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The Facts

Indiana University is a massive state educational institution with eight campuses state-wide and around 98,000 students throughout these eight sites. The Bloomington campus is the most populated, with around 28,473 full time undergraduates attending. IU has been building up its reputation among state schools by enacting tougher admissions policies, and the growing academic reputation has been drawing many out-of-state students. The average SAT score for the class of 2004 ranged from 1090 to 1220, and 57% of their students were in the top 25% of their graduating high school class.

The University is made up of twelve undergraduate schools with hundreds of programs of academic study. IU is perhaps best known for their music, business, education and journalism schools, which are considered to be some of the best in the country. Additionally, the school offers fifteen career placement offices on campus to assist graduating students with life beyond university.

Most undergraduates spend their first semester taking general education requirements before applying to one of the degree-granting schools. Also, Freshmen Interest Groups (FIGS) have up to twenty students who take two or three courses together and live in close proximity on campus.

The Social Scene

The campus is beautiful and has plenty of lakes and woods to satisfy nature lovers. Most destinations are within walking distance, but the IU Bus system is a free and efficient mode of transportation as well. The Indiana Memorial Union houses six eateries, three snack shops, a seven-story student activities tower, a twelve-lane bowling alley, a 400-seat theater and a 186- room hotel. It is rare for a student to be bored at IU.

There is always a dorm party happening, and students also hang out at the many local bars and restaurants. Also, the music school is constantly putting on productions and concerts, so music lovers of all breeds are never at a loss.

IU is a somewhat notorious party school, and the fraternities and sororities are a huge social presence on and off campus. Over 34% of the student population belongs to some form of a Greek organization, so for those interested in pledging, there will be plenty of opportunities to join. Greek membership is often equated with social status, and may of the organizations are housed in palatial mansion, with plenty of space to party.

The city of Bloomington itself is very involved with campus life and caters to students in every way possible. Bloomington has turned into quite a college town, with a plethora of inexpensive thrift shops, cafes and bars. Many residents turn out for the Hoosier’s Basketball games, especially when they play against their longtime rival, Purdue.

What's Good

“The Hoosiers are really the glue here. Whenever there is a game against Purdue, all hell breaks loose, but it’s pretty awesome.”

“There are always lots of concerts and performances for people like me who aren’t too into partying hard.”

“The frats are incredible and have the most bumpin’ parties I’ve ever been to. Anyone can go, and you meet all kinds of crazies.”

What's Bad

“It’s not really for shy people, because it’s really easy to just get lost in the crowd.”

“It’s hard to take advantage of the good faculty because they aren’t really accessible and the classes are enormous.”

“If you aren’t in a frat or a sorority, you don’t really matter a whole lot.”

Read a personal account of one Indiana student's transition from high school to college.

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