Let me set this straight (and as a lifetime Hoosier I'd say I know what I'm talking about), Bloomington =/= Indiana. Yeah, it is in the state, but that is where the similarities end. A Sports Illustrated feature on the Little 500 once opened "A blue oasis in a red state." Bloomington is honestly somewhere I can see myself retiring. After five years in Bloomington I will go elsewhere for graduate school, but I will ALWAYS rave about Bloomington/IU-B. I have been to everyone Big 10 campus outside of Happy Valley and only Madison compares. Here is a PM, most of the feedback was based on specific questions, I wrote someone else to give them an idea of the school (BTW, thanks for the Kelley plug to the person that mentioned it
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*The university's art museum is very nice, if you want to go to a regular museum you'll have to drive 50 miles up the road to Indianapolis.
*The university isn't incredibly diverse (in terms of blacks and hispanics), but there are a lot of Asians. A fair # of LBGT (I think it goes hand in hand with the reputation of the music school). The university is pretty liberal (not incredibly), so you'll encounter little if any racism.
*The music scene is good for a town its size. There are tons of bars and tons of acts that frequent the bars, some Independent, some local, and some major label. Every year during Little 500 week about three or four frats get bigger named artists to perform. The university also gets a main artist. In the past this has included Dave Matthews, Nelly, The Roots, Michael Jackson, Wilco, and John Mellencamp. The music school is always #1 or #2 in the rankings (with Julliard), and they put on TONS of shows.
*The closest professional sports franchises reside in Indianapolis (again 45 minute drive north). However, the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program is the pride of the state. Every game, every year sells out (we just wne through a coaching change and were a major story for 11 straight days). After all the movie Hoosiers, is about Indiana high school basketball. Indiana is the basketball capital of the world. The men's soccer program is year in and year out the best in the country (we've won two national titles while I've been in school) and actually draws nice crowds. The football team could use some work. Attendance picked up a little this year as we made our first bowl game in 15 years (we should repeat that feat next year). Season basketball tickets ran $260 for 18 games, and season football tickets were roughly $60 for six games. The rest of the sporting events are free. EVERY sports bar gets packed for road Indiana basketball games, I suggest you try to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
*You will learn VERY quickly that there is a lot of culture with the campus. Lotus Fair (a great indie music festival every year), maybe 30 ethnic restaurants within 5 blocks of the campus, etc. Indiana is a large university and puts on many, many events for the students. I can honestly say whatever you enjoy, you'll be able to do it in Bloomington.
*Offcampus housing is very easy to find. I currently pay $392.50 for my share of a two bed-room. I walk to campus every day. The walk is 15 minutes to my destination, but some places are five minutes away from my house. My place is very average, great maintenance, decent space. The nices places run $750 for a one bedroom ($1200 for two). If you don't wnat to do the apartment thing you'll be able to rent a house for about $350 a person (or $550 for one). You will NEVER have trouble finding close housing. If you decide you don't want to live near the campus you'll be able to get a cheaper place, but I like being close to campus.
*Indiana has always had at least three buildings in construction while I've been a student, so the facilities are pretty nice. The library is open 24-7.
*The nightlife is great. Just three years ago we ranked as the #1 party school in the country. You can be isolated from that with ease. I don't party nearly as much as I used to and still have a great time on weekends.
*Without the students, Bloomington has about 80,000 permanent residents. EVERYTHING revolves around the university. That has its benefits (new buildings everywhere because of all of the disposible income), and drawbacks (Bloomington summers are a bore). The town is fairly diverse. In southern Indiana, some people claim racism is a problem. I've never encountered it, but I always frequent spots where you can expect students (everyhting I need from bars, to Target, to eating, is close to campus.
*Compared to the rest of the state (including the Ball State, Notre Dame, and Purdue campuses) Bloomington is costly. Compared to any big city, Bloomington is incredibly cheap. (Gas, food, etc)
*I've actually never met a student that is doing well in school who didn't love their time in Bloomington.
*The campus is amazing. As I mentioned Bloomington is the epitome of a college-town. I'd say today was an average winter day weather wise and the temperature was 35 degrees. Not warm, but not Chicago, etc.
*Public transit is amazing in Bloomington (at least the school's bus routes, and the city's two main campus bus routes).
I honestly believe if you aren't looking for a city then you will fall in love with Bloomington upon your campus visit. Again, the campus is amazing (as far as best quality of life amongst Big 10 schools, the only school that compares is Wisconsin). Set up a college day and you'll love it.
FYI...I don't proofread on message boards.
). Also, from long distances, one can fly into and out of Indianapolis and check out IU-Indy, definitely a different vibe but also a quality school on the rise.
. There has to be a catch, right?" So far I haven't found one (other than staying in the top half of the class to keep the scholly, which really isn't a catch). I'll be sure to report back after Law Day. I'm going basically to confirm that my first impression was correct, and they've got a full day of stuff planned so I'll be sure to fill you in.