Housing & Living Guide Fall 2023

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Housing & Living Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS

AN INDIANA DAILY STUDENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Salomé Cloteaux MANAGING EDITORS Marissa Meador Emma Uber

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lexi Lindenmayer MANAGING EDITOR OF DIGITAL Rahul Suresh Ubale MANAGING EDITOR OF ENGAGEMENT Haripriya Jalluri SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Olivia Bianco DESIGN EDITOR Alayna Wilkening VISUALS EDITORS Mira Athmarao Joanna Njeri COPY CHIEF Livvie Hurley ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Greg Menkedick

3 Best study spots for students

22 A guide to Bloomington gyms

4 Tips for doing laundry

23 Must-have apps for IU students

IU STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR Jim Rodenbush

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Considerations before 7 Guide to Bloomington buses adopting a pet

How to take care of your houseplants

15 Easy ways to decorate your

Visit us online idsnews.com

7 A guide to Bloomington bus

Newsroom 812-855-0760

9 Ways to keep yourself organized in college

19 Best ways to budget

Business Office 812-855-0763

10 All you need to know about

20 Quiz on what TV show to

Fax 812-855-8009

13 Advice for first-time renters

systems

the IU dorms

dorm room

18 Living with roommates

watch with your roommates

21 At-home workouts to try

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How to shop at the grocery store

25 Simple dessert recipe 28 Two affordable meals to try at home

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY JULIETTE ALBERT | TOP IDS FILE PHOTO BY SAM HOUSE | 6 PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLAYCAMP | 14 PHOTO BY OLIVIA BIANCO | 24 PHOTO BY MIRA ATHMARAO

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Best on-campus study spots: A guide to productive learning

By Miranda Miller

mm163@iu.edu | @mirandamil10

With colder weather just around the corner, it can be easy to stay in your room to study.

However, studying in your room can have major effects on one’s ability to learn and retain information. According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, studying in bed or your room can limit focus, decrease productivity and hurt your ability to fall asleep.

Studying in an appropriate environment is vital for effective learning. Determining your optimal study conditions is the first step towards finding the perfect study spot. Some students thrive in bustling public spaces, while others require serene surroundings to avoid distractions. Temperature preferences may also vary, with some desiring warmth to stay cozy and others preferring cooler environments to remain alert. Proximity to classes or food are other factors to consider.

Finding the perfect space for studying can take some trial and error, but here are a few spots to get your search started: Herman B Wells Library Undergraduate students can reserve study rooms in the Learning Commons Study Rooms (West Tower), accommodating up to eight individuals.

Floors one through 10 in the East Tower offer desks and study tables for individual or collaborative work. Higher floors tend to be quieter, as they cater primarily to graduate students.

The library features the Book-

OLIVIA BIANCO| IDS

A student studies Oct. 9, 2023, in the Indiana Memorial Union in Bloomington. Studying in an appropriate environment is vital for effective learning.

market Eatery, an all-you-caneat dining option for students with a meal plan.

This is a great option for students who are looking for a quiet space to work.

The operating hours are 8 a.m. to midnight MondayThursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

Kelley/School of Public and Environmental Affairs Library Located on the first floor of the SPEA building in room PV 150, this library primarily serves students from the Kelley School of Business and the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Students can reserve study rooms, and if unavailable, tables are located in the library and each floor of Hodge Hall.

This is a great option for students looking for a quiet space to study.

The Balance Room in Hodge Hall provides a tranquil space for relaxation and wellness.

The operating hours are 8 a.m. to midnight MondayWednesday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; noon to midnight SaturdaySunday.

Franklin Hall The common area of Franklin Hall provides comfortable seating and tables, offering an excellent view of a large screen showcasing sporting events and newscasts.

This location can be quite loud at certain times of day, so this location is better for those who can study with distractions.

The operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, closed Saturday-Sunday.

Indiana Memorial Union This location provides access to computer labs, dining options, and study spaces, offering a comprehensive study experience.

The Indiana University Bookstore holds all of your academic

needs, with everything from pencils to notebooks to calculators.

The IMU is best for students who can work with distractions.

This is the loudest study space on the list.

The operating hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

There are many more great study spots around campus, so here are some honorable mentions: The Wright Education Library, the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center Library, the William and Gayle Music Library and the Sciences Library.

In addition to finding a study spot, it is important to change where you study occasionally.

According to the American Psychological Association, always studying and reading in the same location and concentrating on one subject for hours don’t promote long-term learning. By exploring different study spaces and avoiding your room, you can enhance your long-term retention abilities and maintain a healthy study schedule.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

ILLUSTRATION BY THEO HAWKINS

Keep your laundry from piling up

By Char Jones

cmj35@iu.edu | @charshortforcharcoal

During my first ever week at college, I had to wash my new sheets for the first time in the Walnut Grove laundry room.

A guy on the floor below me bragged about how he had never done laundry before. His mom always did it, why should he have to learn?

This came as a shock to me. How could he have gotten around the easy yet annoying task of doing laundry in high school? Instead of going with my innate instinct to judge him, I showed him how to turn on the laundry machine. Sadly, that is just the beginning of the Sisyphean task that is laundry. It’s easy to mess up your clothes when living on your own for the first time, but hopefully I can help newcomers to get acclimated to the laundry world.

Pods vs. Detergent, and is fabric softener necessary?

I have been a Tide pod enthu-

siast since freshman year. Gone are the days when I would have to measure how much liquid detergent I should include in a load of laundry. Instead, just throw in one pod per load and your clothes will come out squeaky clean. Putting too many detergent pods in one load can make the laundry pod’s plastic coating stick to your clean clothes. It’s a pain to peel off, so just stick to one pod for most loads.

Personally, I did not grow up in a fabric softener household.

Fabric softener can cause some kinds of fabric to degrade in quality over time, like athletic wear or towels. Only use it for your old shirts and sheets to keep your clothes safe.

Does dry clean only really mean dry clean only?

As an avid thrifter, I have accrued a decent amount of socalled “dry clean only” fabrics in my wardrobe. Certain items must always be sent to the dry cleaners, like wool, silk or acetate. To get around spending extra mon-

ey, always wear an extra layer between yourself and the dry clean only material. It’s a two for one deal: you get to pretend to be a Victorian lady, as they always placed many layers between their bodies and their expensive clothes, and your delicate clothes stay sweat-free.

Other fabrics like spandex and rayon, in my experience, can be washed in a machine but not dried in one. If they are dried in a drying machine, they will shrink and lose all their shape.

Instead, make sure to hang dry those clothes after patting them dry with a towel. IKEA has an amazing and compact hanger to make sure those delicate items dry properly.

Speaking of the dryer, make sure to always use a dryer sheet or dryer balls. If you don’t, your clothes might stick together and have horrible static cling. I have used the same set of dryer balls for three years. They still work amazingly well, and they’re much more environmentally friendly than the single-use

sheets.

What if I don’t want to do my laundry?

Trust me, I’ve been there.

Some weeks I can barely get myself to get out and go to class let alone trek down four flights of stairs to get to the laundry room.

Sadly, if you won’t do your laundry, no one else will do it for you.

To fight these waves of annoyance at my overflowing hamper, I got myself hooked on a weekly podcast specifically for laundry day. As I began to associate the podcast with doing laundry, I got excited to spend two and a half hours on the task just so I could listen to the show. I had become both Pavlov and his dog. In all seriousness, it does help to listen to music, a TV show or a podcast when doing laundry – just as long as you’re doing your laundry.

Not so bad, is it? Laundry does feel like a time suck on occasion, but it is a necessary task to make sure you feel good (and you don’t smell terribly during classes).

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Considerations before caring for a pet

By Taylor Satoski

tsatoski@iu.edu l @taylorsatoski

Most college students think they’d be better off with a furry friend. The newfound independence of college gives you a first taste of adulthood and the perks that come with it – including being able to care for your very own pet. But would that furry friend be better off living with a college student? Here are some issues that may come up if you adopt an animal in college, and things that you need to be prepared for.

Rethink the reptile Each animal will bring its own issues, but reptiles may be the only ones that you have to worry about roaming bugs. Often, these animals’ diets consist of live bugs — , bugs that could break free in your apartment.

Not to mention, the bugs you plan to feed your reptile might attract less-desirable pests too.

While some people want a lizard, not everyone wants nomadic bugs.

Do you have the time?

Animals that require more attention, such as dogs, need multiple trips outside each day.

