Choosing where to live at Purdue University is a key step in shaping your academic experience — whether you're an undergraduate dreaming of the day you’ll don your bachelor cap and gown, a master's student pushing through late-night projects, or a PhD candidate inching closer to your doctoral regalia. Purdue offers a mix of traditional residence halls and graduate housing that blends comfort, community, and academic focus.
This CAPGOWN guide walks you through top student housing choices — including Shreve Hall, Harrison Hall, Earhart Hall, Owen Hall, Hawkins Hall, Purdue Village, and Aspire at Discovery Park. With Reddit opinions, housing highlights, and CAPGOWN insights, this is your ultimate guide to finding the right place to live on or near campus.
Shreve Hall – Modern, Social, and Centrally Located
Address: 1275 3rd Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Shreve Hall offers a vibrant community and spacious rooms that make it a favorite among first-year and continuing students. Located near the CoRec and dining courts, it's a great hub for socializing and staying engaged with campus life.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Big rooms and solid Wi-Fi for studying and streaming.
- Right across from the CoRec (Purdue’s gym and rec center).
- Strong sense of community for freshmen and sophomores alike.
Fun Fact: Shreve and Earhart Halls are “twin” buildings — located next to each other and sharing similar layouts and amenities.
r/Purdue Says:
“Shreve is super convenient and pretty chill — perfect if you want space and a good location.”
“If you're social and want to be close to the gym and dining, Shreve is a great pick.”
Harrison Hall – Community, Events & Campus Vibes
Address: 107 MacArthur Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Harrison Hall is known for its bustling environment and active residence life. The large building houses hundreds of students and frequently hosts events, making it one of the more social housing options.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Great social events and floor-wide activities.
- Easy walk to class and PMU (Purdue Memorial Union).
- Reliable dining access and study lounges.
Fun Fact: Harrison is one of the largest residence halls on campus and is part of the "Wiley Quad" cluster — great for meeting people across dorms.
r/Purdue Says:
“Harrison is a good time. Big rooms and a lot of events if you want to meet people.”
“Not the newest dorm, but the community makes up for it."
Earhart Hall – Lively, Central & Food-Famous
Address: 1275 1st Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Known for its namesake dining court (one of the most popular at Purdue), Earhart Hall is a great place for students who want a central location, good food, and an energetic vibe.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Home to Earhart Dining Court — a student favorite.
- Active RAs and regular hall activities.
- Close to classrooms and academic buildings.
Fun Fact: Named after Amelia Earhart, who taught at Purdue and lived in the nearby faculty housing.
r/Purdue Says:
“Earhart Dining Court alone is reason to live there — best food on campus.”
“The social energy is great, but it can get loud.”
Owen Hall – Quiet, Tight-Knit & Convenient
Address: 1160 W Stadium Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Owen Hall offers a quieter, more academic-focused experience for undergrads. With fewer distractions and a location right across from academic halls, it’s ideal for students who prioritize sleep and study.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Great for introverts or those focused on school.
- Smaller community makes it easier to connect with floor-mates.
- Convenient access to campus resources.
Fun Fact: Owen Hall is one of the smallest co-ed residence halls, often favored by students in Honors or STEM programs for its quiet environment.
r/Purdue Says:
“If you want a solid night of sleep and no drama, Owen is for you.”
“Honestly underrated — not flashy, but it’s peaceful.”
Hawkins Hall – Graduate-Focused with Apartment Style
Address: 430 W Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Hawkins Hall is designed for upperclassmen and graduate students who want apartment-style living. With private rooms and suite-style bathrooms, it’s a comfortable and academic-focused space.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Private bathrooms and semi-suite setups.
- Quieter halls perfect for focused work.
- Prime location near campus labs and libraries.
Fun Fact: Hawkins used to be an all-men's dorm before transitioning into graduate-friendly co-ed housing.
r/Purdue Says:
“Hawkins is low-key awesome for grad students. Quiet, clean, and central.”
“The rooms aren’t fancy, but they’re super practical.”
Aspire at Discovery Park – Premium Off-Campus Graduate Housing
Address: 1245 W State St, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Aspire offers modern, amenity-rich housing just south of campus. It’s a top choice for graduate students looking for independence, style, and proximity to research centers.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Fully furnished apartments with in-unit laundry.
- Walkable to Discovery Park and engineering buildings.
- Amenities include fitness centers, lounges, and study rooms.
Fun Fact: Aspire partners with Purdue to offer university-affiliated leasing, blending private housing with campus connection.
r/Purdue Says:
“Aspire feels more like upscale apartments — perfect if you're done with dorm life.”
“It’s pricey but worth it for the convenience and privacy.”
Final Thoughts
From social first-year halls to quiet graduate apartments, Purdue University offers a range of housing options to match every lifestyle and academic journey. Whether you're seeking connection, comfort, or calm, there's a perfect space waiting for you in West Lafayette.
And when the day comes to graduate, CAPGOWN is here to help you mark the moment with style. Our Purdue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral regalia are tailored for Boilermakers who want to walk the stage with confidence, comfort, and tradition.
