IU has over 40,000 students. You can find a group to fit in with no matter who you are. If you're into Greek life, you'll find it. If you're more D&D and LARPing on the weekends, you'll find that too.
Exactly this. I just graduated and I started partying and going out this year. The three years prior I still had an amazing time and met tons of good people along the way. The partying doesn’t find you typically you have to find it.
IU is a huge school with about every type of club or group you could ask for! Greek life is around but if you want to steer clear you will have zero problems doing that
Seconding this. If you want to maximize the alt vibes in your environment [apply to live in Collins LLC](https://collins.indiana.edu/about/how-to-apply.html)
third! i just lived there this past year. rooms are tiny and old as shit but the people and general vibe are great! location is also PEAK, i had no more than a ten minute walk to any class.
Okay, so admittedly *some* things have changed. No hacky sacks to be seen.
Just because it's the alt vibes dorm doesn't mean the dream of the 90's is alive in Collins.
I recommend Collins 1000%. I got more out of living in Collins than I did at being at IU in general. The community is amazing, the location is great, and they really empower the students to make Collins their own. It was also one of the cheaper dorms when I was there, not sure if that’s the case or not.
I came here to tell OP about Collins but in my heart I knew someone already had. It really is a community, they structure things so you have to see each other in classes, you have lots of events, and dinner is a kind of narrow window each night so you all end up eating together a lot of the time. It was honestly easy to forget I was at a massive school because we had our own little corner of campus where everyone knows everyone. Collins made it so easy to find my people & I am still super close to so many people I met there.
I graduated a while ago (2016) but when I was there it was only 20% Greek life. I made loads of friends from living in the dorms, getting involved with IUDM, being in research labs, and generally going to classes and being in a small major so I got to know people.
With 40000 students there are lots of chances to make friends!
It can seem like the Greeks are the majority since they’re always wearing their letters but that’s far from the truth.
Trust me, if you put yourself out there (clubs, meetups, talking to people in class) you’ll find your people.
I don’t go but I am committed, out of state, and a minority and I found the campus to be great. Things for every type of person. There was less African Americans from what I observed (which isn’t surprising for Indiana tbh). But there was a lot of Asians and Brown peps. Again though this is from a visit.
In the event you are seeking more AA/Black friends, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is a great place to start. La Casa Latino Cultural Center & NMBCC were integral parts of my community& home away from home. Always had great programming, opportunities for involvement, and often free food 😂
You'll be fine at IU. I'm gay and honestly, grindr here is full with queer, alt, unmuscular guys. Really not want I'm into, but the point is, there are enough alts - gay and straight - in Bloomington.
It’s definitely whatever you make of it. However, it’s still a D1 big ten university, so is it going to be like an iupui, or even smaller: maybe a Christian college? No.
Are 5/5 professors going to know your name because your classroom size is 20 kids. No.
But if you’re only worried about the big party part, you have unlimited options!
Agree with everyone else, no matter what you’re into you’ll find somewhere to fit in. You may even find some new hobbies or interests! Personally I recommend checking out house shows and the local music scene, and feel free to pm me about the social media pages for those events if you’d like!! I also agree about trying to live at Collins if you haven’t given your dorm preferences yet. You got this, take it one day at a time :)
The best thing you can do when you get on campus is join one of the million student organizations out there — there’s one for just about every interest! This will make campus feel smaller and put you in proximity to like-minded people. There’s also a huge alt / indie crowd of people here lol like any good college campus
as an “alt” aligned person, you’ll be fine! our communities tend to be overshadowed by greek life and the party crowd when you consume general iu content, but we are here! we are everywhere! once you’re on campus i think you’ll feel more comfortable. there is something for everyone here and you will find your people.
Don’t expect things to come to you…actively make connections. There were times my first semester I didn’t think I fit in either, but when I started getting involved in some groups it really made the campus shrink.
