2026 Parents Guide

FOR STUDENTS,

BY STUDENTS. more at idsnews.com

2026

PARENT

SURVIVAL GUIDE

PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN PERMIT NO. 279

MAXIMIZE TUITION INVESTMENT WITH A LUDDY MINOR

THE LUDDY SCHOOL

MAXIMIZED STUDENTS CAN GAIN A TECH EDGE BY ADDING A MINOR (OR TWO) TO BOOST THEIR DEGREE. TODAY'S EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR PROFESSIONALS WITH SPECIALIZED SKILLS IN TECH— NO MATTER WHAT FIELD YOUR STUDENT CHOOSES. These days, every company is a tech company.

Whether a student is pre-med, pursuing business, an aspiring journalist, or just exploring their options, adding one of Luddy's 13 tech-focused minors can give them a serious edge in the workforce.

Help your student to discover how tech fits their degree pathway. visit | go.iu.edu/luddyminors

IDS AN INDIANA DAILY STUDENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer Jonathan Frey MANAGING EDITORS Ursula Stickelmaier (Content) Lillie Donato (Digital)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chloe LaVelle VISUALS EDITOR Briana Pace ARTS EDITOR Hope Bernard SPORTS EDITOR Sean McAvoy NEWS EDITOR Zoe Reed OPINION EDITOR Odessa Lyon SOCIALS EDITOR Lainey Beech INTERIM DIRECTOR Mike Arnold ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Greg Menkedick EDITORIAL ADVISER Ruth Witmer

Visit us online idsnews.com Newsroom 812-855-0760 Business Office 812-855-0763

Parent Survival Guide 4 Advice from parents 6 A checklist for helping your student move in

8 Dates to know for this fall 10 How to stay connected with your Hoosier

11 What is a Hoosier?

12 Which school is your

19 The best gift cards to

24 Upcoming season of IU

14 Finding off-campus housing

20 How to help your student

26 IU-affiliated Nobel Prize

15 Places to buy IU merch

21 Navigating mail and

student in?

16 IU parents through the years 18 The best bars for a parents’ night out

purchase your student

navigate financial aid packages at IU

22 Health and safety resources 23 Keeping up with news at IU

sports in a nutshell winners

29 Best places to snap a pic with your student

30 What I wish my parents knew

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear parents, Welcome to the IU family, and congratulations on raising a Hoosier! You’re reading a publication from the Indiana Daily Student, IU’s preeminent newspaper serving the campus and the city of Bloomington for more than 150 years. You can also find us online at idsnews.com or on almost every social media site @idsnews.

We’re not parents, but from what ours have told us, sending a kid to college can be nerve-wracking. Will they make friends? Will they have

fun? Will they avoid having too much fun? Perhaps most importantly, will they stay true to themselves?

College is the first step into the real world for many kids. It’s a time when many achieve the most internal growth, make the most mistakes and learn the most about themselves. As a parent, these changes may not be evident in the first year.

But trusting your child goes a long way in letting them have the best college experience they can hope for.

It matters to let your student pave

Fax 812-855-8009 COVER PHOTO BY SOPHIA KAPLAN | TOP FILE PHOTO

their own path. Making mistakes and growing from them are a natural part of life, as are taking cool classes, meeting new friends and engaging in extracurricular activities.

When graduation day comes for your child, which will happen before you even realize, they will have grown more than you ever thought they had room for. In the case of some who discover weightlifting, that growth will be apparent. For the rest of them, you’ll see it in the way they carry themselves and navigate the world.

Inside this publication are some tips, advice and general information to help you in this journey with your new college student. Whether this is your first kid, the last of many or somewhere in between, we hope the information stored here will be of use to you.

Welcome again, families, and enjoy everything IU can offer!

Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer and Jonathan Frey

IDS Co-Editors-in-Chief Summer 2026

Advice to parents from parents who have been there before

ILLUSTRATION BY BRI SUCH

By IDS staff

ids@idsnews.com

Elke Stickelmaier, mother of managing editor of content Ursula Stickelmaier

Let your kid go with the knowledge that you’ve given them the tools to succeed. Think about what you were like at their age, the obstacles you faced and how you handled them, chances are they are more mature than you were then.

At least that was the case for me.

4

Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer, mother of co-editor-inchief Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer This is a big transition for kids — but also for parents. We raise our kids from birth to this moment when they leave our house with the hopes that we have given them, as the old saying goes, both roots and wings.

As the kids fly off to this next chapter, parents are often left with anxiety and sadness.

My advice: feel your feelings, stay available for

your kids by keeping the lines of communication open, but don’t hover. As hard as it may be, this is the time to let go. Let your child know that you are available if they need you or your advice, but this is the time for them to make their own decisions and figure out their own identity separate from you.

We encouraged our kids to try new classes and experiences, study abroad and get involved on campus and in the community. The development and growth in

college is huge — so many new experiences await! It is a joy to see your kids evolve.

Bob Frey, father of co-editor-in-chief Jonathan Frey We scheduled weekly calls on Sunday evenings.

We would also usually talk once during the week. The regular calls were good for us as parents, helped us navigate the “newness” of our son living away from us.

I also strongly recommend setting up 3rd Party access to IUOne. This portal

is an effective and efficient way to interact with University, e.g. pay tuition, bills, etc. as well as to check your student’s class schedule.

Laura Ferster, Frey’s mother Our son made the most of his time at IU - it was his journey. He made lifelong friends, participated in extracurricular activities, worked for the IU newspaper, and learned about the world and himself.

Graduating in 2026, he is proud of his achievements

(as we certainly are too!).

As his mother, I saw how important his four years at IU were to him. He grew, matured, and achieved successes at IU. He’s wellprepared to face the complex world with confidence.

It wasn’t my journey. I tried too hard to predict outcomes for him, but he needed to live his own life, put in the effort, and accept the consequences, good or bad. If I could change one thing, I’d try to worry less and accept the college ups and downs better.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

ARABIC FLAGSHIP PROGRAM Enhance your global career with Arabic.

Free tutoring, exclusive scholarships, and international internships.

Learn more and apply now at arabic.indiana.edu

hls.iu.edu

@hamiltonlugar

@iuarabicflagship

A checklist for helping your student move in These tips and essential items will help make moving into the dorm easier

By Will Tallackson wdtallac@iu.edu

Leaving home and moving into a dorm for the first time can feel both exciting and intimidating for new IU students. I remember how nervous I felt as an incoming freshman trying to organize everything I needed before move-in day.

Between dorm supplies, move-in preparation and adjusting to campus life, having the right essentials and planning ahead can help students feel more prepared for their first year in Bloomington.

Bedding essentials After long days of classes and campus activities, having a comfortable bed setup can make the transition to college life feel less stressful. A mattress topper, pillows, comforters and extra sheets can make residence hall beds feel more comfortable.

Bringing my personal blankets and pillows from home also helped my dorm room feel more personal and made adjusting to college easier during my freshman year.

Storage and organization I quickly realized hows-

mall dorm rooms can feel, especially when sharing space with a roommate.

Without enough organization, rooms can become cluttered quickly.

Under-bed bins, storage drawers, laundry hampers, desk organizers and closet hangers helped keep clothes, school supplies, snacks and personal belongings organized.

School supplies and technology essentials College classes can feel overwhelming during the first few weeks of the semester without the right school supplies and tech-

nology. Laptops, chargers, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils and planners can help students stay organized as classes begin.

Items such as extension cords and power strips are also useful in dorm rooms with limited outlets, especially when you need to charge laptops, phones and other electronics all at once.

Time-management tools such as an alarm clock also helped me stay on schedule and wake up on time for early morning classes.

Bathroom and cleaning products Sharing

communal

We’re on campus, online, and in the palm of your hand.

Mobile Banking makes it easier than ever for you to manage your account on the go!

IU Credit Union members enjoy: • Full-Service Branch at 17th & Dunn • Online Banking & Bill Pay • Mobile Banking* with Mobile Deposit (and touch ID for phones with touch ID capability) • Online Loan Applications • Free Checking • Nationwide ATM Network • And so much more!

bathrooms and living spaces can be one of the biggest adjustments for freshmen living in residence halls. Shower shoes, shower caddies, towels, toiletries and hand soap are everyday essentials for dorm living, especially when using communal bathrooms.

I found that keeping everything in a shower bag made trips to and from the bathroom much more convenient. Cleaning products such as disinfecting wipes, paper towels, laundry detergent and air freshener also helped keep my dorm

room clean and comfortable.

Personal items and decorations One of the most difficult parts of leaving home for college can be adjusting to a new environment without the familiar decorations and comforts of home. Bringing personal items such as your favorite posters, throw pillows, blankets and photos can help dorm rooms feel more welcoming during the first few weeks on campus.

SEE MOVE-IN, PAGE 7

Open your account at any branch or online:

We started a credit union and created a community.

