Congratulations on getting accepted into Indiana University and welcome to Bloomington! You are reading Indiana Daily Student’s International Student Guide. This publication contains insight into IU’s academic, financial and mental health resources, clubs and culture centers and more that can help you adjust to your first year at IU and in Bloomington.
This is a very exciting, however nerve-racking, time. For some of you, this may be your first time away from your family, and even the first time in the United States. The designers, photographers and writers of the IDS, IU’s editorially independent, student-run newspaper, curated this publication to help with such challenges. You can use this guide to fall back on throughout your first year at IU.
To stay up-to-date with on and off campus news, you can read our daily content on our website, idsnews.com, pick up one of our weekly newspapers this fall from one of the stands on campus and in town or follow us on Instagram or X @idsnews.
No matter how long you’ll be in Bloomington, your time will be filled with making lifelong friendships, creating lasting memories and getting opportunities that will aid the success of your future. I wish you the very best with your first year at IU, and I hope you enjoy your time being a Hoosier!
Natalie Fitzgibbons
Enter to win $100 in gift cards from IU student hotspots. Fill out our survey!
Eleven winners will be chosen from all completed survey entries across our Freshman Edition, Orienter, Parent Survival Guide and International Student Publications. Each winner will be given a $100 value to some of the following Bloomington favorites.
Enrollment by the numbers
By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu | @MiaHilkowitz
Each fall, IU completes an enrollment report for all nine of its campuses, recording the number of students, degree programs and more. In fall 2023, IU-Bloomington welcomed 5,287 international students from across the world.
IU-Bloomington, IU’s flagship campus, far surpassed the other eight campuses with the number of international students enrolled. The next campus with the highest number of international students enrolled was IU-Purdue University Indianapolis, which transitioned to IU-Indianapolis this summer. The campus welcomed 1,953 in
ternational students in 2023.
International enrollment saw a significant drop in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — decreasing from 5,477 students in 2019 to 4,330 in 2020. However, international student enrollment is almost back to pre-pandemic levels at IU-Bloomington.
International students pursued a wide variety of academic fields at IU-Bloomington. According to the IU Office of International Studies, 26% of students pursued business, 16% computer sciences, 11% interdisciplinary studies, 8% visual and performing arts and 5% social sciences. Still, 33% of IU-Bloomington’s international students pursued degree programs outside of these areas.
For the fall 2023 semester, IU-Bloomington’s international students were almost evenly split between male and female students, but there were 767 more male students. The report does not include information on the number of students whose gender identity does not fit these two classifications.
Most students — 2,134 students — studied for their master’s degrees, while 1,305 pursued their doctoral degrees. Additionally, 1,825 students sought their undergraduate degrees at IU-Bloomington, and 23 students were enrolled in IU’s Intensive English program, which offers small classes and advising to prepare students to study at North American universities.
Number of students enrolled at IU-Bloomington by country in 2023
GRAPHIC BY MIA HILKOWITZ | IDS
OPINION: Advice for incoming international freshmen
By Pehal Aashish Kothari pehkoth@iu.edu
As an 18-year-old student from India, traveling half the world to settle down in a new country was daunting, terrifying and thoroughly intimidating, to say the very least. Having lived a comfortable life with almost every significant person in my life all living less than a two-hour flight from me, shifting to Bloomington, which is precisely 8,689 miles away from home, was like being thrown into the Pacific Ocean without a life jacket or the shore in sight.
After digesting the new reality and spending a few nights on my own in a city — one that I have only now started to call home after liv-
ing in it for eight months — the fear and anxiety started to settle, and I could feel my heart relax just a little bit. A new phase of life, like starting college in a new continent, brings with it a storm of emotions. One second you’re in awe of the expanse of the university you will graduate from, and the next you’re overwhelmed by the distance that lies between you and your family. I was shrouded with all kinds of emotions.
However, meeting new people from all backgrounds and experiences was extremely exciting. IU’s Welcome Week was spectacular, to say the least. The events created a space that encouraged conversations and
helped people meet each other. As an international student, there was an exclusive set of events that were organized specifically for us to meet people who are most likely experiencing the same emotions and going through the same anxieties. This year, IU’s Welcome Week begins on Aug. 21 with the New Student Induction Ceremony.
Once classes start, IU provides its international students with a myriad of different resources to fall back on. From the Office of International Services to mental health resources available ondemand for students, IU will soon start to feel like home.