Between work, classes and social activities, will you be able to come home and walk the dog before getting back to the college grind? If not, do you have a roommate or neighbor who would be willing to help out? If you’re unsure, adopting a pet is probably worth reconsidering.

Built-in alarm clock Whether you wake up at 6 a.m. or 11 a.m., you can expect your animal to be your new alarm clock. They could be hungry, or angry or perhaps hangry.

Barks, slobber or the stomps of

MICHAEL CLAYCAMP I IDS

Mowgli, a three month old puppy, is pictured laying on a bean bag Oct. 3, 2023, inside his Bloomington residence.

Mowgli is a Pyrador created from mixing both Great Pyrenees and labrador retriver.

paws on your bed will wake you up, alerting you that your pet must take a walk right now, or they’re ready for breakfast. No more staying up late and sleeping in, your schedule is now up to your animal’s needs.

Miscellaneous costs Buying toys, beds, collars or leashes for your pet may seem like one-time purchases. But really, most of these items will need to be replaced at some point. Pets get bigger and grow out of things, and they tear up toys and leashes. You’ll probably end up replacing these items once they endure some expected wear-and-tear, and the total price could add up.

Larger costs In almost every Bloomington student residence, pet rent is an added cost to your budget. In my

experience, some apartments’ pet rents are as low as $25 but others are up to $75 or higher.

Every animal requires an occasional veterinary visit. Others may require more. Take into account whether your pet may have issues that require expensive medication or additional vet bills.

Burdens of the breeds Another thing to take into consideration is which breed you choose to adopt. Size is important to think about, considering your own ability to manage a big animal and the size of your (likely very humble) college home. The specific animal’s activity level is also very important to consider – be ready to either lay around a lot or go on tons of walks. As for mess, certain breeds tend to shed more than others, along with slobber.

Thinking ahead Adopting your dream pet during college creates some sort of dream world, but you have to remember that these animals are your responsibility 24/7. It’s important to look ahead to summer break and beyond. Will you be able to stay in Bloomington with your animal? Will your parents or friends house the animal if needed? After graduating, you’ll have to make sure your next roommate and residence will accept your pet.

While adopting an animal is a comforting and exciting idea, there are many aspects of pet parenthood to consider before committing to the decision. Pets are living, breathing creatures with lots of needs. Make sure you’re able to care for that pet — during and beyond your time at college — before adopting.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

IDS FILE PHOTO BY ALAYNA WILKENING

A Bloomington Transit bus is seen turning onto Third Street. Bloomington Transit has a variety of routes going all across town, but the most commonly used are the 9 and 6.

Confused by the Bloomington’s bus system?

Here’s a guide to getting around town

By Andrew Miller

ami3@iu.edu l @andrew_mmiller

Bloomington’s bus system is one of the most convenient ways to get around campus and Bloomington itself. Especially when walking long distances can be hard during winter, it’s essential. Here’s a guide to the system: IU Campus Bus Service IU’s bus system has six lines: the B, E, F, W, X and CM. The B is a convenient route for fraternities and sororities along David Baker Avenue and Eagleson Avenue, transporting students down through Eagleson and looping around south of campus.

The E is mostly used by residents who live north of campus and in dorms like Spruce or Forest. It transports students in a loop around IU’s campus.

The F takes students from the northwest neighborhood down Fee Lane into central campus,

and loops around the west part of campus.

The W is convenient for students going from Showalter Fountain or the IMU to the stadium, or vice versa, by traveling along Woodlawn Avenue. It is usually used by students who park at Memorial Stadium.

The X also picks up students from the stadium and takes a similar route, except it doesn’t go south of 10th street.

The CM route runs only on Saturdays and Sundays and goes all around campus to the stadium, hospital, central campus, and the college mall.

No identification or payment is necessary to ride the IU Campus bus system.

Bloomington Transit Bloomington Transit has a variety of routes going all across town, but the most commonly used are the 9 and 6.

The 9 loops around west campus and travels down to

College Mall. The 9 Limited follows a similar route except it only travels across south campus.

The 6 and 6 Limited are popular choices for traveling from student housing across campus. They travel across 10th Street and Seventh Street, looping around College Avenue and Walnut Street.

Other routes that pass by campus include the 3 College Mall/Hospital which goes across Third Street to College Mall and the IU Health Bloomington Hospital, the 5 and 7 which both travel south into Bloomington and the 12 which goes from central campus to the stadium.

To ride Bloomington Transit for free, students need to show the driver their Crimson Card on the way in. Otherwise, the regular fare is $1.00.

How to see routes and schedules The best way to look at both

IU’s Campus Bus Service and Bloomington Transit is through the IU Mobile app. Under the Campus and Buses tabs, you can select desired routes to display and track buses along their routes.

Other options include using BusGenius for IU’s bus system and Doublemap for Bloomington Transit.

Know your bus etiquette Knowing bus etiquette will make your and everyone else’s trip much smoother. As a general rule, just try to keep others in mind while riding. Simple actions like not taking up seats with your bags, moving to the back of the bus when it starts getting full and not taking up more space than you need make a huge difference. Also, make sure you enter the bus from the front side and leave from the middle. It’s always nice to say “thank you” to the bus driver as well.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Try these methods to stay organized

NADIA SCHARF | IDS

A student shows a calendar spread in a bullet journal. Bullet journaling started out as a “mindfulness practice that works like a productivity system,” according to Ryder Carroll, creator of the bullet journal system.

By Nadia Scharf

njscharf@iu.edu | @nadiaascharf

Staying organized in college can feel like you’re juggling a million to-dos. Between papers, exams, club meetings and more, you’ll need to keep track of your life — in a way that works for you. There are a million and one methods to get organized out there, but here are a few of the basics.

If you like the classics, go for an agenda We all had one as kids, usually handed out by our high schools — we might have scrawled a few notes about a calculus test or tomorrow’s homework. But there are agendas out there in whatever style you like, each with its own features. It’s a simple, easy

way to keep yourself on track with your ramped-up, collegelevel day to day.

Agendas have a built-in schedule that you can fill in, and often have a space for notes that’s great for reminders! It can help make sure you’re on track with that semester project (and that you remember the midterm is next week).

beyond class assignments — I know people who keep their grocery lists in their Notions!

Having everything you need in one app is part of the reason it’s so beloved by college students. The other is Notion’s options for customization. You can make your page distinctly yours, with pictures, quotes and more.

If you work better online, check out Notion

If you need your own thing, try bullet journaling

If you haven’t heard of Notion, it’s an app designed to keep your notes and organizational information in the same place. You can create to-do lists and calendars, track projects and even link to other applications, such as Zoom or Google Drive. For some people, it goes

Bullet journaling started out as a “mindfulness practice that works like a productivity system,” according to the organizational method’s creator, Ryder Carroll. If you follow the original practice, you’ll keep track of your to-dos, events and thoughts, all marked with simple, distinctive

symbols, every day.

That’s bullet journaling at its most basic; however, people have taken the idea and run with it. If you’re in college, you might set it up by week or month to make sure you’re not missing something for next class. Bullet journaling can also be a great creative or meditative outlet — I use this method, and I love busting out my colored pens and taking the time to review the month to come.

Your perfect method will work for your life; that is, it’ll stick. No matter what you choose, it won’t be helpful if you don’t keep up with it! Make sure you’re still writing down dates and planning ahead once it’s no longer new and exciting. You’ll thank yourself later.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

A freshman’s dorm survival guide

By Ellie Adam ehadam@iu.edu

Lots of freshmen don’t feel prepared to live on their own.

There are a lot of big changes that come with living in the dorms and away from home for the first time. With some time to adjust along with these useful tips, the dorm life can make your freshman year much more memorable.

Create a healthy sleep schedule A healthy sleep schedule is crucial to maintain when living in the dorms. You’re adjusting to a new schedule and new friends, which can easily make you feel exhausted at the start of the school year. Even if your classes don’t start very early, it’s always nice to wake up at a decent hour to get a head start on the day. If you’re used to going to bed past midnight, try to switch up your routine.

You can take baby steps – try to lay in bed at 11 p.m. to read a book or just relax. Going to

bed early always makes me feel better in the morning, I am more productive, and I can start my homework on time. A good sleep schedule gives you more energy to focus in class and keep up with new friends.

Be welcoming to your neighbors It’s important to keep a friendly smile on your face around the dorm during the first couple weeks of school. Being kind to your floor mates is the best way to make new friends.