Follow us on

*Message and data rates may apply. Check with your mobile provider.

6

Federally insured by NCUA 812-855-7823 • iucu.org

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

» MOVE-IN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

One item I especially enjoyed having was a whiteboard on my door, which allowed people on my floor to leave positive messages, answer fun questions and get to know one another better throughout the year.

Move-in dates and check-in information Incoming freshmen will move into campus housing Aug. 18–19 and will receive additional information through their IU email accounts about scheduling appointments. move-in Students must first check in at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, located at 1001 E. 17th St., before heading to their assigned residence halls.

Preparing ahead of time for check-in can help move-in

ILLUSTRATION BY EVELYN STRAUSS

day feel less stressful for students and families.

Move-in day tips

Before arriving on campus, students and parents can view room dimensions and layouts for assigned

residence halls through the IU Housing website to better prepare for move-in day.

Reusable moving bags or

blue IKEA-style bags can make the move-in process faster because they are easier to carry through resi-

dence halls than large cardboard boxes and they help keep belongings organized while unloading.

IDS NEWS IN YOUR INBOX STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE OR COMPUTER SUBSCRIBE AT IDSNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

7

IDS FILE PHOTO

The Student Athletic Board float rolls down East 13th Street on Oct. 20, 2023, during the IU Homecoming Parade in Bloomington. The first homecoming event for alumni was in 1908 and included a circus and banquet.

Dates you need to know for this fall

By Zoe Reed

reedzoe@iu.edu

Indiana University is a huge school with dozens of organizations and clubs.

Finding important dates to know within the long list of academic and extracurricular activities can be difficult.

Between move-in logistics, add-drop deadlines, holiday breaks and final exams, the fall semester at IU moves faster than most new students and parents expect.

For full official calendars, you can look at the Office of the Registrar website. But, knowing where to look is half the battle, so here are some need-to-know dates worth circling on your calendar.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 to Wednesday, Aug. 19 This is the grand movein day, where the majority of IU Bloomington students will check in and move into

8

their residence halls. All students should have their own assigned time for move-in, which will be shared over the summer.

Check in times are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days, arrive early to make sure you can get a close parking spot.

After the grand move-in days, all students are directed to go to the center desk of their assigned residence hall to check-in.

Monday, Aug. 24 This is the first day of classes for the semester. Before the first day, it’s good for your student to know the general locations of their classes, the buildings they’re in and how long it takes to get there by their preferred transportation.

Check bus routes ahead of time. All students should also look for a shared syllabus from their professors before the first day of class; some may require specific

school materials that need to be purchased or prepared in advance.

Monday, Aug. 31 After this date, students dropping out of a class will receive a “W” for “withdrawn” on their official transcript.

Saturday, Sept. 5 IU football will play North Texas at Memorial Stadium in the opening game of the 2026 season.

The Hoosiers will be continuing their momentum from last season, when they completed a perfect 16-0 season to win the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Monday, Sept. 7 No classes in observance of Labor Day. Friday, Sept. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 20 The Fall Family Week-

end takes place on campus.

Many parents and siblings come to visit their students at IU for the weekend. A schedule of activities will be announced by the Office of Student Life closer to the event dates.

IU Homecoming Parade, which takes place beginning on Woodlawn Avenue and ending at Seventh Street on Friday. On Saturday, there will be a Homecoming Huddle and a football game against Minnesota.

Friday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 11

Saturday, Nov. 9

Students will have a three-day weekend for fall break.

IU basketball will play Syracuse in Indianapolis in the opening game of the 2026 season.

Friday, Oct. 16

Friday, Nov. 20

The first eight-week courses end, with final exams taking place during the last class.

The 13-week courses end, with final exams during the last class.

Monday, Oct. 19 After the first eight-week courses have been completed, the second eight-week courses will begin.

Friday, Oct. 30 to Saturday, Oct. 31

Friday, Nov. 20 to Sunday Nov. 29 Thanksgiving break begins after the last class on Friday, Nov. 20. Students resume classes on Monday, Nov. 30.

Saturday, Dec. 12

The homecoming weekend kicks off with the 2026

Last day of classes for the semester, as well as the last

day to withdraw from all classes.

Monday, Dec. 14 to Friday, Dec. 18 Final exams will take place this week.

Students can find stressrelief activities and preparation resources through their schools. One option is College Care Week, which typically offers free food, therapy dogs, massage chairs and wellness activities to help students decompress before exams.

Wednesday, Dec. 23 Official grades and transcripts will become available.

Friday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Jan. 11 Winter break begins after the student’s last final exam and runs nearly four weeks.

The spring semester will begin on Monday, Jan. 11, with tuition due Jan. 10.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Bloomington Shuttle Affordable shared ride airport shuttle service between Bloomington and Indianapolis Airport. Multiple Stops and times added for flexibility and convenience.

Group Charter Service Make your group trips easy and efficient with our charter services. Perfect for student organizations, team travel, and off-campus events. Comfortable, reliable transportation tailored to your group's needs!

Private Car Service Door-to-door transportation in a private sedan, SUV, or executive van. Private service can be reserved hourly, for airport transfers, meetings, outings, and events.

Use Discount Code FirstYearIU for 10% off. Scan the QR code or visit goexpresstravel.com

4 ways to stay connected with your Hoosier

By Zoe Reed

reedzoe@iu.edu

Your bird is officially leaving the nest. For almost nine months, your child will set their own schedule, do their own laundry and figure out where to get three meals a day, all on their own.

Between planning what to do with your child’s soon-to-be vacant room and watching them dive into college life, feeling a little disconnected is normal. As a student who went through this process with my own parents, I’ve picked up a few things about how to stay in touch.

Here are four ways to stay connected with your Hoosier.

Discuss boundaries Before move-in day, have an honest conversation about expectations.

College is a nerve-racking adjustment for students and the urge to check in constantly is completely understandable.

But too much contact can strain the relationship more than the distance itself. As your student begins discovering independence, a steady stream of calls and texts can feel overwhelming rather than comforting.

Sit down together before the semester starts and talk through what staying in touch looks like for both of you. Agree on a time for calls or check-ins that respect their new schedule and stick to it.

Once a teenager is treated like an adult, they will

10

ILLUSTRATION BY NATALIA NELSON

act like one — sometimes.

Send a care package Getting used to college life is often a long process and it can be overwhelming at times. Even now, receiving a package of goodies from my parents brings a bigger smile to my face than any text could.

Nothing says “I’m thinking of you” like something waiting in the mailbox. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A handwritten card, their favorite snack, a gift card or a few extra dining dollars on their account can

go a long way during a brutal week of midterms.

The gesture matters more than the contents, though having a meal paid for never hurts.

Show up to school events and games This one is especially important for parents who live close enough to visit, but even if you’re a ways away, it’s worth the journey. Luckily, IU gives you plenty of reasons to make the trip.

Plan a weekend around a football game at Memorial Stadium, catch a perfor-

mance at the IU Auditorium or grab lunch on Kirkwood Avenue and let them walk you through their favorite spots on campus. The point isn’t the event itself, but showing up in their world instead of always asking them to come back to yours.

You don’t have to wait for a big occasion to come down, either. Sometimes just showing up is enough.

Keep your door open College is a whirlwind, and your student isn’t always going to have the bandwidth to reach out as

often as you would like. Patience goes a long way during this transition, for both of you.

When they do call, make it easy. Lead with curiosity instead of worrying when asking about their friends, their classes and what they’ve been up to. If they know they can call home without feeling interrogated or guilted, they will.

Keep in mind that sometimes that call comes at 11 p.m. on a Tuesday or right after something went wrong, like a failed exam or a late night out. Those are

the moments that matter the most.

Feeling comfortable enough to call my own parents whenever I needed got me through some of my hardest disappointments and frustrations in college.

Give your student that same thing.

College goes by faster than either of you will expect. Staying connected just takes a little intention, a lot of patience and showing up in whatever way you can.

Your Hoosier needs to know you’re still there, even from a distance.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

What is a Hoosier?

By Stella Klaus ssklaus@iu.edu

“Who’s yere?” Indiana settlers would frequently yell as a visitor knocked upon their door. This is one of many popular theories as to how the nickname “Hoosiers” came about for Indiana residents.

Similar to the term Yankee, which is typically used to refer to people from New England or Northeastern United States, Hoosier refers to a native or inhabitant of Indiana. It is one of the oldest and most widely accepted state nicknames. But what does it really mean to be a Hoosier?

The term first became

popular in the 1830s around the time a poem called “The Hoosier’s Nest” by John Finley was released. However, it is believed that the term was used in the years before the poem too. The nickname was found in numerous other written documents in the late 1820s and early 1830s, including multiple letters, diaries and publications.

Although many have questioned the origins of the nickname, one of the most extensive researchers was Jacob Piatt Dunn Jr., an Indiana historian. Dunn found that the word was often used in the South during the 19th century to refer to people that were considered rustic, rough class, uncouth

or country.