The people you meet and the friends you make will help make this transition slightly
better and encourage you to open up and accept this new place as yours. Homesickness might never completely disappear, but finding comfort in your friends is something that you will start to develop within the first month of college.
The events and mixers never really come to an end. With several events taking place throughout the semester, there will never be a quiet weekend — or week, at that.
IU has more clubs than you could ever imagine, and becoming a part of those is another great way to make friends and expand your circle. From your peers to your professors, everyone on campus helps ensure that you feel
safe and comfortable, and it creates an environment that doesn’t take long to become yours.
There are several nights that pass by when I miss home and the reassuring presence of my parents, but within just one year of being at IU, I can assure you with utmost sincerity that it did become my second home. So, as daunting as it may seem initially, university as an international student is going to be the place where you make some of the most unforgettable memories with some of the most inspiring and interesting people. At the end of the day, just remember that you’re not alone and there are people to lean on at any point in time.
How to navigate IU scholarships as an international student
Learn more about the scholarships available for international students.
By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu | @MiaHilkowitz
Paying for college at IU as an international student can be very expensive. The IU Office of International Services estimates the typical cost to attend IU-Bloomington as an international undergraduate student each year is nearly $56,500, not including the cost of travel.
While this high price tag can add extra stress, IU offers multiple avenues for international students to receive financial aid.
Scholarship competitions
Every year, IU-Bloomington offers two competition-
based scholarships: the Global Citizen Scholarship and the Rising Star Scholarship.
The Global Citizen Scholarship is awarded to three international students each year. To apply, students submit videos where they answer a question related to the competition’s theme. The 2023 theme was “What does the Indiana University community mean to you?” The award amount for this scholarship is $7,500.
Female, non-immigrant international students are eligible to receive the Rising Star Scholarship. The student must also be a freshman, sophomore or junior at the time of their nomination and
have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must be nominated by an IU faculty or staff member to receive the award. The Office of International Services gives the $3,000 award to one student every other year during the spring semester.
Academic scholarships
IU offers a limited number of incoming international students a merit-based scholarship called the Global Engagement Scholarship each year. The awards of these scholarships range from $1,000 to $11,000 and are renewable for four years. Students are automatically considered for this scholar-
ship when they apply to IU by Feb. 1, so they do not need to fill out a separate scholarship application.
You can find more information on general and international student-specific academic scholarships by visiting scholarships.indiana.edu.
Country-specific scholarships
The Office of International Services also offers nonneed-based scholarships for students from specific countries, too.
The C.V. Starr Foundation Scholarship is a one-year award for a first-year international student from China. Students are automatically
considered for this scholarship when they apply to IU by Feb. 1, so they do not need to fill out a separate scholarship application.
International students from Japan who exhibit high academic excellence are automatically considered for the Japan Alumni Chapter Scholarship.
Some IU colleges and schools might offer specific scholarships for international students too.
For instance, The Media School automatically considers undergraduate students from Lati,n America and students with parents from Latin America for the Scott Schurz Latin American
Scholarship.
The Office of International Services maintains a list of other country-specific scholarships on its website.
Emergency financial aid
International students at IU-Bloomington can apply for need-based, emergency scholarships throughout the year. The amounts for these scholarships range from $500 to $2,000. Students can apply through the Atlas portal anytime throughout the academic year, and the office makes decisions within two weeks of when the student applies. You can learn more about these scholarships through the Office of Inter-
IU’s Culture centers help promote inclusion and diversity on campus and offer a variety of resources.
By Ellie Willhite ejwillhi@iu.edu
With a campus as diverse as IU, anyone can find their community. One of many ways is to get involved with IU’s cultural centers, which aim to be a safe and inclusive place for any student. Cultural centers often offer several resources, from cozy study spots to social events.
African American Arts Institute
The African American Arts Institute is an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing African American culture through performance, education, research and outreach. The culture center’s performance teams consist of the African American Choral Ensemble, Afri-
can American Dance Company and IU Soul Revue. Students can receive academic credit for participating by enrolling in the group’s corresponding course under the Department of African American and Diaspora Studies. The AAAI is inside the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center in Suite 310 at 275 N. Eagleson Ave.
