It's now July and the incoming freshmen are biting their fingernails to bare nubs out of sheer anticipation. Welcome week is fast approaching, and personally, I am about to vomit rainbows and unicorns because I am so excited to be the newest student in B-Town. Waiting, however, can be about the toughest thing possible the summer before freshman year of college. This is most definitely the only summer I have wanted to pass quickly so I can start school again. Ok, that may not actually be true because I was one enthusiastic and nerdy grade-schooler. Anyway, here are a few tips to get you through this summer:

Yes, this will help. If you paint your nails it makes it so much harder to bite them. All girls are aware of this, and now boys, it's your turn. Break out the red if you are feeling sassy, or maybe you are more of a black nail guy, especially if you feel a bit melancholic. It doesn't really matter what color, it's all the same. I know you are all asking, "Is she for real?" And to answer that question, no I'm not, that was just to wake you up after that boring introduction. Here are some real tips. 

I know this sounds like self-promotion, but it really does help! There are hundreds of articles on this website that will get you ready to start in the fall and make sure that you don't walk onto campus like a blubbering idiot. 

I just recently bought a comforter ($19.99 at Target, I suggest checking them out!) and it made move-in day seem all that much closer. If you buy some dorm supplies, hopefully it can make you more excited and keep the anxiety in check. 

I am personally obsessed with lists, so I would naturally make a packing list for college. Looking some up online will definitely help because you forget so many things that you don't even realize you need. For instance, Q-tips. I use them once in awhile and totally forgot about those moments when I really need one. I couldn't even imagine the horror of being without them in one of those dire moments. Make a list and get ready for packing up the night before move in because trust me, we're all procrastinators aren't we?

• TOO MUCH STUFF: what to bring to move-in day
• Packing for Freshman Year: 7 Things to Leave Behind

This summer I had the opportunity to intern with NUVO, an Indianapolis magazine that has stories about local people changing the world and also what is happening around Indianapolis. It was difficult at times, but overall it was a great experience. Here is why!

1. It was flexible. My internship was not a normal 9-5, Monday thru Friday job. I had set office hours two days a week and I also was required to work at events usually on nights or weekends, one to two times a week.  This allowed me to experience a lot of different things that NUVO does, while still having a regular summer job and working about 30 hours a week. I really liked this because my internship was not paid so I got to still make money and gain experience I needed during the summer.
2. I got credit for it. I talked to my advisor about getting credit for my internship in April. If you think you may want to get college credit for an internship it is crucial to talk to your advisor and also with your potential boss. At IU, there are certain requirements that you must meet and you must sign up for the summer class to get your credits. All this must be done before you even start your job. My major is Communication and Culture and I decided to do 3 credits, which required me to work 140 hours for the summer at my internship and write a 8-10 page paper about my experience. These requirements vary between majors and departments at IU, so you must talk to your advisor. 
3. I took advantage of the opportunities I had at my job. I got to know my fellow interns really well, which allowed me to learn about other internship they had done in the past, and what they wanted to do in the future. Also, since NUVO is a smaller place to work, I was exposed to the other jobs at NUVO besides the ones in the department I worked in. We had to drive all over Indianapolis for different reasons so getting to learn more about what is happening in Indianapolis will also help me after I graduate!

Overall, NUVO was a unique and rewarding experience. I learned more about my own interests and how to teach others about new things. And I got to make many new friends and get college credit!

If you are interested in getting an internship, check out some of these other articles on WeAreIU.com:

• Need An Internship? Check out WTIU.
• Getting an Internship for Dummies 

From one side of the Atlantic Ocean to the other. That was the move I made almost exactly a year ago. I moved from Belgium to Indiana just a week before the first day of classes at IU. I thought I had readily prepared myself for what was in store for me, but I still had some culture-shock when I arrived. Sometimes you have to experience something to really find out just how it works, but just in case you are international, or even just new to the area, there are some things you may want to know.

Things I found out my first week:

• Every single person at IU loves America, and may start chanting America at any given time, for no reason whatsoever. Join in.
• When meeting someone, do not kiss them on the cheek. They will look at you weird, and maybe even judge you. A handshake (or if you’re very friendly, a hug) will suffice.
• American Police Officers really do pull you over for speeding, and you really will get a ticket. Looking back on it, my parents did warn me, and looking back on it, I REALLY wish I had listened.
• There are a lot of international people at IU! Just at orientation I met 5 others from the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Scotland and Switzerland. Finding connections like that helped a lot when I was feeling homesick. There also is an International office on campus, and even a few clubs!
• Saying where you moved from is probably the biggest conversation starter. Ever.
• Tipping is an actual thing, and at every restaurant you are expected to tip around 15%. My friends, who have worked as waiters or waitresses, have made this all too clear for me and the fact that I’m “foreign” and a “poor college student” apparently isn’t an acceptable substitute.
• No one is standing at your doorstep the first day of classes to show you where to go. However, while walking (and most likely getting lost on your first trial) ask anyone and they will probably know and direct you on where to go.
• Welcome Week exists and will forever be one of the greatest weeks of your life. Parties, activities, meeting new people, syllabus week…what’s better?

Probably the greatest thing I found out though, was that IU is amazing. People welcome you no matter where you are from, and there is always something going on campus. Meeting people; whether it be from your floor, classes, or while getting lost, is so easy that after a week it’s hard to believe you have only been there for such a short time. I have made great friends, and even better memories in my first year there. Starting a new school and moving away from home can be difficult, no matter if you’re international or not, but IU really makes the transition the easiest it can be. There are so many others going through exactly the same feelings you are, so you never feel alone.

Hello all you wonderful Hoosiers! 

Here we are in July, that exciting time when housing assingments have just come in! If you have are an incoming freshman, you may have found yourself in one of the un-air-conditioned dorms here at IU. 

WAIT! Did Caroline just say "un," as in no free flowing cool air? 

Yes dear reader you read correctly.  I reacted the exact same way when I got placed in Wright Quadrangle back in my first year, so no worries.  That reaction is completely normal.  However, before you start figuring out a way to sneak in a portable air-conditioner, please take a moment to look over this post.  Living without one actually is not that bad promise!

