Orientation and Transition Student Success Programs
We are excited to welcome you to Boiler Cold Rush  (BCR)! In this email you'll find important details about our program to help you prepare for your arrival, so be sure to read through it all.   
UNIVERSITY RESIDENCES MOVE-IN &
BOILER COLD RUSH CHECK-IN:  
University Residences check-in information:   
Move-in for students living in University Residences takes place on January 7-9 .  We recommend moving in on Thursday, Jan. 8, so you do not have to worry about covering too many meals before BCR begins. If you have a signed University Residences contract, please check your email for move-in instructions. Students living off campus should contact their leasing manager to coordinate their arrival.
Boiler Cold Rush check-in information:   
During check-in, you’ll be able to connect with various offices on campus and in the community (like Purdue Federal Credit Union, Purdue IT, University Book Store and more), eat breakfast, and meet current and new Purdue students.
Some of our student staff members (Orientation Leaders) will be wearing light blue sweatshirts. They will be able to direct you to the Purdue Memorial Union and can help answer any questions you have during the program! 
Parking Information:  
For those driving to campus, parking is available at no cost to Boiler Cold Rush participants during both program days at the Wood Street Parking Garage (120 S. Grant St. West Lafayette, IN).
Please note that access to this garage is restricted when the semester begins on Monday, Jan. 12, and only free to park in during Boiler Cold Rush.
Please follow the steps below to sign up for a parking pass for our program if you plan to drive to campus: 
  • Click this link to navigate to the Park Mobile website Under “Events” Select "Boiler Cold Rush"
  • Click “Filters and Access Codes” (top left) 
  • Enter access code: BCR26  
  • Click “Apply” 
  • Click the green "Reserve" button under "A Permit Locations"
  • Complete your parking registration (this is where you will input your vehicle and driver’s license information) 
Once you arrive to Wood Street Garage on January 9 and 10, you may park in any spot (DO NOT park in the Park Mobile hourly pay spots). Your pass will expire automatically on January 10 at the end of BCR, and you will no longer be able to park in Wood Street Garage without a proper permit. 
Late Check-in Information:  
Should you arrive late on Friday to BCR, you can still check in and join the program. If you arrive before 11:30 a.m., please still plan to check in at the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms. If arriving after 11:30 a.m., please contact your Orientation Leader and they will assist you with the late check-in process.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Boiler Cold Rush activities will occur all day Friday, Jan. 9, and Saturday, Jan. 10. Please keep in mind that Purdue University is located in the Eastern Time Zone. Our events will give you the opportunity to meet other new students, and several current students, to help immerse yourself into campus. Our goal is to help you get more familiar with Purdue before you start classes Monday.
Some highlights of the program include:   
  • community-building tips from leaders on campus 
  • sessions focused on academic success and key campus resources 
  • direct interaction with some of Purdue’s exceptional faculty and staff members   
  • tours of campus led by current students 
  • and entertaining evening programs where you can connect with other students 
Boiler Cold Rush activities will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end around 8:00 p.m. each day. There will be breaks, but plan to be busy and learn about Purdue! You will receive a full, detailed schedule of events at check-in.  
Meals:
All meals will be provided (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on both days of the program. Those with dietary needs or restrictions are encouraged to inform their Orientation Leader about any dietary accommodations you may need at each meal. Participants can find details about menu options at the two websites below: 
Orientation Leader (OL):
During Boiler Cold Rush, you will be assigned to a team (we call them pods) with approximately 15 other students led by Orientation Leaders (OLs) who are current Purdue students. Your OLs will connect with you via your Purdue email on Thursday, Jan. 8, to introduce themselves and provide next steps on your arrival. Your OL will guide you from session to session and help answer any questions you may have during the program.
WHAT TO PACK FOR BOILER COLD RUSH
Indiana typically has cold weather during BCR, oftentimes even ice and snow. Here is a link to the forecast for West Lafayette.
While a great deal of our programming is held indoors, we do have some outdoor events and will also be traveling to different buildings. Please plan accordingly and prepare to dress in layers and warm winter clothing. Below is a suggested list of items to have with you during the program: 
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Winter weather apparel (hat, gloves, warm winter coat, boots, umbrella) 
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Government Photo ID 

 
TASKS TO COMPLETE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Check your Purdue email: It's important that you check your @purdue.edu email address regularly for important updates and to stay up to date. 
Complete your New Student Task List: Log in to your myPurdue Portal and complete any outstanding items on the New Student Task List. This includes completing Purdue 101 and 102 in Brightspace , as well as submitting your photo for your mobile Purdue ID card. 
Reserve airport transportation to campus: Students flying into Indiana can visit this Getting to Purdue webpage for helpful travel options.
Review your International Student Checklist (international students only): All international students must report their arrival to the United States and Purdue University using the Virtual Mandatory International Student Check-in (vMISCi) e-forms. You should receive instructions in your @purdue.edu email. Make sure to review the International Pre-Arrival Information before you arrive. The Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) will be available onsite during the program in case you need assistance. If you have questions, contact their office at iss@purdue.edu . 
Complete immunization requirements: Visit the PUSH website (Purdue University Student Health Center) for more information on immunization requirements. All incoming students MUST complete the immunization information form located under the forms tab in the Patient Portal . If you are not able to access the portal immediately, please check back during the first week of classes (starting Jan. 12). 
Pay the BCR fee by Jan. 8: Students can view the BCR program fee in their Student Account in their myPurdue portal later this week. As a reminder, this fee is $150 for all students. If you received a fee waiver, it has been applied to your account and no action is necessary. 
Request disability-related accommodations: Purdue wants your BCR experience to be accessible. We recognize the different environments you will be experiencing during BCR may impact your ability to access and fully participate in different ways. We encourage students with disabilities to contact Purdue's Disability Resource Center (DRC) before BCR begins at 765-494-1247 or by email at drc@purdue.edu to get connected for any accommodations needed during the program. If during your BCR experience you discover an unforeseen barrier to your participation, please alert your Orientation Leader or BCR professional staff for assistance. The DRC will also be in attendance at check-in on Friday morning, and you can connect with them there. 
Follow us @AllAboardPurdue on Instagram: Our team will be posting updates throughout the program, and a variety of information throughout the spring semester. Make sure to follow us to stay connected during and after Boiler Cold Rush! 

 
Once again, we look forward to meeting you in person later this week during Boiler Cold Rush. Please email studentsuccess@purdue.edu if you have any questions in the meantime. 
We are excited to welcome you to Purdue University. See you soon! 
BOILER UP!  
Purdue Orientation Programs 
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Last updated: March 2025

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