Where and how to stay cool on campus

An excessive heat watch will be in effect through Saturday for the area which means some campus buildings are going to be less than comfortable.

Here’s a few ways to stay cool if you’re stuck on campus this week.

CHECK OUT THE FOUNTAINS
While actually taking a dip in either of IU’s two fountains might be frowned upon in some circles, misty breezes and splashing water from these sculptures can be enough to help you cool down.

The Showalter Fountain, with its famed disappearing fish , is located in front of the IU Auditorium in the aptly named Showalter Fountain Plaza. The waterfall-like McKinney Fountain stands tall in front of the Jacobs School of Music on Jordan Avenue.

GO SWIMMING
Billed as Bloomington’s “campus oasis,” the IU Outdoor Pool has been helping students beat the heat since 1966.

The pool charges students $2.50 for daily admission and offers free sunscreen. The water is also heated, so if you’re still trying to stay cool come the beginning of October, you might be in luck.

In addition, the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation maintains multiple pools and diving wells at its Royer’s Pool and Counsilman-Billingsley
Aquatic Center.

SEE A MOVIE
Movie theaters and air conditioning have become synonymous during the summer months. Theaters were, after all, one of the first industries to install the invention way back in 1925.

IU offers two opportunities to cool down while watching a movie.

The IU Cinema, which opened last year on the side of the IU Auditorium, offers a wide variety of independent, foreign and classic films even throughout the summer.
If you’re looking for entertainment that’s a little more populist, try the Union Board’s long running film series at the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Indiana Memorial Union.

During the summer, the schedule is more sporadic and strays away from new releases, giving movie fans a chance to see films like “Space Jam,” “Dumb and Dumber” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on the big screen again or for the first time.

— Jake New