Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN, USA

Reviews

Indiana University-Bloomington

Alicia from West Chester, OH

a current student here
36 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The quality of the education you get here is really reliant on which specific classes you take. I've had some really challenging, forum-based classes where I felt like I learned a lot, including a lot more beyond just the curriculum. I believe some of these classes really helped me become more perceptive and aware in general, but then, on the other end of the spectrum, I've had classes that are just power points that you copy down every day. They are excruciatingly dull, and the material never really fully sinks in.

Being in Hutton Honors college (the honors program here) has been great and has offered me a lot of benefits in my education. Honors classes (people usually take 1-2 a semester) are smaller and taught by a professor (as opposed to a associate instructor), so they are much more personal and a great atmosphere for learning. If you are able to join the honors college I highly suggest you take advantage of that! (but don't worry, it's not necessary to get a good education here!)

All in all, I believe that a degree from IU is a very respectable one to have. IU has many of the best programs in the country, especially Kelley School of Business, Jacob School of Music, and School of Journalism (my major). I'm very confident that when I leave here I will be prepared for a career.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely LOVE it here. I cannot rave about it enough. IUB has literally everything you could ever ask for in a college.

1. The campus is stunning. If you are contemplating coming here, go and visit. You will quickly make your decision.
2. It has the perfect small town feel. You aren't in some urban city where you have to worry about getting mugged on your walk home, but at the same time, you aren't in the boonies with nothing around you. There are loads of shops, restaurants, and a mall all around campus, and an adorable, charming downtown area, and you'll always feel safe.
3. The campus is so alive. There are so many active groups and events. Something fun is always going on. Greek life is very big here.
4. There are great traditions. If you don't know what Little 500 is, you need to find out first-hand.
5. Big 10 sporting events... hey, even if our teams aren't that good, they're still really fun to attend!

I've made some of my absolute best friends here and have had so much fun. I honestly think it is the best college experience someone could ask for.
Bang for the buck
I'm an out-of-stater, so tuition can get a little pricey, but even so, I could not even fathom leaving IU. I just can't picture myself anywhere else.
Tips for prospective students
1. Like I said before, go and visit. Once you see the campus, it is hard to pass this school up.
2. If you are more of a partier, live in the Northwest neighborhood. If you'd like a more quiet dorm, go for Central or Southeast. But either way, get your housing application in asap so you will actually have a say in where you live.
3. It's cliche, but get involved. There are so many great organizations on campus, and you should really take advantage of that.
Great for these types of students
It's great for really all kinds of students, except ones who need a lot of one-on-one interaction with the teacher. You just aren't going to get that in many of the lecture hall classes. But other than that, there is truly something here for all types of people.

Farihah from Munster, IN

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at Indiana University are accommodating to their students. If for any reason your schedule conflicts with office hours or review sessions most professors are willing to set up other meeting times for your benefit. There are many tutoring centers located in different parts of the campus, so picking one near your dorm is easy and convenient.
If you are thinking of majoring in business the Kelley School of Business (KSB) is ranked one of the top in the nation; and their School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) is tied at number two with Harvard. The facilities are one of the top in the nation and anyone should take advantage of all the Indiana University has to offer.
Am enjoying being here
No matter which dorm you are a resident of, you floor is a great place to meet new friends. The residence assistants really help you socialize and get along with you floor mates. Of course branching out and meeting people in the cafeterias, libraries, and class are stellar places to meet study buddies, future roommates, and life long friends as well.
Bang for the buck
As I mentioned before, Indiana University has a lot of offer academically and socially. One will not only graduate with a great degree, no matter what they major in, but they will be set up with contacts and networking skills that will benefit them throughout their life.
Tips for prospective students
If you know exactly what you want to major in, apply for that school particular school instead of just general admission. A lot of these schools within the university are more competitive to get into when you start college.
Great for these types of students
Indiana University is really great for all kinds of people! When I walk down the street I see scientists, mathematicians, and poets. Even if you do not have one particular calling, you will find tons of people on campus with various combinations of talents and interests.