Asian Culture Center
The goal of the Asian Culture Center is to promote Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. The ACC offers resources, educational support and community outreach, including monthly discussion programs, cultural programs and the Asian Language Learning Program for those interested in polishing native speaking
skills or learning a new language. The ACC also offers free and confidential counseling sessions and volunteer opportunities. The ACC is open during the fall and spring semesters from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and is located at 807 E. 10th St.
First Nations Educational and Cultural Center
The First Nations Educational and Cultural Center exists to be a safe haven for the Native community at IU while offering support and educational opportunities. Programming includes events during Native American Heritage Month, speakers, film series, artist workshops, and an annual Powwow. The FNECC is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 712 E. Eighth St.
Jewish Culture Center at Helene G. Simon Hillel Center
IU Hillel is a space for Jewish students to develop their leadership skills and embrace their Jewish heritage and culture. Programs associated with IU Hillel include Challah for Hungry Hoosiers, dedicated to ending hunger in Bloomington, and Mitzvah Corps, a community service club. Additionally, the center puts on various programming throughout the academic year for students to participate in, including weekly Shabbat dinner. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. through Shabbat dinner on Fridays, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. The Helene G. Simon Hillel Center is located at 730 E. Third St.
La Casa/Latino Cultural Center
La Casa aims to provide students with a gathering space to embrace cultural heritage, history and traditions. Resources include computer labs, tutoring, interpreters, counseling, rooms available for reservation and gathering areas. Programming includes an annual Latine Retreat, monthly Colectiva Dinners, celebrations during National Hispanic Latine Heritage Month and more. La Casa is located at 715 E. Seventh St. and academic year hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. During finals week and the summer, the center is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Culture Center
The goal of the LGBTQ+ Culture Center is to provide support and resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community in a welcoming
environment. Offerings include a mentorship program, an LGBTQ+ library, and various events such as Queer Prom, art showcases and speaker panels. Additionally, they facilitate a genderaffirming closet offering free clothes for any occasion. The LGBTQ+ Culture Center is located at 705 E. Seventh St. and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center
The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is committed to supporting and contributing to the Black community at IU. The culture center hosts events like First Fridays, discussions, speaker panels, performances and film screenings. Additionally, the NMBCC includes a library and a computer lab open to students. The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is located at 275 N. Eagleson Ave. and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY JENNY BUTLER
A man performs during the IU Traditional Powwow on April 9, 2022, at the Marching Hundred Hall. The Powwow is an event organized annually by the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center.
SUMMER 2024 | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
COLUMN: Lotus World Music and Arts Festival returns to Bloomington
By Vincent Winkler viwink@iu.edu | @vinceisonline
The annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival returns to Bloomington early this October. If you’ve never attended before, are a new resident of Bloomington or are just looking for a fun event to go to, mark your calendar and plan on attending one of the most culturally inclusive and diverse music and culture festivals in the city.
The Lotus World Music and Arts Festival is hosted by the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation, a not-forprofit organization based in Bloomington. The nonprofit offers annual events and frequent community workshops and aims to bring the diverse population of Bloomington together through art, music and culture. Their annual music and arts festival is one of the oldest world music festivals in the U.S. and the only festi-
val of its kind in Indiana. So even if you’re not a Bloomington native, the trip will be well worth it.
The first Lotus Festival was held in 1994 and was spearheaded by people from the local music scene in Bloomington. The event organizers settled on the name “Lotus” partly to symbolize the free-spirited nature of Lotus Dickey, a musician from Orange County whom the festival planners personally knew. The nonprofit focuses on maintaining a performing roster of lesserknown artists to promote the local and cultural scene of musicians and artists. Annually, the festival presents a lineup of about 25 to 30 artists or groups.
This year, the festival will be held from Oct. 3-6. It will include performances from over 120 countries. Over 10 venues downtown will host artist appearances, letting you see most of the city and take in its thriving arts scene.
The festival will even offer a sensory-friendly venue at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., and all venues are wheelchair accessible. Visitors can find a list of locations on the Lotus Festival website.
The website also offers a clearly outlined section for applying to be a musician at the festival — you could be one of the next performers if chosen. For more information, visit their page and view the section titled “applying to perform.”
If four days of music, art and lively crowds interest you, consider making the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival your first stop this fall for the experience of a lifetime. It’s not often we see festivals that promote as much diversity as the Lotus Education and Arts Foundation, so take advantage of this opportunity. More information on tickets, pricing and performing artists will be available at a later date.
