> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://circuitpress.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Advice to Incoming Students - URL: https://circuitpress.org/advice-to-incoming-students/ - Published: 2026-08-17T21:30:57.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-18T04:05:29.000Z - Author: Alicia Munch - Tags: Campus Life, Opinion If I could give one piece of advice to every incoming Purdue University in Indianapolis student, it would be this: try everything. In my experience at Purdue Indianapolis, simply showing up makes such a big difference. Whether it's joining a club, going to an RA event, or attending a networking session, saying yes to those opportunities has connected me with amazing friends, incredible professors, supportive staff, and even industry professionals. Some of the most valuable relationships I've built started with one conversation. --- As we gear up for the fall and welcome a new group of students on campus, I asked a handful of current Purdue Indy students *What advice would you give someone just starting college?* Their answers were different, but all tied back to the same idea: Say yes more often. Mechanical engineering student Sreisti Chowdhury shared a familiar quote: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."She also shared a sentiment that is extra important during your first year: > *"No one but you cares what you are doing with your life. You only have one chance to be at your age, so live college to your fullest."* That mindset is especially true at Purdue Indianapolis. Biomedical engineering student Khai Wall pointed out that because the campus is still growing, there are so many chances to make your mark."There are plenty of opportunities to start clubs, get involved in research, and talk to industry professionals," he said. Those experiences might seem small now, but they have a way of opening doors later. Of course, saying yes also means putting yourself out there. Motorsports engineering student Fabio Reyes recommended joining a project-based club and connecting with the Office of Professional Practice early. And electrical engineering student Carlyn Ketcherside reminded us that networking isn't only about career fairs: > *“It's also important to make friends around campus and in your classes. Even just having a conversation with your professor will provide you with someone to go to if you need help."* Bella Celeste-Wade, a computer engineering student, echoed similar advice with one simple tip:"Go to office hours even if you think you have the material down." Maybe the most salient advice came from the students who highlighted that college is better when we’re not going through it alone. Motorsports engineering student Natalia Figueroa said to "get help in schoolwork before you think you need it," while mechanical engineering senior Jared Cordova offered a perspective that's easy to forget: > *"The degree is the bare minimum. Do something for your community, find something to work on bigger than yourself."* In addition to their advice, students shared some common tips for thriving in Indy. When winter inevitably arrives, the free [JagLine shuttle](https://jagline.app/?ref=circuitpress.org), which goes around campus (with a stop near Lux), quickly becomes your best friend. If you have a late-night class or stay on campus studying, Purdue offers [several free Lyft rides](https://www.purdue.edu/operations/campus-mobility/home/safe-ride-lyft/?ref=circuitpress.org) each month from the dorms to places on campus, so take advantage of them. Popular study spots include the IUI University Library (open til 11 pm Monday - Thursday, til 6 pm on Fridays), the Purdue Student Center (open til 10 pm on weekdays), and the lobby common areas at North Hall and Lux. And if you plan on getting groceries, a Kroger account might help you save at the closest grocery store to campus. While you're figuring out classes, don't forget to enjoy the campus and the city, too. When you need a break from homework, check out Mass Ave and Fountain Square. They are about 1 and 2 miles away respectively, making them easy spots to explore with friends (and get really good boba). If you'd rather not walk, [Pacers Bikeshare](https://pacersbikeshare.org/?ref=circuitpress.org) stations around downtown make getting around even easier, and 30-minute rides are free as an Indianapolis resident. College isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about trying things, meeting people, and allowing yourself to grow. Four years sounds like a long time until it isn't, so take your shot.