Students from the Women in Engineering Learning Community attended an Indiana Fever game.
This fall marks the launch of Purdue in Indianapolis, the university’s new, comprehensive urban campus. Residential Life professional and student staff are working to create a robust residential experience for the approximately 750 Purdue students living with University Residences in Indianapolis.
University Residences houses students in two locations – North Hall, a residence hall located on campus, and LUX on Capitol, an apartment complex located three blocks from campus. Prior to launch, University Residences staff worked behind the scenes to build out programs such as hall clubs, leadership opportunities, learning communities and more. Residential Life staff, including resident assistants (RAs), a residential education assistant and a residential education coordinator are key components of these residential communities.
Pearl-marie Andoh, a senior studying biomedical engineering, serves as a resident assistant in North Hall. During her first two years of school at IUPUI, she served as an international peer mentor to support international students as they adjusted to life in the US. When she heard about the opportunity to become an RA, she saw it as a natural extension of her passion for helping students. She has quickly dived in to connect with her residents.
“I met many of my residents during move-in and began building relationships with them from day one,” Andoh says. “My residents love to hang out together in the common areas, so sometimes I stop by to say hi and get to know them better. Some of them have come to me for help, which gives me the chance to learn more about them.”
Purdue students in North Hall also share the building with IU-Indianapolis (IUI) residents, who live on the first two floors of the building. RAs from the two schools have collaborated on events, such as Northfest, a celebration for all residents in the hall that featured yard games, outdoor movies and food. The North Hall RA team also joined with IUI RAs to learn a flash mob dance that they performed during a Week of Welcome event.
“It’s been a very good experience sharing North Hall with IUI residents,” Andoh says. “I have seen residents from both schools hang out and go to events together. I also like working with their RAs.”
Building connections and relationships also extends to the Indianapolis community. Thanks to a partnership with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, students in two learning communities – Women in Engineering and Honors – have been able to attend Fever games. Andoh’s favorite event so far was walking to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and attending a Fever game with the Women in Engineering Learning Community. Learning communities have also enjoyed events such as trips to Turkey Run State Park and various museums.
Residents of LUX on Capitol are also enjoying a vibrant experience with community connections and the amenities available in an apartment community. Billy Frazer, a junior from New Zealand studying motorsports engineering, serves as an RA in LUX. He and some of his residents have already gotten out into the community for walks along the canal, getting coffee, visiting a car museum and visiting the Indianapolis Zoo.
“I’ve been here a few years, so I’ve been able to explore the city a little,” Frazer says. “I think the on-campus community is definitely growing but we’ve got this really unique opportunity to get into different communities through the city and different organizations. I know that’s just going to build in years to come and that influence may get bigger, so I’m excited to see how all of that unfolds.”
Frazer also notes the opportunities for residents of LUX to unwind at the apartment complex with a pool, fire pits, gym and half-basketball court on site. Lounge space provides space for RAs to hold programs, such as handing out coffee to students on their way to class, hold study sessions or hang out. No matter the interactions, Frazer says he enjoys getting to know his residents on a personal level.
“The programs are about connecting with students and making sure the program accomplishes its goals, but at the same time, it’s just normal human interaction – which is great,” Frazer says. “I want people to be able to have some good experiences, make good friends and be confident, and hopefully I’m part of that reason.”
