By Ratan Rego

I was riding in the limousine that I shared with eight others. I was filled with a nervous excitement. Just over 20 hours previously I had left home heading for my new abode for the next four years – Purdue University. As the limo dropped me off on the curb outside Harrison Hall that evening, I felt like I could find a way to fit in here. 24 hours later, I already had.

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is one of the most renowned schools in the United States. The university that began 140 years earlier with 39 students and a land grant from John Purdue, now boasts a student body of 40,000 with another 25,000 spread over its four regional campuses.

Academic Programs, Resources, Faculty & Staff
What drew me to Purdue was its engineering program, which makes the US top 10 list. Among the most highly rated is the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Purdue has graduated 22 astronauts including Neil Armstrong. Yes, the first man to step on the moon stepped into Purdue first! Programs in the College of Science and Krannert School of Management are also ranked among the best in the country.

Classes that I’ve taken have had anywhere from five to 200 students. The professors are among the best minds in their respective fields. They all have office hours where they make themselves available to meet students. I have found this to be a great opportunity to network and secure that valuable recommendation letter! Each course also has teaching assistants who are usually graduate students. They hold office hours and conduct help sessions and are of great help, especially with tough homework problems.

Student Life
Outside the classroom, 2,300 acres of campus means there’s something to pique everyone’s interest. I found about 880 student organizations – all ways to get to know people, exhibit my talents and learn something new. For my dining options, I usually head to one of five food courts that serve a variety of cuisines in an all-you-can-eat buffet or one of many restaurants and fast-food chains located just outside the campus in Chauncey Hill. For entertainment purposes, there are a host of concerts, lectures and performances on campus in addition to the movie theaters and bars.

Campus Diversity 
When I’m not in class learning about relativity or attending a guest lecture by the Dalai Lama, I can take a walk around Memorial Mall or the fountain and meet people from every walk of life. Students from over 120 different countries study here, placing Purdue second on the list of highest enrollment of international students among public U.S. universities. This vast demographic is nurtured by the International Students and Scholars office. The ISS staff helps with technical issues like visa requirements, and also hosts meet-and-greet events, volunteer activities and field trips so international students can learn about their new surroundings. In addition, there are several cultural student organizations in which I have met people of different origins who have shared their culture, customs and cuisine.

Safety, Health & Wellness
The Purdue campus is one of the safest in the country. Purdue has its own police, fire and EMS departments. There is also a health center located on campus and counseling services as well. Purdue offers several options to keep healthy, too. I have made good use of the fitness center, tennis courts, aquatic center and basketball courts, and these are just a snippet of the resources available. Purdue even has its own golf course, grand prix track and airport!

Four Years On
I look back at my time at Purdue and have nothing but fond memories. I have a strong education, had a number of great experiences and met many wonderful people. This is what a complete education to me is. If you feel the same way, then Purdue is the place for you, too. All the information you need on Purdue University can be found here.

Ratan Rego is in his fourth year at Purdue University and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Economics. He was born in India and grew up in Bahrain. He moved to the US in 2006 to attend college and will be graduating in May 2011.