The Sample Gates are your welcoming entryway to Indiana University, located in charming Midwestern Bloomington, approximately 50 miles south of Indianapolis. The flagship University of the Indiana system with an enrollment over 40, 000, Indiana is a large school in a beautiful environment of rolling hills and limestone quarries. Considered by many as having one of the best college towns in the U.S., most everything is within walking distance of the campus.
SHORTCUTS
Sleep: The Graduate | Breakfast: Runcible Spoon
Lunch: Mother Bear’s Pizza | Dinner: Janko's Little Zagreb
Visitor Information: Tour Indiana
Transportation: Visitors to IU Bloomington traveling by plane fly into the Indianapolis International Airport (one of the easiest airports to navigate.)The drive is roughly an hour and 20 minutes from Indianapolis. Go Express and Carey Indiana provide transportation to and from the Indianapolis International Airport. Uber is an available option as well. Use IU's interactive map to find parking and to locate buildings.
Stay: Right on campus, located in the Indiana Memorial Union, the center of student life at Indiana, check in to the Biddle Hotel. Newly opened and steps from the Sample Gates is The Graduate. Springhill Suites Bloomington and Hyatt Place Bloomington are located downtown, surrounded by all the best restaurants and shops, all within walking distance to campus. We loved staying at the charming Showers Inn, a sweet bed and breakfast. One parent raves about her stay at The Grant Street Inn noting their fantastic breakfast! (Stay in the newer Annex rooms.) For more information on where to stay, click here.
Coffee: Head to The Pourhouse Cafe, right on Kirkwood Avenue, for stellar coffee and a cozy atmosphere. Hopscotch is the latest coffee house to hit the scene serving great coffee while being eco-friendly. Soma, our favorite spot, offers fresh juices and healthy smoothies in addition to its quality brews (the chai lattes are also worth trying.) Running late, grab a quick coffee at the Starbucks at the Memorial Union.
Breakfast: Everything at Uptown Cafe is excellent including the lively atmosphere and perfect location on Kirkwood Ave. Students rave about the chicken and waffles at B'Town Diner. Since 1976, The Runcible Spoon Cafe & Restaurant has been a popular morning spot for both locals and IU students - we loved the cozy atmosphere and the delicious omelets. Students also congregate at Village Deli, ordering the pumpkin pancakes or the Hoosier Scramble. Foodies should allow time to sample the Shakshuka or Skillet Frittata at Feast, known for having one of the best weekend brunches in town.
Lunch: You will see many Hoosiers dining on wings and mozzarella sticks at BuffaLouies. The Food Network is a big fan of the Lugar Burger at Farm Restaurant, claiming it’s the best in the state. Or try one of their Farmwiches, mid west tacos or wood fired pizzas. For other great burger options, head to Bub's Burgers (home of the "Big Ugly") or Hinkle's Hamburgers. Order the Greek sampler or a gyro at the Trojan Horse. When the weather gets colder, head to Darn Good Soup for a variety of delicious daily soups including gluten-free and vegetarian. Fancy something more exotic? Try a sampling of momo’s (dumplings) at Anyetsang’s Little Tibet alongside other Thai, Indian and Tibetan specialties. Mother Bear’s Pizza is an IU student favorite.
Dinner
Casual: Nick's English Hut is a Bloomington staple, full of IU sports memorabilia just steps from the iconic Sample Gates. The “Hoosier Room”, a great spot for watching games, is for 21 and over, but there is plenty of seating for all ages downstairs. Social Cantina serves up Modern Mexican fare that both students and parents rave about. Smokin' Jack's Rib Shack specializes in southern BBQ. For quality wood-fired pizza, head to King Dough and order the Sweet Bee pie. If you didn’t try Farm at lunch, the dinner menu might entice as well as the live music in the downstairs Root Cellar for an after dinner drink. Check their events calendar to see what’s in the lineup for the night you’re in town. (It may just be Karaoke night!)
A Step Up: One of the more popular restaurants with an extensive menu is Malibu Grill. Just blocks from IU eat dinner in a 125-year-old mansion at The Scholars Keep. Offering a comprehensive wine list and solid steak dinners, head to Janko's Little Zagreb.
Late Night Snack: Voted best doughnut shop in Bloomington, head to Square Donuts for their unique square shape and unbeatable taste. For delicious hand crafted ice cream, head to Hartzells.
Local Attractions: Often cited as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, the beauty of Indiana University is well known. No trip to IU is complete without visiting the legendary sports facilities and unique museums but take some time to explore the grounds and discover these icons around campus. Walk down Kirkwood Avenue, the main “college” street with its concentration of shops and restaurants. Check the schedule and if you’re lucky cheer on the Hoosiers at a game! Lake Monroe (the largest man-made lake in Indiana) is about 10 miles south of campus and a popular spot for students in the warmer months. Considered one of America’s best farmers markets, the Bloomington Farmers' Market is open every Tuesday and Saturday from April-November. Take a tour of the Bloomington Brewing Co., one of Indiana's first craft breweries. Save time to stop by to enjoy the impressive art collection at the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University.
Welcome week at IU
— Quotes From Campus —
“The campus is absolutely beautiful and will really feel like your new home. Despite being such a large school it is easy to find your niche, the activities and opportunities available to you as a student are endless.”
“IU offers the ultimate college experience—the campus is beautiful, there’s so much to do nearby from hiking to breweries to art museums and I’ve met students from all over the world!”
“Greek life is huge here, I recommend rushing as a freshman, but it is not necessary for an active social life. Take advantage of everything IU has to offer!”
“The Kelly School of Business is one of the best in the country!”
INDIANA FAST FACTS
Established
1820
Mascot
Hoosier
School Colors
Cream & Crimson
Acceptance Rate
78.1%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Early Action, Rolling Admission
SAT
Average - 1250
ACT
Average - 27
Type
Public
Size
Big - 31,884 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
300 North Jordan Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-1106
(p) (812) 855-0661
(f) (812) 855-5102
iuadmit@indiana.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division I
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Joshua Bell
Mark Cuban
Jane Pauley
John Mellencamp
SHOP
INDIANA
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