Molly from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bloomington is my new home and I cannot imagine ever loving any other school half as much as I love Indiana University. We offer twenty-four awesome sports teams, several hundreds of clubs, multiple world-renowned schools, the world's best college weekend, and a major for anything. Who wouldn't want to attend I.U.?
Tips for prospective students
Start by taking a tour of the campus, once you see campus for yourself you will begin to fall in love with it. Sit in on a class that interests you and find out how college classes really are. Apply for housing as soon as possible so that you will receive a parking pass that is located beside your residence hall rather than parking the stadium. Purchase a waterproof backpack and a good water bottle for wherever you attend school. Join a few different clubs and expand your sphere of friends. Finally, enjoy college, it really is the best time in your life.
Academic Rigor
While some may feel that the academics are tough, the professors are great and will work with students if they are attentive in class and are proactive about their work. Along with my major-specific classes, I have taken Irish Dancing, Middle Eastern Dance, acting, various leadership classes, self-defense instruction and several other elective classes. Throughout my time at the University, I have suffered a variety of non-class related injuries. Each time, my professors have been incredibly gracious in helping me catch up on my work without becoming overstressed as I am healing. While I have switched my major several times, each of my advisors has worked closely with me and I still anticipate an on-time graduation.
Dorm Life
Having lived in one of the oldest residence halls on campus for the last three years, I can honestly say that while some of them may be a bit outdated, they become home. Though my residence hall is past its prime, it is always clean, offers great food options, and perfectly located for walks to all my different classes. Most of the other residence halls have been updated recently and are enjoyed by many of the students on campus.
We also have learning community floors which offer students to live with others of their same interests (i.e. the Outdoor adventure floor), their major (i.e. the Kelly Living Learning Community), and to focus on their academics (i.e. the academic learning communities on campus).
Food and Dining
Dining options on the Bloomington campus getting better every day. Some of the old dining facilities have been recently renovated and healthier options are being put in place of the old food options. The school houses eating options for many diets and dietary restrictions. They have gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian, heart healthy, and kosher options at each of their twenty two dining options on campus. Students can eat anywhere on campus and spend their meal points however they want to throughout the year. Using a meal plan, student receive 60% off of any listed prices and extra meal points roll over for an extra semester after the students stop purchasing a meal plan.
What to do for fun
Bloomington offers many options for students to use their spare time. The union offers free film viewings for the students every weekend. The Musical Arts Center hosts free student concerts almost every Wednesday night, Operas twice a semester, and frequent ballets. The IU Auditorium offers traveling broadway shows, comedians, musical acts, and other shows. The Neal-Marshal Auditorium offers plays presented by the theatre department, the union also provides areas of bowling and for billiards. The Union Board also presents races and other student life events. There are also many other options around Bloomington for students to take in culture and make these college years memorable.

(I have attended Faust, the Nutcracker, Cindrellion, student concerts, and others events at the MAC. I viewed the Greenday American Idiot tour, Peter Pan, and Beauty and the beast broadway tours. I have also attended Straight No Chaser, STOMP, the Blue Man Group, Joshua Bell and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, Itzhak Perlman and other traveling groups at the auditorium.)
Clubs and Activities
There exists an incredible variety of clubs available on campus and I have been involved in a range of clubs across the spectrum. Within these varied groups, I have met numerous new people from my time participating in the Swing Dancing Club, Hapkido Club, Navigators Club, the National Society of Leadership and Success, Union Board Body and Mind Committee, and the American Red Cross Club. The university offers students the ability to participate in many clubs. If a student finds that they desire to participate in a club that sis not offered, the university allows them to begin a new club with three other students and an Indiana University faculty member backing them.
Greek Life
Personally, I am not part of the Greek life on campus. Friends have told me that the rushing competition is rough and it can be difficult to be paired with your house of choice. There are many well-reputed houses on campus and students fall in love with the house they are paired with and soon call them their new family.
Campus Safety
Campus safety was one of the largest portions of my college decision. While there are issues on this campus as there are on any campus, I.U. does their best to eliminate the safety concerns by having campus police around campus at all times. There are officers that live in the residence halls to ensure safety within the halls. The residence halls are only accessible to those students living in those particular halls. Your student identification card only allows you into your Residence Hall, your wing, your floor and your room. Walking around campus by yourself, in the dark is not wise wherever you decided to attend school. Be careful and be smart.

