Purdue University Dormitory Options: A Comprehensive Guide to Student Housing

Choosing where to live is a crucial decision for students at Purdue University, influencing their academic experience and overall well-being. Whether you're an undergraduate, master's student, or PhD candidate, Purdue offers a variety of housing options to suit different lifestyles and academic pursuits. This guide explores the on-campus and off-campus housing choices available, including residence halls, university apartments, and partnership apartments.

On-Campus Residence Halls

Overview

Many freshmen choose to live in residence halls to immerse themselves in campus life and build connections. Purdue's residence halls go beyond just providing a place to sleep; they offer opportunities for residents to develop life skills and form lasting friendships. As a Resident Assistant (RA) in Earhart Hall, I've seen firsthand how residence halls can shape a student's college experience.

Key Residence Halls

Shreve Residence Hall: Shreve Hall offers a modern and welcoming environment with spacious rooms and vibrant common areas. It is conveniently located near campus resources and dining options, making it easy for students to stay engaged with university life. Shreve Hall is home to one of the University Residences Academic Support Centers (URASC), featuring study rooms, a computer lab, printers, and classrooms. The "shlobby," a lobby area above the URASC, is a popular spot for residents.
Harrison Hall: Harrison Hall combines convenience and camaraderie, providing a dynamic living experience. Known for its active community and access to essential campus amenities, including dining facilities and study spaces, Harrison Hall fosters strong connections among residents.
Earhart Hall: Earhart Hall offers a vibrant and inclusive living space with modern amenities and a community-focused design. Residents can build friendships and excel academically with comfortable accommodations, inviting common areas, and convenient access to dining and recreational facilities. Earhart Hall and Dining Court are named after Amelia Earhart.
Owen Residence Hall: Owen Hall is a tranquil option for students who value quiet study spaces and meaningful connections. Its close proximity to campus resources ensures students can easily access dining, classes, and recreational facilities.
Meredith South, Meredith Hall and Windsor Halls: The all-female halls on campus. Meredith South has a “pod” format, meaning that there are multiple pods or communities on each floor connected by an RA. Meredith South is also one of the newer halls that offer several room formats, including singles, doubles, and quads. On each floor, Meredith South has study spaces and individual floor lobbies, in addition to a larger lobby on the first floor. Currently, Meredith South also has Panera and QDOBA located on the first floor; you can grab a retail lunch or dinner right in your basement! Inside Meredith, food options include 1Bowl and Sushi Boss. Windsor contains five individual buildings: Duhme, Shealy, Warren, Wood, and Vawter. Windsor dining court is located within the complex, and Duhme homes the Center for Advocacy, Response, and Education (CARE). Windsor has very unique basement lobbies, perfect for both studying or hosting movie nights with friends; Windsor has also been nominated for awards due to the development of its “Positivity Place”, a comfy and quiet area of the basement reserved for destressing. Windsor also has tunnels connecting each of the buildings, so it’s easy to visit your friends in another building without having to brace the Indiana cold that covers most of the school year. Windsor offers singles, doubles, and triples with AC, with some floors having multiple communities, connected by a central community bathroom.

Learning Communities

Purdue offers learning communities within residence halls, connecting students with shared academic interests. For example, students interested in the Women in Engineering learning community live in Meredith South. I applied to Vertically Integrated Projects to guarantee my housing within Earhart Hall through the connected learning community.

Resident Assistants (RAs)

RAs are fellow students who act as mentors, providing on-campus resource referrals and handling incidents within the halls. As an RA in Earhart, I primarily work with freshmen, answering questions about campus life. RAs host events for their community, often providing free food or snacks, and create "door decs" and bulletin boards with educational content.

University Apartments at Purdue Northwest (PNW)

Room Types Available

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) offers various room types in its Griffin Hall and Peregrine Hall residences. These options cater to different needs and preferences, with varying levels of privacy and shared spaces. It is first come, first served, so please be sure to complete all of your application items as quickly as possible and by the priority application date!

Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue

Four-Bedroom Double Suite: This option features a bunked bedroom for two students, sharing a bathroom with 3 other students. Six students share the common area and kitchen. Located on the first floor of Griffin Hall, and available on the first floor of Peregrine Hall as of January 2024. Available for first-year students (new to PNW students).
Four-Bedroom Single Suite: This option offers a private bedroom, sharing a bathroom with 3 other students. Six students share the common area and kitchen. Located on the first floor of Griffin Hall, and available on the first floor of Peregrine Hall as of January 2024. Available for first-year students (new to PNW students).
Two-Bedroom Suite: This option features a private bedroom, sharing a bathroom with one other student. Four students share the common area and kitchen.
Two-Bedroom Suite (Smaller): This option features a private bedroom, sharing a bathroom with one other student. Two students share the common area and kitchen.

Contract Costs

Please note: Two-bedrooms are only available in Griffin Hall; you will be assigned a four-bedroom if there are no two-bedrooms available.