People often recommend leaving your door open to say hi to people passing by, and it really is some of the best advice for those first few weeks of school. Some students may even walk right into your room and introduce themselves. Everyone is eager to make new friends freshman year, so it doesn’t hurt to welcome your neighbors with open arms. While you don’t need to make friends with everyone in your dorm, it’s always nice to know the people you live near.

BRIANA PACE | IDS

Read Residence Hall is photographed Oct. 3, 2023, off of East Eagleson Avenue. Freshmen students are housed at Read Residence Hall, among other residence halls.

Keep your room clean The dorm space is a little tight, but cleaning up after yourself makes the space feel more open.

When there are clothes on the floor and food on desks, it makes it harder to move around in such a small space. A vacuum is great for quickly cleaning your carpet.

I remember using my vacuum at least twice a week during my freshman year and it made a big difference. A three-tier rolling

cart is great for storing snacks, toiletries and other items that take up already-limited space.

With a spotless room, not only will you be in a better mood, but you will feel better about inviting in visitors from your floor.

Living on your own in a dorm may seem scary at first, but if you take care of yourself and are kind to those around you, then you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Thinking of rushing? Here’s what to know

By Madelyn Hanes mrhanes@iu.edu

According to IU, about 25% of its undergraduate students are involved in Greek life in Bloomington. There are 66 fraternities and sororities to choose from.

There are wide range of opportunities in Greek life. Many fraternities and sororities offer networking opportunities, leadership skills, community development, and a great way to make friends.

How to join To join a sorority or fraternity, students must first complete Prospective Member Orientation, which can be found on the IU Office of Student Life website.

Each of the four governing councils has different and unique recruitment processes.

Some councils have formal recruitments, while others recruit members throughout the year.

You can learn more about each of the council’s recruitment processes or intakes on their websites.

BRIANA PACE | IDS

North Eagleson Avenue is seen on a rainy day Jan. 29, 2023. Many fraternities and sororities offer networking opportunities, community involvement, leadership skills and a great way to make friends.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE Four Governing Councils The 66 Greek chapters at IU are governed by one of four councils. The councils include: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MCGH), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the Panhellenic Association (PHA).

Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life (OSFL) supports and advises the four different

governing councils and chapter leaders. OSFL administers and plans many events and programs. OSFLs mission is to provide safe and fun Greek life experience at IU, according to their website.

Greek Fees Each Sorority and Fraternity has different fees to cover chapter and national charges, house corporation charges, social, food and rooms.

Some chapters offer special scholarships and payment

plans for those in need.

The OSFL also charges a Greek fee to members of recognized Greek organizations on campus on each individual student’s bursar account.

Members of the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association chapters will be charged $50 a semester.

Members of Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters will be charged $30 a semester.

Anti-Hazing Policy IU has an anti-hazing policy.

If you or someone you know experiences hazing, you can report to the Office of Student Conduct anonymously.

Each organization will be held liable for their actions if found responsible for hazing activities.

If Greek life isn’t for you, IU also has over 750 student organizations. IU has something for everyone and many opportunities to get involved!

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Renting for the first time?

Here’s what you need to know

By Nadia Scharf

Double-check your lease with Student Legal Services Leases can be tricky.

They’re long, complicated and full of words you may not be familiar with. That’s why I recommend booking an appointment with Student Legal Services to have them look at your lease, free of charge. Having them look over the lease before it gets signed is the best option, but if you’ve already signed your lease, getting an attorney or legal intern to look at the fine print doesn’t hurt.

You may find you’re responsible for cleaning, maintenance or another task you wouldn’t have thought — or, like my sophomore year apartment surprise, that “quiet hours” are enforced starting at 10 p.m.!

njscharf@iu.edu | @nadiaascharf

Being a first-time renter can be overwhelming. It feels like there’s a million things to consider, half of which you haven’t thought of yet — but don’t stress! Here are a few things to consider when you’re renting your first apartment.

Consider your commute As a first-time renter, you may laser in on apartment features when you open up Zillow or Apartments.com.

Does it have a dishwasher?

In-unit laundry? A personal bathroom?

In addition to what an apartment has, though, you should take note of where the apartment is. Being near campus can be a lifesaver if you always make it out the door a little later than you mean to.

And sometimes, if you live far away, missing the bus can be the difference between making and skipping class.

Think about the places you frequent. Do you want to be near the stadium? What about downtown? Living within walking distance of campus can save you time and money in the long run.

Make a budget – and stick to it I know, I know, no one wants to hear it. But budgeting on your rent can save you a ton of stress down the road. If you’re paying for your property yourself through a job, you should aim to spend 30% or less of your budget on

Ask your realtor for your house or apartment’s dimensions

PHOTO BY ALAYNA WILKENING| IDS

The Rubicon apartment complex is located on Kirkwood Avenue above Raising Cane’s. Students often look for apartments on or near Kirkwood Avenue to enjoy nearby restaurants and a vibrant social atmosphere.

rent, according to NerdWallet.

Even if you’re paying through other means or your parents are helping, you should still keep what you’ll have to pay in mind. Ask about average utility cost as well, because they can add up!

Having a budget isn’t the most fun part of apartment or house-hunting. But keeping your rent and utility costs to a level you can afford means you’ll be able to use the rest of your money doing what YOU want!

We’ve all been there. You plan out your new room all summer. You pick out everything, from the furniture down to the rug on the floor. You’re moving in, you’re so excited and suddenly, your heart sinks. You realize your desk just will NOT fit next to your bed like you imagined.

Often, landlords and rental companies will provide you with a floor plan or dimensions for your leased property if you ask! Especially if you’ve signed the lease and they know you’ll be moving in, most will want to start the relationship off on a good note. Just shoot them a text or email!

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Plant parenthood is easier than you think

By Char Jones

cmj35@iu.edu l @ charshortforcharcoal

When I first got to Bloomington, my dorm room was bare. I missed the green painted walls of my room back home. Logically, I spent the next two weeks researching plants I could keep alive in my college dorm to liven up my dingy shelves.

I always thought taking care of plants would be hard, since I had killed countless plants from the grocery store in high school.

Now, two years later, I am still caring for the same Pilea plant that thrived in my dim dorm room despite my lacking ability as a plant parent. With my newly developed green thumb, I will try my best to spill all the magical information beans I have about keeping plants alive.

Know your watering schedule On every plant blog I read, the number one tip is to always keep track of how often you water your plants. Most plants I own only need to be watered once a week, like my Pilea peperomioides named Robert. Other plants can only be watered once every two weeks, such as my snake plant named Carl.

No matter how often you water your plants, use water from a Brita filter. While this may sound dramatic, unfiltered water can cause discoloration in the leaves and stems of some plants. If you don’t have a water filtration system, you can leave a cup of water out overnight.

Somehow, it has the same effect.

Don’t be shy when watering plants, especially if they have a hole in their pot. Make sure to fill the pot up with water entirely; the hole is to allow the excess water to drip out. If this aggressive form of watering sounds

OLIVIA BIANCO I IDS

A houseplant seen Oct. 9, 2023, in Bloomington. North-facing windows typically get the least amount of light, making them perfect for easy-going, resilient plants.

scary to you, you can always place them on a tray or plate filled with water. This method, called bottom watering, allows the plant to take in as much water as it needs.

Get plants suited to your windows I know this sounds stupid, but giving your plants too much sunlight can also play a factor in their untimely death. To remedy this, use your phone’s compass app to see if you have a North, South, East or Westfacing window.

North-facing windows typically get the least amount of light, making them perfect for easy-going, resilient plants. ZZ plants and snake plants are perfect for this kind of room since they don’t need a lot of water or sunlight to grow. Alternatively, South-facing windows give a lot of light throughout the day, making these rooms perfect for

succulents like aloe.

If you want a cute plant for medium sunlight like a monstera or an alocasia but don’t have the proper amount of sunlight, it may be a good idea to buy a grow light. Grow light bulbs can be added to any kind of table lamp, turning any kooky thrifted lamp into a key player in keeping your plants alive.

No more plastic pots There is no shortage of amazing plant nurseries in Bloomington, some of my favorites being oak and May’s Greenhouse. Whenever I’ve bought a brand-new plant from these stores, they are kept in cute plastic containers. A few years ago, I would have expected those plants to survive whilst staying in those cups. Now, I understand why every plant I had died.

