Words of Advice

People ranging from first-years to leaders from across campus offer advice on how to prepare and make the most of your time at IU. From the practical to the philosophical, they’ve got you covered.

“It’s not too early to work on your IU bucket list. These four years go by very fast, and I really encourage all the freshmen to take advantage of what a major Big Ten research university has to offer, and get out of their comfort zones and try things they haven’t tried before. This is a special time in your lives when you’re unattached and don’t have a lot of responsibilities. Have fun pursuing your degree, and don’t look back wishing you had taken advantage of things you wished you didn’t take advantage of when you were in Bloomington.”
Fred Glass, director of IU Athletics

“Try and make friends outside of the group from your high school. People change a lot in four years, you will too, so try and embrace it. The people who you meet your first week on campus or even during the first year might not be who you end up being close friends with all four years. That’s okay too! Just be aware, don’t burn bridges and meet as many people as possible.”
Jared Thomas, Union Board president

“I would encourage students to be open to discover what their own sexuality might mean to them in healthy ways, but also to value and respoect the differences they encounter. It makes for a full and enriched college experience. My sense is that students today are much more open to value the differences they are exposed to. Don’t assume everyone is the same, don’t be afraid to ask questions in a respectful way. I think when people do that, they’re really delighted to give positive responses.”
Doug Bauder, coordinator of GLBT Student Support Services

“Don’t bring your car. Bloomington is a very walkable and bikeable campus. There is also bus service available throughout campus and the surrounding community. IUSA sponsors Zimride, a social-networking based ride-share program that matches passengers with drivers. You’ll be glad of all the money you saved on gas and insurance.”
Bill Brown, director of sustainability

“Don’t let your short-term social activities distract you from your long-term goals. Have a social life, by all means, but don’t be defined by it.”
Sean Jordan, Interfraternity Council interim president

“Be responsible. With that said, it is understood that college is a learning experience — academically and socially. No one will always make good choices. How one reacts to these errors in judgment determines whether or not they are ready to be considered mature adults. When it becomes painfully obvious that they chose poorly, they must be accountable for their words and/or actions.”
Laury Flint, interim chief of police for IU Police Department

“Take advantage of all the world class cultural resources IU has to offer. IU’s arts scene rivals that of a big city! Your life as a student will be so enhanced and your education as a citizen of the world will be greatly enlarged. Good luck!”
Adelheid Gealt, director of the IU Art Museum

“I think that one of the best things students can do in their freshman year is to get involved. Being involved is a great way to create a network of friends, learn soft skills that cannot be picked up in a classroom, and gives one a sense of ownership and connection to the IU campus.”
Jose Mitjavila, IUSA president

“The number one thing we talk about is starting early. Career planning starts the first semester of your freshman year, mainly because you’re learning more about yourself and learning more about the world of work, so that by the time you get to the end of your sophomore year and you start looking for internships, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of careers you want to go into.”
Pat Donahue, director of the Career Development Center

“I would encourage incoming students to take advantage of the diversity on IU’s campus. Meet and interact with people of different ethnicities, faiths and nationalities. It will help you develop as a person and give you insight into the world we live in.”
Eric Love, director of diversity education


-Compiled by John Crodian, Brianna Meyer, and Dianne Osland