Four-Bedroom Suite Spring contract: $3,436.50*
Two-Bedroom Suite Spring contract: $4,000.00*
Four-Bedroom Double Suite Spring contract: $2,404.00*
Four-Bedroom Single Suite Spring contract: $2,888.50*
Four-bedroom Summer-Only contract: $2,063.00**
Two-bedroom Summer-Only contract: $2,400.00**

Please note: Two-bedrooms are only available in Griffin Hall; you will be assigned a four-bedroom if there are no two-bedrooms available.

Four-Bedroom Suite Spring contract: $3,211.50*
Two-Bedroom Suite Spring contract: $3,738.50*
Four-Bedroom Double Suite Spring contract: $2,246.50*
Four-Bedroom Single Suite Spring contract: $2,888.50*
Four-bedroom Summer-Only contract: $1,928.00**
Two-bedroom Summer-Only contract: $2,243.00**

Summer Term Contracts

Students can add the summer term to their current contract by completing and submitting a Summer Extension Form.

Due April 11, 2026 (Form available in January 2026)
Due April 20, 2025 (Form available in January 2025)

There will be up to a $200.00 charge to add the summer to your current contract. The prices for adding the summer through the Summer Addition Form will be as follows (not including the $200.00 charge):

Four-bedroom Summer Extension contract: $1,375.00**
Two-bedroom Summer Extension contract: $1,600.00**

Summer location (building) will change and may not always have two-bedroom availability. Student’s summer charges will reflect their summer assignment and will be adjusted if needed.

Read also: Purdue University Fees

Four-bedroom Summer Extension contract: $1,285.00**
Two-bedroom Summer Extension contract: $1,495.00**

Summer location (building) will change and may not always have two-bedroom availability. Student’s summer charges will reflect their summer assignment and will be adjusted if needed.

Payment Options

Students applying for Housing have a few options regarding payment. Please understand it could take up to 48 hours for your payment to be reflected on your student account (so Housing Staff can see it). We appreciate your patience as we update your Housing Application progression.

Financial Aid: Inquire with the Office of Financial Aid by calling their office at (219) 989-2301 or check your Financial Aid status online via myPNW.
Online Payment: You should see the Housing Application fee as an option to pay (it will take 72 hours for this charge to be reflected in your student account). Please understand it could take up to 48 hours for your payment to be reflected on your student account (so Housing Staff can see it).* Popup Blocker must be turned off. Questions about the online payment process should be directed to the Bursar at (219) 989-2560.
In Person (at the Enrollment Services Center in Lawshe Hall): You can pay with cash, money order or check (make checks payable to Purdue University Northwest).
Payment Plan: Set up a monthly payment along with your tuition and fees using the online payment plan. Inquire at the Bursar’s Office by visiting Lawshe Hall, calling (219) 989-2560 or online via MyPNW.

University Apartments at Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW)

Apartment Options

PFW offers a range of apartment options, including those in partnership with nearby apartment complexes. These apartments come furnished and include utilities. The PFW Campus Shuttle provides transportation to Canterbury Green Apartments and The Arch on St. Joe Road.

4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom: Private bedroom, shared bathroom with one roommate. Furnished kitchen and living room, kitchen table, and pantry.
4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom: Private bedroom and bathroom, large bedroom closet, furnished living room, kitchen, peninsula, and in-unit washer/dryer.
4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom (Shared Bedroom): Shared bedroom with a divider, bathroom shared with roommate. Two other private bedrooms share a bathroom. Furnished living room, kitchen, and kitchen peninsula.
2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom: Private bedroom, shared bathroom with roommate. Furnished living room, kitchen, and kitchen table.
2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Standard: Private bedroom and bathroom, large furnished living room, kitchen, and kitchen table.
2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Deluxe: Features of the standard layout, plus a washer and dryer and a larger bedroom closet. Furnished living room, kitchen, and peninsula.
1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom: Offers ultimate privacy.
University Partnership 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom: Furnished spaces at Canterbury Green Apartments and The Arch, including all utilities.
University Partnership 2 Bedroom Shared, 2 Bathroom: Economical option with a shared bedroom at Canterbury Green Apartments and The Arch, including all utilities.
University Partnership 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom: Some bedrooms are shared at Canterbury Green Apartments and The Arch, including all utilities.
University Partnership 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom: Furnished spaces at Canterbury Green Apartments and The Arch, including all utilities.

Application Process

To apply for student housing at PFW, you must be admitted to the university. You can apply through your goPFW account under the Student Life tab.

Off-Campus Housing Options

Victory on Salisbury

Victory on Salisbury offers luxury off-campus student housing near Purdue University, packed with in-unit amenities. It is located a two-minute walk to the Purdue University campus.

Read also: Exploring Purdue Wrestling

Aspire at Discovery Park

Aspire offers modern, amenity-rich housing just south of campus.

Additional Housing Information

University Village at Purdue Northwest

University Village offers a variety of floor plans, including a 4-bedroom option with two bathrooms and a central living and kitchen space. Room types and rates vary.

Dining Options

Purdue offers a variety of dining options to fuel students throughout the day, including bagels, wraps, burgers, and health-conscious choices.

tags: #purdue #university #dormitory #options