Indiana University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

One of the chief draws to Bloomington is the beauty of the surrounding environment. The town was named for what it does, and in the spring, there is no refuting the awe-inspiring scenery. In addition to Hoosier National Forest, which is a short drive from campus, there are many hiking trails and forested areas for the aspiring naturalist. You’re apt to find locals who chose Bloomington for the surrounding countryside and students from major cities who add to the mix, making the small town eclectic and refreshing. As in any small town, close-mindedness is not unheard of. Fortunately, this negative way of thinking is mostly drowned out by the liberal attitudes on campus.

Without the college, Bloomington may be just like any number of other small Indiana towns: rural, serene, and not all that enticing to most college students. However, IU brings such a magnitude of diversity to the city that it far surpasses the norm. You’ll find everything from small businesses where the owners know the clientele by name, to chains like Borders, Best Buy, and McDonald’s. There are plenty of clubs and bars to sate the partygoers’ thirsts, and just as many coffeeshops and art galleries. Bloomington houses students and faculty who are interested in a vast array of hobbies, pastimes, and passions, as well as the locals and some small-town vibes. Whether you want intimacy or anonymity, open air or indoor recreation, the variety of just plain nice folks in Bloomington will help you get what you’re looking for.

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Students Speak Out

IWUek says: Indiana University 2015 Communication and Journalism

The atmosphere is a mix. You have... The atmosphere is a mix. You have townie bars which everyone tends to avoid (except for a certain night once in a while), and then you have all the trendy places to crash and drink. Mix of fun low-key places for those college nights and restaurants for when you need to have a night that makes you feel like you're still a part of the sophisticated scene you're used to. 12345 Local Atmosphere: February 20, 2009 Report

IWUABf says: Indiana University 2015 Business

Bloomington, or "B-town," is like... Bloomington, or "B-town," is like a second home for all IU students. It is a welcoming and warm town with lots of shops, restaurants, and fun nightlife such as the sushi houses, comedy rooms, and bars. Downtown Bloomington is always clean, safe, and very relaxing to just walk through, with lots of art galleries and interesting stores. 12345 Local Atmosphere: February 18, 2009 Report

IWUKD says: Indiana University 2015 Education

IU is considered the best college... IU is considered the best college town in America for a reason. I can walk to shops, restaurants, theaters, and football tailgates from campus. Coming from a small town myself, I still feel like Bloomington has the small-town feel, despite it being home to more than 40,000 students in such a small area! 12345 Local Atmosphere: February 18, 2009 Report

IWUJM says: Indiana University 2015 Business

The atmosphere feels laid-back and... The atmosphere feels laid-back and open. There are plenty of fun things to do around town, and finding some trouble to get into is never much of a problem with the student population. There are several state schools in driving distance, including Indiana State and IUPUI, but the only one also in the community is Ivy Tech. 12345 Local Atmosphere: February 18, 2009 Report

IWUBW says: Indiana University 2015 Business

Bloomington is a really relaxed... Bloomington is a really relaxed town with a lot of restaurants and bars, but no clubs. To be perfectly honest, B-town is an oasis in Indiana and I leave as seldom as possible. 12345 Local Atmosphere: February 16, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Local Slang
Y’unt – A faster way to say “Do you want . . .” As in, “I made some taters, y’unt some?”
Coke – Any kind of carbonated beverage, including Pepsi
Nap Town – Indianapolis
Hoosier – IU’s “mascot,” an indefinable expression of school spirit—what you are if you attend IU
Ternament – Tournament, as in a basketball tournament
Ruff – meaning roof, as in the part of the house that keeps the rain out
Townie – Non-student Bloomington resident

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