Fountain Run
The fountain run is an iconic Purdue tradition. Grab some friends and run through all of the fountains on campus!
Drink from the Lion Head Fountain
The Lion’s Fountain is a stone drinking fountain by Coulter Hall, close to Memorial Mall. Legend has it that drinking from the fountain before an exam will bring you good luck. Stop here before an exam or during your fountain run to cross it off your list!
Crossing the Tracks
The 52-foot-long old Purdue railroad replica, near WALC, holds another special meaning to those on campus. Jumping over the tracks towards the South marks the beginning of your Purdue journey. When you're about to graduate, jump back over towards the North, symbolizing the world of opportunities awaiting you.
Ride the Boilermaker Special™
Make sure you get the chance to hop on the Boilermaker Special and take in the vibrant spirit of campus. Riding the Special is an experience that will make you feel truly integrated into life at Purdue. It also makes for a great photo opportunity, so be sure to capture the moment!
Sled Down Slayter Hill
On snowy days, head to Slayter Hill and join fellow students sledding down the hill! To add to this, you have to do it the true Boiler™ way – using anything but sleds! Grab your laundry baskets, cardboard boxes, or anything you can think of that’ll sled down the steep, snowy slope!
Memorize Hail Purdue™
You might naturally pick this up while participating in events on campus. If not, make sure to learn the fight song so you can sing it for years to come!
Clapping circle
Located near the Unfinished Block P, clapping in the middle of this circle will give you a fascinating echo that you can only hear standing in that middle spot! It’s an experience that adds to the greatness of Purdue.
Now remember, Boilermakers, there's one more tradition that's supposed to wait until you're done with your studies: walking under the bell tower. It’s said that students who walk under it before graduation won't graduate on time, so be sure to circle around until you're tossing that cap in the air!
There you have it, your complete guide of traditions to making the most of your time at Purdue. So get out there and start ticking off that bucket list, Boilers®!