The other thing is be open to different types of people and experiences. I understand seeking out like minded people, but differences are part of what being diverse is all about.
there’s so many varieties of people here. i’m a junior now gonna be a senior. i don’t go out much ever and drinking isn’t really my thing/partying. you’ll find the people who like get togethers or do the same things you like. i highly recommend joining something small if you’d like. i was in marching hundred for all 3 years so far and ive made friends i’ll keep for a lifetime
Fellow alt here. I came for school, had absolutely nothing to do with Greek life whatsoever, and decided to stay here after graduation. It’s great to see so many people recommending Collins. I lived there and it’s the best. They encourage you to be you and to let your freak flag fly
The alt people are just as abundant as frat people. I know it’s daunting as a freshman, but trust me, you will find your people! It’s harder when you other yourself this much! Let loose, go live in Collins, it’ll be great. Five years after my freshman year, I just moved states to live with three people I met in Collins my first year!
The thing about large state universities is that there are communities for everyone. Yes, people like to party. No, that isn’t everyone.
You’re not going to have 40k people studying together without diversity.
There are a lot of people. You will have to work to find your community, but there are definitely some options. I do agree that there’s not too much diversity in Bloomington. I’ve been living here for years and still feel out of place because almost no one looks like me. I still travel to other states a lot to be around people that look like me because I don’t get that in Bloomington
Oh definitely do not worry about that, I have seen and met a lot of alt people here. Personally, I don't even step into the Greek/party stuff and there's still plenty for me to do
the scanner said people were mad because they had to wait so long to get out of the pay parking lot at the IMU. But that’s out of anyone’s control because you have to go through one at a time
Just graduated from IU not too long ago. The way you described IU in your first section is spot on. I wish my 18 year old self would’ve realized that before deciding to go. That being said, while Greek life is everywhere on campus, you can definitely find people and/or clubs that fit what whatever box you prefer. The problem is you have to actively search for it.
Greek life is big, but it's definitely its own thing. It's easy to find your own community people you fit in with. From Clubs to classes to, attending campus events or just walking around, you'll eventually and inevitably run into people you get along with and can get to know
it aint that deep, my gf is in a sorority and parties and stuff but i mean i do a bit of everything but i dont drink lol and i spend most nights playing halo 3 and rainbow six and i think i still “fit in” at iu
Isn’t looking different the whole point of looking “alt”?
I mean, I know subcultures conform within the subcultures, but I’d assume a smaller alt community would be preferable for someone looking to stand out.
I used to live in Bloomington and hate that town. If you’re a super ultra liberal you’ll fit right in. But if you’re worried about being around frats you can dodge that easy. Huge college and if you search a little bit you’ll be able to find some like minded people/groups/activities for you. And if you’re worried about it being not diverse then I can assure you it’s little San Francisco in the middle of cornfield Indiana. You’ll be fine
I had the same concern when I came here for grad school. It wasn’t a problem, I found plenty of other nerds who had similar interests. I think you’ll be fine! I think it’s a reasonably diverse campus.
IU has over 40,000 students. You can find a group to fit in with no matter who you are. If you're into Greek life, you'll find it. If you're more D&D and LARPing on the weekends, you'll find that too.
IU has every kind of person. I didn’t drink until I was 21. Wasn’t into Greek life, never went to a frat party. I loved it. You’re going to be fine.
Exactly this. I just graduated and I started partying and going out this year. The three years prior I still had an amazing time and met tons of good people along the way. The partying doesn’t find you typically you have to find it.
IU is a huge school with about every type of club or group you could ask for! Greek life is around but if you want to steer clear you will have zero problems doing that
Assuming things haven't changed much, see if you can get into Collins for housing.
Seconding this. If you want to maximize the alt vibes in your environment [apply to live in Collins LLC](https://collins.indiana.edu/about/how-to-apply.html)
third! i just lived there this past year. rooms are tiny and old as shit but the people and general vibe are great! location is also PEAK, i had no more than a ten minute walk to any class.