COURTESY PHOTO
Ethiopian music group Debo Band performs at the 2013 Lotus Festival in Bloomington, Indiana. This year’s Lotus Festival is Oct. 3-6.
Office of International Services makes IU your home away from home
By Miranda Miller mm163@iu.edu
The IU Office of International Services provides resources to current and future international students, including assistance with admissions, help in academics, student employment and more.
Admissions
OIS offers admissions resources to freshmen students, transfer students and graduate students. Its website provides international students interested in IU with the information and materials they need to apply, including application dead-
lines, IU’s online application, the Common Application and resources to explore majors, scholarships and financial assistance.
The OIS website outlines approximately how much a student will be required to pay throughout their education at IU and what financial documentation is required. It highlights expenses, such as tuition, mandatory health insurance, room and board, miscellaneous expenses, including books, general living and estimated expenses for dependents.
Finally, OIS has listed five steps for international students to follow to ensure that they will be able to at-
tend IU. First, once admitted, students must complete the Intent to Enroll Form and pay a $100 enrollment deposit. Then students must prepare immigration documentation, which will likely be either an F-1 or J-1 status. OIS provides resources on how to maintain your status during your time at IU. Next, undergraduate and transfer students are required to attend a new student orientation on campus, and OIS can help schedule this visit. The last steps include getting vaccinated, taking a tuberculosis test and making travel arrangements to Bloomington.
Academics
ENDLESS
International students have access to a plethora of academic resources, including the Academic Support Centers in Briscoe, Forest and Teter Quadrangles. The cultural centers also provide tutoring and peer mentors to students.
International students can also access IU’s Mentoring Services and Leadership Development, the Student Academic Center and the Writing Tutorial Services. These are all free resources for international students to access academic assistance across campus.
OIS also offers quick question advising for international students to ask
questions on topics such as taking a leave of absence, travel and visa renewal, dropping below full-time enrollment and urgent financial issues.
Housing and visas
Every student needs a place to stay during their time on campus. OIS provides international students with resources to purchase renter’s insurance, find hotels for short-term visits and on-campus and off-campus housing. For students looking for off-campus housing, OIS provides links to IU Classifieds, the GPSG Housing Board for graduate and professional students and tips
to remember when shopping for off-campus housing.
International students are required to have health insurance during their time on campus. OIS provides details on insurance plans with the IU International Plan, a customized plan for international students, and Anthem. For students and scholars with dependents, OIS has the resources to purchase health insurance through the University Health Plans.
Additionally, OIS provides resources and information for on and off-campus safety, equity and inclusion, civil discourse and free speech, transportation, taxes, banking and cell phones
for international students during their time at IU.
Student Employment
International students can work on and off-campus, however, depending on immigration status, job options can be limited.
Students with an F-1 visa are eligible for on-campus employment for up to 20 hours a week with employment authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. These students can participate in Curricular Practical Training, a program to assist in finding an off-campus employer in your field of study while you are enrolled at IU, and Optional Practical Training, which offers work for an off-campus employer in your field of study following graduation.
J-1 visa students are eligible for on-campus employment and Academic Training work experience, such as an internship or fieldwork with employment authorization from your program sponsor.
Students with a J-2 visa must apply directly to the Department of Homeland Security for work authorization. OIS provides information, tips and resources for this process and can assist in finding work you are eligible for.
All international student employees must apply for a Social Security number for tax purposes. OIS has resources for J-1, F-1, J-2 dependents and F-2 dependents to obtain a Social Security number.
Student involvement
OIS offers information for students to become involved in campus life through beIN-
volved, the 11 international student organizations and International Education Week, which celebrates millions of students who participate in exchange programs.
For students looking to practice a language with a partner, OIS also offers Conversation Partners. Students can apply for a partner to meet with once a week to strengthen their language skills. Another language resource for international students is Practical English Tutorials. Students can stop by to learn in a group session about American slang, holidays and culture. PET meets twice a week at the Ferguson International Center.
Students can also connect and network with graduate students, scholars and their families with GSConnect. GSConnect events are
hosted by OIS and occur on the third weekend of each month. These events involve outings in the Bloomington community, interactive crafts, activities and much more. Students are encouraged to join the GSConnect group chat to connect and stay up-to-date on events.
