Grad School Newsletter which is emailed out every Friday, and Purdue Today for events held around campus.  Subscribe to the ME grad blog, as event notifications the Grad Office receives will be posted there. 

Talk or get together for lunch, with senior students in your lab, class, etc as their advice and guidance is precious and will save you a lot of time in the long run.

Find a hobby and a build a daily routine.  Join a club or organization.  These opportunities give you a structured activity to look forward to and to meet friends, even if it is largely undergrads in the club.  There are grad student organizations that do some things as well and are also nice to join.  Just check out what interests you and get involved!

Boilerlink provides information on various student organizations and events on campus.  You can search for specific ethnic/cultural organizations, or by graduate and professional student organizations, or by specific athletic or hobby interest, or in many other ways, to find what you interest you and give you the opportunity to make connections.

SAO (Student Activities and Organizations) provides information on various organizations and events happening around campus and there’s even an app you can add to your phone so you can easily find out what’s going on.

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Advice from Students

  • Do your homework for classes early on; don’t postpone it to the last minute.  Most courses will require homework, and have mid-terms and final exams or projects.
  • Indiana weather can get really cold.  If you have issues with heating in your residence, get it fixed ASAP as most property maintenance is slow to respond.  Dress in layers, don’t just rely on one winter coat.
  • Don’t try to be a super-hero; try to be a regular person and people will respect you for it.   On the other hand, stand up for yourself and have difficult conversations right away, as it only gets harder over time, especially after you’ve been going along with it.
  • Don’t try to please a crowd, do what is best for you.
  • Be patient with yourself.  Grad School isn’t like undergrad, and you will never know everything.  Do your best, Purdue is determined to help you succeed and graduate.  If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.
  • Don’t spend the entire day working (like inside your lab or library).  Explore the campus, meet new people, and learn new things from them.
  • The first year is the hardest, but stick with it.  After the first year, it gets better.
  • Treat your graduate studies like a job and you will be successful.  Classes and progress in your research are important.  Classes will take time even though you may only take two classes a semester plus your research.  Be sure you keep research a priority and make a schedule if you need one to stay on track with your deliverables.
  • Start strong but don’t be too stressed out.  Your research professor expects you to have an adjustment period, but be confident in your work during that time as well.   Don’t be afraid to communicate with your research professor, when needed.  
  • Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to your peers.   People learn material at different rates, especially material related to your research.   You belong at Purdue, or you would not have been admitted!
  • Don’t stress it if you feel like you will know no one, when arriving to campus.   You will gradually get to know people and create a friend group.  Give it time.  Take care of yourself.
  • Collaboration is encouraged as long as it is helping you learn the subject faster, but cheating is not allowed.
  • Enjoy life.  School is not everything.  Go out, relax, workout, eat well, sleep well. 
  • Keep a work-life balance.  Use the mental support options on campus and leisure activities the university offers.
  • Learn to cook.  Aim to cook almost everyday for your physical, mental and financial health.
  • There are resources for almost everything, but it may take time to find the right department.  Start with the ME grad office and they’ll be happy to help you find what you need.
  • Take advantage of the free ME research seminars offered, as they’re great for networking, but also for learning about others research.  Other seminars will be offered as well, and any the ME grad office is notified on, will be posted on the ME Grad Blog.

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ME Resources

  • ME Grad Website—your go-to for ME policies and procedures, as it outlines just about everything you need to know administration-wise.  Review the incoming student to-do  list, https://engineering.purdue.edu/ME/Graduate/OnCampus/NewStudent/ToDoList, and complete tasks that you can before arriving to campus, especially getting registered for your first semester as soon as you can as seats can fill up fast, and there’s a good chance that registration has already been open by the time you’ve accepted admission. 
  • ME Grad Blog—highly recommended you subscribe to this posting blog as you can subscribe for daily or weekly summaries of all new posts.  This is where we place all notices we receive that might be of interest to you, so that we don’t have to tie up your email inbox.  When you subscribe, you’ll automatically get an email of all new postings, so you don’t have to search the blog for anything new.  This is a great place to find notices on courses, funding, employment, seminars/workshops, etc.   This is also the place to find all the details/links on all our virtual meetings, including the virtual office hours!
  • SAFEWALK is a program in Indianapolis that is often used by students returning to the Lux on Capital apartments after evening courses, exams, or activities.  
  • ME Building Safety & Emergency Information—This is where to go to find all building safety links and policies, REM safety training, to file an injury report, etc. if you were to visit the West Lafayette campus.
  • ME Building & Technical Services—This site allows you to get information on the computer & web services in ME, request access to stuff and check out equipment, make ME room reservations, etc if you were to visit the West Lafayette campus.  You can get information on the Project Machine Shop, 3D Print Lab, Electronics shop, and more.
  • Nominate any ME Staff Member for an Award—Students can nominate a ME staff member for a $10 gift card, in recognition of someone helping you above and beyond.  You will be asked to submit a short description of how they helped you, and that will also be shared with the staff member you’re nominating.   This is a great way to express your ‘Thanks’ for someone’s help.
  • The Disability Resource Center (DRC) ensures universal access to classes, programs, and activities. Whether you would like to inquire about an accommodation for yourself or learn more about accommodating students you may be teaching, the DRC can help. Indianapolis: Visit (Indy): ET Suite 331
  • Dean of Students Resources—A large range of services and resources are available through the Office of the Dean of Students.
  • Students with Families—The Graduate School has compiled useful resources for graduate students with families. Learn about the Graduate Parent Support Network, child care options, the university lactation support program, and more.
  • Student of Concern Report—If you have observed concerning behavior from any student – whether undergraduate or graduate – please report the incident using the form maintained by the Office of the Dean of Students. This website also lists examples of concerning behavior, but when in doubt, file a Student of Concern Report.
  • Student Legal Services—For detailed information about the process of signing a lease, understanding the landlord's and tenant's duties, security deposits, and more, be sure to visit the Purdue Student Legal Services site. You can also contact sls@purdue.edu for legal support.
  • Graduate School Assistance—The Office of Graduate Assistance (OGA) provides a safe and secure university environment to seek information and request assistance for effective resolution of conflict. Ombuds services provide informal, neutral information about any aspect of your graduate experience. Mediation services facilitate discussions between disputing parties to find solutions. The website also includes links to resources that may be helpful for graduate students looking for information on a wide range of topics.
  • College of Engineering Anonymous Reporting—This form is intended as an avenue for graduate students within engineering to provide feedback at the College level. This tool will enable you to share your thoughts with the Graduate Education team: whether it is an anonymous report on faculty/mentoring issues, other issues you may observe in your school, or ideas that you want to convey to the College of Engineering. Depending on the nature of your report, you may also wish to file a Student of Concern Report, report a concern to the university-wide hotline, or contact the Purdue Police through their anonymous tip line. Remember that in any emergency, your first step should be to call 911.

