<p>So I'm currently a Junior in high school, out of state, and am visiting IU over Spring Break. I'm excited, because it's one of the few schools I'm looking at. (others are UC Boulder, UO Eugene, UW Madison) There aren't going to be any students on campus though because it's their spring break too so I'm kind of scared I won't get a feel for campus life. Anyway, I have a few questions. </p>
<p>1) Yes, I know that everryyy school is a party school, and most schools have a greek system. BUT, is IU's so dominant that if you're not into that much partying you won't fit in? I'm definitely not a nerd or anything, I've just never been a total partier who goes out all the time and gets drunk. I've never really fit in with that crowd.</p>
<p>2) Are there any hot spots whether it be food, coffee, interesting hang outs or anything unique to Bloomington and IU that I must go to?</p>
<p>3) Being from the southwest and not really knowing too much about midwest schools, is IU a good alternative to UW? It's gonna be a reach to get into UW but I love all of the qualities of a big ten school like UW Madison. Which also brings the concern of athletics.. I don't care if the team sucks, but is IU school spirited when it comes to football? That is important to me too. </p>
<p>Also, being from the southwest, be aware that it gets cold and snowy in Bloomington in the winter. There was a poster on CC from Florida who freaked out when she realized that winter in Bloomington meant cold and snowy. She asked if IU could do anything about the weather!</p>
<p>ggfan, I was at IU this past weekend for my Direct Admit Day in the Kelley Business program and got to talk to students there so hopeful I can help you out a little. One of the freshman that I talk to there told me that you can definitely fit in at the school if you are not a huge partier and you can still have FUN! Her roommate doesn’t drink but is still in a sorority and has fun, but just doesn’t drink. </p>
<p>Yes IU does have greek life, but it doesn’t rule the campus. A lot of students participate in greek life, but a lot don’t participate and they live in a house with friends near campus or in an apartment on campus. </p>
<p>Places to go in Bloomington - any local restaurant for the most part. A lot of people like Mother Bear’s pizza place. Kirkwood has a lot of places to eat too.</p>
<p>IU is definitely more into basketball, but when I went to a football game this summer, the stadium definitely filled up with people. So you will definitely get a good experience with athletic spirit.</p>
<p>Krikwood Avenue/5th Street is cool, and the ethnic restaurants a couple blocks south of there are also very nice (but kinda expensive for college students).</p>
<p>Baked of Bloomington-great homemade warm cookies and they deliver! 313 E. 3rd St.
You can pick what kind of dough and what mix ins you want. Give them a try!</p>
<p>IU’s campus will be dead, dead, dead over Spring break. You might see a few oriental students (and mistakenly think that IU is all international students) that are not going back to their homes, but campus will be devoid of students otherwise. All but one or two dorms will be padlocked.</p>
<p>I second bthomp1’s statement that IU will definitely be dead over spring break. However, this’ll give you a good opportunity to walk around all parts of campus and explore town freely. As others have suggested, check out Kirkwood, 3rd street, and 4th street for a variety of delicious restaurants and cuisines!</p>
<p>If you like Mexican, La Charreada and Casa Brava are both really good options. Of course, like the others said, anything on Kirkwood and 4th Street are good bets as well. Ami (on 3rd) is great for cheap sushi, and Grazie on Walnut has really good Italian. Scholars Inn is amazing as well.</p>