Contact
For students who have additional questions, you can contact the Office of International Services directly through phone at 812-8559086, email at ois@iu.edu or mail at 330 N. Eagleson Ave. Bloomington, IN 47405 or visit their office in the Fergu-
son International Center. Additionally, students can follow OIS on Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, WeChat and YouTube. Students can also connect with an International Student Ambassador who can help via Zoom, email or on the OIS website to talk about their IU experiences.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY ANDREW WILLIAMS
The Vietnamese Student Association performs a dance routine for judges and spectators during the November 2017 World’s Fare Friday evening in Alumni Hall. This event was part of the Office of International Service’s International Education Week.
A guide to religious centers in Bloomington
By Ellie Willhite ejwillhi@iu.edu
Bloomington is a richly diverse town, so it might come as no surprise that the religious and spiritual offerings are vast. These local religious centers are great for people exploring faith, or those who are looking for a community within their tradition.
Al-Eidaan
Al-Eidaan is a student organization that aims to raise awareness of Muslim traditions, cultures and celebrations at IU. Information about events and involvement can be found on their
Instagram, @aleidaaniu.
Awaken Campus Ministry
Awaken Campus Ministry is a student organization hosting worship nights and Bible studies. For more information, view their Instagram, @awakencmi.
Canterbury House
The Canterbury House hosts the worshipping congregation of the Episcopal Campus Ministry at IU. Services include Mass every Sunday and Bible studies on Tuesdays. Food is provided. The Canterbury House is located at 719 E. Seventh St. More information can be found on their website,
iucanterbury.org.
Chabad at IU
Chabad is a chapter of Chabad on Campus International and is a student organization offering Friday Shabbat services, classes, meals and leadership opportunities to the local Jewish community. Chabad is located at 703 E. Seventh St. More information can be found on their website, chabadiu.com, or their Instagram, @chabadiu.
Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship
Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship is a student organization that offers social events and weekly worship
1 A sign that reads “Religion should hurt no one” is seen Nov. 14, 2021, on the lawn of the Canterbury House. The Canterbury House is located at 719 E. Seventh St.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY MALLOREY DAUNHAUER
2 The remaining members and visitors laugh as they clean up after an Islamic Center of Bloomington community potluck Feb. 3, 2017. The center is located at 1924 E. Atwater Ave.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY EMILY MILES
services. For more information, visit their website, chialphaiu.com, or their Instagram, @chialphaiu.
Christian Student Fellowship
Christian Student Fellowship is a ministry at IU that hosts weekly worship (Encounter), bible studies, social events and Christian community housing at the CSF Campus House. The organization is based out of the house, located at 1968 N. David Baker Ave. For more information, visit their website, csfindiana.org, or their Instagram, @csfindiana.
fxCampus
fxCampus is a Baptist ministry aiming to help students worship through weekly services and other social events. The group meets at Banneker Community Center, located at 930 W. Seventh St. More information can be found on their website, fxchurch.com.
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a congregation that offers weekly services as well as various educational resources. It is located at 221 E. Sixth St. For more information, visit their website, fpcbloomington.org.
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church aims to be an inclusive and open-minded religious community. Offerings include classic worship and contemporary worship, as well as volunteer opportunities and scholarships. Ad-
ditionally, their college ministry, Jubilee, offers weekly meetings, small groups, social events and retreats. First United Methodist Church is located at 219 E. Fourth St. To access more information, visit their website, fumcb. org.
Gaden Kachoe Shing Monastery
Gaden Kachoe Shing is a Buddhist monastery dedicated to preserving and sharing the Buddha’s teachings. The monastery offers weekly classes focused on Buddhist texts for any skill or knowledge level, monthly prayers and offerings. It is located at 2150 E. Dolan Road. For more information, visit their website at ganden.org.
IU Hillel
IU Hillel is a Jewish organization on campus that hosts charitable, social and religious events, including weekly Shabbat. IU Hillel is located at 730 E. Third St. For more information, visit their website at iuhillel.org, or their Instagram, @iuhillel.
Islamic Center of Bloomington
Korean United Methodist Church
The Korean United Methodist Church is a Koreanlanguage church serving the Bloomington community with services and sermons. They also offer settling resources for Korean natives new to Bloomington. The Korean United Methodist Church is located at 1924 E. Third St. For more information, view their website, iukumc.net.