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Professional Development

You have numerous opportunities as a graduate student to develop your professional skills and prepare for your career. Below are some important resources offered by the College of Engineering and others.

To find numerous recorded resources, subscribe to the Purdue University Engineering Graduate Programs YouTube channel.

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Secure Housing

Purdue University in Indianapolis is an extension of the West Lafayette campus -- an urban campus within walking distance of the heart of the city, the state capital of Indiana and numerous area attractions.  The Indiana Government Center is just across the street from the campus.  There is a wide range of housing options available – from the basics to the luxurious within 2 - 5 miles of the campus. 

 On-Campus Housing and Meal Plans

 Off-Campus Housing (≤ 2 miles of campus)

According to US News Real Estate - Indianapolis can be a great place to live for those who prefer city living.  It has a lively downtown with a big small-town atmosphere, four-season climate, access to big-city amenities, and plenty of green space — all with a low cost of living.  

Other Community Information

Area Attractions – These venues are literally just blocks from the campus!

Music-related Attractions – These venues are very popular for music, theatre and more live entertainment options:

  • Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
  • The District Theatre
  • Indiana Repertory Theatre – world class theatre in the heart of Indianapolis!
  • Murat Theatre, Old National Centre – Iconic theatre that has been serving Indianapolis for over 100 years with the best entertainment the arts have to offer!
  • The Jazz Kitchen – On of the top jazz clubs in the world and an iconic Indianapolis institution, known for its unique atmosphere, world class music and cuisine.  Check their website for upcoming live entertainment schedule.  Every Thursday night, they offer their Latin Dance Party with dinner and drinks and a free dance lesson, followed by open dancing with Indy’s top tropical DJs.

Outdoor Recreation

  • Canal Walk – The Canal Walk is a 3-mile loop along the Central Canal that runs from White River State Park up to 11th street in Indianapolis. 
  • White River State Park and Amphitheater
  • Eagle Creek Park – one of Indianapolis’s largest city parks and features more than 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of forest.   Offers a wide variety of activities, just minutes from downtown.   Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and more!
  • Garfield Park – the oldest park in the city and offers more than 122 acres on the near northside of town at the confluence of Pleasant Run and Bean Creeks.  Offers visual arts, playgrounds, plants, basketball, music, swimming, flowers, pickleball, theatre, trails, horseshoe, and fitness opportunities.
  • Indiana State Fairgrounds – Most known for hosting the Indiana State Fair every August, but it also hosts many events throughout the year.
  • Indianapolis Cultural Trail: a world class internationally recognized linear park.
  • Indianapolis Zoo

Sports and Entertainments – Look out for your favorite sports event!

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Transportation

  • The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is the major airport in Indiana. Most flights from outside the United States will not fly directly to Indianapolis, ensure you book your connecting flight to Indianapolis. The Purdue Indy campus is around a 20 minute drive from the airport. Black Car Services (private car, limousine and shutte transportation), Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available from the airport directly to campus and the surrounding Indianapolis area. We strongly encourage you to research options and plan your transportation in advance to avoid unnecessary complications during travel.
  • IndyGo Bus Service: IndyGo bus pass can be purchased at the IU Parking & Transportation Services office located in the: IU Indianapolis Campus Center, 420 University Blvd, Suite 205. Phone: 317-274-4232
  • Indianapolis Parking Permits: Purdue Indianapolis parking operations are managed by Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis Parking and Transportation Services. Visit the website for information related to parking permits and logistics for Purdue University in Indianapolis.

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