Purdue University is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.

Purdue dorms come in a few different styles: from standard double rooms in a traditional residence hall, to suite and semi-suite rooms, to single rooms and apartments. Purdue offers a host of options and choosing an option is dependent on what you prioritize in your living space, whether that be location and convenience, communal space, parking, amenities and preferred number of roommates.

Cary Quadrangle, affectionately known as "Cary," is a sprawling dorm with diverse room types. It is especially praised for its prime location, within walking distance to the academic campus, Armstrong Hall, Ford dining, and vibrant quad. For sports enthusiasts, Mackey and Ross-Ade stadiums are nearby. Students appreciate the suite-style rooms in Cary's outer buildings (West, NW, NE, East), which offer spacious, air-conditioned rooms with a semi-private bathroom. They also note a quiet atmosphere despite its size, weekly cleaning service, and exciting dorm-sponsored events.

However, Cary has some downsides. Parking is limited, and access to laundry rooms is inconvenient, particularly in the South building where none exist. Some found game days noisy, and the distance to the central part of the Residential Campus was considered a drawback. Students were divided about Cary South: while many complained about the small, un-air-conditioned rooms famously known as "Cary Closets," others appreciated the community spirit they created.

Despite these minor issues, students felt living in Cary was a memorable experience, thanks to its lively community atmosphere, student-oriented facilities, and iconic status. They recommend choosing rooms in the outer buildings and bringing a Brita due to lack of water bottle fillers in East.


Tarkington Hall, commonly known as Tark, offers a unique college experience with its vibrant community and prime location, though it comes with its fair share of challenges. It's an all-male dorm with a reputation for fostering strong camaraderie among residents, where open doors and spontaneous hangouts are a norm. One of the standout features is its location, conveniently near the Co-Rec center, Wiley and Ford dining courts, and Slater Hill. Despite its social perks, Tark is an old and outdated building, lacking air conditioning, which makes it uncomfortable during warmer months. The bathrooms are notoriously problematic, often suffering from issues like flooding and poor sanitation. Additionally, rooms can be cramped, especially when converted into triples due to housing shortages. While there's no elevator, the Shark Tank provides entertainment with TVs, ping pong, and pool. Overall, Tark may be rough around the edges, but its sense of community and friendships make it a memorable choice for many residents.

414 N. Russell Reviews

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