Plants grow quickly and can-

not survive in a pot that is too small. Thankfully, for only a few more dollars, investing in terra cotta pots will give your plant extra inches to grow. Do not hesitate to ask in-store what size pot you should get for a new plant. If the pot is too large, the plant could start rotting at its roots, causing your whole room to smell terrible and forcing you to hold a plant funeral a few days later. Instead, spend the extra money on new dirt and new pots for your stoic, silent best friends.

Congratulations, you are now ready to be a plant parent!

Before buying any plant, make sure to research how to best take care of them. Some of my favorite resources are found on YouTube, like Crazy Plant Guy and Epic Gardening. Don’t forget that if I can take care of four plants as an anxious, hyperindependent junior, you can do it too.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Easy ways to decorate your dorm room

By Olivia Franklin

they are.

Decorating your dorm room does not need to be expensive or difficult, so don’t leave your room blank.

Tapestries

orfrankl@iu.edu l @livvvvv_5

Lights

Twinkle lights are the best way to decorate your dorm room. Some people do not love the bright overhead lights in the dorm rooms, so you can instead turn on the soft glow of twinkle lights. One of the best parts of them is that you can get all kinds of different colors. My freshman year my roommate and I had orange twinkle lights, but a lot of people had the normal golden color or even fun rainbow colors in their rooms. You can buy them at Target or Walmart for $10-$20 depending on how long

One way to cover a big chunk of your empty wall space is to hang a tapestry. Tapestries can also show people a little bit of your personality. Tapestries are also a budget-friendly décor option. Whenever I shop for tapestries, most of them are $25 or less. Online websites like Redbubble or Etsy are great places to get cute, cheap tapestries.

Poster

Another way to cover a lot of open space on your walls can be hanging posters. Just like tapestries, these can be a way to show people who come into your room a little bit of your personality. Get a poster of your favorite musical artist, movie or televi-

sion show. Target, Walmart and other stores in College Mall have some options for posters that people could look through.

Plants

If you are someone who can keep plants alive for more than a week, you should think about getting some for your dorm room. If you cannot or just do not want to deal with the extra work, you can also get some cute fake plants for cheap for the same effect. I cannot keep a plant alive for more than a few days, so I always opt for fake plants.

Photos

Hanging up photos of you and your friends or family is a fantastic way to decorate your dorm room. You can hang up

JOANNA NJERI I IDS

Houseplants are seen on Oct. 4, 2023, in Bloomington. If you don’t want deal with the extra work of taking care of plants, some cute fake plants will have the same effect.

photo frames or have a Polaroid wall with people who have been in your room. There are also small Bluetooth printers on Amazon that you can connect to your phone so you can print off photos from your camera roll.

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18

FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE Be courteous Whenever you are doing something that may affect your roommates — using communal spaces, inviting guests over, purchasing items for your space — consider how you would want to be treated and act accordingly.

If your roommate leaving dirty dishes in the sink or playing loud music would bother you, try not to do those things or at least ask before doing so to show that you care. Even if a particular action would not bother you, try to find out the kinds of things that are important to your roommate in order to respect their boundaries.

Plan ahead

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How to live with roommates

By Leila Faraday

Lfaraday@iu.edu l @leilafaraday

Living with roommates is a central part of the college experience for many students, whether it be in a first-year dorm hall, apartment or house. You may be sharing everything from a room to a kitchen and bathroom, and this sharing does not come without its challenges.

Prioritizing communication, honesty and respect are important to maintaining a healthy or at least tolerable relationship with your co-habitants. Try these tips to keep your living situation harmonious this semester.

Communicate frequently

If there is something you would like your roommate to know, whether it be you want to have guests over or you have problem with the way they are doing something, communication is central to mutual understanding and respect. For more difficult or emotional conversations, having these in person can be a lot more productive than over text. Texts can often come across passive aggressive and tone can easily be misread.

Keeping bigger conversations in person will make coming to a resolution easier and ensure there are fewer negative emotions arising as a byproduct of miscommunication and misunderstandings. However, having

a text group chat is a helpful way to stay in touch with roommates throughout the day and share any urgent updates or ideas.

Be honest If something your roommate is doing is bothering you, it is more respectful to you and them to honestly share the way you feel than to allow your emotions to fester. I have found that when I let such feelings accumulate inside of me, smaller and smaller things begin to bother me that normally wouldn’t. Making honesty a natural part of the relationship between you and your roommates will set you up for fewer long-lasting or emotionally charged conflicts.

Before the semester begins, consider setting aside some time to meet with your roommates to discuss expectations for living together. Students living in IU residence halls are asked to draft and sign roommate agreements at the start of the year. Although this may seem extreme, taking the time at the beginning of the school year to ensure you’re on the same page as someone you’re living with before conflict arises can pay off in the future.

Pick your battles and adapt While it is important to be honest if something your roommate is doing that is bothering you, you should exercise some degree of tolerance and respect for the differences of others. It is often not worth dwelling on the fact that you dislike the way your roommate hangs their towels or the smell of the food they cook, as we are all raised differently and have our own preferences.

Living with other people will always require some compromise, so be wise about the hill you want to die on rather than criticizing everything someone does. You likely wouldn’t appreciate that treatment from them.

19

FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Advice and tips for budgeting in college

By Olivia Franklin

orfrankl@iu.edu | @Livvvvv_5

College can be expensive, but surviving in college does not have to be. Here are some tips for balling on a budget in college.

Shop the sale sections I love shopping, but it can be expensive. The sale section is always the first place I gravitate to when shopping because sometimes there are some great deals, and it is always fun telling people you got a great deal on a cute piece of clothing. Even the pieces with minor issues can be fixed with a simple needle and thread.

Use food apps Yes, it can take up a lot of

space on your phone, but it can also save you a lot of money.

Food places like McDonalds, Dunkin and Starbucks have apps with deals for customers every day or almost every day.

These include discounts, buy one get one free deals or even sometimes a free item with a purchase. Food apps can help you save money on off-campus food while racking up points so you can get free food later.

Take advantage of free food opportunities Almost every callout meeting or event will offer free food or snacks like pizza, chips or candy. It can get boring after a couple of days, but it will also save you money for the first few weeks every semester. If

you have time, try to go to as many events or callout meetings as possible to take advantage of all the free food.

Use Crimson Card If you have meal points you should use this over real money anytime you can. You have already paid for it, so why not use this first? The dining halls on campus offer many diverse types of food, so it is easy to find something you would want to eat. Obviously, you can still go and eat food off

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Need a show to watch with your roomates?

By Nadia Scharf

njscharf@iu.edu | @nadiaascharf

START HERE

Do you want a comfort show or one that keeps the drama coming?

Are you looking for a laugh or keeping it classic?

COMFORT

LAUGH

DRAMA

CLASSIC

“Schitt’s Creek” “Schitt’s Creek “is one of the funniest shows out there; at the same time, it’s charming, sweet and genuine. Created and led by father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, the sitcom’s five seasons are available on Amazon Prime.

Do you want to root for characters or real people?

CHARACTERS REAL PEOPLE

Does your ideal drama come from family dreams or crime scenes?

“Gilmore Girls” “Gilmore Girls” has a reputation as the ultimate fall show for a reason. Sit back with a cup of coffee (alongside the Gilmores) and let the cozy town of Stars Hollow warm you up.

You and your roommates can find “Gilmore Girls” on Netflix.

Are you looking to watch love or adventure?

ADVENTURE

FAMILY DREAMS CRIME SCENES LOVE

“Jane the Virgin” “Jane the Virgin” has EVERYTHING! Based on classic Latin American telenovelas (adored by the characters), the show parodies the genre’s tropes, from love triangles to evil twins to sudden deaths. The critically acclaimed show is available on Netflix.

“How to Get Away With Murder” “How to Get Away With Murder” is fast-paced, gripping, and has more twists per episode than most shows have in a season. Starring EGOTwinner Viola Davis, this Netflix drama will have your eyes wide and your jaw dropped.

“Love Island” “If you’re looking to turn up the heat, spice and drama in your household, look no further than “Love Island.” This matchmaking reality show has touched over 20 countries, launching versions in German, French, Norwegian and more, but you can find the original UK version on Hulu.

“Survivor” If you and your roommates want the adventure of a lifetime (but you like your house a little too much to leave), there’s no better show than “Survivor,” where contestants brave the outdoors, challenges and the group’s social dynamics. The reality show, available on YouTube TV and Netflix, is on its 45th season.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

At-home workouts that beat going to the gym

By Isabella Vesperini Isvesp@iu.edu

If you live all the way across campus from the gym, you probably don’t want to venture on a 30-minute walk just to get a workout in. It's not a convenient or appealing choice.