IU has three dorms without AC: Collins, Read, and Wright.  However, if you are assigned to one of these, fear not! Here are five tips for surviving the heat:

1. STAY POSITIVE!

This is the most important tip.  Your outlook will completely determine your experience with dorm life.  Instead of thinking, "Ugh! No AC. This is going to be horrible." say "Sure it may be hot for the first couple of weeks, but I'm going to meet lots new, cool people! We'll be having so much fun exploring campus that we won't even notice the heat!"

2.  Buy a good fan!

Put a box fan in your window and keep it on all the time until it cools off outside.  Having another one by your bed is a good idea to. 

3.  T-Shirts are your best friends!

Sure they might not be the cutest or most stylish pieces of clothing, but these will keep you cooler than wearing a tight top.

4. Cool rags and water!

Wet down a few washclothes, place them in baggies, and put them in your fridge. A filled up water bottle should also find a place in there to.  These will help keep you cool while studying!

5. Go eat a cold treat!

No better way to cool down than with some ice cream or fro-yo.  Grap your friends and try out the Crimson Creamery at Gresh or Red Mango across from Teter.

Best wishes,

Caroline

It's the best time of the year!  Almost time to move back to the beloved Bloomington, Indiana.  I'm getting ready to start my junior year and I could not be more excited!  That first semester back to the greatest town in Indiana is always the best.  It's full of Welcome Week, tailgates, Halloween, and awesome weather.  Come on guys, fall is the best.  Welcome Week.  How do I even begin to describe the wonders of Welcome Week?  Well, it's all of college minus the classes.  So, it's the best way to get your semester off to a great start of meeting new people, making new friends, and creating new memories.  Welcome Week is one of my favorites because it's reuniting with everyone from the previous year.  And i mean EVERYONE.  

Tailgating is my second highlight of fall semester and what I look forward to the most.  There is nothing I am more eager to do this year than wake up at 6:30 am to go tailgate in the fields and watch the Hoosiers!  Everyone puts on their best IU attire and fills the tailgate fields so you see nothing but a sea of red.  It's terrific.  All of the streets are packed with past, present, and future Hoosiers.  Not much makes me happier than a four year old with an IU Football jersey!  Oh, and all of the alumni!  They LOVE talking to students; don't be shy.  Everyone is in a great mood simply because they are back in Bloomington.  I've met so many alums at tailgate.  They love sharing their stories of when they were here as much as they love hearing ours.  We are all one big Hoosier family!  GET FOOTBALL TICKETS!  Football games are an amazing atmosphere.  It's full of Sweet Caroline and keys jingling, you'll see what I mean.  GO GO GO TO GAMES!  You may know someone!  I had football players on my floor in McNutt and it was great getting to watch someone you know play a Division 1 game, let alone in the Big Ten!  You will love it, trust me.

Get ready guys, It's about to be a great fall semester and we are all counting down the days until the first night of Welcome Week.  Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, go meet people!  Everyone is looking for more friends, it's IU for crying out loud.  Go to all the tailgates!  They are great memories that I am happy to have made.  Your homework can wait until Sunday (unless of course you have that dreaded finite midterm, good luck on that.)  Put on your IU attire and rep the best school in the country.  You're only here for four years, make them count!  I'll see you on the tailgate fields!  Look for me, I'm the one in red.  

Looking back, it is so hard to believe I am halfway done with my college experience. I am so thankful for the wonderful memories my friends and I have had and I look forward to many more. I came to IU as a Kelley major and although I chose not to pursue the major, Kelley has provided so much for me. My freshman year, I lived in the Kelley Living Learning Center (KLLC) and without a doubt, it was one of the best decisions of my college career thus far.

First of all, the KLLC allowed me to form amazing friendships. I know this sounds cliché, but I really do mean it! The friends I made my freshman year are some of my best friends to this day. We have had so many good memories pulling all nighters, eating cafeteria food, living off caffeine, pranking each other, and so much more. It was so nice living down the hall from so many amazing people. There were also several other students residing in the KLLC so it was hard to walk around Kelley without seeing a familiar face.

The KLLC also provides its residents with the privilege of attending out-of-state networking trips. My friends and I decided to attend the Atlanta, Georgia trip. We took a bus down one Thursday night in February and arrived in the city early morning. I love experiencing new cultures, and I find the South particularly fun due to the kindness of locals. We explored the city and got some amazing networking opportunities including CNN, Coke Cola, and various accounting firms. We even went to a comedy club!

Another aspect of the KLLC was the weekly events we were required to attend. We got to choose which sessions to sit through. Topics included networking, behaving professionally, extra curricular activities, what various career paths entailed, and so much more. These sessions gave us the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. 

I loved the KLLC so much that I became a mentor for incoming freshman when I became a sophomore. It was awesome seeing new students' excitement towards starting their college careers. Another perk of becoming a mentor was getting to meet Cody Zeller and Tom Crean! I am a HUGE IU basketball fan and it was awesome meeting them. Tom Crean also gave us an inspirational speech and you could really tell he cared about the entire student body. The community within IU is part of what makes it so amazing. 

If you are on the fence about living in a Living Learning Center, I highly recommend it! You will be surrounded with people of similar interests and it is an easy way to make friends. Typically, most people in LLCs are studious so you will always have a study buddy! They will usually be in the same classes as you so this will make studying easier. I also guarantee you will have lots of fun! My friends and I have made great memories watching basketball games, having dance parties, movie nights, and so much more! As I enter my third year of college, I can definitely say that living in the KLLC was one of my best memories so far! 

Face it, at some point we college students have to find a job.  We also have our own reasons for employment, whether it's for a little cash on side, rent or a hefty grocery bill it's always nice to find a job that coincides with our school schedule.  The Indiana University Foundation's Telefund is just that!

What does the job entail? Well simple, you call Indiana Univeristy graduates and ask if they could give back to the school, meaning donations of course.  What's really great is that you can call your desired major or minor, so you'll be speaking with grads that studied in your field.  I've found this very helpfull, most grads give great advice for career options and I've been even offered internships due to my generosity and knowledge of that specific major.  In regards to your work schedule, you make your own to fit your desired availbility.

I know what you're thinking right about now.

