Keen on Purdue, but where's it exactly located?

Hi there. Purdue has been on my radar, but I'm just not entirely sure where it's based. Could someone shed some light on its location and the kind of surroundings there? Thanks heaps for your help!

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States. Sitting on the banks of the Wabash River, it's approximately equidistant between Indianapolis and Chicago, roughly an hour's drive from Indianapolis and about two and a half hours from Chicago.

In terms of the surroundings, the city of West Lafayette itself is known for its college-town atmosphere. The area offers a blend of activities for students, sustaining a vibrant arts scene with galleries, museums, and live music and theater performances. There is also plenty of outdoor space to explore, from parks to trails along the river.

Despite having a population of just around 45,000, West Lafayette offers a nice balance of a smaller, close-knit community feel while also providing access to the amenities usually found in larger cities. In the city, you'll find a variety of restaurants and shops, mainly centered around the university.

As Purdue is a major research institution, the presence of the university certainly shapes the overall vibe of the community, and you'll experience a lot of support for the university's sports teams, especially during football season.

The campus itself is sprawling and beautiful, with notable landmarks like the Bell Tower and the Engineering Mall. It's also home to the Purdue Airport, one of the few colleges or universities in the country to have its own airport. The school's strong emphasis on STEM fields is reflected in the many state-of-the-art research and educational facilities around campus. There's also an array of on-campus dining options, housing communities, and recreational facilities.

Additionally, the proximity to larger cities like Indianapolis and Chicago offers students opportunities to venture out for career fairs, internships, or simply to explore a new environment over the weekend.

I hope this gives you a clearer picture of Purdue and West Lafayette!