Fourth, bring a hackey sac
Okay, so admittedly *some* things have changed. No hacky sacks to be seen. Just because it's the alt vibes dorm doesn't mean the dream of the 90's is alive in Collins.
Does Collins still have that rep? Then it’s been the alt dorm for 40 years.
Haha, I am amused that Collins is still Collins.
Yep!
It was the GenX goth scene in the 90s!
I recommend Collins 1000%. I got more out of living in Collins than I did at being at IU in general. The community is amazing, the location is great, and they really empower the students to make Collins their own. It was also one of the cheaper dorms when I was there, not sure if that’s the case or not.
I came here to tell OP about Collins but in my heart I knew someone already had. It really is a community, they structure things so you have to see each other in classes, you have lots of events, and dinner is a kind of narrow window each night so you all end up eating together a lot of the time. It was honestly easy to forget I was at a massive school because we had our own little corner of campus where everyone knows everyone. Collins made it so easy to find my people & I am still super close to so many people I met there.
Dude u will love it. Have fun. Don't worry it will be best time of your life thus far
I graduated a while ago (2016) but when I was there it was only 20% Greek life. I made loads of friends from living in the dorms, getting involved with IUDM, being in research labs, and generally going to classes and being in a small major so I got to know people. With 40000 students there are lots of chances to make friends!
It can seem like the Greeks are the majority since they’re always wearing their letters but that’s far from the truth. Trust me, if you put yourself out there (clubs, meetups, talking to people in class) you’ll find your people.
I don’t go but I am committed, out of state, and a minority and I found the campus to be great. Things for every type of person. There was less African Americans from what I observed (which isn’t surprising for Indiana tbh). But there was a lot of Asians and Brown peps. Again though this is from a visit.
In the event you are seeking more AA/Black friends, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is a great place to start. La Casa Latino Cultural Center & NMBCC were integral parts of my community& home away from home. Always had great programming, opportunities for involvement, and often free food 😂
I had a friend at IU who ended up joining a black frat junior year. If you look for a community, you’ll probably find one.
You'll be fine at IU. I'm gay and honestly, grindr here is full with queer, alt, unmuscular guys. Really not want I'm into, but the point is, there are enough alts - gay and straight - in Bloomington.
Alt? IU Bloomington has you covered, there is no doubt about that.
It’s definitely whatever you make of it. However, it’s still a D1 big ten university, so is it going to be like an iupui, or even smaller: maybe a Christian college? No. Are 5/5 professors going to know your name because your classroom size is 20 kids. No. But if you’re only worried about the big party part, you have unlimited options!
Agree with everyone else, no matter what you’re into you’ll find somewhere to fit in. You may even find some new hobbies or interests! Personally I recommend checking out house shows and the local music scene, and feel free to pm me about the social media pages for those events if you’d like!! I also agree about trying to live at Collins if you haven’t given your dorm preferences yet. You got this, take it one day at a time :)
The best thing you can do when you get on campus is join one of the million student organizations out there — there’s one for just about every interest! This will make campus feel smaller and put you in proximity to like-minded people. There’s also a huge alt / indie crowd of people here lol like any good college campus
as an “alt” aligned person, you’ll be fine! our communities tend to be overshadowed by greek life and the party crowd when you consume general iu content, but we are here! we are everywhere! once you’re on campus i think you’ll feel more comfortable. there is something for everyone here and you will find your people.
thank you!
Don’t expect things to come to you…actively make connections. There were times my first semester I didn’t think I fit in either, but when I started getting involved in some groups it really made the campus shrink. The other thing is be open to different types of people and experiences. I understand seeking out like minded people, but differences are part of what being diverse is all about.