Yes, in essence you could be considered a telemarketer but don't let that deter you from applying!  Remember you're not trying to sell a vacum here. it's more like connecting with graduates through a similar field of study and asking them if they're willing to give back to their university.  IU counts on these contributions for general expansion of sections of our University and even providing students with scholarships.  

 Maybe you're shy?  Might just be that you don't like talking on the phone.  When I began working, these were problems I faced everyday.  The thing is I developed great communication skills from this job, which I believe is essential to have in any line of work.  Say you have a heavy workload during this upcoming semester.  Not a problem, during shift you have a lot of down time (meaning time where you won't be talking to prospects).  In this downtime you can read and even finish some homework.  Doesn't sound too bad now does it?  Being able to develop social skills, complete homework, support Indiana University and make money while doing it?  Sounds fantastic!  So follow the link below and apply!                                                                

Contact Info

http://iufoundation.iu.edu/students/telefund.html

Phone Number: 812-855-5442

DORMS. Cramped space and shower shoes are just a couple of things that come to mind. Now, it is true that a dorm experience can change your whole perception of a school. But in the end, these things aren’t important. You can end up with a crappy RA or a stinky bathroom in any dorm at any school. The people you surround yourself with is what truly matters in the end.

Now, I know that most incoming freshmen have one thought on their mind—“Please put me in Northwest!” After talking to my friend who was an upperclassmen, I found out that the Northwest neighborhood is the 

hot spot for dorms on campus. I got super excited when I pulled up my RPS information, and read McNutt. I got to be in the largest dorm on campus, full of people that just wanted to have fun! And, after living in McNutt for a year, I found out it really is a great place to be. Everyone does leave their door open, and people come together to hang out or watch a movie. Not to mention the McNutt C-Store is the home of the fabulous sandwich line and made-to-order Starbucks drinks.

On the other hand, it can be loud and overwhelming at times. People really do blast music at any hour, and sometimes your floor lounge might already be taken over with people. It can be difficult to find a quiet place to study.

And yes, people do party. Second week of class, it was a Wednesday, at about 11pm my floor bustled with girls running around borrowing heels, asking for opinions on outfits, and guys blaring “Levels” with their impossibly large speakers. After experiencing Welcome Week in McNutt, this was nothing new. What was to come the next morning was something I wasn’t ready for.

All in all, I had a blast my freshman year and still managed to maintain my grades. I met a lot of friendly people that I can now call my friends, and I made it my home away from home. But it was really my friends that made McNutt so awesome. So don’t fret if you don’t end up in the Northwest neighborhood. Just surround yourself with people you enjoy being around, because that is what can make your dorm experience spectacular.

 

Check out my other blog posts!

http://www.weareiu.com/blog/maddie-glenns-blog

 

Check out some of these other dorm reviews!

Indiana University Dorm Review - McNutt Dorm Review

The Freshman Guide: Picking Your Dorm/Neighborhood

IU Freshmen: Worried About What Dorm You Are Placed In? You Won't After Reading This.

 

 

 

^ Here is a photo of me at an IU tailgate.

One of the perks of living in McNutt is

having tailgates right in your own

backyard. Slap on an IU sticker and

pull on some high socks, and you're

ready to go!

 

 

 

 

I know that its midsummer and students of all ages are not ready to be in that school midset just yet. But in the midst of my first summer away from my home state of Indiana, I find myself thinking often about how thankful I am for my time I’ve spent at IU so far.

I am currently interning in Los Angeles, CA as a editor/ production assistant for a television show pilot. My job is demanding and very time consuming but this opportunity would not have been possible without me being at IU. The classes and the alumni are simply the best. I never thought I would utilize both before even completing my degree.

I've been reminded this past week of My First Experiences at IU as I've noticed orientation appears to be in full swing. For me orientation, as well as my general experience of being an IU student, has been an odd and surreal mix of childhood nostalgia and present day excitement. I grew up playing on the Bloomington campus- hunting crawfish in the Jordan river, playing hide and seek in Dunn's Woods, (we called it The Magic Forest) and learning how to ride my first bike- a green Schwinn, on the path through Dunn Meadow. As a teenager, my best friend and I dressed the statues of Adam and Eve http://inside.iu.edu/features/photos/8-15-12-adam-eve.shtml in hippie clothing in the middle of the night- thinking we would surely get arrested if caught- but nothing ever came of it. (Fun fact: the models for Adam and Eve were a real couple, and both babysat me) We smoked our first cigarettes in the Rose Well House and were constantly getting chased out of the Union for trying to roller skate through its halls. I remember when the water in Showalter Fountain came up to my shoulders. 

It's not that I was particularly wild or some juvenile delinquent- this is just what kids who grew up in Bloomington did during that time. We swam in quarries and we played on campus- for Indiana University was always a bit mysterious with its castle like buildings and grand limestone carvings- it's woods and waterways and wonderful places to hide- not to mention the total lack of traffic meant it was the perfect place to let our childhood imaginations run wild, which they most certainly did. For several years I was quite sure that green Schwinn was actually a zebra, which I rode through an African savannah which was in reality, Dunn meadow.  

But I was never actually a student here until I returned many many MANY years later to study film in the department of Communication and Culture, and found myself following a mass of red shirted people at my own new student orientation. Everyone around me seemed a bit lost and disoriented, but I was mostly just excited, for once in my life, to actually have a legitimate reason to be on campus... I couldn't help but find it funny that I kept being directed to follow the groups of parents- parents who glanced at me with saddened yet proud knowing looks as if I too were about to send my beloved child off to their first year of college. Little did they know I was just trying to figure out where my advisor was and contemplating whether I could handle a full course load. 

So for me, orientation was much like my first year as an official IU undergraduate: Along with navigating the crowded stairwells of Ballantine Hall and feeling slightly out of place, I was also a kid again, exploring a new yet familiar territory- a vast and exciting world where my imagination could run wild, and where a whole new adventure awaited me. 

Hello Everybody! My name is Luke and I will be a freshman at IU in the fall, studying Spanish Education. Over the course of my college experience, I hope I will be able to give you all first hand advice about college itself and the ins and outs of Bloomington and IU. New experiences can be daunting, tough, and quite challenging for people. College is one of those experiences, a time to move away, start a new time in your life. However, these exciting moments can sometimes get the best of us. I, myself, have been looking forward to college since the sixth grade. Now that I am about to pack up and move away from my quiet, suburban town to embark on a social and academic journey that will change the course of my life forever, I find myself a bit intimidated.

