<p>Okay well I've never been to the midwest, so I don't really know what it is like to live there. And I'm a fan of nice cities, so that is a big factor into my college decision. </p>
<p>I'm applying to schools in Miami, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Malibu, so Bloomington doesn't really fit in, but I'm hoping it isn't as bad as it seems.</p>
<p>But IU sounds amazing, with its top 10 business program, big 10 athletics, school spirit, crazy party school, laid-back atmosphere, and hot girls.</p>
<p>But the city of Bloomington is making me nervous. My friend knows someone who lives in Indiana and they don't have street lights, and the houses are miles apart, and I'm hoping Bloomington isn't like that.</p>
<p>Can anyone describe Bloomington to me? I know it is supposed to be a great college town, but I don't know?</p>
<p>while i disagree that you wont find hot girls and a party atmosphere in miami (cmon dude can you honestly say that with a straight face), bloomington is a great town. The houses are not spread out like u said. The campus is nice and all together as you can easily walk everywhere from all the different places. The campus is beautiful with all the tress and rolling hills. Trust me on this one. Im from Chicago and have been to almost every big ten town and bloomington is my favorite. Honestly the only negative is that it is obviously colder than your other options but the town itself is great. Great atmosphere good downtown although not as good of bars as some of the other big ten schools like iowa and illinois. But all in all, IU is a great school and bloomington has everything you could want.</p>
<p>Well, I used to live in southern California (now northern California), and Bloomington is not San Diego, Santa Barbara, or Malibu--but as was said earlier it's not that bad.</p>
<p>Even in the winter the California towns are quiet. When summer rolls around, you won't be in Bloomington, you'll be back home. And the good news is Indiana U lets out before all the California universities, so you'll be on the beach (or hanging out on the pier) before your Calif friends. On the other hand, it's 18 degrees out in Bloomington today and in the 50s in So Cal--so you have to be able to handle the cold.</p>
<p>Yah I plan on applying to Penn State and Indiana, but the coldest I've ever been in is like the 30's and 40's and I freeze. I really can't stand cold weather, but I've never worn really warm clothes. The most I've ever had on is like a hooded sweatshirt. So maybe with some more clothes on I wouldn't have any problems.</p>
<p>I'll just have to see. But thanks for the opinions. I think I can handle Bloomington, but I definately plan to visit, if I can get in and if it ends up being one of my top choices.</p>
<p>Bloomington is definitely different from the rest of the state. It's got its own feel. It is, as a general rule, a very liberal town, which is rare in mostly conservative Indiana. More than that, it's very socially open, as well as very diverse. One of the things I love about it is that different areas of town have their own identities. Downtown is populated mostly by bars, quirky stores, and amazing restaurants ranging from pizza to sandwiches to nearly any sort of ethnic cuisine imaginable. It's got the quintessential college-town vibe, but more urban areas are only a ten minute drive. The mall (as well as Target, two large chain bookstores, and several chain restaurants) is on the East side of town. There are some areas where cornfields seem to go on for miles, but that's completely away from the IU campus. There's definitely a campus, but it's right in the center of the community. Anything that one might need can be found somewhere within the fifteen mile radius (theoretically).</p>
<p>The Kelley School is amazing for business. Also, IU is starting to redeem themselves in the basketball department, so it seems that school spirit (and the Hoosier basketball mania) is revving itself up again. </p>
<p>Hopefully that was somewhat helpful. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I've lived in Bloomington nearly all my life, and while I don't want to go to college at IU, I absolutely love it here.</p>