Muslim Student Association
The Muslim Student Association is a student organization that aims to support the Islamic and Muslim community on campus through social and religious events. For more information, visit their Instagram, @msa_iub.
The Salt Company
The Salt Company is the Christian college ministry of Embassy Church, providing worship and group gatherings. Worship takes place Thursday nights at The Warehouse, located at 1525 S. Rogers St. They also facilitate Campus Groups at IU on Monday and Tuesday. To access more information, visit their website at embassybtown.org/salt, or their Instagram @saltindiana.
Sanshin Zen Community
The Sanshin Zen Community is a place dedicated to observing and sharing Buddhism through the Soto Zen tradition. Events and re-
The Islamic Center of Bloomington aims to create a space for the Muslim community of Bloomington to learn and practice their religion, in addition to providing various resources, services and educational opportunities. These include prayer times, Arabic classes, potlucks and volunteer opportunities. The Islamic Center of Bloomington is located at 1924 E. Atwater Ave. More information can be found on their website, icob.org, or their Instagram, @islamiccenterofbtown.
SUMMER 2024 | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
sources include classes for beginners and regular practice throughout the week. The Sanshin Zen Community is located on 1726 S. Olive St. For more information, visit their website at sanshinji.org.
Sikh Student Association
The Sikh Student Association is a student organization aiming to create a supportive environment for Sikh students on campus. Organizational activities include social events, fundraisers and cultural and religious events. For more information, visit them on Instagram at @ssa.iu.
Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center and Kumbum Chamtse Ling Monastery
The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center aims to preserve, foster and
educate about Tibetan and Mongolian cultures. Located on their grounds is the Kumbum Chamste Ling Monastery, which offers a temple space for meditation, retreat programs and educational resources. They are located at 3655 S. Snoddy Road. For more information, visit their website, tmbcc.org.
Unitarian Universal Church
The Unitarian Universal Church is committed to creating a liberal religious community welcoming all backgrounds and beliefs. The church offers a weekly Sunday service and various musical groups to get involved in such as choral, string and rock. The Unitarian Universal Church is located at 2120 N. Fee Lane. For more information, view their website at uubloomington.org.
University Lutheran Church
University Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Lutheran Church serving the Bloomington community with worship, Bible studies and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, the church maintains a student center, open daily for students to study, pray and more. The University Lutheran Church is located at 607 E. Seventh St. More information can be found on their website, indianalutheran.com.
3 Students play pool at the IU Muslim Student Association’s Interfaith Game Night in the Forest Treehouse on March 23, 2017. The IU MSA announces events on its Instagram, @msa_iub.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY MARLIE BRUNS
4 IU students raise cups of grape juice during a pre-meal blessing in January 2017 at the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center. The Hillel Center is located at 730 E. Third St.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY MARLIE BRUNS
5 Martial arts instructor Gareth DuVall leads a group in tai chi motions during a workshop March 23, 2013, at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center. The center is located at 3655 S. Snoddy Road.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY MATAILONG DU
OPINION: A little bit from everywhere, right in Bloomington
By Pehal Aashish Kothari pehkoth@iu.edu
As an international student, one of the biggest drawbacks of leaving your country is leaving all the food you love behind as well! Being an international student from India, specifically Bangalore, I was homesick and crying most of the time because I was missing the perfect Bangalore dosa and the roadside pani puri. As a big foodie, and someone with a very high spice tolerance, shifting to Bloomington definitely made me miss the food I so deeply loved. However, after a few weekends of experimenting with different restaurants, I think it’s
safe to say that Bloomington has quite a good food scene which caters to not just the regular fast-food chains but also a few restaurants with a good international cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants with an international cuisine.
Taste of India
316 E. Fourth St.
Situated in the heart of Bloomington, this Indian haven is just a small walk from Sample Gates. From hardcore north Indian dishes like chicken tikka and dal makhani to the widely beloved flavors of the South like biryani and dosa, this restaurant is the perfect place to spend an afternoon drown-
HALEY KLEZMER | IDS
Social Cantina, located at 125 N. College Ave., is seen. The restaurant is open until 12 a.m. most nights and is open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
SUMMER 2024 | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
ing yourself in the flavors of India and aromatic smell of the spices.