Regardless, it is important to embrace change, for it is the key component to finding out who you truly are. My best friend and I recently embarked on a backpacking adventure to California earlier in July. We went in completely unaware at how challenging it is to carry everything you need for a two week camping trip on your back while hiking through trails that have the incline equivalent to a wall. In the end, we still found excitement and opportunity while vagabonding through the small towns of central California. Sure, this wasn't our original plan and yes, we had a few fights and mishaps along the way. Yet, this trip taught us that our friendship could withstand absolutely anything, we had more fun than we originally would have, and in the end, it was quite the learning experience.

In the end, it's important to know that change is a good thing. It opens the door to new encounters and opportunities you would have never imagined possible. Starting a new life in Bloomington, moving away from home and into a small dorm room, and having a roommate will have its struggles, but I know the end result is going to be 100 times better. Don't let the fear of the unknown stop you from experiencing the truly fulfilling moments that life has to offer you.

One thing you will hear all of your professors, mentors, classmates, even parents rave about during summer: INTERNSHIPS.

Internships this, internships that. Now that you're in college, your summer pretty much has to be spent at an internship. Whether it's going on coffee runs every hour or managing a company's Twitter account, this experience is supposed to put you ahead of all your competitors.

Some schools at IU have special programs where you can get a summer internship through alumni. If you aren't in one of those schools or aren't fortunate enough to be selected for that, you'll have to look elsewhere.

I interned for a start-up apparel company based in Norfolk, VA this summer. Where did I find this internship? None other than CraigsList. I know searching for an important career opportunity on CraigsList may be the last resort for many people, but it sometimes pays off. CraigsList is, where I've found, where many smaller, local companies put their "Interns Wanted" ads. Because these companies are smaller, you have a better chance of getting the job. 

I saw an abundance of PR/marketing firms that needed summer interns, many of which were willing to pay (like my internship). These internships ranged from sports marketing to jewelry to event planning. Virtually every interest needed a summer intern, any many (if not all) were only part-time, so you still get some of your summer to relax.

Though these companies may not seem as "important" as the much larger, well-known companies, there are enough of them that may allow you to have different, unique internships for all 3 summers before you graduate. 

Honestly, what's going to look better? 3 different internships at 3 different companies in 3 different fields, or 1 internship at a "kind of" well-known company? 

With these smaller companies, not only do you get a personalized internship, but you also get to help a company grow. Many times, it's from the ground up.

1. Don't be afraid to look for internships in "unorthodox" ways, such as CraigsList or the classified ads.
2. Look for as many internships as you can; no internship is too small.
3. Make your internship area on your resume diverse; be sure to keep in your focus area, but branch out a little bit. Ex: If you're a PR person like me, do one internship about fashion PR, one about education PR, and one about health care PR.

There are many more internship options than you think there are. All you have to do is look for them.

• Searching for internships
• Choosing the right internship
• Landing an Internship

The new school year is right around the corner, and if you're an incoming freshman, you may have just found out that your new housing assignment says you'll be living in Read! Lucky you! I lived in Read my freshman year and absolutely loved it... and I'll tell you why!

1. The way the rooms are set up actually really gives you a lot of space! The default floor plan for a double room has two beds that are lofted with your desk underneath on one side and some shelving space and drawers on the other side. Along the opposite wall of the room are your GIGANTIC built-in closets! Above the closets you have even more storage space with little cubbies with sliding doors. These cubbies are actually a lot bigger than the ones in Teter. Seriously, the amount of storage space you get is one of the best things about living here. It's awesome.

2. Living in Read means that you get your very own half-bathroom that you share with the room next door. This is super convenient - great for brushing your teeth without having to leave your room. Sharing this space with your neighbors really helps you be able to better meet and get to know the people next door. And there's more! The janitors come and clean your half-bath (called a "johnette") once a week. You get the best of both worlds: you have your own bathroom right there as a part of your own space, and you don't even have to clean it. PLUS you get in on the social benefits of sharing.

3. Not to mention, you can still move the furniture around to customize as with any other dorm room at IU. I de-lofted my bed and made it into a half-loft.... (please pardon the slight mess).

4. There is also a bigger bathroom of showers located down the hall, so if you were really worried about missing out on the comradery of sharing a communal bathroom, don't worry -- you still get that in Read!

5. Every floor has a floor lounge -- a room where you can meet up. These lounges DO have air conditioning and plenty of couches! Some floors have a TV in the lounge, but not all. Not having a TV is not a big deal; if you want to watch TV in the lounge you can also use another floor's lounge that has a TV.

6. The building is X-shaped with four wings: Clark, Beck, Landes, and Curry. Clark and Landes are the females' wings, and Beck and Curry are the males' wings. The wings are pretty sectioned-off just with the structure of the building, but if you live in Read and have a key to the doors, all of the wings and floors interconnect.

1. Read is known for being located right next to the Jacobs School of Music... which probably means it is full of band geeks and music majors, right? Social suicide, right? Wrong. There are a lot of really cool people living here, music majors and non-music majors alike. This "all music people" stereotype most likely got started because of the Fine Arts LLC on Clark 3, and also because incoming freshmen music majors often preference the Southeast neighborhood when choosing housing because of its close proximity to Jacobs. While living in Read I had the chance to get to know so many people of a variety of majors. There were several people on my floor in Kelley, several in Jacobs, some journalism majors, some education majors (Read is also very close to the Education building), plenty in the College of Arts and Sciences, etc., etc., ...you get the idea.

2. Like any of the other dorms, Read offers tons of ways for you to get involved. Last year I was my floor's programmer (student government), so believe me when I say that there are always things going on that are planned for the residents, which is a great way to meet the people you live with. At the end of the second semester, the Read student government and the RAs put on Huge Fest, which is this awesome festival with bounce houses, a dunk tank, free T-shirts, comedy shows, free food... You should definitely go!

