These days, it seems as though I can't walk anywhere around the center of campus (the area near Ballantine Hall or the arboretum, for example) or inside the Indiana Memorial Union without running into large tour groups. While weaving through all the people may make my walk to class a little more challenging, I can't help but be a little jealous of those students and their families paying a visit. It's already been more than two years since I was part of that tour group. I had so many questions. I was in awe of how big and beautiful this campus is (still am!). I was amazed at all the opportunities ahead of me.
Now, potential Hoosiers, it's your turn. Everyone has their reasons for choosing IU. Here are mine.
1. Major. First and foremost, you're attending college to get an education and prepare for a career. I knew through most of high school that IU had a strong, nationally-recognized program for my desired major, journalism. (I go more in depth about it in this article.) Other well-known major programs include business, psychology and music - but you have so many options and great programs for them!
2. Size. I came from a pretty small high school (graduating class of 110) where you didn't have a lot of people and activities to choose from. The beautiful thing about IU is that you have thousands of people to potentially meet and hundreds of ways to get involved. Whether you're interested in sports, arts or Greek life, there is something for everyone here. You can easily make a school of this size much smaller, but you can't make a small school bigger!
3. The atmosphere. I loved everything from the college town feel of Bloomington to the Big Ten sports (especially basketball games!). IU and the city of Bloomington have so much to offer, from great restaurants downtown to arts and cultural opportunities such as great shows at the IU Auditorium. People here are so friendly and willing to help you with whatever you need. You're going to be living here, so you have to love your surroundings!
4. The beautiful campus. This picture. Need I say more? (Photo from indiana.edu)
Of course I have more reasons, but if I listed them all, this post would be too long! Whatever your reasons are for choosing IU, know that college is one of the greatest times of your life, especially at a great school like this. I'm so happy I chose to attend IU because I really can't imagine myself anywhere else. It's hard to believe I'm almost halfway done with my time here, but I'm so excited for all the opportunities these next two years will bring.
I'm still jealous of you who have four, though.
Want to know why others chose IU? Check out these great articles!