Purdue University in Indianapolis students praise new student center downtown

INDIANAPOLIS – As Purdue University finds its new “solo” identity in Indianapolis, it’s creating new spaces for the Boilermakers to spend time on campus. 

That includes a brand new student center in the heart of downtown. Whether students are studying for a test or working on a group project, the new Purdue Student Center is making sure it’s setting its students up for success.

Since splitting from IUPUI in 2024, Purdue Indianapolis students like Roshen Cherian have been wanting a quiet study space to call their own. Now that the new student center is open, it’s leaving him and other students impressed.

“Wow, I mean it has a lot of study spaces,” said Cherian. “This will be really nice. Sometimes the library can get a little crowded, so I thought this would be a great space to study and kind of make Purdue its own unique thing.”

Before the building was bought by Purdue, it housed an old law firm. Now the 2-story, 25,000 square foot building is used as a place for college students to work, study and socialize. The university said they are expanding and doing so very quickly. With students asking every week for a space they can have for themselves, this building was needed.

“We needed more space for students to congregate, work on projects, form more community, make friendships and to get more support from the university,” said David Umulis, senior vice provost at Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Each study space is designed to enhance the student experience, including in a group setting. It’s also convenient for students — if they get stuck or need help on assignments, tutors are upstairs waiting to help. 

“Within this building, we have the academic success center. It provides tutoring for over 38 classes and it helps students get the academic support they need for success,” Said Umulis.

As the school year continues, Cherian believes the student center will be a popular place for students, especially when finals and midterms come around. He believes most students don’t know about the center quite yet, but will love it once they give it a chance.

“As midterms and finals come up, I think this will be a prime study spot,” said Cherian. “I think people just got to know and break old routines. You know you have your routine of going to the library or whatever, I think this should be a new spot for that.”