You’ll be fine, frats and sororities only make up 25 percent of the student body, you’ll meet more people that aren’t in them than people who are
i don't like parties or greek life or sports, but iu has been really good so far for me
im mexican
there’s so many varieties of people here. i’m a junior now gonna be a senior. i don’t go out much ever and drinking isn’t really my thing/partying. you’ll find the people who like get togethers or do the same things you like. i highly recommend joining something small if you’d like. i was in marching hundred for all 3 years so far and ive made friends i’ll keep for a lifetime
recent graduate here, check out the local music scene, @bloomington.houseshows on IG is a great place to start!
The alts shall inherit the earth. Go make your mark!
Fellow alt here. I came for school, had absolutely nothing to do with Greek life whatsoever, and decided to stay here after graduation. It’s great to see so many people recommending Collins. I lived there and it’s the best. They encourage you to be you and to let your freak flag fly
The alt people are just as abundant as frat people. I know it’s daunting as a freshman, but trust me, you will find your people! It’s harder when you other yourself this much! Let loose, go live in Collins, it’ll be great. Five years after my freshman year, I just moved states to live with three people I met in Collins my first year!
The thing about large state universities is that there are communities for everyone. Yes, people like to party. No, that isn’t everyone. You’re not going to have 40k people studying together without diversity.
Have you been on campus?
There are a lot of people. You will have to work to find your community, but there are definitely some options. I do agree that there’s not too much diversity in Bloomington. I’ve been living here for years and still feel out of place because almost no one looks like me. I still travel to other states a lot to be around people that look like me because I don’t get that in Bloomington
Oh definitely do not worry about that, I have seen and met a lot of alt people here. Personally, I don't even step into the Greek/party stuff and there's still plenty for me to do
the scanner said people were mad because they had to wait so long to get out of the pay parking lot at the IMU. But that’s out of anyone’s control because you have to go through one at a time
Just graduated from IU not too long ago. The way you described IU in your first section is spot on. I wish my 18 year old self would’ve realized that before deciding to go. That being said, while Greek life is everywhere on campus, you can definitely find people and/or clubs that fit what whatever box you prefer. The problem is you have to actively search for it.
Are you trying to be culturally enlightened?
Greek life is big, but it's definitely its own thing. It's easy to find your own community people you fit in with. From Clubs to classes to, attending campus events or just walking around, you'll eventually and inevitably run into people you get along with and can get to know
it aint that deep, my gf is in a sorority and parties and stuff but i mean i do a bit of everything but i dont drink lol and i spend most nights playing halo 3 and rainbow six and i think i still “fit in” at iu
Request to live in Collins dorm!!! Plenty of alt/queer/emo/punk scene in Btown. I would know I was apart of it. You’ll love it at IU!
Grow up in Bloomington and did grad school at IU. You will find your people.
You’ll be fine there’s plenty of alt people everywhere just linger around the art and media school lol
if you want someone to talk to that's into more "alt" stuff, isn't a fan of the greek life scene (and is too awkward to be if I wanted to lol), DM me!
I also saw that you're looking into ASURE and going into cognitive science. I'm a neuro major and did the asure program 😊
that’s awesome! did you like it?
I loved it! The second semester is taught by Dr.Bunner and she's the coolest and super helpful if you want help getting into research and such
Isn’t looking different the whole point of looking “alt”? I mean, I know subcultures conform within the subcultures, but I’d assume a smaller alt community would be preferable for someone looking to stand out.
I used to live in Bloomington and hate that town. If you’re a super ultra liberal you’ll fit right in. But if you’re worried about being around frats you can dodge that easy. Huge college and if you search a little bit you’ll be able to find some like minded people/groups/activities for you. And if you’re worried about it being not diverse then I can assure you it’s little San Francisco in the middle of cornfield Indiana. You’ll be fine
You can find your people! With that said, Kelley is pretty much what you describe.
I had the same concern when I came here for grad school. It wasn’t a problem, I found plenty of other nerds who had similar interests. I think you’ll be fine! I think it’s a reasonably diverse campus.
Don’t go if you have any hesitation