Bloomington has earned its reputation as a wonderful place to live! We have plenty of big city amenities wrapped up in a small town package.

About Bloomington
Bloomington, a community of about 69,000, is situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, approximately 50 miles south of Indianapolis, the state capital. Much of the surrounding country is forested, with three lakes and several state parks with excellent recreational opportunities only a few miles away. Additionally, Bloomington Parks and Recreation offers more than 1,500 programs throughout the year and has over 20 city parks as well as three county parks.

At IU, you will have access to an excellent, rich, and diverse cultural environment. The Indiana University School of Music produces more than 1,200 musical events annually, ranging from operas to ensemble and solo performances that take place in facilities such as the IU Auditorium or the Musical Arts Center. Many events are free or at reduced prices for IU students. The Theatre Department presents productions throughout the year both on campus and at the Brown County Playhouse in nearby Nashville, Indiana. There are several museums on campus and within walking distance, notably the Lilly Library and the IU Art Museum. Both feature temporary and permanent exhibits and often host national touring exhibitions. The Lilly Library is noted for its holdings of English and American literature and houses one of the country's finest rare book collections.

For watching or participating, Indiana University 's athletic teams and facilities are among the best. Sports Illustrated on Campus ranked IU the 6th best college sports town in the nation, with one of the best student recreational centers in the country. Women's tennis, men's basketball, soccer, track, and football have all received high national rankings in recent seasons. You'll also find a getaway with our recreational sports programs and facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools and diving wells, several gymnasiums, weight rooms, indoor and outdoor tracks, group exercise studios, along with various courts for racquet sports, basketball, and a multitude of other sports. We also offer more than 80 group exercise and mind-body sessions from early morning until late at night.

The campus supports a large business and retail community located within walking distance of campus, and the inter-connecting campus and city bus lines help make getting around easy. There are stores located in an enclosed mall that is a ten minutes walk from campus, and smaller shops literally surround campus. Over 140 ethnic restaurants and grocery stores reflect the increased influence of a large international student population. Essentially, you will get all the activities and conveniences of a major metropolitan area wrapped up in the safety, convenience, and comfort of a small town.

Bloomington hosts a wide array of festivals and special events throughout the year, including Chocolate Fest, the Little 500 bicycle race, a Taste of Bloomington, the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, the Fourth Street Festival of the Arts, and the Hilly Hundred bicycle event.

Virtual Visits
While there is nothing like experiencing our campus first-hand, you can take an online tour and learn more about IU Bloomington. If you are an international student, be sure to visit our International Resources page to learn about how we can support you as you come into our community.