Dunn suggested that the nickname was taken on with humorous spirits, at a time when Midwesterners were fond of state nicknames. By the time Finley used the word in his poem, “it no longer carried a negative connotation, taking on the new meaning of “a self-reliant man who was able to subdue the wilderness, defend his home, and command the respect of his neighbors,” Sarah Wrigley, Finley’s daughter said.

Dunn also traced the word back to “hoozer” from the Cumberland dialect of England, which came from the Anglo-Saxon word “hoo” meaning high or hill.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

“Hoozer” meant anything unusually large like a hill.

This version of the nickname would have likely been brought over by the descendants of English immigrants when they settled in the hills of Southern Indiana.

Another widespread explanation for the nickname is that it comes from Harry Hoosier. Hoosier was a Methodist minister who was born into slavery. He became the first Black American Methodist preacher in the country during the 1770s. Hoosier preached all over the country, including just south of Indiana in Kentucky. It is believed that Hoosier’s followers brought

their Methodist beliefs and the Hoosier nickname to Indiana once it was granted statehood.

Other popular theories include Indiana rivermen beating or “hushing” their opponents in the brawls that would often happen and becoming known as “Hushers” and eventually Hoosiers. Another theory that similarly originates from our early settlers is that during fights they would often scratch and bite off their opponents’ noses and ears.

This was so common that settlers would often have to ask, “whose ear?” when coming in the morning after a fight and seeing an ear on the ground, a phrase which

then developed into Hoosier.

Another popular theory is a contractor named Hoosier preferred to hire Indiana laborers who became known as “Hoosier’s men” leading to all Indiana residents being known as Hoosiers.

These theories, however, are mostly unsupported, becoming no more than urban legends.

While the true origins of the nickname may never be known, the name has lasted more than a century as a nickname for the people of Indiana and has come to now mean friendliness, neighborliness and satisfaction with life.

11

Which school is your student in?

IU Bloomington’s undergraduate schools

By Safin Khatri safkhat@iu.edu

IU Bloomington has 12 undergraduate degreegranting schools and an honors college.

College of Arts and Sciences The largest school at IU is the College of Arts and Sciences with majors ranging from political science to biology. The college is housed in buildings in the south and central parts of campus. Arts and sciences also houses three schools: the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design; the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and The Media School.

Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design The Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design has 14 areas of study ranging from fashion design to merchandising. The school is in three buildings in the central part of campus.

Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies The Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies features the largest foreign language program in the nation and offers seven majors. The school is named after former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar and former Rep. Lee Hamilton. The school is in the Global and International Studies Building

12

DAVID PEARLMAN | IDS

Students walk through a crosswalk near the Kelley School of Business skybridge April 14, 2026, in Bloomington. Kelley was noted a top-ranked program at IU Bloomington by US News and World Report.

south of Wells Library.

The Media School The Media School was established in 2014, merging journalism, telecommunications and communications into one school. The school offers programs in media, journalism, cinematic arts and game design. It also features student media including the IDS, WIUX and IUSTV. Franklin Hall — formerly a library with an iconic red roof — is home to the school, adjacent to Sample Gates.

Kelley School of Business The Kelley School of Business is a top-ranked program offering 20 majors, including IU’s most popular major:

finance. The undergraduate program is in Hodge Hall, in the northern part of campus off 10th Street and Fee Lane.

Big Red 200, one of the largest university owned supercomputers in the nation.

pital. Nursing students can be spotted wearing crimson scrubs around campus.

Jacobs School of Music

School of Social Work

School of Education

Jacobs School of Music is one of the largest music schools in the nation, offering 24 areas of study from ballet to music business. Jacobs features student performances in ballet, orchestra and opera with tickets available to the public and to students at a reduced price. The school is located in six buildings in the central part of campus.

The School of Social Work is also located at the RAHC and offers programs in social work and labor studies.

The School of Education offers nine majors, including elementary and secondary education. The school is in the Wendell W. Wright Education Building on Rose Avenue in the central part of campus.

Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering offers five majors and is housed in three buildings in the northwestern part of campus. Luddy also features

School of Nursing The School of Nursing is in the Regional Academic Health Center, adjacent to the IU Health Bloomington Hos-

O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs The O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is home to around 3,000 students and is commonly known as SPEA. O’Neill offers five areas of study and is adjacent to the Kelley School of Business in the northern part of campus.

School of Public Health The

School

of

Public

Health-Bloomington offers programs including tourism, kinesiology and epidemiology. The school is next to Bill Garret Fieldhouse in the central part of campus.

Hutton Honors College Hutton Honors College is an admission only program, which allows students to take honors classes and the opportunity to complete the Hutton Honors Notation.

From finance to folklore, there is something for every student to explore. Take advantage of the hundreds of areas of study offered across the 13 schools at IU and consider taking a few classes or even a minor in a different school.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Reporting & Editing & Designing & Podcasting & Photography & Coding & Multimedia & You.

Join the Indiana Daily Student's award-winning staff!

The IDS is currently hiring. Positions will begin as soon as possible.

No experience is required and all staffers are paid.

Apply now at idsnews.com/jobs.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Finding off-campus housing A definitive guide to helping your student look for off-campus housing

By Odessa Lyon oolyon@iu.edu

So, your student is moving out of IU’s residence halls and is now in the market for an off-campus living arrangement. If you’re with them, it’s time to sit down at the dinner table; if not, it’s time to sit down over a video chat. Either way, rip a piece of paper off a pad and fish a ballpoint pen out of the junk drawer and get ready to help them make some decisions.

You’ll first want to discuss your child’s priorities.

House-hunting in Bloomington can be tough and expensive, so it’s important to get this out of the way. Find out if their priority is location, number of bedrooms, price, outside space, petfriendliness or amenities like an on-site gym or pool.

Figuring out their non-negotiables or dealbreakers will help you determine what concessions you’ll need to make — and need to break to them.

They want to walk or bike to campus? They might have to sacrifice lower rent and more space. Want to live alone? That might mean they pay more and look farther away from campus.

Want outside spaces?

They’ll need a house with, likely, at least two other roommates.

14

Want more amenities?

They’ll probably pay more for a large, farther-away apartment complex.

Now, that’s not to say it’s completely unrealistic that you’ll be able to help them find a place that fulfills all their wishes.

I wanted to live alone, within walking distance from campus, with no pet deposit or monthly charge and pay less than $1,000 a month with parking. I found exactly that — a 1-bedroom apartment that’s a 15-minute walk from

at the upper limits of my budget and hasn’t been renovated in… quite a while.

Remind your student that the search is first and foremost about tempering expectations and comparing a listing’s advantages with its disadvantages.

But, once they acknowledge awareness of both what’s important to them and what they’ll have to concede, the rest will fill itself in.

From there, check in with them about roommates, if they’ll have some.

Do they have reliable friends with whom they’re looking for a place, or are they still looking for roommates? If it’s the latter, you can urge them to ask around from friends of friends. You can also point them to websites with local postings of students seeking roommates like IU Classifieds on one.iu.edu or the plethora of rental Facebook groups.

However, if your child doesn’t have any leads or doesn’t mind much, you might sway them toward a

apartment complex like Atlas, the Quarters, the Dillon, Stadium Crossing or the Monroe, to name a few, as these communities often can assign random roommates for their tenants.

Once they’ve decided on their priority and type of living situation, it’s time to put some elbow grease into scouting out the listing that checks those boxes.

I’ve had the best luck looking for apartments at complexes large and small on apartments.com.

Otherwise, houses and

larger campus with a reserved parking spot and no cat fees — but it was

duplexes are often posted on websites like Zillow.

However, don’t

turn down the chance to find discounted rates on IU Classifieds or Facebook groups from people subletting their rooms or whole units. I’ve also found listings directly on property management companies’ websites that aren’t listed elsewhere, like those for Grant Properties, Sarge Rentals or Granite Student Living and the like.

Once they’ve found some places that relatively fit the parameters you’ve figured out together, then the hard work starts. Either you or your student will have to call or contact these property management companies to schedule walk-throughs.

During that time, they should check all the faucets and the water pressure of any shower heads while also ascertaining the general vibe of that street or apartment complex.

Before you sign on as their guarantor, you might recommend they make an appointment with Student Legal Services, who can review and explain the lease to them free of charge. That’s not to say you don’t trust your student, but no renting scene is perfect, and you might chance upon a grifter in any college town.

That all being said, good luck with the search!

ILLUSTRATION BY ODESSA LYON

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Places to buy IU merch for yourself and your Hoosier

By Ursula Stickelmaier ustickel@iu.edu

Whether you’re only coming to Bloomington to help your student move in or mentally planning a dozen trips for Indiana football games and campus events, sporting IU merchandise is a simple but effective way to celebrate this new chapter in your student’s life. And no Indiana University parent should leave town without some merchandise to support their new Hoosier.