But just because you don’t live by a gym doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There are many ways to get in a good, equally successful workout from home.

Running from home Who needs a treadmill when there are so many cool places to explore outside in nature? It’s so easy to start a run from home and run around campus or surrounding neighborhoods.

There are sidewalks everywhere that allow you to go all over.

You can take advantage of good weather and spend some muchneeded time outside rather than run on a treadmill surrounded by other treadmills and a boring beige wall. Running or walking outdoors instead of in a gym also allows you to get some fresh air and clear your mind after being in class for a long time.

Starting and ending the run at home is also more efficient and allows you to get more out of your run without having to worry about the time it takes to walk back from the gym.

Yoga Doing a nice yoga session in the comfort of your home can help relax and calm the mind after a long day. It can also help start the day off on the right foot.

You don’t even need a yoga mat or that much space to do yoga; just a little free carpeted area at home will do.

It's less stressful doing yoga at home on your own because you don’t have to worry about all the people around you or the dirty floor your hand may graze. You have more freedom to breathe, play music out loud and focus on yourself without the chaos of the outside world closing in on you.

Muscle strengthening If you don’t have the space for weights at home, it’s okay; you don’t need them to get in an equally successful workout! You can do jumping jacks, squats, lunges and planks without a gym.

If you don’t have enough room in your house, you can do these ex-

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A student uses dumbbells to do a strength workout Feb. 6, 2021, in her apartment.

ercises in your backyard too. You also don’t need dumbbells from the gym to do pushups and core exercises.

Creating a schedule with how many sets and how many reps of each exercise you’ll do will help you stay on track and ensure you do everything. Start out small, and build up as you go. If you want to add makeshift weights later on, you can do lunges or squats while holding a milk carton or a bag of apples.

22

FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

An extensive guide to Bloomington gyms

By Will Foley

wtfoley@iu.edu | @foles24

Trying to find a place to work out? Look no further, as this is a guide to some of the top gyms in the Bloomington area.

Firstly are the gyms on IU’s campus. The Student Recreational Sports Center is a popular choice. Located on 1601 Law Lane, the SRSC is free for students, although Crimson Card identification is necessary, and has weekday hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

It offers strength and cardio areas, racquetball and basketball/volleyball courts, an indoor track and exercise studios among other options. Its weekend hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.

Also on campus is the Bill

Garrett Fieldhouse. Found on 1025 E. 7th St., the Bill Garrett Fieldhouse is a popular site for recreational sports. It offers two strength and cardio areas, 10 basketball/volleyball courts, multipurpose gyms, an indoor track and more.

The indoor track, tennis courts and Gym 293 have weekday hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The courts and strength gym have weekday hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

There are several CrossFit gyms in Bloomington. Two of the most popular spots include Hoosier CrossFit and CrossFit Bloomington, which offer rates ranging from $139/month to $169/ month.

Hoosier CrossFit is located at 340 S Walker St. Suite B and is

open six days a week, closed on Sundays. It has staggered hours ranging from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m depending on the day. It offers a CrossFit class, personal training and ‘quickfit,’ a shorter version of CrossFit. CrossFit Bloomington is also open six days a week, closed on Sundays. Found at 1850 S. Walnut St., its hours range from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.

It offers CrossFit classes, personal training, athletic development and nutrition guidance.

Orangetheory and Planet Fitness are two well-known franchises that have locations in Bloomington.

Planet Fitness is located at 3477 W. Third St. It is open 24 hours for seven days a week and requires a subscription, with the basic subscription costing $15/

month and the ‘PF Black Card’ option at $24.99/month with more access. Planet Fitness offers several strength and cardio workout areas.

There are two Orangetheory locations in Bloomington: 210 E. Kirkwood Ave. and 2894 E. Third St. They offer different hours, as the Third St. location is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on weekends. The Kirkwood location is open 6 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on weekends.

Orangetheory offers a series of workouts including rowing, cardio and strength training in each class. It has three different subscription packages: basic, elite and premier, which are priced at $69/month, $109/ month and $169/month.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

New to campus? Here are 4 must-have apps

By Mia Hilkowitz

mhilkowi@iu.edu | @MiaHilkowitz

Bus Genius and Double Map There are two bus systems that service IU’s campus: IU Campus Buses and Bloomington Transit.

Both systems run numerous bus routes throughout the day, usually with multiple buses running at once. While Bloomington Transit and IU have published schedules online, traffic and construction can delay buses. To stay up to date on IU campus buses, students should download Bus Genius, available for free on the app store. To live-track Bloomington transit buses, you can use Double Map, also available for free.

IU Mobile Perhaps the most important app for students to have is IU Mobile, the university’s one-stop-shop for almost all of its digital services. Through IU Mobile, students can access their class schedules, crimson cash, Canvas dashboard and so much more. You can also use the IU Mobile app to find nearby on-campus parking, food and computer labs. Lost your Crimson Card? IU Mobile even allows students to access a digital version of their card straight from the app.

Canvas app While this might seem like an obvious must-have, the Canvas app is one of the most useful apps for IU students. On Canvas, students can access assignments, quizzes and files for each of their classes. Most importantly, you can also access your grades through Canvas. Canvas has a to-do list to track all your assignments and an in-app messaging system to contact your professors and classmates.

Outlook app IU’s official email system is through Outlook. While many students might only check their IU emails on their laptops, it’s important to have quick, easy access to messages.

The Outlook app is easy to use and even sorts your emails into the most important messages.

The Outlook app also has its own in-app calendar and connects to other Microsoft applications.

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FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

How to grocery shop as a college student MIRA ATHMARAO | IDS

The cereal and canned goods aisle at CVS is pictured on Sept. 29, 2023, at Kirkwood Avenue. There are multiple other methods to get healthy food that do not involve spending a lot of money, starting with your own CrimsonCard.

By Leila Faraday

lfaraday@iu.edu | @leilafaraday

Go in with a plan Shopping without a list or defined goal often leads to a longer trip, higher bill and that awful feeling you have when you get home and realize that you forgot the one thing you went to the store for.

In creating your shopping list, track your current food inventory to see what items you already have at home and what you are out of. Prioritize cooking with what you have to ensure things don’t spoil and you can clear out space for more food.

If you have never shopped for yourself before, find recipes through articles, social media and cookbooks to find simple meals you can make. You can strategically plan out meals that have overlapping ingredients and ensure that the items you buy will actually translate into food you want to eat. Meal planning can also prevent you

from buying too many random snacks and miscellaneous items that are not versatile or cost effective.

ally be the best value. By checking the unit price, you will see which item truly gives you the most bang for your buck.

Buy in bulk when possible

Canned, frozen and generic goods Canned and frozen vegetables are an excellent way to incorporate more nutrition into your meals without worrying about quick expiration.

They can be cheaper than fresh produce and can make cooking nutritious meals a lot more convenient.

While there are some brand name items that are far superior to their generic counterparts, I often buy things like pasta, baking goods, cleaning supplies and other simple items from the store’s generic brand. This cuts entire dollars off of many purchases, and often there is no difference in taste or quality.

If you have the space and financial means, take advantage of buying in bulk either by shopping at wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club or simply buying a few extras of a staple ingredient when you’re at the store.

For instance, if I notice my favorite bread on sale, I might snag a couple of extra loaves to freeze for the future — saving me a bit of money in the long run. Utilizing your freezer is a great way to stock up on certain items while ensuring they won’t go bad before you have the chance to actually eat them.

A metric to look for when shopping is the unit price of items. When comparing two brands of the same item, the one with that seemingly shows the cheaper price may not actu-

Apps and coupons If you frequent a particular

grocery store, downloading their app opens up the opportunity to easily clip coupons on your frequently purchased items and earn fuel points as well. By being a member of a store’s rewards program, you will have access to memberonly deals that save you money on various items throughout the store.

When you print your receipt, check to see if the store printed any coupons with it, as these are often related to items you just bought.

Go online If going to a grocery store in person feels too overwhelming or time consuming for you, try doing your shopping online by placing an order for pickup through your desired store.

This can keep you on track with time and expenses, as you won’t be aimlessly wandering any aisles or picking up candy bars in the checkout aisle on impulse.

FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

OLIVIA FRANKLIN | IDS

A batch of funfetti dip is pictured with animal crackers. This recipe can be made in five minutes.

