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Prepare

While at Purdue, exchange students must practice the same safety and health precautions they would at home. Some ways students can practice health and safety are:

• ​Use common sense
• Stay away from dangerous areas
• Do not travel alone
• Keep informed about the local news
• Inform others of plans to go to town or travel
• Be aware of surroundings
• Do not drink excessively
• Eat healthy
• Use caution interacting with strangers
• Avoid illegal drugs
• Be cautious in giving a phone number, address or email address
• Get enough rest
• Do not leave luggage, purses, book bags unattended
• Keep money and other valuables in a safe place
• Stay in well-lit, heavily traveled streets
• Accept responsibility for decisions and actions made
• Do not hitchhike
• Travel light
• Keep emergency numbers handy

Safety around Purdue

Purdue University and the greater Lafayette community are relatively safe. Most crimes that take place involve personal belongings. As in all cities, you are advised to be sensible and to walk accompanied rather than alone at night. 

The Purdue police department provides information on safety and security initiatives, services on campus, local hospitals, and local media outlets. Purdue police protect and serve the university.

At Purdue, there are yellow emergency call boxes all over campus. They are regularly spaced yellow posts marked by a blue light on top. Students can call the Purdue police from these emergency boxes if the student is in danger or needs help. 

Safety when Traveling

When traveling, exchange students should keep travel documents and money close. Keeping a photocopy of the passport separate from the passport is a good plan. Students need to take extra caution when traveling to a major US city.

Health Insurance

Purdue University requires exchange students to have health insurance coverage effective during the entire time in the United States. Exchange students can complete an insurance waiver form if they already have insurance that meets the requirements. International students can purchase the Purdue University Student Health Insurance plan if they do not have insurance.

Culture Shock

Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life or set of attitudes. For some people the bout with culture shock is brief and hardly noticeable. For most people, culture shock is something to deal with over a period of at least several months. To lessen the culture shock students should focus on goals being abroad, learn about the location beforehand, see new things, meet new friends, appreciate the difference, establish a routine, be flexible and ask questions.

Emergency Contact Information