Lucky for you, IU merchandise is in no short supply in Bloomington. So, if you’re looking for places to start your new cream and crimson wardrobe, then these five Bloomington stores are must stop shops for you.

The Indiana Shop Established in 1966, The Indiana Shop is a great place to start your search for IU merch. With two locations in Bloomington, one on Kirkwood Avenue and the other on Third Street, this team store provides a wide selection of IU merchandise for men, women and kids. The Indiana Shop might have one of the most extensive collections, carrying accessories and home goods along with their apparel. Whether you’re looking to show your team spirit with one of their many hoodies or you’re hoping to support the team at your next cookout with an IU branded grill set, you’re sure to find something you love at The Indiana Shop.

Greetings on Kirkwood Located just a two-minute walk away from Sample Gates, Greetings is another popular option for IU merchandise.

This is a popular option for students when shopping both because of the stores central location in downtown Bloomington and it’s trendy designs.

The store sells a wide variety of sweatshirts, tees, pants and much more to match the school’s cream and crimson color scheme. With the return of Hoosier the Bison, if you are in the market for some mascot merch, Greetings is a great place to look. The store sells dozens of designs in both youth and adult sizes, making it a perfect place to start finding IU merchandise for the whole family.

Indiana University Bookstore Located inside the Indiana Memorial Union, the Indiana University Bookstore is the official spot for Hoosier merchandise. Gone are the days when college bookstores were only a place to buy and pick up textbooks; now you can look for cute IU-branded additions to your closet while helping your student pick up some essentials for class. If you are hoping to rep merch from your Hoosier’s specific college within IU, the IU Bookstore offers merchandise for several schools on campus. While many of the options can fall on the pricier end of things, the three floors and a location in the heart of campus make it worth checking out as you explore IU.

Homefield at Tracks Owned and operated by popular collegiate apparel brand Homefield Apparel, Homefield at Tracks is the flagship store that they opened in partnership with Bloomington record store Tracks on Kirkwood. The brand’s brick and mortar location opened in August 2025, and while the store continues to sell vinyl records, it’s made room for a wide array of IU merchandise.

Connor Hitchcock, one of Homefield Apparel’s cofounders, began selling IU merchandise when he was an undergraduate student, so if you are looking for a company that truly understands the Hoosier spirit, Homefield at Tracks is a great place to start.

Plato’s Closet For those looking for a more budget friendly option that will still yield great results, try finding some IU merch at Plato’s Closet. Although thrifting for IU merch can be done at almost any thrift store in Bloomington, Plato’s Closet typically has a specific section of their store set aside for donated team merchandise which makes finding the perfect piece for your closet much easier. Plus, if you are hoping to find a tee or hoodie that captures a more vintage era of IU merchandise, buying secondhand is the way to go. Plato’s Closet’s policy of only taking gently used clothing helps ensure that the clothes you buy are in good condition.

ATWATER EYE CARE CENTER YOUR NEW HOME FOR EYE CARE! Convenient location, free parking

10% student discount on glasses

Evening and weekend hours

Bursar billing

24 hour emergency care

Most insurances accepted

Contact lens direct shipment

Huge frame selection

Contact lens exams

Free frame repairs

Routine and specialty exams

Open to the public

A community for all IU students exploring tech and beyond.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

744 E. Third St. 812-855-8436

optometry.iu.edu/clinics

OPTOMETRY

15

IU parents through the years

You’ll have years of experiences to share with your students while they’re in college. Here are some experiences of the families who came before you.

IDS FILE PHOTO BY ALEX FARRIS

Then-senior Caitlin Van Kooten hugs her parents, Mary and Rick, after winning the women’s Little 500 on April 15, 2011, at Bill Armstrong Stadium.

Van Kooten’s team, Teter, won the race for the second year in a row.

ARBUTUS FILE PHOTO BY BOBBY GODDIN

Then-senior guard Robert Johnson thanks his father, grandfather and mother in his Senior Day speech after the IU vs. Ohio State basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall Feb. 23, 2018. Johnson was one of five seniors on IU’s team. He played in the inaugural 3X3U Championship where he scored the game-winning shot.

IU ARCHIVES

A mother and daughter from the Philippines both prepare for graduation in 1950. There were only a few dozen international students enrolled that year. There were 4,481 international students enrolled on the IU Bloomington campus in the fall of 2025.

IU ARCHIVES

IDS FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS PICKRELL

Then-senior Mia Dalglish and her mother Judy Klein look at artwork during the 10th anniversary BFA Photography Alternative Show in 2008. Friends and family of the student artists came from all over the country to see the event.

16

Bill Houghton was a fourth-generation IU graduate on his mother’s side and a third-generation IU graduate on his father’s side in 1940. His parents, Mary and Howard, were both graduates of the class of 1917.

IDS FILE PHOTO BY ALEX FARRIS

Then-freshman Ashik Shah moves into his new dorm room in Ashton Center in 2010 with the help of his father, Bhartesh, and his mother, Rekha.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

IDS FILE PHOTO BY LYDIA GERIK

Then-freshman Elizabeth Ketzner and her father, Brian, laugh while listening to a recording of Elizabeth’s grandfather in Herman B Wells Library in 2017. Elizabeth was a baby when her grandfather died and had no memory of what he sounded like.

ARBUTUS FILE PHOTO BY ROBB HILL

Then-senior Todd Yeagley shares a moment with Jerry Yeagley, his father and head coach, following the Hoosiers’ victory over UCLA in the Final Four of the 1994 NCAA Soccer Championships. Todd Yeagley is now the coach of the men’s soccer team.

IDS FILE PHOTO BY BRITTANY MASON

Kim Davis shakes the hand of the Herman B Wells statue during an orientation tour in 2010 on behalf of her son. Wells was a longtime, much-admired president and chancellor at IU. It’s a tradition to shake hands with his statue for good luck.

Most outstanding law student Jean Seidel Miller with her husband and parents, receives an award for having highest GPA in her class in 1948.

IU ARCHIVES

IDS FILE PHOTO BY ANNA TIPLICK

On Senior Day 2018, then-senior softball infielder Taylor Uden walks down the field with her parents and her younger sister, Madison, a player for the University of Michigan. The Hoosiers lost the April 29 game to Michigan 2-0 in extra innings.

Graduate Latroy Hampton hugs his mother, Eunice Foley, following spring commencement May 8, 2010, at Assembly Hall. Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning producer, record executive and musician Quincy Jones delivered that year’s commencement address.

Students at an IU football game in the 1970s send a message to their parents.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

IU ARCHIVES

ARBUTUS FILE PHOTO

BY BRUCE CARVER

17

The best bars for a parents’ night out

By Jonathan Frey jonafrey@iu.edu

So, you came into town to visit your kid or kids, and you spent the day sightseeing or watching an IU sporting event. They brought you to their suspiciously clean dorm room, and you bought them the nicest dinner they’ve had in months.

But now the sun is setting, and Bloomington’s nightlife awakens. Maybe your child is staying in tonight; maybe they have a party to attend where a parent would be a strange sight. No matter the case, you’re on your own.

I know some parents love to go to the bars and live that college life for one more night (The Upstairs Pub or either Kilroy’s location would be your best bet) and some don’t indulge at all. If you fall somewhere in between, and you would prefer a night out sans 20-somethings packing the counter, I’ve got you covered.

The Atlas Ballroom The Atlas, located at 209 S. College Ave., is a quirky venue perhaps most noteworthy for its selection of craft beers and imports. Its rotating selection of beverages has included Irish stouts and Belgian ales among others, and its craft selection is handcurated for a variety of brews and ABVs. More relevant to this article, I can say from my personal experience that it’s rarely crowded. It’s also rarely empty, usually featuring an assortment of regulars and some straggler college

18

The Bishop Bar is pictured in September 2019 at 123 S. Walnut St. The Bishop is known for its quality beverages and as a niche local performance venue.

kids who just learned of Atlas’ existence.

It cultivates a cozy atmosphere with low lighting and vintage decor, including an old car hollowed out to become a disc jockey stand. The seating is comfortable and abundant, the drinks are well within the normal Bloomington price range and the staff is always friendly.

Alley Bar Located at 210 W. Kirkwood Ave., Alley Bar is a unique creature in the world of Bloomington bars. It’s just beyond the heart of town

and serves affordable beers including some from local breweries, yet it always seems to have room.

Perhaps I’m betraying the townies by writing about this bar at all, as it’s a wellkept secret of downtown.

It’s certainly not an upscale establishment, but it’s not your run-of-the-mill dive bar either. It strikes a nice middle ground of comfort and affordability.

The Bishop Bar The Bishop is another spot with a premium location downtown at 123 S. Walnut St. What makes The Bish-

op unique is that it serves as a live music and performance venue as well. Once or twice per week, you can count on a unique live experience from local underground artists to poetry readings.

