The bucket list

You’ve heard about the nightlife at IU, but what happens during the day?  Here are some suggestions on how to spend your ample time here.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

Jump in Showalter Fountain
The Showalter Fountain is a monument to IU’s arts history, but it also is a major symbol of campus culture and — sometimes — lore. First designed by the late IU faculty member Robert Laurent in 1954, the fountain was inspired by bronze fountain groups in America and those he saw while on sabbatical in Rome. The sculpted fish surrounding Venus are stolen almost annually; however, a simple dip in the fountain will suffice as a form of academic rebellion.

Visit the Tailgate Fields
The tailgate fields are often synonymous with drinking and loud music, but the wide open space used for pre-football game fun is the place to be during football season. Remember to wake up early, wear a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, and stay out of the way of the excise police.

See “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Buskirk-Chumley
Each year around Halloween, the Rocky Horror Picture Show is performed at The Buskirk-Chumley Theater. This tradition offers costume contests, interactive performances and an all-around fun time for all. A suggestion: Don’t mention it’s your first time, unless you want to be brought on stage for a special “initiation” ceremony.
Go to a Hoosiers Game
You’ll always remember your first IU basketball game. The roar of the crowd in Assembly Hall, the fast pace of the game and the IU fight song will surely inspire you to become a lifelong fan. Buy an IU T-shirt, pick a favorite player and let your Hoosier pride shine.

Use the bathroom at Soma
Located on the corner of Grant Street and Kirkwood Avenue, Soma Coffee House and Juice Bar sports some colorful and amusing bathroom décor, which changes every so often. The toilet sits upon a stage-like platform, a pair of upside down mannequin legs holds toilet paper rolls and a mosaic decorates one wall. When your parents come to visit, let them experience it for themselves.

Junior and Senior Years

Play Sink the Biz at Nick’s
Nick’s English Hut is notorious for its food, sports bar atmosphere and the infamous game, “Sink the Biz.” The main objective is to keep a small beer glass — the “Biz” — afloat in a bucket full of beer, while each person take sturns pouring a small amount of beer into it. The first one in your group to sink the “Biz” into the water has to drink his or her entire beer. Be sure to order a side of seasoned Biz fries to enjoy as you play.

Try a Signature Drink
Every bar has its signature drink. The AMF at The Upstairs Pub is one of Bloomington’s most famous, with its electric blue color and combination of who-knows-how-many different liquors. Another B-Town favorite is the Hairy Bear at Bear’s Place. This potent, orange-hued drink is said to be an acquired taste, but you should try it at least once to see if it’s for you. Finally, there’s the Bluebird Nightclub’s Dirty Bird. This mammoth drink is a favorite of locals and show goers at the local bar/music venue.

Go to the Quarries
As a tribute to Bloomington’s limestone history and Breaking Away nostalgia, many people choose to visit the old quarries, now filled with water, sunken construction equipment and utility vehicles. Although jumping from the Rooftop ledge — whose location can be disclosed solely by word of mouth — is popular, it is also very dangerous. A history of injuries, diving deaths and arrests is tied to this secret location, but the quarry is also a popular hangout and party spot during the summer.

Eat breakfast at the Runcible Spoon
The Runcible Spoon is famed for its commitment to locally brewed and sourced coffees, fresh food and eclectic atmosphere, but the breakfast menu is definitely its specialty. The range of options includes eggs, sausage, corned beef hash, mimosas and chai lattes. Go here to cure a hangover, study with friends or enjoy the patio on a spring day. Given the size of their portions, you’re sure to leave with another serving for later in the day.