Indiana University—Bloomington (IU)

Indiana University Bloomington provides its Hoosier students "the knowledge to be successful in our futures through great faculty, facilities, and tradition." That translates to 16 separate colleges and "school systems [that] are great and easy to access," with enrollees noting that they can explore "anything we want, whenever," an ability that ultimately helps them find "the key thing we'll love through many opportunities and great programs." IU endeavors toward that discovery by proudly offering students access to courses outside of their designated field, allowing them to guide their own research, and providing the opportunity to personalize one's education through the Individualized Major Program.

Other favorite academic features at IU are the "world-renowned business program" at the Kelley School of Business and the Jacobs School of Music, both of which attract students from around the globe. Courses across campus are known for being "rigorous," and students collaborate "academically and non-academically as one community." Guidance and support also come from "many excellent professors" on campus that "clearly want what's best for their students." One student points out that "communicating with students/professors is easy." Another student explains that their instructors "really care about what they do" and "bring their subjects to life." With that in mind, students feel equipped to get the most out of this "rigorous and competitive" education.

With more than 36,000 undergraduate students at IU, "you are destined to find someone whom you 'click' with." On campus and around Bloomington, "Hoosier Hospitality" is a huge perk for IU students, and students find their niche at one of the 750-plus student organizations on campus, athletic events, or just hanging out at Indiana Memorial Union on campus. One student emphasizes that students on campus are "very respectful of one another and ready to help out a fellow Hoosier." Generally, Hoosiers are known for finding "an equal balance of school and social life" and being "hard workers who also know how to have fun on the weekends." Between "popular" house parties and the 25% of undergrads who join one of the 60*+ fraternities, there's "a strong social scene" at IU. But regardless of your scene, students find IU to be a "fun collegiate environment."

Indiana University Bloomington offers "the perfect combination of excellent undergraduate teaching, Division I athletic teams backed by a passionate sense of school spirit, and a lively social scene." One student reports that "academics and school spirit are [the] specialties," so when not studying, a weekend for Hoosier families in the fall features a tailgate party; basketball season kicks off with a rally known as Hoosier Hysteria; and IU hosts the Little 500 each year, a stadium-based bicycle race that's modeled after the Indianapolis 500. In their free time, Hoosiers can be found "working out" or "running" regularly. Students also like to unwind by the fire pit or watch free movies at the Indiana Memorial Union, or get involved in one of the many clubs on campus. Off campus, "the vibrant city of Bloomington" (or "B-town," as the students describe it) is "the best-kept secret of the Midwest." Food is a particular highlight, with "many options to choose from," all described as "amazing." The town also hosts the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival as well as Freezefest, an ice-sculpture competition. In warmer months, nearby Griffy Lake and Monroe Lake offer kayaking, canoeing, and boating. And for the Hoosiers in need of repose, like-minded peers can be found "lying outside on the grass and on benches snoozing." Thanks to student groups having "much freedom of planning," it seems there's "always something going on ... that will fit the needs of any student."