Like Atlas, The Bishop has a rotating selection of craft beers and imports, and it is generally well-regarded for its drink selections. It’s probably the most “mainstream” bar I’d recommend in the vein of non-student bars, as it can still be packed depending on the time, day and event. But its atmosphere is always welcoming, and the clientele is often respectful

and quiet compared to your typical college bar.

Friendly Beasts Cider Company Friendly Beasts is another spot I hesitate to betray. Nestled along the B-line Trail at 222 W. Second St., this small artsy spot is fantastic for a peaceful evening.

As the name suggests, Friendly Beasts specializes in locally sourced and home-brewed ciders. According to their website, they primarily feature ciders on the dry end of the spectrum, but have recipes catered to many tastes.

IDS FILE PHOTO

In a world where hipster locales are increasingly populated with $20 burgers and truffle fries, this is an eclectic venue true to its name and its roots. If you find yourself needing to use the bathroom, you’ll see a small art gallery in the back room.

A word to the wise: either eat beforehand or bring your food there. Yes, it’s allowed.

The alcove that houses it makes it cozy but also makes it a long walk from the nearest food-offering venue. They do serve nuts, chips and pretzels, but you might be best served bringing dinner along with you.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

COLUMN: The best gift cards to purchase for your college student

By Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer matfuent@iu.edu

Gift cards are both the easiest and hardest purchases for your new Indiana University student.

They’re simple and require little effort, but it can be a pain to find one your student might actually use.

Fear not — here are three recommendations for gift cards that your new Hoosier will surely use, and enjoy, in Bloomington.

BuffaLouie’s at The Gables It’s a staple of Bloomington for a reason. One of the best chicken wing spots in town, BuffaLouie’s at The Gables is a favorite

of many IU students for its wings, burgers and overall vibes.

Nestled just off campus in the historic Gables building on Indiana Avenue, the restaurant has been around since 1987. The walls of its interior showcase IU sports posters, memorabilia and other photos, and plenty of TVs fill the space, so it’s almost impossible to miss any action if you visit to watch a game.

It’s not the cheapest option in town, which may deter some students from choosing the restaurant as their spot for dinner. But if you gift them a pre-paid meal, it’s unlikely any IU student would turn down a trip to BuffaLouie’s.

Soma Coffeehouse With four locations in town, Soma is a great local spot for grabbing a quick coffee or bite to eat if you don’t want to settle for Starbucks. The two most popular locations are just off Kirkwood Avenue and the often-crowded intersection of Third Street and Eagleson Avenue. The chain recently opened a new location near 11th Street that is quickly gaining popularity.

I’m not much of a specialty coffee drinker, so I find Soma’s standard coffee — preferably the dark roast — to be high-quality. When I have expanded my horizons, some of the specialty lattes are also quite good, includ-

ing the Lebowski and Top O’ The Morning.

Drinks at Soma aren’t the cheapest options in town, especially when compared to some of the alternatives available at the bigger corporate spots. But any Soma location is still a great place to chat with friends or study, so having a gift card is handy to facilitate those experiences.

Homefield at Tracks Homefield Apparel is a popular clothing website that recently found a home on Kirkwood Avenue at the Tracks record store. Its website features a wide variety of collegiate wear, but the location on Kirkwood is dedicated to plenty of different IU clothes, ranging from Indi-

IDS FILE PHOTO

BuffaLouie’s is photographed on Aug. 28, on Indiana Avenue.

BuffaLouie’s has been a Bloomington tradition since the 1800s and is now expanding to Carmel, Indiana.

ana football shirts to Hoosier beanies.

The clothes are some of my favorites that I’ve purchased both for comfort and looks, but the prices can sometimes be a little

steep. Purchasing a gift card for your new Hoosier will fix that issue, which lets them get some new swag that will certainly impress their friends and help them fit into the IU culture.

Housing for EVERY lifestyle

ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE and

here are courses you might take this fall

ENVIRONMENTAL Earth Materials GEOSCIENCE Dinosaurs Oceans professional Climate Change

qualifications + careers!

MAJOR IN:

Earth Science Earth and Atmospheric Science Climate Change Science

Hydrology Data Analysis Meteorology Extreme Weather Mars

Family-Owned Since 1985 Large eight-bedroom homes Spacious open studios Three-story townhomes

Options close to campus & downtown!

526 N. Lincoln - 2 Story House

What’s What’s Happening Happening in in B B--Town?

Town?

Find & submit events at idsnews.com/events

319 N. Lincoln - 2 Story House

416.5 S. Dunn - 2 Story House

(812) 333-0995 More options available at omegabloomington.com!

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

19

How to help your student navigate financial aid

By IDS staff

ids@idsnews.com

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a yearly application for students to receive federal aid and grants to offset their tuition. The student aid package is based on students’ parents’ income if they still file as dependent.

The first step to applying for FAFSA is to create a StudentAid.gov account.

Both the student and parent need an account to complete the necessary steps. Make sure to keep track of your student’s login information, as you may need it to access your part of the application.

Parents are required to submit their Social Security number and other identifying information to access their tax returns from the prior filing year.

The application also requires records of child support received, current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts and net worth of investments, businesses and farms.

The application for Indiana typically opens in October and is due

by April 15 (Tax Day) for priority awarding. After the FAFSA form is processed, your student will receive a Student Aid Report.

Once the financial aid package is finalized, IU

will automatically apply it to your student’s bursar, which you can find in One. iu.

Each semester, a bill will appear on your student’s bursar if they still owe any tuition or fees after aid and scholarships are applied.

You can submit a payment directly on the Bursar page, but a credit payment adds an additional convenience fee. You can also set up a payment plan if necessary.

If your student has remaining credit after aid and scholarships are applied, they can transfer the funds to a bank account through the ‘Direct Deposit of Bursar Refunds’ tab in One.iu. Keep in mind that if

A small pile of money sits on a couch Feb. 24 in an apartment.

the award amount from aid is greater than the tuition cost, their aid package is subject to change.

You should complete the FAFSA form every year, even if your student did not receive aid the year

IDS FILE PHOTO

before. The form will also determine your student’s eligibility for student loans and work-study programs.

Come work for IU Dining & Hospitality!

• Move to campus early for training • Work flexible hours ST U D ENT OP E R ATE D & U N I V E RS IT Y F U ND E D

Get the app to request a ride!

FREE and SAFE rides for IU students and employees!

20

• Ask about bonuses

WE ARE HIRING! Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services, and prohibits discrimination in hiring.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Navigating mail and packages at IU Here’s how to send mail to students living in residence halls

By Mia Hilkowitz

mhilkowi@iu.edu | @miahilkowitz

Mailing address The sender of a letter or package to a dorm must use the following format: [Student’s name] [Residence hall name] [Building name, room number] [Residence hall street address] Bloomington, IN 47406 Example: John Doe Teter Quadrangle Boisen, Room 202 501 N. Sunrise Drive Bloomington, IN 47406

When your mail is delivered to your student’s dorm, they will need to pick it up at their residence hall’s center desk. Students will need to use their CrimsonCard to pick up any packages.

Sending mail If students need to send a letter or package while living on campus, their best bet might be to visit the UPS store in the Indiana Memorial Union.

At this store, students can purchase stamps, envelopes and more.

Most residence halls also have a place at the center

desk where you can place outgoing mail. You can visit a FedEx, UPS or USPS drop box. The closest drop box to campus is located at the Student Academic Center building on 408 N. Union St. You can also search the USPS website to find other Post Office locations in Bloomington.

Residence halls’ addresses • • •

•

Ashton Center: 1800 E. 10th St. Briscoe Quadrangle: 1225 N. Fee Lane Campus View Apartments: 800 N. Union St. Collins LLC: 541 N.

• • • • • • • • • •

Woodlawn Ave. Eigenmann Hall: 1900 E. 10th St. Forest Quadrangle: 1725 E. Third St. Foster Quadrangle: 1000 N. Fee Lane McNutt Quadrangle: 1101 N. Fee Lane Read Hall: 125 S. Eagleson Ave. Spruce Hall: 1801 E. Jones Ave. Teter Quadrangle: 501 N. Sunrise Drive Tulip Tree: 2451 E. 10th St. Union Street Center: 445 N. Union St. East University Apartments: 1603 E.

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

United States Postal Service mail collection boxes sit on a sidewalk in Pennsylvania.

•

•

Third St. Walnut Grove Center: 1200 N. Walnut Grove St. Wells Quadrangle:

• •

1021 E. Third St. Willkie Quadrangle: 150 N. Rose Ave. Wright Quadrangle: 501 N. Eagleson Ave.

the sooner you sign, the lower your rate will be

SHOP THE IDS E-COMMERCE STORE

REPRODUCTION POSTERS AND MORE NOW AVAILABLE Every purchase supports the IDS and our work covering the IU community.

