As a second-year student who now lives in an off-campus apartment, there are so many things I miss about living on IU Bloomington’s campus. The resources, scenery and sense of community I got from this campus truly made this IU feel like home to me. Living on campus can provide so many benefits, here are some ways to cherish them:
Find your favorite study spots
One of the most important pieces of advice I have is to establish your go-to study spots right away. It’s important to know which locations on campus make you feel academically motivated, because where you are can make or break a good study or homework session.
My favorite spots to study on campus are ones next to windows so I can get plenty of natural lighting, like the library in the Education Building. Being able to see out the window helps me to not feel too cooped up inside while I’m studying, giving me a connection to the world outside.
Take advantage of your meal plan
When living on campus, I recommend taking full advantage of all the dining opportunities on campus you have access to if you have a meal plan. If you intend to live off campus in the future, you likely won’t have a campus meal plan, so I suggest utilizing the one you have now as much as possible while you can.
Some of my favorite places to eat on campus are the Bookmarket Eatery in Wells Library ad the Forest Dining Hall. Both dining halls provide plenty of delicious options for various diets.
Appreciate proximity to on-campus resources
One of the best parts of living on such a vast campus is that it puts you in proximity to so many resources. If you’re looking for someplace to work out, the Student Recreational Sports Center is right there for students to use, boasting a variety of different exercise equipment and facilities. There is also the Herman B Wells Library, a huge building with an endless supply of study spaces, complete with a dining hall for students hoping to get some work done. Additionally, the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art houses some amazing art pieces that are free for students to view. I really recommend taking advantage of being so close to these wonderful spots on campus.
Overall, it’s crucial to appreciate the many benefits to living on campus. IU has an absolutely beautiful one, and there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
This article was originally published in the Housing & Living Guide, an IDS special publication.
