Indiana University, as popular and amazing of a school as it is, does not always receive worthy attention from my eastern hometown’s prospective college freshmen. So when I tell people I attend IU, they immediately question my collegiate decision. People tend to forget about the “fly over states” when applying to schools, and now to rest my case once and for all, I will now explain the 10 reasons I fell in love with IU.
1. Academic programs.
IU’s Business, Journalism, and Music Programs are among some of the top in the nation, just to name a few. Our notorious academics have sculpted our students and impressive alumni (Mark Cuban, for starters) to be successful in the real world today.
2. Big 10 sports.
By sports, I mean basketball. There’s nothing like stepping foot into Assembly Hall for the first time. Our program has shifted and changed through the years, but the legendary candy stripes will always be proudly worn by many. Being called a Hoosier is an honor, and Indiana tradition, especially when it comes to sports, reflects just that.
3. Beautiful campus.
Bloomington is lucky enough to experience all 4 seasons. The trees engulfing the campus, along with the Indiana limestone makes the University look nothing less than picturesque
4. Large Greek life.
Making a large campus feel small can be tough, but with IU’s Greek life, in addition to hundreds of other clubs and programs, can really make you feel like you belong even more. Greek life at IU grants students the opportunity to expose themselves to philanthropy, social functions, and different groups of unified individuals with similar beliefs and values.
5. Little 500.
Ah, the infamous bike race. Springtime in Btown means one thing: Little 5, aka the greatest college week(end) in America. It is the event that labels us as one of the top party schools, all while raising huge amounts of scholarship money. Little 500 is one of the greatest college traditions that really brings the campus and town of Bloomington closer together.
6. Bloomington culture.
Kirkwood, the main street located in front of the Sample Gates, is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and gives off almost a hipster vibe. The town of Bloomington is very laid back and welcoming. It really gives IU that comfortable and cozy small town feel.
7. Midwest location.
Everything is slower paced, people are friendlier, and values are more traditional. While this may sound biased, being from the east coast, I received a bit of a culture shock my freshman year. Nonetheless, I felt at home. It was refreshing to be somewhere unpretentious and more laid back.
8. Tailgates.
Game time, is nap time. Surviving a Hoosier Tailgate is the true test of one’s stamina. You wake up at ungodly hours to consume Karakov and Keystone, and don’t stop until the fields get cleared out. Otherwise known as, the art of “puke and rally.”
9. Networking opportunities.
My freshman year I lived in the Kelley Living and Learning Center, a dorm strictly for Business students. Many of the programs have these LLCs, further providing students with many networking opportunities pertinent to their major. I had the chance to travel to Atlanta to meet with executives from SunTrust, CNN, and Coca Cola. It is rare for freshman to be handed such an opportunity, and I owe it all to the University for making it possible.
10. Scholarships.
IU wants you, just as much as you want them. Scholarships are out there, and there are many resources available to assist you with your search. Most students are not able to avoid the astronomical costs that coincide with going to school out of state, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
IU has given me so much more than I could ever imagine. When people ask me why I chose a school that requires me to pass 4 hours of corn fields on my drive there, it’s easy for me to say that it’s the best school out there, because everyone feels that way about the University they choose to attend. However, saying IU is the best doesn’t do it justice for the friendships, opportunities, and memories it has given me.