Michael from Westfield, IN

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Indiana University is an awesome place to live and go to school. the professor's are really here to help us out. With all the resources available on campus, there is no way you shouldn't pass a class.
Tips for prospective students
Work and save money during the summer before coming down to Bloomington: being broke the first year on campus is stressful.
Order your books early: its better to have your books before classes start, Waiting to order text books will cause you to wait longer to get them than it would have if you would have ordered them earlier.
Manage your time: it's called college for a reason. we're here to learn. Have fun, but get your school work finished first.
Academic Rigor
It's challenging work. It's college. You get what you put into your studies. fell free to slack off and not take your work seriously, you wont be here long.
Dorm Life
Dorm life has it's ups and downs but overall I can't really complain. The ups: they're close to classes, and most have a food court or c-store located within them or another close dorm. The downs are really good for when it comes to quiet hours and some of the other rules. Quiet hours differ from dorm to dorm and can even differ from wing to wing within the same dorm, but the rules are to keep everyone safe and also provide an environment where we can study and sleep without being disturbed. Don't forget, we're in college for a reason.
Food and Dining
Food and dining is great here, but gets old really fast. The good thing is that there is a variety of different places to eat on campus and a lot of places deliver at different hours of the night. When eating on campus, we do get a 60% discount on food and other items purchased in the c-stores and food courts
What to do for fun
Fun is whatever you want to do. Be outside, hang out with friends, or be alone by yourself, you have the freedom to do pretty much whatever you want. Just be safe and be able to live with the decisions you make and the consequences that may come out of certain situations.
Bang for the buck
Discounts at food courts and c-stores. There are so many academic help sessions and programs that we are able to use just because we are students at IU. We are paying for an education might as well use the resources provided.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Little 500 week is amazing! People come in from all over the nation to take part in the activities around campus. It's the last full week before dead week and finals week. Professors usually do not assign a lot of work during this week but if you happen to fall behind in your classes, you will not be able to enjoy it as much as you would like.
Great for these types of students
IU is great for any student. You meet a lot of different people with different backgrounds and different interests. You are sure to find someone with similar interests as yourself but it is even more exciting to meet people with different opinions than yourself.
Campus Safety
Campus security is actually really nice. Because the campus is so big, security is around pretty often. They are here to help protect us and do not just look to get us in trouble. In fact, a lot of the security around campus are actually students.

Carmen from Mooresville, IN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are so diverse, so adaptable to your interests, it's pretty much impossible to not learn so much. When I first came here, I had NO idea what I wanted to do. I took a few classes that seemed interesting to me, and after the first semester, I decided on a Sociology major. Every time I come home, I always have Did you know...? facts to give my family. I know they are very impressed and satisfied with my choice of college.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is absolutely beautiful. You cannot ask for a prettier campus. What shocked me the most is it's in Indiana! I've lived in Indiana my whole life, so it's shocking for me to see such a beautiful campus here. There's so many centers to go to for help, the library is amazing, there's food courts everywhere. You will never have a moment where there's nothing to do.
Bang for the buck
Let's see...if you live in the dorm, you get pretty much everything. Included in the tuition is room and board, transportation with the buses which run all day, you get to use the printers anywhere on campus, use computers and technology, rent books from the library, use the academic services (which are GREAT, by the way). There are sooo much more, but those are a few of the basics. For in-state students and out-of-state students, no matter what, it's an amazing deal.
Tips for prospective students
Do NOT slack off your senior year. No matter what college you plan to attend, they will look at your GPA and your test scores. Also, apply early. For IU, the longer you wait, the more competitive it gets. IU is an amazing school, and a college everyone should atleast consider.
Great for these types of students
IU is great for any students who are interested in liberal arts. Also great for business majors, considering we have an amazing business school. The nursing program here, however, is extremely competitive. I think IU can find it's way into the hearts of anyone whose willing to work hard and succeed.

