At Purdue, a student’s day can shift quickly from a morning lecture to an afternoon lab, a group project at the library, dinner with friends and a late walk home after studying. When your schedule changes by the hour, healthy routines need to be simple, flexible and close by. That is where your living environment can make a real difference.
At Rambler, we want to support our residents’ goals for health and wellness. That’s why we are pursuing a Fitwel certification to make sure we are providing everything our residents might need to meet their health and fitness goals.
Fitwel looks at how buildings and communities can support health and well-being through design, amenities and access to everyday wellness resources.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Read Next: Best Study Spots at Purdue and Around West Lafayette
What is Fitwel Certification?
Fitwel is a certification focused on enhancing health and well-being in buildings and communities.
According to the Fitwell website:
“Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all®. Generated by expert analysis of 7,000+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being.”
One of the pillars of a Fitwel-certified property is easy access to healthy food options. To meet Fitwel criteria, the building must be within a half-mile walking distance of at least two off-site locations that provide food and drink that meet a lengthy list of health and wellness requirements.
These requirements range from daily fresh fruit and vegetables to meat- and plant-based proteins and no-sugar added desserts. For the full list of requirements, see the bottom of the page.
Why Does Healthy Food Access Matter for Purdue Students?
Healthy food access matters because students are more likely to make balanced choices when those choices are nearby, flexible and realistic for their schedule.
Eating clean and opting for healthier dietary choices has a multitude of benefits. The American Heart Association stresses this:
“Eating healthy is a key way for individuals to take control of their health. Unfortunately, too many people consume too many foods high in saturated fats, added sugars and sodium, and they eat too few fruits, vegetables and whole grains, placing them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Understanding what we feed our families and how we cook our meals is the first step to preventing and treating health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.”
That is why location plays such an important role in student wellness. A healthier living environment is not only about what is inside your apartment community. It’s also about what’s around you.
Where Can Purdue Students Find Healthy Food Near Campus?
If your goal is to make healthy choices during the school year, there are plenty of restaurants offering clean ingredients and healthy food options all within walking distance of Rambler.
The below restaurants are some that nearly meet Fitwel’s criteria for healthy food and beverage selections (see bottom of page):
1. CoreLife
Location: 105 Farabee Drive
Distance to Rambler: 11-minute drive
Best for: Grain bowls, greens, roasted vegetables and protein-focused meals
CoreLife Eatery specializes in customizable bowls built around greens, grains, vegetables and proteins. Students can create meals that align with a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options.
Why Purdue students may like it: The flexibility allows you to build a meal based on your goals, whether you are looking for a quick lunch between classes or a filling dinner after a long study session.
2. Green Leaf Vietnamese Cuisine
Location: 111 S River Road
Distance to Campus: 9-minute walk
Best for: Rice bowls, fresh vegetables, lean proteins and lighter dining options
Green Leaf offers a variety of Vietnamese-inspired dishes, including rice bowls, noodle bowls and fresh ingredients that can provide a balanced meal option.
Many menu items feature vegetables, herbs and protein choices that help students build satisfying meals without feeling overly heavy.
Why Purdue students may like it: It provides a flavorful alternative to traditional fast food while still offering convenient service near campus.
4. The Lobby by Greyhouse
Location: 526 Main Street
Distance from Campus: 5-minute drive
Best for: Coffee, breakfast, light lunches and study sessions
The Lobby by Greyhouse combines coffee, food and community in a setting that many Purdue students already know well.
In addition to coffee, students can find breakfast and lunch options that fit into busy academic schedules.
Why Purdue students may like it: It provides a place to grab food, meet classmates and study without needing to travel far from campus.
We hope this article helps you better understand how living at Rambler can help you prioritize your overall health and wellness. For more information on living at Rambler, check out our website and feel free to contact our leasing team if you have any questions!
Full Fitwel criteria:
- 3+ non-fried veggie options daily
- Variety of non-fried proteins daily (75%+ non-fried)
- Plant proteins 3x/week
- If meat’s served, seafood 2x/week
- If dessert’s offered, a no-added-sugar fruit option daily
Lindsey
Lindsey is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler Riverfront. She's a senior at Purdue University, majoring in Communications and Media Studies. Her favorite drink to order is an iced matcha!
Published On: June 11, 2026
Last Updated On: August 12, 2026