Siam House
430 E. Fourth St.
Another gem situated in the heart of Bloomington, Siam House is the place to visit for a bite of authentic Asian cuisine. I’m a fan of their spicy Thai basil fried rice, so Siam House is a place I regularly frequented my first-year of college every time I had the craving for something spicy. Their green Thai curry and starters are must-try dishes at this lively restaurant that would make for the perfect date night.
Da Vinci
250 S. Washington St. Da Vinci, as the name suggests, is the perfect place for some classic Italian fla-
vors. With an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas and wines, this restaurant will transport you to the center of Italy and leave you wishing you never had to get back to classes. While McNutt Quadrangle dining hall’s pasta provides reliable comfort, Da Vinci’s pasta will leave you in awe of the taste. The perfect Sunday dinner spot, Da Vinci is the restaurant to visit every time you want to transport yourself to Rome.
Social Cantina
125 N. College Ave.
If you’re ever craving some good Mexican food and Mexico feels a little too far, Social Cantina is the place to visit. While Chipotle has its own charm, Social Cantina’s nachos continue to be some of the best nachos
I’ve had. Situated on College Avenue, Social Cantina’s music, drinks and food will leave you thinking you’re sitting right in Mexico. Their tacos and quesadillas are a must try for a burst of freshness and flavors.
Lotus Garden
110 S. Washington St. Lastly, no place feels like home without a Chinese restaurant to order from every time you’re battling through an all-nighter to prepare for an exam. Open until midnight, Lotus Garden is your reliable Chinese restaurant in Bloomington, whose dishes always hit the right spot. From their appetizers to noodles and fried rice, their flavors give you the push you need to power through the day. Lotus Garden caters in the Indiana Memorial Union
Campus Parking for NEW HOOSIERS
Vehicles are not needed.
If you are bringing a vehicle, make sure to register with the university and get a parking permit.
Know parking locations.
Student (ST) – Parking near edges of campus; evening garages and lots access; athletic lots closed during home football and basketball games.
Campus Housing (CH) – Near residential buildings; limited availability; assigned by housing application seniority.
Get on the CH permit waitlist!
Scan QR code to request CH permit consideration. CH permit applications are due August 1, and o ers are emailed by August 30.
Don’t buy an ST permit until you know your CH status.
and has another location in Bloomington, so it really is your perfect next door neighbor giving you the food
you’re always craving for.
So, whether you’re craving South Asian flavors or Italian, there are a myriad of restaurants to visit every time you have a craving for something outside of Raisin’ Canes and Chipotle.
ATWATER EYE CARE CENTER
• Convenient location, free parking
• Evening and weekend hours
• 24 hour emergency care
• Accepts outside prescriptions
• Large contact lens inventory
• Routine and specialty exams
• Bursar billing
• Most insurances accepted
• Huge frame selection
• 10% student discount on glasses
• Free frame repairs
• Open to the public
ZUZANNA KUKAWSKA | IDS
Anyetsang’s Little Tibet is located at 415 E. Fourth St., in Bloomington. Fourth Street features restaurants offering international dining from various parts of the world including Tibet, Korea, Thailand and India.
IU athletic talents from around the world
By Danny William dw85@iu.edu
| @deepwizardry_
Basketball
The Hoosier state is wellknown for its love of basketball, which has attracted some of the best and brightest basketball players from around the world.
Among these players is Oumar Ballo, a redshirt se-
Though many IU athletes hail from Indiana and the United States at large, many international student athletes represent IU in various varsity sports. Here are just a few of the outstanding, diverse international students who take part in IU athletics.
nior who transferred to IU for the 2024-25 season. Hailing from Mali, Ballo started all 36 games at Arizona last season and participated in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in March.
On the women’s basketball team, junior Yarden Garzon comes from Israel. Garzon started in all 32
games last season and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for three weeks during the 2022-23 season. Fellow junior Henna Sandvik from Finland also appeared in 23 games last season. The women’s team had a 2023-24 record of 26-6 and nearly made it to the NCAA finals thanks, in part,
to these players.
Soccer
As one of the most popular sports in the world, it’s no surprise that many international students choose to participate in IU’s soccer teams. Last season, the men’s soccer team went 15-4-5 — no doubt thanks to
the contributions of the talented players from all over the world.
These players include men’s soccer player Collins Oduro. Coming from Ghana, the sophomore forward was awarded Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022 while he attended high school there.