Try this quick and easy Funfetti dip recipe

By Olivia Franklin

orfrankl@iu.edu | @Livvvvv_5

I discovered this recipe when I was looking for a fun dessert for a dip night with my friends.

This quickly became a popular dish within our friend group. It is yummy and can be made in five minutes, so I always look for an excuse to make it.

Ingredients

» Eight ounces of cream cheese » Eight ounces of cool whip » 1/3 to 2/3 cup of milk » One box of Funfetti cake mix » Sprinkles (optional) for garnishing

Recipe Take the cream cheese out so

it can soften to room temperature.

Once it is softened, add the cool whip in and mix the two together. Make sure the cream cheese clumps are smoothed out.

For the milk start at 1/3 cup and go from there. The more milk means the creamier the dip will be, so that is up to your preference.

Add the box of Funfetti dip and a layer of sprinkles to the mixture and mix well.

Garnish the top of the dip with sprinkles (preferably rainbow).

Enjoy the dip with animal crackers!

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26

FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

A guide to cheap, quality restaurants in Bloomington

By Joey Sills

sillsj@iu.edu | @sillsjoey

Bloomington is a city known for its wide-ranging cuisine touching nearly every corner of the world. With over 150 restaurants in its downtown district alone, and over 350 in the greater Monroe County area, there’s bound to be several that appeal to everyone.

However, as with any city, it’s a little more difficult discerning which of these restaurants are reasonably priced and which ones are going to break the bank.

We are, after all, college students, and it’s of vital importance to find the best places to eat out without needing to pick up another shift to make up for it. Here are some of the best deals in Bloomington that are sure to satisfy your appetite.

Mother Bear’s A classic among students for many reasons, including the fact it’s historically been named some of the best pizza in the country, Mother Bear’s is also fairly cheap for such a renowned institution. Arrive anywhere from 4 to 6 p.m. for their early bird special: order a 10 or 14-inch pizza and you receive a free order of breadsticks or cheese bread and two free soft drinks.

Hinkle’s Hamburgers Located on Adams Street, just a little bit off campus, Hinkle’s is a classic burger joint with reasonable pricing to boot. Order a single cheeseburger with a side and a drink for less than $9 and marvel at the quality over a chain like McDonald’s.

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Runcible Spoon Though Runcible Spoon does have a lunch and a dinner menu, you’re more likely to hear reference to the establishment for its breakfast.

The establishment offers some pricier options, but the Jim Copeland special — two eggs, toast, and bacon, sausage, ham or home fries — runs just $7.95.

Z & C Teriyaki & Sushi A Kirkwood favorite, Z & C is known for being relatively cheap compared to most restaurants so close to campus. Both a chicken teriyaki and beef teriyaki meal come in at less than $8, with a can of soda only adding $1. Its location and affordability means it’s perfect for any time of day, but don’t be surprised if it’s busiest after a night out.

Dat’s Cajun

Dragon Express

If you’re in the mood for a taste of the Deep South in your little Midwest town, look no further than Dat’s. All entrees are just $7.95, ranging from gumbo to jambalaya to bourbon chicken stew. Add a soft drink for $1.75 and it’s bound to be a hearty meal.

Another restaurant right next to campus — this time, right next to the Jacobs School of Music on 3rd Street — Dragon Express provides everything one could possibly want from Chinese take-out. Check out their daily lunch and dinner specials if you don’t want to spend any more than $8.

27

FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Make your parents take you to these restaurants

By Isabella Vesperini isvesp@iu.edu

Uptown Café

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Free lawyers working for IU students.

Make an appointment. getlegal.indiana.edu

Da Vinci MIRA ATHMARAO | IDS

C3 Bar C3 Bar is a great date spot.

You walk in, and you don’t feel like you’re in Bloomington anymore. It’s located in the Renwick neighborhood 10 minutes from campus. It’s located next to Crumble Café. C3 Bar is a fancier place with an array of drinks and dishes.

You can get a nice dinner and then go on a walk around the neighborhood and park.

There are a lot of trees and a gazebo to sit at and talk. It’s peaceful.

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since 1987, and is a tradition for everyone who visits to dine here. There is a wide array of options to choose from, from wings to mac and cheese. It’s also very family friendly and a great place to go to watch games on the TVs and relax.

Uptown Café is one of the fancier places to eat in Bloomington. Make your parents take you there for a special occasion, whether it’s to celebrate graduation or a performance.

It’s a cozy spot to relax and enjoy quality conversation but also eat delicious food.

What’s Happening in B--Town? idsnews.com/events

Two alumna of Indiana University, Cate Charron (left) and Helen Rummel (right) are seen eating outside of Sweetgreen on Sept. 29, 2023, at Kirkwood Avenue.

BuffaLouie’s Every parent of an IU student should dine at BuffaLouie’s with their kid. It’s an iconic place to eat on Indiana Avenue and is close to Kirkwood and Sample Gates. They have a lot of cool sports memorabilia inside and give off a very energetic vibe.

It’s been in Bloomington

Da Vinci is relatively new in town, and it’s one of the few establishments that accurately resembles real Italian food.

It’s a great place to make your parents take you because there are so many dishes that you can share. From garlic cheese bread, to lobster and cheese ravioli to pear pizza, they have it all. There are numerous plates that will satisfy anyone’s palate.

No one can beat their dessert, either. They have gelato, tiramisu, cheesecake and more.

28

FALL 2023 HOUSING & LIVING GUIDE

Try these two affordable dishes

GRACE ROMINE | IDS

Home-made chicken pot pie and personal-size pizza are pictured above on Sept. 28, 2023. Cooking doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.

By Grace Romine gmromine@iu.ed

Whether you are living in the dorms or in an off-campus apartment this year, learning to cook and maintaining a nutritious diet is challenging.

Scrolling Pinterest to find easy meals you can make with the fewest number of kitchen tools and ingredients is daunting, and the search isn’t any easier while toggling schoolwork and a budget too.

Here are two simple and affordable recipes any student can make.

Aldi is ranked as the most affordable food retailer in America.

For all ingredients mentioned, I will be referencing Aldi’s pricing as of September 2023.

Naan bread pizza Using naan bread for crust is one way to elevate the very simple homemade pizza.

I used garlic naan. It comes in a pack of four ($4.29) and each piece is the perfect serving size.

I coat the naan with a little bit of melted butter and garlic powder and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes while I prepare the toppings.

These do-it-yourself pizzas are great because you can really customize them in whatever

way you’d like. It is super easy to make this meal vegetarian.

I used traditional red pizza sauce ($1.29 a jar), pepperoni ($2.49 a bag), ground sausage ($2.29 for 1 pound) and shredded mozzarella cheese ($3.69 a bag). Each of these toppings will last you more than a few pizzas and can be used for other meal recipes, too.

After topping your pizza, bake at 400 degrees again until it’s cooked to your liking. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.

Cozy chicken pot pie I started this chicken potpie with two, 12.5-ounce cans of chunk chicken breast ($2.95 each). Open each can, drain and empty into a medium sized mixing bowl. Take two forks and shred up the chicken.

Open one 10.5 ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup ($1.26) and pour into the mixing bowl. Stir until the chicken and soup are combined. Next, open a bag of frozen mixed veggies ($0.95) and fold into the mixture.

Season the chicken pot pie filling to your liking. I chose to stick with the simple salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. You

could mix in about half-a-cup of shredded cheese too if you’d like. I would recommend a mild cheddar, but the chicken pot pie is just as good without it.

For cooking, I separated the filling into two, 6.5-inch diameter pie pans. You can find disposable aluminum pans at any grocery store. I got a pack of three for $1.25 at Dollar Tree. Cooking in individual pans makes serving super easy, but cooking in a casserole dish you already have at home will work just fine too.

Open an 8-pack can of biscuits ($1.75) and cut each individual one into quarters. I covered them with a little bit of melted butter and transferred the biscuits to a baking sheet. If you prefer crescent rolls, those work too.

With your oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, cook the biscuits and the pie filling separately for seven minutes. Afterward, take the biscuits and put them on top off the pans of pie filling. The biscuits act as an easy, delicious pie crust.

Bake until the biscuits look gold and finished, around 8-10 minutes.

After the biscuit piecrust is finished baking, the chicken pot pies are ready to serve and eat!

2024-25? ...Almost GONE! 2025-26? ...Going FAST!

1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments & 2 & 3 Bedroom Townhomes 1-5 bedroom apartments, homes, & townhomes located all over town & campus.