1. Unfortunately, the rumor is that the Bistro and the Landes Dining Room were taken out of Read this summer as a part of a renovation :'( but actually. This is a huge disappointment because both of these places offered really good food. And all last year it was super awesome to have three food options without even having to leave your building. I honestly don't know how students manage to live in residence halls that don't have any dining options. You have to leave the building to get food every time? What if it's raining?? Living in Read has made me so spoiled.

2. BUT! There is good news: The Hoosier Cafe is still standing on the main floor of Read so you can still eat without having to leave the building. Last year the Hoosier Cafe was basically a mini C-store (convenience store), which means that you could buy a lot of pre-packaged food here. There is also hot food available: 99 times out of 100 they are serving chicken strips. I believe it is actually being expanded this year into a full C-store, so hopefully we'll be able to buy things here that are not food-related, but will be super awesome to have access to in the residence hall (Floss! Yay!). Oh, and did I mention there is a mini-Starbucks? I repeat: Starbucks. Enough said.

3. Looking at food options lying outside the building, there will be a brand new really nice food court in Forest, which is pretty much 10 steps outside the building (I exaggerate, but you get the idea). It's also a really quick walk to Wright food court. The walk to Union Street Center isn't bad at all. The walk to the suuuuupppppper nice (arguably the best) C-store on campus in Willkie is also not bad at all.

4. And finally, looking at food options not within your meal plan (because you will get tired of it eventually), there are sooooooo many restaurants really close to Read. Mother Bear's Pizza is right next door on 3rd street. Also on 3rd street, Ami - a sushi restaurant. But it's actually delicious. I was really nervous to try sushi for the first time and ended up loving it. The entire menu is 20% off on Tuesdays, and they take your Campus Access card. And continuing our pattern of restaurants on 3rd street... there is another Asian restaurant with a name that I forget at the moment. From Read it's about a 10-minute walk to Kirkwood where you can basically find restaurant after restaurant after restaurant.

1. There are laundry rooms scattered throughout the basement of Read... just a quick elevator ride away. Tip: laundry on Sunday afternoon is crazy. Try doing laundry at seemingly odd times. But hey, if you're up studying on a Tuesday night anyway, you might as well have a load of laundry going, even if it's 2 a.m.

2. Read is the only residence hall with a CLDC, or Community Leadership Development Center. Basically, this is where all the RAs at IU come to "craft," or make your floor bulletin boards and door tags. But the CLDC is open for the residents to use as well! If you ever need to make a poster for a class, or you need access to scissors, glue, glitter, whatever, -- all for free -- this is the place to come. AND there are also computers and printers in here where you can print in your choice of black and white or in color. I believe this is the only place on campus I'm aware of where you can print in color for free. There is a limit of 5 pages (I think? Maybe 10?), but that's 5 pages per visit... meaning if you print 5, leave, and walk right back in you can print another 5 pages... #cheatingthesystem

3. There is a computer lab in the basement where you can also use a printer. It can get pretty crowded at about 3:00 - 4:00 and again at 10:00 pm and later, so I'd advise taking care of print jobs at basically any other time. It's very convenient to have this in your dorm, so you don't need to walk to the library every time you need to print something, and you don't need to buy your own printer.

4. In the lobby there are: three extra computers (sometimes I come here instead of the computer lab when it's a busy time), a printer, a copier, and the main desk area where there are always RAs working if you ever have any questions.

5. There is an MMM in the basement - Movies, Music, and More. Here you can rentDVDs, and also CDs, for up to 2 days. Renting from the MMM is waaaaayyy easier than bringing all of your favorite DVDs from home, and they actually have a really good selection!

6. There is a Game Room in the Basement of Beck Wing. I don't think I ever did more than just walk through it, but I believe it has a pool table.

7. There are a few formal lounges located on the main floor. These big rooms are full of couches and tables, which is really nice for studying.

8. If you are a musician, there are practice rooms in the basement.

1. Read is located in the Southeast Neighborhood of IU's campus... which means it's super far away from everything and basically in the middle of no where, right? Wrong. So wrong. I have no idea how this mentality got out there that Read is far away from everything. The walk from Read to Wright and Teter is literally not even 3 minutes.

2. Being a freshman, or any of class really, you will probably have multiple (if not multiple, at least one) class in Ballantine Hall. Read is without a doubt the closest dorm to Ballantine. Also, if you have classes in Jordan or in Swain, Read is the closest dorm to these. You have a class in Sycamore? The Chemistry building? Anywhere around the IMU? Read is the closest dorm to this entire area of campus where a huge amount of classroom buildings are located. Yes, Read is closer to these buildings even than the dorms in the Central Neighborhood like Wright and Teter. Don't believe me? Check out the walking distances from Read, Wright, and Teter to the buildings I just mentioned where you are likely to have a lot of classes:

3. Read is also really close to:

• the HPER (where you can work out!) The SRSC is a little farther, but if you're serious about working out you probably won't mind walking a little farther
• the TIS Bookstore (where you can buy your textbooks if you choose)
• The Village Pantry on 3rd street (for all of your occasional Village Pantry needs)
• Frats on 3rd street
• The College Mall! If you prefer walking over taking the bus, the walk is about 15-20 minutes and totally do-able

1. No Air Conditioning. Yes, Read dorms don't have AC. Please calm down right now. The first two weeks of the school year will not be so fun, but for the entire rest of the year I hardly noticed that I lived in a building without AC. Buy a fan. Buy a few fans, actually. I recommend a box fan to put in the window and a personal fan for yourself. Also:

• The main floor and the basement ARE air conditioned.
• Your floor lounges ARE air conditioned
• See: No Air? Who Cares! Tips for Living in a dorm with no AC

2. It is a long walk to the stadiums on the northern-most part of campus that takes about 20-25 minutes. Walk with your friends -- I'm sure if you were going to a game, you'd be going with friends anyway -- and the time will fly. Or take the bus if you really don't want to walk.

3. It is an older building, so the fire alarms are sensitive. Just try to be careful about not scorching your popcorn... also, really don't light candles, and get used to the fire alarms going off occasionally. It's not a huge deal, just an adjustment to living here, and it's all part of the dorm experience.

1. There are seven floors in Read: the basement, the main floor, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Students live on floors 2-6. Floors 2-5 are all doubles for the most part, meaning you have a roommate, and the 6th floor is all singles.

