Choosing where one lives during college is an imperative decision. Whether one prefers the traditional dorm with a roommate or the exciting parties and events of Greek life, there is something for everyone. At Purdue University in West Lafayette, there are a plethora of housing options. Apartments, dorms, and fraternities and sororities are in abundance. No matter which preferences one has, they will find something they can call home at Purdue.
Of course, Purdue has traditional dorms. There are seventeen residence halls on campus. There are three male-only halls, three female-only halls, and eleven co-ed halls. Purdue also offers apartments on campus. These apartments range from single apartments to connected four-person blocks. Additionally, freshmen are not required to live on campus. Therefore, if one were to have family in West Lafayette, they may be able to commute to school while staying with family. There are also apartments available off-campus in West Lafayette, which may allow students to have greater degrees of independence.
Purdue has a large Greek life presence. According to Purdue’s official website, there are over eighty fraternities and sororities and eleven co-ops on campus. Maryn Zeck, a prospective Pharmaceutical Science student, was asked about her future plans for living at Purdue next fall. Zeck answered, “I plan on living in a co-op while at Purdue. I am rushing very soon to figure out which cooperative house I will potentially live in.” In contrast to fraternities and sororities, co-ops are local to Purdue’s campus, and their members contribute to the cooking, cleaning, and maintenance of the house. “Co-ops are different from a sorority because they are completely student-led, meaning it isn’t through a different organization,” Zeck stated. “This makes living in one more affordable while getting the same experience as you would living in a sorority.” She went on to share what she expected to gain from joining a co-op. “While living in a co-op, I hope to gain lifelong friendships and get to experience all Purdue has to offer with a similar group of girls.”
There are many fraternities and sororities on Purdue’s campus. The Interfraternity Council is the governing body for thirty-nine fraternities. The Panhellenic Association is the governing body for twenty sororities. The goal of these organizations is to “promote excellence in all aspects of fraternity/sorority life, especially academic success.” They are heavily involved in community service and outreach. A standout among these fraternities and sororities is Beta Upsilon Chi or BYX. BYX is a fraternity that unites its members on a shared love of Jesus Christ. Lewis Cass alum, Ethan Johnson, a current sophomore member of BYX, describes the fraternity as a “great way to grow in deeper relationships with other guys in the fraternity and partake in the brotherhood a fraternity offers.” Johnson went on to explain how some may find the traditional dorm life secluded and isolated, so he enjoys the brothership BYX offers. BYX hosts many events during the school year. “On a weekly scale, we host devos (devotionals), which are basically worship or Bible study nights. This is a great way to open up our house for anyone to come and learn more about the Lord.” In addition to their normal events, they also host rush events, where prospective members can show their interest in the fraternity. Their most recent rush event, called Faith and Fairways, was hosted at their fraternity house. Riley Johnson, a prospective Agricultural Systems Management student, was able to attend this event. The members of the house used their common rooms in order to create eleven mini-golf holes. Then, groups of four were created, with two members and two prospective members. When asked about his experience at BYX, Johnson stated, “It was a very nice place, well kept, and the guys there are really cool.” Unlike other fraternities of its type, BYX shares characteristics with co-ops, despite being a chapter of a national fraternity. Members of BYX all pitch in to help cook, clean, and coordinate events. They also share in Bible studies, worship nights, and other events. Johnson shared what he hopes to gain from joining BYX, stating he wishes to “live a stable Christ-centered college life.”
Purdue offers many housing options for all different types of people. There are traditional options in the form of dorms and apartments, and there is an abundance of fraternities and sororities. There is a large variety of Greek life housing, and they all offer different feels and college experiences. No matter which living arrangement one prefers, Purdue offers something for everyone.
