Ball State University
- Nightlife

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For many years, Ball State students of all ages enjoyed a hard-earned reputation for drinking and generally living it up. Historically, the police would greet public intoxication and minor consumption with a wink and a smile, but following a series of shootings at house parties in recent years, the Ball State University Police Department has cracked down. Instead of targeting individual partygoers, the UPD now sets its sites on the hosts. If minors are caught consuming alcohol at your party, you can expect a hefty fine and, depending on the terms of your lease, possible eviction. Despite the risks, big block parties are seen around campus, usually centered around New York Street, Neeley Avenue, and Carson Street on the east side of campus, Dill and Dicks streets on the southeast side, and the side streets off of Bethel Avenue on the north side. The house-party season typically runs from late August to early November, and it’s all but dried up by second semester. As for bars and clubs, they tend to center around the business district on the southeast side of campus along University Avenue known as the Village. Popular Village bars include The Chug, a sticky, seedy, and incredibly popular dive bar; Motini’s, a swanky martini bar frequented by Ball State’s art set; and Dill Street Bar and Grill, a large dance club that is often packed to sweaty capacity on weekend nights. When they’re not at The Village, students often frequent The Heorot (pronounced her-ot), a three-story, Celtic-themed pub; and Doc’s, a live-music venue often featuring local jam bands.

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Nightlife at Ball State University

MaggieJeanne12

Registered Nursing (RN) '15

4.2

A-

Enjoyable

The school provides many different on campus activities on the weekends late at night. We have a Late Night program that has different themes each week and they provide free food, fun games, cool activities. Its a great event. Also the school provides a recent movie every Friday played in one of our auditoriums. Then in the village of the campus their are a few nice restaurants with bars that are safe and enjoyable. A great place for you and friends to go.

Feb 16, 2012

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Nightlife at Ball State University

kaylarogers11

Political Science and Government '15

3.5

B

Parties

There aren't any bars around campus that are under 21. However there are always house parties going on off-campus. There are parties every weekend so you can always find one too crash.

Feb 16, 2012

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Nightlife at Ball State University

mmsnider2

Foreign Language Teacher Education '14

3.1

B-

Typical College

Ball State University tries its best to keep nightlife on campus under control, and for the most part, they do a decent job. BSU hosts its own safe, drug-free, alcohol-free party every Saturday night with food, movies, dancing, and other activities specific to the theme of the party that week. Additionally, you are very likely to see campus police driving all around campus keeping an eye on things. For those that stay out late, Charlie's Charter is available to take them back to their dorms safely and without questions. That being said, students still go to clubs and house parties and interact in nightlife that is either illegal or not particularly upstanding, but I do have to say that I have never seen nor heard of any consequent incident happening on campus because of these parties. Campus police either keep everything under control or are around enough to ward off any under-the-influence students with stupid "great" ideas.

Jan 22, 2012

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