WORRY-FREE PARKING FOR YOUR STUDENT NEARLY UNLIMITED, FREE SPACES AVAILABLE JUST STEPS FROM THEIR APARTMENT

SET YOUR STUDENT UP FOR SUCCESS WITH DEDICATED STUDY ROOMS, FREE PRINTING, AND PRIVATE CONFERENCE SPACES, THEY’LL HAVE EVERYTHING THEY NEED

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO LIVE OUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY OFFERS FUN, INCLUSIVE EVENTS THAT HELP YOUR STUDENT FEEL CONNECTED AND SUPPORTED

OF

A TRADITION

EXCELLENCE

CALL (812)323-1300 OR VISIT themonroeliving.com

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

21

Health and safety resources on and around campus

By Theo Hawkins

sohawkin@iu.edu | @bytheohawkins

Editor’s Note: This story includes mention of sexual violence.

Moving to college can be stressful for students, but it might be just as difficult for parents concerned for their student’s safety. Luckily, IU students have a lot of options when it comes to getting help, whether for health—mental and physical—or safety.

Safety and emergency resources IU keeps students up to date on potential dangers and provides emergency guidance and updates through a mass communication system called IU Notify, which sends alerts through text message, phone and email. Students can update their contact information through Emergency Notification Settings in One.IU and choose how they prefer to receive messages. IU Notify is not available to the general public or parents on their own, but your student may add a parent or other person’s phone number and/ or email address if desired.

Students can also use the free RAVE Guardian safety app to receive IU Notify alerts, quickly contact 911 dispatch and campus police, send tips to police and access contact information for campus safety. Students can use the app to access wellness resources and set a timer to notify family and friends if they don’t make it home when expected. Users can also request family and friends to become guardians who can track their location.

The IU Ride app connects

22

students to safe rides within Bloomington city limits. It is a free service with unlimited use during operating hours of 7:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. IU Ride will take users home and to work with proof of employment such as an ID card or uniform but will not take anyone to a party or bar; IU Ride will pick up from parties or bars, however, whether the user is sober or intoxicated, no questions asked.

Rides are limited to two passengers going to the same place. IU Ride also partners with Lyft to provide reducedprice rides within the service area between midnight and 1:45 a.m., up to eight rides per month, to students who claim the pass available through the IU Ride website.

In case of an emergency, students should call 911. The IU Police Department can also be reached in a nonemergency capacity at (812) 855-4111. The Bloomington Police Department nonemergency number is (812) 339-4477.

Health resources IU students have access to health resources through the Student Health Center.

The center has a medical clinic, eye clinic and pharmacy. It also offers physical therapy, gender-affirming care, immunizations, allergy shots, sexual health services, nutritional counseling and substance use support. Most services are free or reducedprice to students who have paid the Student Health Fee; other fee, payment and insurance information can be found on the health center website.

Counseling and Psychological Services is located on the fourth floor of the Student Health Center. CAPS services are available to all students, at no charge to those who have paid the student health fee.

Students seeking support can set a free 45-minute initial consultation appointment by calling (812) 855-5711 to determine a personalized care plan moving forward.

Services include individual counseling, workshops, multicultural and LGTBQ+ support, support groups and the Sexual Assault Crisis Service.

A 24/7 crisis counselor is available at (812) 855-5711 by selecting option 1. Students who have experienced sexual assault can call (812) 8558900 at any time.

The IU Student Health Center is located at 600 N. Eagleson Ave. on the corner across from the Herman B Wells Library. Self-care resources and a full list of available medical and CAPS services, along with payment and insurance information, can be found at healthcenter. iu.edu.

The free TimelyCare app also provides mental health services at no cost to students who create an account using IU credentials, including selfcare resources and provider care.

Off-campus health resources Students can also access emergency and non-emergency care at the following off-campus facilities: • IU Health Bloomington Hospital: 2651 E. Discovery Parkway.

• Monroe Hospital:

KAITLYN STACY | IDS

IU Health Bloomington Hospital is pictured Jan. 27, 2025, in Bloomington. It is the primary health service provider in town and hosts a 24/7 emergency room.

•

•

•

•

4011 S. Monroe Medical Park Blvd.

Bloomington Meadows Hospital: 3600 N. Prow Road.

Bloomington Regional Rehabilitation Hospital: 3050 N. Lintel Drive.

IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians: 1302 S. Rogers St. IU Health Urgent Care: 326 S. Woodscrest Drive.

Accessibility resources IU’s Office of Accessible Educational Services can

help students with disabilities, based on each student’s individual circumstances.

The office offers resources including testing accommodations, computerized assistance, classroom accommodations, advising, priority registration and on-campus rides with an accessible van.

Students who require accessibility support should acquire documentation from medical providers before contacting the office. They can then visit the AES website at studentlife.indiana. edu/care-advocacy/iub-aes and fill out the request for

services form. Once accessibility measures have been discussed with an access coordinator and approved, students will receive an accessibility memorandum, which they should show and discuss with faculty and instructors. Students will also need to request to renew accessibility memoranda each semester.

The AES office is located in Eigenmann Hall 001, 1900 E. 10th St. and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can also call the office at (812) 855-7578.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

How to keep up with IU and Bloomington news as a parent

By Theo Hawkins

sohawkin@iu.edu | @bytheohawkins

If you live far away from your IU Bloomington student, as many parents do, you may find yourself wanting a sense of what’s happening at the school and around town. If your student is anything like me, they may forget to tell you anything.

Fortunately, it’s easier now than ever to keep your finger on the pulse, even if you’re on the other side of the world. Here are a few places you can turn to for updates.

Indiana Daily Student The Indiana Daily Student is IU Bloomington’s student-run newspaper, covering all things campus and city news, IU sports and

arts. You won’t be able to find physical copies of the paper outside Bloomington, but you can still visit idsnews.com to see all the same stories. While you’re there, you may want to sign up to get IDS newsletters sent straight to your email inbox, such as the Weekly Update, which arrives every Friday, or the IU Basketball weekly season newsletter.

The IDS also posts regularly on Instagram, X, Facebook and TikTok. Follow @idsnews to see the biggest headlines in your feed.

If you prefer to listen to the news, the IDS hosts some podcasts as well.

“Weekly News Rundown,” for instance, covers the top stories each week and can

be found on Spotify.

IU official social media pages IU’s official social media handle across Instagram, X, Facebook and TikTok is @iubloomington. This is where you’ll find updates pertaining to the school as a whole.

Many IU programs and departments also have their own social media pages. @iustudentscentral is the official page for Student Central, which provides information on important dates and lots of photos. IU Libraries post updates on dates, resources and programs as @hermanbwells. You can also follow your student’s

individual school for more specific updates relating to their programs.

IU Newsroom and News at IU IU releases its own news online and via email from the IU Newsroom. If you’re interested in updates about the school or stories about ongoing research and student work, you can visit news.iu.edu and browse News at IU’s archive of stories. To sign up for email updates, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Email Newsletters & Press Releases” under “Subscribe” in the page footer.

The Herald-Times Those

interested

in

JIMMY RUSH | IDS

A stack of IDS newspapers is pictured Oct. 30, 2025, in Maxwell Hall in Bloomington. The IDS is one of Bloomington’s main news providers.

broader news about Bloomington and the surrounding area, including Bedford and Ellettsville, may also be interested in The Herald-Times, Bloomington’s local newspaper within the USA Today network. The Herald-

Times can be found online at heraldtimesonline.com.

A subscription is required to read stories from the Herald-Times; an all-digital subscription starts at $1 the first month and $14.99 afterward, or an annual subscription for $89 yearly.”

Business as unusual The Liberal Arts & Management Program will give your student the best of both worlds: a Kelley business education with any IU major!

With small class sizes, personalized support, and more than $70,000 awarded in student scholarships last year, LAMP helps students pursue their passions while preparing for success.

Find out more @ lamp.indiana.edu :

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

23

Upcoming season of IU sports in a nutshell

1

By Jonathan Frey

jonafrey@iu.edu | @byjonathanfrey

The past half-century of IU freshmen have walked through the Sample Gates expecting two things: Greatness from the men’s basketball team and futility from the football team.

But for the past two years, those two sports have been on opposite trajectories.

A 2025-26 sports season full of surprises made for a rollercoaster for IU sports fans, and with massive turnover on nearly every roster, the upcoming season is just as unpredictable.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about Indiana’s biggest sports this season.

Football As you likely know, Indiana took home the national championship under the stewardship of burgeoning legend Curt Cignetti and the NFL’s first

24

overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The alltime losingest program in the country two years ago, Indiana football now struts into next season with backto-back ambitions.

Redshirt senior quarterback Josh Hoover will serve as a spiritual successor to Mendoza. The Texas Christian University transfer is a high-pedigree prospect who finished top three in the Big 12 in nearly all major passing categories in his two years as a starter.