2. Each wing of the building has its own elevator. The elevator will pick you up and take you to any floor except the 6th floor. If you live on the 6th floor, you take the elevator to the 5th floor and then walk up one more flight of stairs.

• There is also a flight of stairs in every wing, and one flight in the center of the building.

3. Your RA's room will have AC (so make friends with your RA!)

4. Each floor has a supply closet where you can use a vacuum or broom if you need it, get more trash bags, more toilet paper for your half-bath, etc.

5. You have to supply your own hand soap for your johnette!

6. The mattresses are a size Twin XL, as with every other dorm.

7. Some of the floors have a small kitchen (stove, oven, sink, and some counter space) and others do not, but if you want to use a kitchen and your floor does not have one, you can always use another floor's! Just walk to a different floor, no big deal.

I hope you enjoy living in this residence hall as much as I do! Thanks for reading!

Holy Cow. I am going to begin my senior year at Indiana University in just a few short weeks. 

Where did the past three years go? It feels like only yesterday that I went on my college visit and stepped onto the most beautiful campus I had ever seen.

Now that I have experienced three-fourths of my undergraduate career and it is coming to a close, it's easy for me to get nostalgic. 

I pretty much always knew I was going to attend IU and study journalism. However, there was a part of me that was terrified I made the wrong decision. What if I hated it once I moved there? What if I felt alone? What if I ended up hating journalism? I'm not good at anything else. What if I wasted my parents money? Well let me tell you - I could not have made a better decision. 

Have you had that overwhelming feeling of belonging? That surge of deep attachment and love? That is exactly how I feel every time I set foot on campus. I KNOW I belong there. I KNOW Indiana University is where I am supposed to be. I have so much pride for my university. Sure, I did when I was a freshman. I got to brag that I was going to one of the best universities in the nation! But now, as a senior, I have an ever greater love and respect for it. Indiana University has become a part of me. It is my home. I look forward to the day when I purchase my alumni license plate frame. I can't wait to be a part of the Alumni Association. This is where I belong.

I hope everyone else who has chosen IU has the same passion I do. Whether you are an incoming freshman, a super sophomore, an experienced junior or a spectacular senior, I hope you realize what you have and what you are a part of. Together we are IU.

I look forward to writing about my experiences during my last year at IU and sharing what I've learned so far. I hope people will relate to, be inspired and learn something from each of my posts.

Let's get it started, Hoosiers!

• Best Decision I've Ever Made - Enrolling at IU
• Why IU is the best (perfect) place for me
• Choosing My College Home

Like any student nearing the end of the school year, I was so happy for exams to be over and summer to begin. And now as the summer is reaching an end, I’m just as anxious to be getting back to Bloomington – in fact, I’m more excited about going back to school than I’ve ever been before. Every year when all the back-to-school supplies start hitting the shelves, it hits me that I have to go back to the rhythm of going to class, doing homework, and seeing friends that I don’t see as often over break. Sure, I’m not looking forward to some of the work, but after a long summer, I want a little change. Now that I’m in college, though, I’m even more anxious to get back to school. But that’s only because it means I get to go back to Bloomington and the IU campus.

So naturally, I have compiled a list of the top six things I miss most about campus and the surrounding city.

1. Kirkwood– Nowhere at home is there a street like Kirkwood or 4th Street. There are so many options for food that it’s overwhelming and wonderful at the same time. You could be craving anything from Chinese fast food to authentic Turkish cuisine and it will be either on Kirkwood or 4th Street. That sort of variety compressed into a couple of blocks is hard to find anywhere else, and to have it just walking distance from your dorm is amazing.
2. Being able to walk almost anywhere – This stems from the previous point, but it’s something I miss for reasons besides having a variety of cuisines only 15 minutes from where I live. In one year at IU, I’ve gotten so used to being able to walk wherever I need to go in less than 20 minutes that now I hate having to drive where I want to go. If I wanted to hang out with my friends and watch a movie, I could simply walk to their room less than five minutes away (at most). At home, a lot of my closest friends live at least a five minute drive away, and there’s always the rising price of gas that makes me hesitate when I want to visit college friends three hours away. Not to mention that for me, work was also walking distance at IU. Point is, I loved being able to walk to all of the places I needed or wanted to go.  
3. Classes– Okay, okay. This one is a bit iffy. But college classes are nothing like high school classes, and I can’t help but enjoy them. What I love about college is the amount of freedom you’re given to choose your classes, making it so much more likely that you would enjoy going to them. Most of my classes in the last two semesters were small, and it allowed me to meet and interact with some pretty awesome and hilarious people. My creative writing class, for example, had about thirteen students, and by the end of the semester, we had created inside jokes and were sad to see the class end. It’s these little things that I miss and look forward to.  
4. The numerous events that happen every week – So many things happen on a normal week on campus that it’s overwhelming. At the same time, though, I’ve found myself at events I would normally not have had the opportunity to attend at home. In the last year, I’ve been to a ballroom dancing session, seen a belly dance performance, and played Mario Cart while wearing beer goggles. All of these things happen on and around campus, and honestly, you never know what sort of event you’ll find next.  
5. Baked/Insomnia Cookies– Being able to order fresh warm cookies with toppings and dough of your choosing at nearly all hours of the day/night only happens in college towns – and only big college towns at that. Who wouldn’t miss that?
6. The Union– Allow me to list everything that is awesome about the IMU: comfy couches, quiet areas to study, Starbucks, free movies on weekends, Barnes & Noble bookstore, bowling, and so many other things that I’m failing to remember and mention. The Union is a fantastic place to pass time between classes by studying or taking a nap. On weekends it offers movies that have recently been released in theaters for free. It’s also a great place to meet for group projects. Not to mention how convenient U-bucks are when you transfer them from your I-Bucks account. I honestly have missed spending time at the Union and lunch there during the week.

So there you have it - the things I miss the most! There’s less than a month left of summer, and I’m ready to go back to campus.

