Don't worry

1. What if I hate my roommate?
We really hope that doesn’t happen, but if you and your roommate can’t work it out, you can go to your resident assistant for mediation or request a room change after the second week of classes.

2. Will I ever stop getting lost on campus?
Yes! IU’s layout might look daunting on a map, but after a week, it’ll feel small. To lessen your “intentional detours,” carry a campus map in your bag, as well as a class schedule complete with classroom numbers. Also, a few days before classes start, map out your schedule for the week on foot, and find the best routes to and from class. You’ll be a pro in no time. And if all else fails, there will be IU Guides on campus armed with maps and directions for the first few days of classes.   

3. What is there to do?
Are you kidding? You’ll be in a dorm with hundreds of other new students who also have no idea what to do. That’s where we come in. There’s plenty to do in Bloomington if you’re underage, but here are a few options:

The Starlite Drive-In

7630 S. Old State Road 37
Come for the popcorn and the nostalgia. Now, seeing as the drive-in specifically requires a car, it would be a great chance to invite others along if you have one. The drive-in opens at about 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and admission is $7 per person. Note: The Starlite only accepts cash, so bring enough for ticket fare and concessions. (Open April through October.)

Free movies in the Indiana Memorial Union

Every weekend, the Union Board shows a free film at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the IMU’s Whittenberger Auditorium.
    
Hoosier Heights

5100 S. Rogers St.
An indoor rock climbing facility, Hoosier Heights is great for climbers of all skill levels. Daily passes start at $14, and you can rent all the gear you’ll need for $8 more. The best part: It’s a great workout.
824-6414

The Back Alley

The Union is good for more than just study breaks between classes. If you’re bored on a weekend, try the Back Alley: a bowling alley, video arcade and billiards room. It’s located on the mezzanine  level next to the Commons and Burger King.
The bowling alley is open from noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday, 3:30 p.m. to midnight on Monday and Wednesday, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 a.m. on Friday and noon to 1 a.m. on Saturday.
The billiards room is open 1 p.m. to midnight on Monday through Thursday, from noon to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday.
The video arcade is open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, noon to
1 a.m. on Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday.
855-2328

Art classes

The Union offers two six-week sessions of ceramics and photography classes each semester. Classes are offered in beginning wheel, creative hand building, surface design and decoration, black and white darkroom and photography basics. Each class costs $85 for students. Perks: Classes can be billed to your bursar account, and students taking a class receive up to two hours of free parking in the Union lot during their class time.

IU Art Museum
1133 E. Seventh St.
We know what you’re thinking: “Art museum? No way.” Maybe the museum’s not for you, but for all of you with even a slight interest, go check it out. Admission is free, and it’s a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Tip: Grab a quarter from the desk on the way in and stuff your bag into a locker, located on the ground floor. The staff gets pretty serious about this rule. Make sure you  stand clear of all artwork or someone will scold you for it. Also, make sure you check out the cafe on the second floor, located in the gift shop. It’s a nice spot for coffee.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Monday.
855-5445

4. My classes will be too big.

The average class size is 34, and fewer than 6 percent of classes have more than 100 students. If you are in a larger lecture, most likely you’ll also be assigned a small group discussion section or lab with an associate instructor who will get to know you
on a first-name basis.

5. Should I bring a car to campus?

That’s a tough one. Truthfully, it depends on a lot of things. If you have no other way to get to and from campus during breaks or weekend visits, a car might be a good idea, or a necessity. Freshmen are usually issued an E parking permit, which allows them to park in the stadium parking lot. This isn’t too bad for students living in the Northwest neighborhood, but for those who have to come from Foster, it might be huge pain. Also, students are required to move their cars to designated parts of the stadium parking lot the night before each home football and men’s basketball game or face being ticketed. If you chose to come to IU without your car, the city and campus buses can take you anywhere you need to go. For more information on routes, visit Parking Operations at www.iubus.indiana.edu. Many students also opt to bring their bikes; however, even bikes must be registered with the University, a $5 cost.

To purchase a parking permit, visit Parking Operation’s Web site at www.parking.indiana.edu or call them at 855-9848.