Like Mendoza, he doesn’t possess any freakish athletic attributes, but he’s an expert processor and decisionmaker.

The biggest worry for Hoover will be his turnovers, as he led the Big 12 with 13 interceptions. But Cignetti has a history of instilling discipline and eliminating careless mistakes in his players. After developing Mendoza into the NFL’s premier rookie talent, the sky

is the limit for Hoover.

Indiana’s transfer class is filled with three and fourstar recruits, per 247sports, including former Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh and former Kansas State University edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi.

Look out for returning fan-favorite Charlie Becker, a deep threat receiver who made big catches during the latter half of last season as Mendoza’s favorite bail-out target.

Memorial Stadium serves as the home site for Indiana football, where the Hoosiers will open their 2026 season Sept. 5 against North Texas University.

Men’s basketball Indiana missed the NCAA tournament for the third year in a row and the eighth time in 10 seasons.

Darian DeVries’ inaugural season marked IU’s fourth head coach in that time period. Twelve players either

exhausted their eligibility or entered the transfer portal, leaving the roster nearly empty.

But a strong transfer portal class will look to end a decade of futility. Southern Methodist University transfer Samet Yiğitoğlu, who stands 7-foot-2, and 6-foot former Notre Dame point guard Markus Burton lead the way on 247sports’ fourth-ranked transfer class.

DeVries also secured letters of intent from four-star high school prospects PrinceAlexander Moody and Vaughn Karvala.

Women’s basketball The women’s team missed the tournament for the first time since 2018 after several key players graduated or transferred, leaving superstar Shay Ciezki and head coach Teri Moren with an untested young squad last season. Indiana lost 8 players total, including Ciezki, to eligibility restrictions or the

transfer portal at the end of the season.

But only a fool would distrust Moren, who boasts a 68% win rate in her time with the Hoosiers and made the NCAA tournament in seven of her 11 tournamenteligible seasons. She will coach the eighth-ranked recruiting class, highlighted by nationally ranked No. 25 wing Addison Nyemchek and No. 29 guard Gigi Battle.

Indiana will also bring in a modest but experienced transfer class highlighted

by Nebraska transfer junior forward Jessica Petrie.

Both basketball teams play at Assembly Hall, and their schedules are yet to be finalized.

Baseball and softball The baseball team struck out big in their latest season, finishing near the bottom of the Big 10 standings despite a preseason No. 5 projection.

The softball team, on the other hand, made the

NCAA Division I Softball tournament, but fell to the University of Virginia to end its season with a 43-16 record.

The baseball team is led on offense by the sophomore trio of Caleb Koskie, Hogan Denny and Jake Hanley.

Freshman Owen ten Oever came on strong in the second half of the season and will look to build on an allaround excellent campaign in his sophomore season.

They play home games at Bart Kaufman Field, and will open their season next winter.

The softball team featured one of the most consistent and powerful offenses in the country, with all nine consistent starters batting over .300. Junior utility player Aly VanBrandt scorched opposing pitching to the tune of a .399 average and 15 home runs in the regular season. Andy Mohr Field hosts the Hoosiers during the regular season.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

BRIANA PACE | IDS

1. Members of the Indiana football team celebrate with the College Football Playoff Championship Trophy on Jan. 19, 2026, after defeating the University of Miami 27-21 inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The national championship matchup drew an average of 30.1 million viewers.

JIMMY RUSH | IDS

2. Then-senior forward Sam Alexis prepares to shoot the basketball during the game against Ohio State on March 7, 2026, at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Alexis had 14 points in the game.

3

ALEX COIFMAN | IDS

3. Indiana softball players huddle during the game against Purdue on April 10, 2026, at Andy Mohr Field in Bloomington. The Hoosiers finished the 2026 season with a 43-16 record.

4

CHLOE LAVELLE | IDS

4. Then-senior guard Shay Ciezki takes a shot during the game against Nebraska in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on March 4, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Ciezki made 10 of her 20 shots.

Introducing HoosierShare by Uber HoosierShare is a new shared ride option for Indiana University Bloomington students, faculty, and staff.

Register today and receive $5 off your first HoosierShare ride. While supplies last.

Ride together. Save together.

Learn more: iuride.indiana.edu/hoosiershare-by-uber

5

2

ANYA MINEKUS | IDS

5. Then-sophomore infielder Will Moore hits the ball toward left field during the game against Iowa on April 25, 2026, at Bart Kaufman Field in Bloomington. Moore had one hit in the game.

Scan to register

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Reporting & Editing & Podcasting & Designing & Photography & Coding & Multimedia & You.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Join the Indiana Daily Student's award-winning staff!

The IDS is currently hiring. Positions will begin as soon as possible.

No experience is required and all staffers are paid.

Apply now at idsnews.com/jobs.

25

IU-affiliated Nobel Prize winners: could your child be next?

IDS FILE PHOTO

Elinor Ostrom, a professor of political science at Indiana University, became the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on on Oct. 12, 2009. Ostrom was praised “for her analysis of economic governance, especially the commons.” Ostrom’s Prize is IU’s eighth Nobel prize.

By Andrew Miller

ami3@iu.edu | @andrew_mmiller

IU’s status as a premier research institution over many decades has racked up several Nobel Prize winners, both faculty and alumni. Here are seven of the 10 universityaffiliated prize winners: Philip H. Dybvig Philip Dybvig is the lat-

26

est IU alum to get a Nobel Prize — receiving the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2022. He graduated from IU with a degree in mathematics and physics in 1976.

Some don’t consider the memorial prize, established

by Sweden’s central bank, as a “true” Nobel Prize because it wasn’t in Alfred Nobel’s will. Regardless,

Dybvig got the prize for his research on banks and financial crises.

Elinor Ostrom Elinor Ostrom got her Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2009 for research analyzing economic governance. Ostrom was the first woman to receive the prize and was a faculty member at IU for

nearly 50 years.

She founded the Ostrom Workshop with her husband in 1973, an organization that still exists to this day. You can find her statue on a bench outside the south end of Woodburn Hall.

Renato Dulbecco Renato Dulbecco is an Italian American virologist

who came to Bloomington after World War II and studied bacteriophages — small viruses that infect bacteria.

He later received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975 for research on viruses that can cause cancer when infecting animals’ cells.

Italian-American microbiologist who shared his lab with Dulbecco in Bloomington after fleeing World War II. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1969 for discoveries relating to virus replication and their genetic structures.

Salvador Edward Luria Salvador Luria was an

SEE NOBEL PRIZE, PAGE 27

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

» NOBEL PRIZE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 Johannes Hans Daniel Jensen Johannes Hans Daniel Jensen was a German American nuclear physicist who worked on the German nuclear energy project in World War II. He was a visiting professor at IU for one year in the 1950s.

He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963 for research on the structure of atoms.

research in the field. He later had a lengthy history of racist and sexist comments, not based in science.

IU ARCHIVES

1. Hermann Muller, left, IU President Herman B Wells and Muller’s wife, Thea, view Muller’s Nobel Prize at IU in 1947. Muller won his award in 1946.

Hermann Muller

IDS FILE PHOTO

Hermann Muller received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1946 for his research in X-rays, discovering that X-ray irradiation can induce gene mutations.

Right before receiving the award, he joined IU as a professor in Zoology.

1

2. A marked rock with a plaque sits on fresh mulch Oct. 7, 2019, in front of Woodburn Hall.

The rock was dedicated to IU alumna and Nobel Prize winner Elinor Ostrom.

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

3. James Watson looks at DNA extracted from his saliva Jan. 20, 2004, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Watson won his Nobel Prize in 1962.

James Watson James Watson is arguably the most famous IU-related Nobel laureate for his discovery of DNA’s structure. He was Luria’s first graduate student and completed his Ph.D. at IU in 1950.

He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. He continued

2

3

Emerging Scholars Research Experience Looking for research experience in a supportive, collaborative environment?

Apply now to our Emerging Scholars Research Experience for first-year and second-year students!

No experience necessary.

Apply by July 31

Scan Here

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

27

ANNABEL PROKOPY | IDS

The Mulyana: Vital Ecosystems Exhibition is pictured March 10, 2026, at the Eskenazi Museum of Art at 1133 E. Seventh St. in Bloomington. The exhibition by fiber artist Mulyana opened in February to showcase coral reef textile sculptures.

28

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

COLUMN: Best places to snap a pic with your student Here are five of my favorite spots to take scenic campus photos

By Sophie Albert soalbert@iu.edu

Indiana Univeristy’s Bloomington’s campus is gorgeous, and as someone who loves photography, it’s been a great place for me to get creative with my hobby. I’ve been able to play around with new framing techniques, experiment with photographing architecture and practice taking portraits through shooting my sister’s graduation photos on campus.

If you’re looking for a great photo opportunity — whether it is a picturesque scene or an iconic landmark — here are five of my favorite photo spots on campus.