Office at corner of 14th & Walnut (812) 339-2859 • elkinsapartments.com We also lease vacation homes in Gulf Shores, Alabama! Call us or visit BamaBeachHouses.com

• • • •

Spacious Interiors - Modern Finishes Bloomington Transit Stop - Quick Commutes Fitness Center, Multi-Sport Courts, and Pools Cost Efficient Utilities and Deposits

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812.291.1995

WoodbridgeApt.com

Housing Rental Guide S=Studio T=Townhouse

Number of Bedrooms

Number of Baths

2

Back Cover

Campus Apartments livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$500675

1

1

26

Campus Walk Apartments crerentals.com

400 E. Third St. Suite 1 812-332-1509

A,S T

$430850

S-4

1-2.5

10 mo.

U 12 mo.

Back Cover

Cedar Creek livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$500650

2

1-3.5

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo.

15

Cherry Hill Townhomes

419 E. 16th St. 812-278-6028

T,D

$4250

5

4.5

12 mo. U

Back Cover

College Park livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$700900

2

2.5

12 mo. U

Covenanter Hill Neighborhood District

covenanterhill.com

3101 E. Covenanter Drive 812-323-8021

A,T

$9052350

1,2,4

1-3.5 12 mo. U

Crimson Corner livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$10801300

2-3

2-3

10 mo.

12 mo.

5

Current at Latimer Square currentatlatimersquare.com

351 S. Kingston Drive 812-645-2291

A

$8951465

S-5

1-5

11

The Dillon liveatthedillon.com

525 S. Patterson Drive 812-822-3734

A,T H

$7501350

1,2 4,5

Back Cover

Dunn Residences livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$7001000

1

28

Elkins Apartments ElkinsApartments.com

Various Locations 812-339-2859

A

$5854040

28

Elkins Apartments ElkinsApartments.com

Various Locations 812-339-2859

H

23

The Fields thefieldsbloomington.com

1333 S. Fenbrook Lane 812-337-9000

26

Grant Properties: Atwater Row grantprops.com

26

2

a a a b a

a a

a b

b b b a b b ab b

b

U

a

a a a

Parking on Site

Price Range

2-4

Pool

Unit Type

$7941039*

Fitness Center

a

A

Pets

U

455 N. College Ave. 812-331-8500

Private Shuttle

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo.

The Avenue on College avenueoncollege.com

Bloomington Transit

a

21

IU Campus Bus

a a a b a

1-4

Dishwasher

a

$8991329

Washer/Dryer

F

A,H T

Gas

12 mo.

12

Trash

a b b

Address/Phone

1439 N. Telluride St. 812-269-1196

Internet

a a a a a

Property/Unit

Atlas on 17th AtlasOn17.com

Cable

a

Pg

Electricity

Furnished/Unfurnished

F

F=Furnished U=Unfurnished *Prices subject to change

Amenities

1-4.5 12 mo.

b=Some

B=Both Furnished and Unfurnished

Options

Lease Options

a=All

Shared Laundry Facility

Utilities Included

H=House D=Duplex C=Condo

Water

A=Apartment

YOUR RESOURCE TO BLOOMINGTON RENTALS

a

a a

a aa

b

b a

a

a aa a

a

a

a

a aa a

a

a

b

a a

b

b a

a a

F

a

a a

a a aa

12 mo.

F

a

a a a a a

a b a

a a a

1-2.5 4.5-5.5

12 mo.

F

a

a a a a a

b a a

a a a

1

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo.

U

a

a a

a a

a b

a

1-5

1-5.5 12 mo. U b b

b

a b b b

b b

a

$1200 -3100

3-5+

1-5.5 12 mo. U b b

b ba b b b

a

b

A,D H

$1373 -3070

1-4

1-2

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo.

B

a a

a a a b

a

a a a

728-732 E. Atwater Ave. 812-333-9579

D

$617.50 -750

3-4

1-2

12 mo. U

a

b a a a

b b

b

Grant Properties: Bellevve grantprops.com

400 E. 2nd St. 812-333-9579

A

$740

1

1

12 mo. U

a

a

b a

a

26

Grant Properties: Cambridge I grantprops.com

700 E. Atwater Ave. 812-333-9579

A,S

$723 -740

S-2

1

12 mo. U

a

a a a

b a

b

26

Grant Properites: Cambridge II 710 E. Atwater Ave. grantprops.com 812-333-9579

A

$855

1

1

12 mo. U

a

a a

b a

a

26

Grant Properties: Cambridge III 714 E. Atwater Ave. grantprops.com 812-333-9579

A

$8501005

1

1

12 mo. U

a a

a a

b a

a

26

Grant Properties: Colonial Hill grantprops.com

A

$655

1

1

12 mo. U

b

a

26

Grant Properties: The Cottages 200 & 208 S. Roosevelt grantprops.com 812-333-9579

D

$810

2

2

12 mo. U

a

a a

b

a

26

Grant Properties: The Gables grantprops.com

314 N. Washington St. 812-333-9579

T

$9331055

2-3

2.5

12 mo. U

a

a a a

b

a

26

Grant Properties: Grant Corner grantprops.com

502 N. Grant St. 812-333-9579

A

$612630

2-3

1

12 mo. U

a

a a

b

b

Back Cover

301 E. 20th St. 812-333-9579

a

a a a a

a a a

Housing Rental Guide S=Studio T=Townhouse

grantprops.com

a a

Parking on Site

Pool

Fitness Center

Shared Laundry Facility

Pets

Amenities

Private Shuttle

a

Bloomington Transit

12 mo. U

IU Campus Bus

2.5

Trash

2

Internet

$1200

Cable

T

Electricity

Lease Options

Address/Phone

613 E. 12th St. 812-333-9579

Number of Baths

26

Property/Unit

Grant Properties: Grant on 12th

Number of Bedrooms

Pg

Price Range

*Prices subject to change

Unit Type

B=Both Furnished and Unfurnished

Dishwasher

F=Furnished U=Unfurnished

Options

Washer/Dryer

b=Some

Furnished/Unfurnished

a=All

Gas

Utilities Included

H=House D=Duplex C=Condo

Water

A=Apartment

YOUR RESOURCE TO BLOOMINGTON RENTALS

b

b

26

Grant Properties: Hunter Lodge 816 E. Hunter Ave grantprops.com 812-333-9579

A

$615870

1-2

1

12 mo. U

a

a a

b a

a

26

Grant Properties: Lincoln Hill grantprops.com

544 S. Lincoln St. 812-333-9579

A

$520855

1-2

1

12 mo. U

a

a

b a

a

26

Grant Properties: Northview grantprops.com

1212 N. Grant St. 812-333-9579

A,S

$670710

1

1

12 mo. U

a

a a

b a

a

26

Grant Properties: Oxford Hill grantprops.com

1209 N. Grant St. 812-333-9579

T

$528 -636

2-3

1.5

12 mo. U

a

a a a

b a

a

D

$763870

3-5

1-2

12 mo. U

a

a a a a

b

a

A,T

$792.50 -880

2-3

1-1.5 12 mo. U

a

a a a

b a

a

26

26

Grant Properties: Washington Apts. 114 E. 7th St.

grantprops.com

812-333-9579

Grant Properties: Woodlawn Terrace 902 E. Cottage Grove

grantprops.com

812-333-9579

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

304 E. 20th St. 812-333-9579

A

$450795

1-2

1

12 mo. U

a

a a

b

a

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

1216 S. Stull Ave. 812-333-9579

A

$570

1

1

12 mo. U

a

a

b

a

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

211 E. First St. 812-333-9579

A

$715770

1

1

12 mo. U

a

a

b a

a

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

320 E. University 812-333-9579

A

$425795

2

1

12 mo. U

a a

b

a

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

106 N. Jefferson St. 812-333-9579

H

$900

2

1

12 mo. U

a

a a

b

a

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

2527 E. Eastgate Lane 812-333-9579

H

$618848

2-3

1

12 mo. U

a a

b

a

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

205 S. Jefferson St. 812-333-9579

H

$715

3

2

12 mo. U

a

b

a

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

110 S. Roosevelt St. 812-333-9579

D

$10001100

2

2

12 mo. U

a a b b

b

b

26

Grant Properties grantprops.com

931 S. Dunn St. 812-333-9579

D

$1300

1

1

12 mo. U

a a b b

b

2

HighGrove highgrovebloomington.com

3809 S. Sare Rd. 812-333-2280

A

$14401950

1-2

1-2

12 mo. U

a a

a

27

Hunter Bloomington Properties 1200 S. Rolling Ridge Way hunterbloomington.com 812-558-0800

A,S T,H

$3801100

S-5

1-4

12 mo. U b b b b a

26

Hunter Ridge Apartments crerentals.com

720 S. College Mall Rd. 812-334-2880

A

$375 -850

1-3

1-1.5

10 mo.