IDS FILE PHOTOS, TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
From left to right and top to bottom, Yarden Garzon, Collins Oduro, James Evans and Oumar Ballo are seen. Garzon is from Israel, Oduro is from Ghana, Evans is from New Zealand and Ballo is from Mali.
SUMMER 2024 | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
Jamie Gerstenberg from Germany is also a notable player on IU’s women’s team. Last season, she was named Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year and was placed on the Big Ten Women’s Soccer Players to Watch List.
Football
Football is a popular American sport, but international students have found success in playing on IU’s team.
Punter James Evans hails from New Zealand and appeared in all 12 IU football games last season. He has three of the top-10 singlegame punting averages in program history. Despite this prominence, Evans had never played football or visited the U.S. before joining the team. However, his experience playing rugby and
squash in high school and training at Prokick Australia, a training ground for punters, gave him the skill needed to succeed in IU football.
Rowing
Though IU isn’t always associated with rowing, many students are attracted to this unique sport — including a handful of athletes from around the world.
Sisters Emily and Sophie Bowden both come from New Zealand, as well. The two rowers helped the IU top boat earn a No. 16 finish at the NCAA Championships last spring, and they both will be rowing again in the 2024-25 season.
Track and Field
Track and field requires many skills, such as jumping, sprinting and throwing.
These talented international athletes have found their calling on IU’s track and field teams.
Junior Kai Snell comes from Oxford, England, and runs sprints on IU’s track and field team. She finished 19th in the 400-meter hurdles at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships in the 202324 season.
Senior Sean Mockler is from Ireland. Mockler earned the Second Team All-America honors after finishing 15th in throwing at the NCAA Outdoor Championships last season.
Fellow senior Martin Segurola hails from Spain and runs cross country, indoor and outdoor events. Last season, he finished eighth in the 1500- meter event at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships.
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Sophomore guard Yarden Garzon drives to the basket against Fairfield University on March 23, 2024, inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington. The Hoosiers’ terrific second-half performance gave way to a dominant victory over the Stags.
By Pehal Aashish Kothari pehkoth@iu.edu
Editor’s Note: This story includes mention of sexualassault.
My first month on campus was an extremely difficult month, and I felt my mental health deteriorate significantly because of the mountain of changes and adjustments I had to get accustomed to. Being an international student is incredibly taxing, both physically and mentally. As an 18-yearold coming to campus in a new country, all alone, there are a myriad of things to get used to. There is a major dis-
COLUMN: Mental health resources on campus
parity between education systems, culture, food and weather between various countries. Due to this, coming to the States for higher education can take a toll on international students’ mental health.
Taking care of one’s mental health is essential for good academic performance and personal growth, because mental well-being directly impacts concentration, cognitive abilities and other important components of the learning process. There are several mental health resources available for students on campus that provide a system of support and care.
TimelyCare
TimelyCare is a platform which provides free mental health and well-being services to IU students 24/7. This platform provides services like self-care content, health coaching, scheduled coaching and a platform where there is 24/7, on-demand emotional support available for anything. You can simply look up TimelyCare at IU, and the IU website itself will direct you to the TimelyCare website and help you set it up.
CAPS
IU’s Counseling and Psychological Services is available at the IU Student Health
Center for students who wish to seek counseling on anything. The first appointment is a 45-minute-long consultation, after which the trained professionals work with you to set up a schedule according to your needs. Outside of the counseling service, CAPS also has several support groups and workshops.
WellTrack
WellTrack is a free online app available to all IU students to help them understand their mental health better, and provides them with the help they need. It uses aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help
identify, understand and address issues like stress, anxiety, resilience and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a treatment that helps individuals learn how to identify and change disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions. The app also has resources for students struggling with finances, stress, academics, unwanted sexual contact and much more.
Sexual Assault Crisis Service
The Sexual Assault Crisis Service is a part of CAPS that specializes in working with those who have experienced
sexual violence. Their services include crisis consultation, individual and group counseling and assistance with referrals for medical care. All these services are provided to IU students for free. The SACS has its individual telephone number (812-855-8900) that is active and can be reached 24 hours.
IU’s mental health resources are available to all students as a reliable backbone for any and every worry you may have. Being an international student can be difficult, however, these resources can act as a very helpful tool in times of loneliness, confusion or anxiety.