Sample Gates As a symbol of IU, not only is Sample Gates an iconic place on campus, but I also think it is just one of the many gorgeous campus structures.

The Sample Gates themselves offer great opportunities for headshots, as well as group photos. And the gates perfectly frame the bustling

Kirkwood Avenue, allowing anyone to capture Bloomington life.

Following the gate’s red brick road into campus are even more photo opportunities. There are some beautiful, old buildings such as Franklin Hall, Maxwell Hall and Kirkwood Hall worth checking out. Around these buildings are historic landmarks like Rose Well House and the Herman B Wells statue.

Showalter Fountain Among IU’s most wellknown landmarks, the Showalter Fountain lays at the heart of the Showalter Arts Plaza.

I especially love this photo spot during the summer when the water is on. I think it’s a great place for portraits or capturing the landscape.

I recommend checking it out at sunset when the sun sets perfectly down Seventh Street, which stretches out from the plaza, allowing the sun to frame itself beautifully by the fountain.

If you explore the area around the Fine Arts Building

and IU Auditorium, there are some great photo spots with colorful flowers and sculptures of prominent musical artists from Indiana, including Hoagy Carmichael and John Mellencamp. I highly recommend taking a seat by Carmichael, a Bloomington native, and snapping a fun shot with the statue.

Eskenazi Museum of Art Located next to Showalter Fountain is the Eskenazi Museum of Art. This museum has many great galleries and exhibitions where you’re sure to find something worth taking a picture of.

Outside of the museum is the Light Totem, which casts an array of colorful lights up the side of the building at night. The tradition of lying on the floor with your legs against the lit-up wall offers another great photo opportunity.

This location’s hidden gem is a colorful window mural just beside the museum. It can be a little difficult to find, but if you go behind the museum there is an entrance to the Fine Arts Building. It is a

glass hallway decorated with a colorful abstract mural that can be seen from outside. I highly recommend using the distinctive artwork as a backdrop for taking photos.

Cox Arboretum The Cox Arboretum is a beautiful area of greenery with many trees, a stream and the Metz Bicentennial Grand Carillon. While the Carillon looks like a tower, it is actually a playable musical instrument and another well-known campus landmark, adding a futuristic look to these photos.

The fairy-like stream and gazebo area create a magical setting for those who enjoy campus wildlife. I loved shooting some portraits for my sister’s graduation photoshoot here as it produced some whimsical and distinctive photos.

Third Street I walk down Third Street practically every day to get to class, and I must say, it is one of my favorite streets on campus. It has many historic and beautifully crafted

IDS FILE PHOTO

People enter the Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Cox Arboretum on June 14, 2021, in Bloomington. The Arthur R. Metz Bicentennial Grand Carillon in the arboretum was completed in 2020.

buildings like the Biology Building, Swain Hall and the Mauer School of Law. I especially love Memorial Hall as I have had a lot of fun photographing different parts of the building’s castle-like appearance.

In the Biology Building’s greenhouse, you can take pictures of diverse plants from all over the world. Additionally, there are quiet green spaces by Merrill Hall that

have beautiful pink trees and squirrels roaming about.

Overall, I’ve loved living on IU’s campus because at every turn, I find something that inspires me to take a picture. If you’re looking for some great photo spots to get started, the locations on this list are sure to inspire you, but I’m sure there are also plenty more hidden gems on campus that are just waiting to be discovered.

Presented By:

and

Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association

d. lans = handle k p d n e k e e w r r You witchyard Pa S d n a k r a P Bryan 20 June 2-Sept.

Scan for this summer’s lineup! bton.in/QBZQU

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

@idsnews

Follow

29

COLUMN: What I wish my parents knew going into my first year Here are four things your parents should know about your first year became maddening since I was often scolded for letting them know too late when I was able to come back.

I recommend your student make a to-do list for finals week or any week leading to break, detailing all of their exams and assignments. This way they can see when their latest assignment or exam is, which in turn lets them know what day they can leave.

By Hope Bernard hbernar@iu.edu

As a current IU sophomore, it is safe to say my freshman experience had some rough patches here and there. And had my parents known what I was in for, I think that coordinating my trips back home and contacting them would have been vastly easier.

Choosing the right dining plan With three different meal options, finding the best choice is important in saving money while also keeping my stomach full. IU’s three options include the 7-day classic, the 7-day expanded, and the 7-day max.

The jargon associated with meal plans made my decision very confusing.

My family chose the 7-day expanded plan as a mere guess, questioning how valuable combo meals and dining dollars were.

In the first few weeks, I mainly ate at the all-youcare-to-eat locations. However, after finding my favorite dining locations such as the Lantern in the Indiana Memorial Union and poke bowls at Sushi King inside Read Residence Hall, dining halls became useless to me.

My plan’s four combo meals and $250 of dining dollars a semester mostly covered my hunger needs.

Dining dollars is the amount of money in your dining plan which acts like a debit card at all campus locations. A combo meal, however, is limited to spe-

30

How busy I was

IDS FILE PHOTO

A parent pushes a cart to help their student move in Aug. 20, 2024, at Forest Quadrangle. Volunteers and families worked together to help students register and find their dorm rooms.

cific campus locations, allowing you to choose from a set menu of meals.

Move-in and move-out days I wish my parents knew how stressful move-in and move-out days were. Living in Forest Quadrangle, the first thing residents became accustomed to was having only one operable elevator and another completely broken, which meant everyone had to transport their

dorm furniture and supplies up in one tiny elevator.

It was so bad that my family had to carry heavy storage containers all the way up six flights of stairs. I couldn’t imagine how people living on the 11th floor felt.

Finding parking and carrying carts became impossible, aggravated by the fact that nobody knew what they were doing. This fateful day started the semester off stressfully, further ampli-

fied by my parents’ angry commentary.

The real issue, when it came time to move out, was the amount of stuff I accumulated over the year.

While driving back home the car was filled to the brim, much to my parents’ chagrin.

Learning the break schedules I only returned home for a few breaks throughout the year, and it was my

job to figure out when those times were through the academic calendar. However, my class schedule allowed for a level of flexibility for my departure date, since I could sometimes leave earlier than the first official day of break if I finished my inperson exams Finding your departure date is really dependent on what your class schedule is like, instead of the main IU calendar. Constantly explaining this to my parents

I became really involved in a mixture of clubs, my jobs and video editing projects within my first year, way more than I had previously in my small high school.

Not only was I juggling a job at a coffee shop and writing for the IDS, but I was also volunteering as an usher at the IU Auditorium and at several animal rescues.

This left little time for me to connect with my parents and call them every day.

Many times, I had to hang up early so that I could finish the schoolwork I needed to do. I wish I could have told my parents initially to prepare for the real-life distance but also the distance in availability.

Here’s one final piece of advice to parents of incoming freshman: this new journey entails a lot for you and your child, and giving support to them in this often-stressful life change is extremely important.

Prepare for the frightening move-in and move-out, and be aware that you might not see each other as much as you would like.

SUMMER 2026 | PARENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

HELP YOUR STUDENT STAND OUT IN THE JOB MARKET They can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years through Accelerated Master’s Programs (AMP) at IU Bloomington.

By combining the last year of undergrad with the first year of graduate school, your student can save time, save money, and stand out.

“A benefit of AMP is how fast you can get an advanced degree and put yourself ahead in careers at a higher salary.”

—Sam Ruffer, Biotechnology B.S., M.S.

AMP: The faster, smarter path to grad school Your student can choose from dozens of degree paths in AMP. The extra year gives them more time to complete internships and explore career opportunities.

Learn more about AMP at go.iu.edu/AM

YOUR STUDENT’S

RIDE HOME HANDLED. Safe. Reliable.

Student-Only Transportation for Indiana University.

Catch-A-Ride

with Windy City Transportation is the leading and most trusted student-only bus service, designed for Indiana University students.

We provide a dependable, thoughtfully managed transportation solution that gives parents peace of mind while ensuring students enjoy a smooth, comfortable travel experience.

It’s more than just transportation—it’s a service built on reliability, communication, and care, so your student is never far from home.

RESERVE YOUR STUDENT’S SEAT TODAY! Fast. Easy. Stress-Free.

From campus to home - without the hassle.

PEACE OF MIND FOR PARENTS SEMESTER BREAKS, HOLIDAYS & LONG WEEKENDS

DIRECT ROUTES TO CHICAGOLAND & MERRILLVILLE AREA

PUNCTUAL & DEPENDABLE

SAFE & RELIABLE TRAVEL

On-time departures and arrivals with GPS tracking you can count on.

Professionally managed transportation company with Modern, comfortable motorcoach buses.

Trusted by familes & students alike.

We run when your student needs to get home.

CatchARide.com Book in minutes from your phone!

Structured routes & convenient scheduled express service to the places that matter most.