<p>i was wondering what the surroundings of the college were? what's near the schools? any stores or good restaurants? what do you guys do for entertainment? go to the movies? theater? Thanks for your time!!</p>
<p>My son is a current student, and I have visited, so maybe I can help you a little. The college is close to downtown Bloomington, but that doesn't mean a lot, since Bloomington is such a small town, not counting the college. However, there are lots of nice, little restaurants just off campus, including various ethnic restaurants, most reasonably priced. There is a shopping mall not far from campus with all the usual mall stuff, as well as movie theaters.</p>
<p>My son is a music student, so most of his entertainment centers around music. There is always something happening on campus, including recitals, band and orchestra programs, musicals, opera, dance, etc. </p>
<p>There are also lots of opportunities for rec sports, lectures, club meetings, dorm activities, and, yes, parties. In the town itself, according to my son, there may not be a lot, but there is plenty on campus.</p>
<p>IU is ranked in the top 10 for nearly every party school ranking i've seen.</p>
<p>Does it snow a lot in Indiana?</p>
<p>No, usually 6 inches is a lot of snow for them. Winters aren't bad at all because they are in southern Indiana and don't get the lake effect snow and the arctic air that the northern states do. But don't get me wrong, we're talking about 20-30 degree days sometimes.</p>
<p>I am from GA, so I want snow!</p>
<p>You're looking at the wrong place then. Try anything in Chicago or upstate NY, or better yet, U of Alaska.</p>
<p>It gets very cold in the winter at IU, according to my son. I remember he called once while walking back to his dorm at night, and he said it was 6 degrees out. And that was not rare. After living in the Pacific NW, IU was a big change. My son was very grateful for the warm scarf a friend's mom knitted for him, and he wore it often.</p>
<p>It does snow a fair amount at IU, but it doesn't usually last long. Winters tend to be fairly dry.</p>
<p>Dry is good, I have curly hair and the humidity here kills me.</p>
<p>Know anything about the town of Bloomington?</p>
<p>It's fairly dry in the winter; it is NOT dry in the summer. Summer humidity is awful! (well maybe not awful compared to Georgia, but definitely awful compared to Oregon!) When weather is warm, there are lots of thunderstorms and such, too. Tornadoes rarely go through Bloomington, but it can happen. (I think there were a couple of tornado warnings this past year where they had to leave their rooms for the center part of the dorm.)</p>
<p>Bloomington is basically a college town. It doesn't have a lot on its own. Not a bad place, but nothing too exciting.</p>