U 12 mo.

a a aa

a

b

b a

a a

2

Huntington Gardens renaissancerentals.com

1800 S. Huntington Garden Pl.

A

$8451070

1

1

12 mo. U

a

b

a

a

a

25

The League Bloomington (10 North & The Crest) theleaguebloomington.com

524 N. College Ave. 571-447-6118

A

$10501400

S-2

1-2

Short Term 12 mo.

F

a a a a aa a

Back Cover

Lincoln Tower livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$14001750

1-2

1-2

10 mo.

12 mo.

F

a

aa

a a aa

Inside Back Cover

The Monroe TheMonroeLiving.com

1150 Clarizz Blvd.

812-323-1300

A

TBA

2,4

2

12 mo.

F

a

a a

a a

26

Park Doral Apartments crerentals.com

2663 E. Seventh St. 812-336-8208

A,S

$350 -800

S-3

1-2

10 mo.

U 12 mo.

a

a a b

812-323-8021

a

a

a

a a a

a a

a

a

b b b b b a b bb a

b

b

bb b

a

b

a a a b b a

a a a a a

Housing Rental Guide

YOUR RESOURCE TO BLOOMINGTON RENTALS

wwA=Apartment S=Studio T=Townhouse

The Quarters at Bloomington thequartersbloomington.com

1521 W. Isaac Dr. 812-894-4300

A,S T

$8251375

1617

Relato relatoliving.com

2851 E. Longview Ave. 812-200-5991

A

2

Scholar's Quad Collegiate Apts 2716 E. 10th St. scholarsquad.com 812-323-7359

2

Scholar's Rock Studio Apts. scholarsrockstudios.com

2

a

TBA

S-3

1-3

12 mo.

F a a a a a

A

$9351765

1-2

1-2

12 mo. U b b

1300 N. Walnut St. 812-330-1123

S

$559679

S

1

12 mo. U b a

Scholar's Rooftop scholarsrooftop.com

1100 N. Walnut St. 812-330-1123

A

$11851245

1

1

12 mo. U

Back Cover

Stadium Crossing livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$450900

2-5

1-3.5

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo.

U

Back Cover

Stadium View livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$675900

1

1

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo.

U

a

19

Stageyard stageyardlife.com

321 S. Walnut St. 812-955-0135

A,S

$10001650

1-4

1-4

12 mo. U

a

a a a a aa a

b

State on Campus Bloomington stateoncampus.com/bloomington

2036 N. Walnut St. 812-334-2898

A,S

$750989

S,1,3

1-2

12 mo.

F

b

a a

b b a a b

2

SummerHouse at Indiana summerhouseatindiana.com

4501 E. Third St. 812-332-2141

A,T

$10752020

1-3

1-2.5

Short Term

B b b b b a b a a

26

Terra Trace Apartments crerentals.com

321 E. 14th St. 812-334-2646

A,T

$515 -850

1-4

1-2.5

10 mo.

U 12 mo.

Back Cover

Touchdown Terrace livebythestadium.com

421 E. 19th St. 812-334-0333

A,S

$1000 -1600

S-4

1-4

12 mo.

F

Back Cover

Touchdown Terrace 4 livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$700950

1

1

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo.

U

Townhomes at MeadowCreek

renaissancerentals.com/townhomes

3360 S. Aspet Bend 812-333-2280

T

$14951670

2-3

2.5

12 mo. U

Back Cover

University Manors livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

T

$8751200

3

3

12 mo. U

Back Cover

University Village livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

H

$600850

2-5

1-3

12 mo. U

19

Urban Station theurbanstation.com

403 S. Walnut St. 812-955-0135

A

$9501635

1-4

1-4

12 mo.

F

Back Cover

Varsity Court livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$550700

1-3

1-3.5

Short Term 10 mo.

12mo.

U

Back Cover

Varsity Gate livebythestadium.com

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

A

$7251300

1-2

1

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo

U

2

Verona Park veronaparkneighborhood.com

3115 S. Sare Rd Suite 101 812-333-2280

A,T

$1345 -3455

1-4

1-3.5 12 mo. U

8

Verve verveindiana.com

1820 N. Walnut St. 812-369-4335

A,S

TBA

S-4

1-4

12 mo.

F

a

a a

15

Wick wickliving.com

1216 W. Rangeview Circle 812-278-6028

T

$18002500

3-4

3.5

12 mo. U

a

a a

28

Woodbridge Apartments WoodbridgeApt.com

3401 John Hinkle Place 812-337-3501

A,T

$12951945

1-3

1-2

9 mo.

12 mo.

Inside Front Cover

2

12 mo.

a

a b

a a a

b a b

a aa a

a a ba b a a

a

a

a aa

a

a a

b bb a a

a a a a a b aa a

a a a a a b

b

a a

a a

b

b

b a

a b

b b b

a

a

a b

a aa

a

a

a aa a

a

a

a a a aa a

b

a a b

b

b a

a a

a aa

a a a

U a a

a a

a a

a a a

a a a

a

a a

a a b

a aa

a a a a

a

b

a aa a

a a

a

aa

a a aa a a a

b a

Pool

F

a a

Pets

1-4.5 12 mo.

Gas

S-4

Trash

a

Internet

U

Cable

Short Term 10 mo.

12 mo

Water

Lease Options

1

Price Range

Number of Baths

Parking on Site

22

Fitness Center

1-2

Shared Laundry Facility

$600800

Amenities

Private Shuttle

A

Bloomington Transit

2015 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

IU Campus Bus

Address/Phone

Parkview Apartments livebythestadium.com

Dishwasher

Property/Unit

Back Cover

*Prices subject to change

Unit Type

Pg

Number of Bedrooms

B=Both Furnished and Unfurnished

Electricity

b=Some

F=Furnished U=Unfurnished

Furnished/Unfurnished

a=All

Options

Washer/Dryer

Utilities Included

H=House D=Duplex C=Condo

a a

a b

a

b

a

a a a

a

a a a

a a

a

a

a a

a ab a

a

a

a aa a a

Our adspace is nothing to snooze on!

Let your business run wild with help from the IDS. Email advertise@idsnews.com to purchase advertising space.

Come check out our NEWLY renovated apartments with NEW LVT hardwood type flooring. The units feature freshly painted grey cabinets and counter tops with a subway tile backsplash, new faucets, ceiling fans, lighting, and new GE appliances.

All Apartments Include -

m

-

Ice Machines Full Size Washer & Dryers Above Stove GE Microwave GE Stove, GE Fridge, GE Dishwasher Fully Furnished Full Size Mirrors in Bedrooms High Speed Ethernet and Wireless Internet (Great For Gaming) Water, Sewer & Trash Pet Friendly Community

Amenities Include -

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!

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Basketball Courts & Sand Volleyball Court 24-Hr Fitness Center (New Fitness Facility & Pickle Ball Court Coming Spring 2024. Equipment includes Smith Machine, Interactive Digital Trainer, Stairmaster, Free weights, and plenty of Cardio) Pool with New Outdoor Furniture Including Solar Charging Tables Outdoor Solar Workstation Private & Group Study Rooms as well as Package Locker System Coming Nov. 2023 Gaming Center and Kitchen Party Area Coming Spring 2024 Free Printing

OPEN HOUSE Oct. 26

Stop By Between 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For Free Food, Games and Prizes!

SIGN TODAY - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE.

APPLICATION FEE, ADMINISTRATIVE FEE & DEPOSIT WAIVED.

www.TheMonroeLiving.com

72 hr. Look & Lease Special.

Call 812-323-1300 for further details.

IT'S A

TOUCHDOWN EVERY DAY.

Welcome to modern campus living at its best.

Secure your 2024 lease now, furnished units with 1-4 bedrooms are going fast.

TOUCHDOWN TERRACE 421 E. 19TH STREET

CHOICE AMENITIES • Indoor/Outdoor Pool and Sauna • Study and Lounge Spaces • Movie Room • Outdoor Terrace • Access to IU Bus Routes • Balcony Units • Private Bathrooms • In-Unit Laundry • Wi-Fi Included

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