Alana from San Francisco, CA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Although I have only been here at IU for a few short months, it feels as if I have learned so much. I am in the Jacobs School of Music, more specifically, which is known to be one of the top music schools in the country. The faculty are all amazing so far, although I can't say I've been here long enough to have experienced the wide range of professors here in such a large school. The music school has an incredible program with about 1,600 music majors and many world-class musicians on the faculty. Academically, there is a very supportive environment here that, in my opinion, you can't go wrong with.
Am enjoying being here
I moved here from San Francisco, so living in a very small (to me, at least) typical college town is a bit of a culture shock. It is a beautiful campus and a wonderful city. There are lots of cute, small shops downtown and a mall on the outskirts if you prefer the bigger chain stores. There is a certain spirit to this town that is quite infectious. Sports and Greek life are both very big here, and it's a bit of a party school, but there's nothing wrong with that. There are not many other schools where you can watch Big Ten sports in the day and go to see professional-level opera in the evening. This wide range of activities is one of the many things that makes this school feel special to me personally. I have met many great people here and made some great friends. I cannot think of a better way to start my college experience.
Bang for the buck
I am from out of state, so the tuition is a bit pricey, especially in times like these, but so far it has been very worth it. If you are going for the music school, it is especially worth it simply because of the opportunities you can get here working with the faculty and other students. It may seem expensive when you're applying, but they have a wide range of scholarships that are often times automatic, so if you have good grades or other things that qualify you for scholarships you may find that it's not really as expensive as it seems at first.
Tips for prospective students
Starting college is a major event in everybody's lives and it can feel intimidating at first. Just remember that wherever you go to school, everyone around you is probably feeling the same way that you are. Don't be afraid to make friends and get involved in the school right from the start. Even if you feel like you don't fit in, schools like IU have something for everyone as long as you choose to seek it out.
Great for these types of students
People looking to major in business or music; people who want a large school and the quintessential college experience; people who love cold winters.

An IU Lover :Maria A. from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have found that all of my teachers are always ready to help. They have office hours, which is free one-on-one tutoring! Having my teachers available has greatly enhanced my learning experience. With that being said, I have encountered classes that are boring, and it makes it harder for me to be excited for that class subject, in turn making it harder to learn. Overall, however, I have learned a lot, and not just about calculus, English, and biology. I’ve also learned how to make a presentation “STICKY”, how to dance the chorus to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”, and how to be more social. The wonderful thing about Bloomington is that there is such a wide diversity of people and ideas that you will always learn about a new religion, the best places in town, life lessons—it’s all here! Another great thing about IU is that there is such a wide array of classes that you really do become a well-rounded person because you do not feel bound to your major. Electives are not just electives here; they are supplementary material to your core classes. For example, I am working towards a biology, pre-med major, and I am taking a business class presentations class. The skills I have learned in that class will help me tremendously when I have to present a research lab project, or even when I interview for new opportunities such as internships, scholarships, medical school.
Am enjoying being here
IU is awesome! Bloomington is a lively town that has a lot of activities to become involved with, both on and off-campus, such as IU Timmy Foundation, church, HOLA radio, Boys and Girls Club, the list goes on and on. There are restaurants galore, the variety of people here is amazing, most people are friendly, there are so many free events, such as soccer, volleyball, movies at the IMU, even choir concerts—it really does provide for a fun and exciting experience. (And let’s not forget about the famous IU parties). Bloomington is a very social place, but not in an overwhelming way. I love it! It's small enough where you don't feel lost, but big enough where you don't feel bored or stuck in a small town.
Bang for the buck
IU is expensive, let’s be honest. That’s why if you are reading this and you are a high school senior, I recommend applying to as many scholarships as possible, starting now! However, IU does give you a lot of bang for the buck. I have found awesome advisers here that I cannot say enough good things about, the professors really do care about your education, the variety of classes is so huge that you will want to take them all, and the social scene is booming! Also, the meal points here work great because you get 60% discount on every meal you buy. And we have these great little convenience stores (c-stores) where you can use your meal points to buy medicine, cleaning supplies, or a late-night snack, and still get 60% off! You also get access to both gyms on the campus, the school and public buses; you get to check out all kinds of movies here (for free!). There is the world-famous Lilly Library, an art museum, even an Observatory! There is HPPLC (Health Professions Pre-Law Center) where there are advisers to guide you through the process of being a pre-law and pre-med student. You have the opportunity to take classes in the Kelley School of Business, Ernie Pyle School of Journalism, and Jacobs School of Music. You have it all, it seems like. But the only way you get the bang for the buck is if you take advantage of such resources.
Tips for prospective students
1. Know yourself, and be honest about who you are, what your values are, and what you are looking for in a college. Don’t choose a school for the name, the reputation, or for any other reason except for that it makes you happy.
2. Visit the campus as many times as possible! You might think this is not necessary, but you need to know if this feels like home to you. Participate in activities while visiting, especially activities that are not part of the organized schedule.
3. Make sure you pay attention to all the details when choosing a school—the costs, the courses offered, the degree programs, extra-curriculars, the town, distance from home, etc.
4. Ask current students about their experience at IU, and ask them to be honest. A lot of times, tour guides like to emphasize the positive and downplay the negatives. After all, they are trying to “sell” the school to you!
5. Try not to go home as much, especially during the first two months. This will really help make college be your home.
6. Go to office hours! You will hear this again and again, and for good reason! This is your chance to let the professors know you care.
7. Explore everything a college has to offer you, and take advantage of that!
8. Apply to scholarships!
Great for these types of students
IU is great for any student that wants a great education, loves being involved, can handle being one of many students, and likes to be challenged. I see ALL types of students when I walk to class. There are no stereotypes here because nobody fits into one. You can come to IU and be the person you have always wanted to be. I will say this, however: IU is a big school, and you can feel lost if you do not form connections with other students, mentors, academic advisers, and professors. You have to be assertive enough to take control of your education and life. If you are not assertive, that does not mean you will not be successful at IU. In fact, coming to IU may help you with that, but it is something to take into consideration.