During the summer, you and your mom will head out to endure the two-hour (or longer) trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to purchase all of your “College Necessities.” Yes, this shopping trip could potentially take 2 or more hours…BB&B can (and should) print out a College Packing List specifically for IU Bloomington. This is very helpful! However I would like to point out 3 things specific to this list:

1. You can have a coffee maker or Keurig. Everyone had them in the dorms and trust me, I have never heard of anyone having theirs taken away. Get it. You’ll use it for coffee or just to make hot water (like I did for tea!).

2. Get a Swiffer Sweeper. Most of the rooms have a rug that cover the majority of the floor space, yet the tile portion of the floor can get gross with hair, makeup, spilled coffee, you name it. I recommend cleaning with the Wet Cloths. These will be sure to remove any spills or sticky spots.

3. Iron. Yes, you can have one. But just be careful when using it.

Now, here are the MUST HAVES:

1.     Planner

I cannot emphasize how important this is! This is the BEST way to stay organized. Between homework, group meetings, tutors, and the rest of your social life, you NEED to be on top of things.

There are several ways to keep track of your life:

• Some people prefer to put everything in their phone which then uploads to their computer, if you like this method, go for it!
• I, personally, prefer to write everything down in my Lilly Pulitzer planner. This way, I write it, I see it, and I will be more likely to remember what I have scheduled.

Also, its nice to know when there is a tailgate coming up or Fall Break or Parent's Weekend, it gives you something to look forward to, which can give you motivation to get your work completed just in time to celebrate. Be sure to write (or type) these special events in your planner as well.

2.     Sticky Tack

I would say this is better than tape. You’ll use it to stick posters and pictures to the wall.

3.     Hooks

I regret not having using these. I think I used six different coats during the winter time (i.e. long puffy coat, short puffy coat, North Face fleece, Patagonia fleece, Patagonia vest, windbreaker) and they all ended up on my desk chair. Get hooked on hooks!

4.     Extension Cords

You really don’t realize how much you’ll need these. As my dad always says, “you can never have too many extension cords.” I think my roommate and I used 5 in total but they were all different lengths and sizes. Be sure to get plenty of different kinds either at Target or BB&B.

5.     Light for beside/above your bed

This was great for those mornings I had 8:00 AM class and my roommate didn’t have class until 1:00 PM. Yes, that happens. I would hate to disturb her by turning on the big room light so I would use a small light above my bed. Worked like a charm!

6.     Stackable Hangers

All girls should get these…trust me! Think about it, if you have 5 pairs of jeans, you can stack them altogether instead of taking up that space in your closet. I don’t know how I would have fit all of my clothes in my closet without these.

7.     Rain/Snow Boots

I advise investing in a good pair of rain/snow boots. I have a pair of Hunter boots which can cost up to $190.00 and as low $125. It rains a lot but sometimes it’s just wet outside. A lot of girls wear Hunter boots but you find rain boots for a lot cheaper.

8.     Smartphone Gloves

These are great to have when it’s cold and you’re walking on campus. You don’t have to splurge on $100 gloves, it’s just not worth the money. I think I found mine for $15-$20!

9.     Headphones

These are best for listening to music while walking on campus or even to use while studying. I have Bose noise-cancelling headphones and they are amazing. If you want to splurge, these are worth it!

10. Diversified Coats/Layering Pieces

Like I said before, I wore six different coats during the winter. The weather can be very odd so it is nice to have at least one other option in case it’s warmer (or colder) than expected. I am from the Midwest and have experienced extremely cold temperatures and snow. If you’re from Florida or California and have never experienced cold weather or snow, I highly recommend investing in a warm coat!

Here are a few more tips from other IU students:

• Dorm Necessities... You CAN take it with you!
• Things To Bring To Your Dorm Room!
• Packing for Freshman Year: Five Underestimated Must-Haves
• How To Move In From Out of State! Like A Boss!

Hello all!

It's been quite a while since I've posted a blog - my sincerest apologies! My summer has been anything but busy! However, I did happen to go on the trip of a lifetime the week after school finished. Through the IU Student Life and Learning Office, a group of us went on a week-long service trip to Jamica. We spent time in both Treasure Beach and Negril, Jamaica. We spent our time in the heat working on schools that needed our help. We were also able to spend a lot of time with the children - who are just adorable, by the way! So, I present my photoblog from my week in Jamaica! 

^ One of the classrooms in a school we visited while in Treasure Beach. All students wear uniforms.

^This photo was taken on our way to Treasure Beach. Imagine if this was just outside your front door. 

^These boys were so full of energy. Great smiles, too!

^This was the first school we worked on in Treasure Beach. Lots and lots of paint!

^Jamaica is beautiful.

^We helped construct a new section for this school in Negril. 

^The kids were so great. So full of smiles.

^This was taken just after the sun set in Negril, Jamaica. Truly breathtaking if you ask me. 

And now, for a video! On our day off, we went to YS Falls, which was spectacular! We ziplined over the falls and got the greatest view. Enjoy!

So, there you have it! Don't overlook these opportunities! IU provides so many incredible opportunities to travel and see life through a different lens. My week in Jamaica was truly amazing. 

Until next time, 

Gillian

Here are some activities that other students have taken advantage of:

• Making the Most Out of Your Spring Break - The Jamaican Field Service Project
• Oh, The Places You'll Go With IU
• Trips to awesome places for CHEAP! (AKA, why you should be in the school of journalism)

The start of the semester is drawing nearer and nearer and with much anticipation from me and I’m sure thousands of my other Hoosier brothers and sisters. For returning students and anxious freshmen the start of a new semester can bring anxiety, stress, and a large to do list. However, it’s important to take a break to have fun and enjoy life. Below is a list of things I believe every student, new or old, should do before the first day of class.

It’s no secret the IU is one of the most beautiful campuses around and sometimes during the hustle and bustle of classes one forgets to stop and smell the roses. Whether you’re a new student or one that’s very familiar with campus, taking some time to appreciate how beautiful IU is can really make you smile and remind you one of the reasons you became a Hoosier. 

If one of the reasons you’re excited to get back to Bloomington doesn't’t have to do with your favorite IU staples then you’re obviously lying to yourself. It doesn't’t matter if its wings from Buffa Louie’s or authentic Indian food from 4th street everyone should be excited to indulge in delicious foods while at IU. If you’re new to Hoosier nation I recommend trying classics like Mother Bear’s Pizza and The Village Deli first.

