Office of Summer and Winter Sessions

Support and Fun

As a member of the Early Start program, students make lifelong friendships and get to know the campus before 50,000 students arrive. The relationships students form will help develop a strong sense of belonging and encourage academic and career success. Early Start is a great way to make Purdue your home away from home! While we are primarily here to support academic success, we know it is important to have fun.

Academic and Social Support

GS 12000 and GS 12001

These classes will teach students how to access campus resources to support mental and academic health, strengthen time management skills, and write at the college/business level. 

Peer Mentors

Each Early Start student will be paired with a Peer Mentor - someone who has already started during the summer. These students will be the go-to for any questions regarding day-to-day college life. They’ve been here for a while now and are happy to help students thrive!

Resident Assistants (RAs)

RAs are trained peer leaders who supervise residents in a residence hall. They foster student success by facilitating residents' social and academic growth as they live and learn on campus. 

Additional Academic Support

  • Academic advising
  • Counseling services
  • Health and wellness resources
  • Emergency services
  • And more!

Fun Summer Events!

There is an entire community of support surrounding our students! But we’re not ALL about studying. Early Start will provide weekly events and field trips to help students make friendships that will last a lifetime. The campus is lively with more than 10,000 students taking on-campus courses during the Summer.

List of Prior Summer Events

  • Hot Dogs with the Top Dogs (campus BBQ with the President, Provost, Deans, and more)
  • Campus-wide Cultural Center Festival 
  • Day Trip to Indianapolis with Black Cultural Center
  • Purdue Trivia 
  • Not Your Grandma's Bingo
  • Summer Concert Series
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Field Day
  • Dive-in Movie and Pool Party
  • Summer Concert Series
  • Zumba on Memorial Mall
  • Summer Concert Series
  • Cookout hosted by the Purdue Black Alumni Organization
  • Talent Show on Slayter Hill
  • De-Stress Fest
  • Fountain Run and Celebration