Gabrielle from Cincinnati, OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The education I have received thus far from Indiana University is amazing! The professors make classes fun to attend and very educational. I never imagined that I would be in a room of 400 students and still be able to interact with not just students, but professors and IA's. I have never felt that I could not ask a question, and the professors are always up to answering anything you throw at them. I have learned so much information in the past 4 months and could not imagine learning anywhere else.
Am enjoying being here
I never truly enjoyed going to class in high school, but here I wake up every morning excited to go to class even when it is snowing. The professors make it fun to be in class and learn. Living on campus is an experience that no one will ever be able to take from me. I have met so many people and grew as an individual by living on campus. The campus is a little larger than I thought I would like, but walking to class is actually not that bad and with its size it just holds more people to meet. Also even with its size it has a way of feeling like a small town. Everyone is very helpful and kind to the underclassmen. I feel safe, secure, and at home at IU. I honestly LOVE IUB!
Bang for the buck
Indiana University does cost a little more than some schools in the state, but it is totally worth it! IUB has great programs that are all included in tuition that other schools never offer. IUB also offers great scholarship opportunities as long as you look for them.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit and see just how homely it feels here. Also apply early, even if you are just slightly interested. I really was not completely sold on IUB until I came on a visit and hadn't applied yet so I missed out on a lot of great scholarship options. Also don't let people tell you living on campus is not worth it, it totally is!
Once you are here, go to every Welcome Week event there is, you make friends that you keep for the year and learn a lot about campus. Also if you are athletic at all, join a team. It is fun to be able to release stress through sports and meet people that are interested in at least one similar thing.
Great for these types of students
Athletes of any kind
Artistic students
Open-minded students
Outgoing students
Determined students

Jennifer from Indianapolis, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have only completed one year here, but I feel like I've already learned so much. You get to choose from a wider variety of classes, and most will fill your degree requirements in some way or another. There are many different electives that you can choose from. I never though I would have so much fun taking a piano class!
Am enjoying being here
I have never had this much fun in my life. There is always something going on in Bloomington. Even from the moment I arrived in my dorm, welcome week was beginning and I was busy from the get-go. The girls that were on my floor ended up becoming the best friends I could ever have. At least one of them seemed to be in each of my classes so I always had someone to walk with and study with.
Bang for the buck
IU is worth every penny spent. You get the complete college experience along with an outstanding education. Their schools all have amazing placement rates so you know they can help you find a job once you graduate.
Tips for prospective students
If you decide that you want to go here, make sure you sign up for an early registration date. This way you have better options for your classes and class times.
Great for these types of students
IU is great for students wanting to major in business, music, and law. It is also good for exploratory students because it has great academic programs in any field.

Emily from Valparaiso, IN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are challenging and push you to do your best. They require lots of studying, but most of my classes have been very interesting and worth my time.
Am enjoying being here
Bloomington is a great town. The campus is gorgeous all year round and there is always something to do. The are plenty of restaurants and shops downtown. There is something for everyone! The school has so many clubs and activities that everyone is guaranteed to find something the love.
Bang for the buck
I pay in-state tuition, so it is definitely worth the money. IU has many great programs to choose from. There are many programs available to students that are included in tuition. Some examples are the bus system, career development center, and the gym facilities.
Tips for prospective students
Spend your freshmen year taking basic classes and exploring you choices. Most students change their major at least once, so chances are you will too!
Meet new people because these people will become lifelong friends and the people you spend all your time with for the next four years!