And I’m not only talking to freshmen! New friends can bring tons of great things, like new opportunities, experiences, and memories. As an incoming junior, every semester I’ve spent at IU I’ve made more and more lifelong friendships. And who knows, that person you say hi to may become the best friend you’ve ever had or the best beer pong partner you’ve ever met. 

I’d suggest everyone go pick up some new spirit wear for tailgating and Kirkwood is the best place to find it. However, don’t let the term Kirkwood limit your shopping experience. There are tons of cool shops and places to check out downtown and in the square too!

And I don’t mean the intense library study session kind of all nighter. Some of my very favorite memories as a Hoosier involve late night Pizza X, good conversation, and great people. Having a big late night sleepover with people on your dorm floor is a great way to get to know each other better and for returning students it’s also a great way to reconnect with friends you’ve missed all summer.

Known as the heart of campus the Indiana Memorial Union is full of great things. If you’re new to campus it’s a great place to explore and familiarize yourself with so you know where you’re going if you decide to stop by between classes. The union is a great place to get your textbooks, enjoy a game of bowling, or just hang out with friends before the semester begins.

Doesn’t matter if it’s a house party, fraternity, or an apartment warming party, but everyone should let loose and have some fun with friends and fellow Hoosiers before classes. We Hoosiers have never lost a party. So party hard, but party safe!

For returning students that sounds like advice solely for freshmen, but as an incoming junior I’ve misjudged the amount of time it takes to get from my apartment to class multiple times so it’s a good idea that you’re positive you know where you’re going and how long it takes to get there. For freshmen I suggest you take an hour out of one of your days before classes to figure out where your classes are as well as what path to take to get there. Also figure out the bus routes! You may think walking everywhere seems like cake, but when you’re running late for class or there’s tons of snow you’ll want to know which bus to take.

There are tons of things to do before classes start for everyone, but don’t forget to take some time to enjoy campus and your time before homework starts to pile up!

And for even more fun things to do check out this IU Bucket List Blog: http://hoosierbucket.tumblr.com/

If you haven't already received your housing assignments (which residential hall you'll be living in and who your roommates are) you will very soon. The thought of living in a tiny dorm room for a year may not be very appealing, but the interior designer in you doesn't care how big or small your new space will be and he/she is just waiting to be released in the middle of Bed, Bath and Beyond. Here's what to expect while dorm room shopping.

You receive your roommate and housing assignments and the episode of Facebook stalking that's bound to take place either goes like this:

Or like this:

Either way, you need to throw all feelings of roommate jitters aside for the time being and concentrate on one thing [insert "dun, dun, dun" sound effect here] dorm room shopping list.

Bedding in the wonderous size of twin extra long. Don't let the "extra long" fool you - it's tiny.

Shower shoes or flip-flops are probably the next most important step if you're assigned to a residential hall with a communal bathroom. Right now you're probably thinking hair balls and some mold in the corner:

But really, that's the least of your worries. You should be thinking foot fungus and cockroaches. So, how about those shower shoes?

Storage containers, shelves and drawers are essential to dorm life. Your dorm room is much smaller than what the virtual blueprints look like. You'll want to eliminate clutter and storage boxes help you do so. Before you know it you'll have so much room for:

Rain gear is an absolute must, especially in Indiana where the weather is as unpredictable as your girlfriend's mood. Without an umbrella and/or rain boots you'll be running from tree to tree on campus looking like this:

While every (smart) Hoosier with rain gear is strutting through the tsunami-esque weather with this attitude:

Cleaning supplies is also something that your mother will secretly pack for you. You WILL have to clean eventually because you WILL NOT be able to handle the smell anymore. Mold is a very real thing and cleaning it will neither fun nor easy. So, mold at first sight and you'll look something like this:

But then, when your eyes begin to water and you'd rather study in the community bathroom than your room, you'll pick up the cleaning supplies. At first your attitude will be something of this sort:

However, because you're a Hoosier now and everything's a party in BTown, your cleaning routine will become easier and easier.

By the end of the year you'll be Mr. Clean and your chores will go something like this:

Bloomington's residential building have seen some great improvement; however, not all halls include the luxury of air conditioning. You will need fans. Yes, that's plural. When you walk across campus and back for classes during the heat wave you'll want to come back to your room and look more like this:

than this:

Speaking of long hikes through campus, you will definitely want to pack some quality walking shoes. We all know that fashion standards are raised from high school to college, but that doesn't mean you have to wear heels everyday to lecture. If you do choose to go this route you will look like this and people will laugh at you.

Your brain is also a key ingredient to success at IU. Even though this is a really exciting time in your life, it's also to remember why you're here. So, after syllabus week and when your workload begins to pile up you may think to yourself:

And by midterms you'll sit in lecture starring at your professor like:

But when you meet with your adviser and he/she tells you you're on a path to graduate in four years instead of six, or eight or more, you'll want to throw yourself a party:

And you'll go home and look in your dorm room mirror and thank yourself for packing your brain:

Poster sales are always at an all-time high during Welcome Week:

And everyone eventually falls into the dorm norm by hanging some lights:

Although dorm life is a required experience at IU, you shouldn't look at it merely as a requirement. Moving from home to the dorm typically comes with an unforgettable experience. From choosing classes at orientation to getting along with your new roommate and building ever-lasting friendships, your first year in the dorms is an exciting time, to say the least.

Whodathunk it that a small-town girl from Merrillville, Indiana would be going to the best school in the nation? Ok, I'm kissing butt...but in a truthful way. I'm just overwhelmingly bombarded with so many emotions about leaving for school: excitement, joy, fear, uncertainty, and the list goes on. The one thing that eases my nerves is that I'm not the first and I won't be the last. Many small-towners have come before me and hoards more will trail after me.

As a first-time blogger, I hope that I will someday be in the position to help the next flock of future Hoosiers through my little rambles here at We Are IU. There isn't much wisdom I can share at my current stage in life, for I am but a wee lass. However, I'm sure as my experiences pile up, I'll be able to pour out a bucket fullof kowledge. I'll be great! I promise! Who couldn't trust this smile? :D :D :D

Well, I guess I should give some words of advice for my fellow incoming freshman...

GOOD LUCK!!!