Office of Admissions

May 13, 2012

By Shelby

Although the final weeks of freshman year can be full of cumulative exams, group projects, detailed presentations, and late-night study sessions, the final weeks are also brimming with a certain promise: the promise of summer, and the opportunity-filled weeks that are to come. In fact, the months between freshman and sophomore year often prove pivotal: they can be utilized for summer courses, a study abroad experience, volunteering, work, internships, or a well-timed combination of all of the above. More specifically, for upcoming sophomores, this summer can often prove key in maintaining a busy course schedule: summer courses offer significantly reduced tuition, and Bloomington is renowned for its warm-weather landscapes and less-crowded hallways during the summer months. Additionally, both the city of Bloomington and I.U. offer internships exclusively for students remaining on campus, and job opportunities become increasingly available as students depart for home. Ultimately, one must remember: summers can be designed to be both useful and relaxing, and Bloomington itself offers opportunities particularly practical for freshmen transitioning to their sophomore years.

May 8, 2012

By Annalinda

I can’t believe this is my last post as a freshman at IU. I have been putting off writing this post, so much so that I am already back home job hunting for summer, but it is inevitable, and I MUST write a goodbye post.

My first year at IU was one of the best experiences of my life. I have never become so close to so many people in such a short amount of time. I met some amazing people. I did some amazing things.

- I met a best friend. We became really close and I told her things I haven’t told anyone before. We grew together.

- I learned more about computer programs than I thought I was capable of, and the best part is, I loved it.

- I found out that what I thought I wanted to do as a career, maybe isn’t what I want to do…

- I also found out that that is ok…

- I got to sign up for classes I never even thought about before but that I ended up loving

- I took chinese, then had to drop it because it was so difficult, felt like I failed, and then realized that I didn’t, that I made the right decision, that it is ok to change your mind.

- I fell in love.

- I went on late night trips with friends to Taco Bell, Steak and Shake and Indianapolis.

- I got stuck in a mud pit driving a car after already getting lost twice.

No one can really prepare you for college. No matter how much advice you get, the lectures, the parental advice, what you make out of your college experience is up to you. Going to IU was the right decision.

For anyone trying to decide, I’m not going to tell you that IU is the right choice for YOU. I don’t know you. I don’t know what you want to be in life, where you are from or anything, but I CAN tell you that my time at IU was amazing, and there is only better memories to make and more friends to meet.

So I guess this is it! This year was one of the most amazing, stressful, fun, emotional, life-changing years of my life. I’m really glad it happened the way it did.

Good luck to everyone coming back to IU, transferring to a different college, coming to IU as a new student, or still trying to decide. Don’t panic, the right decision will come to you, and even if the first decision you make ends up NOT being the right one, you have SO MUCH MORE time. Make the best of what you have.

It has been the time of my life. Thanks for everything IU. See you in August… as a sophomore!

May 7, 2012

By Haley

So, it’s officially the end of my Freshman year. I made it!

This semester was definitely a huge improvement over last semester…I got to take classes that actually counted (most of my classes last semester I already had dual-credit or AP test credit for…), my grades were a million times better (I have A’s in my leadership, wild flower, and bio class…I haven’t gotten my physics grade yet, but I’m hoping for a B.), I had my first real job (in the Shaw Lab in SPEA), I became the treasurer of VegIU, and a million other things! I definitely learned how to balance school and extracurriculars a lot better.

I think I’m supposed to have some sort of sage advice…but it doesn’t feel like I’m actually done. I’m officially a Sophomore…We did it!

(from Legally Blond…we may not have graduated law school…but we’re close!)

May 5, 2012

By Haley

After moving out yesterday and getting back home around 10, I woke up this morning at 4:50 to get ready to run the 5k at the Indy 500 mini marathon! It was completely packed…we had to walk the first 10ish minutes, which totally messed up my time. We ran past the zoo…and got to smell the elephant poo! There were bands playing along the sides of the run for the first part, which was really cool. Afterwards (my mom & sister both did the 5k too), we claimed a spot near the finish line to watch the mini marathon finish. We got to see all of the metalers! …Then we waited for like an hour for my dad to finish. It was so fun though! There was a festival in the park and it was totally packed. I ended up eating lunch at like 10 in the morning from the Duo lunch truck; chickpea salad.

Here’s a picture of me next to the Verizon Indy car, with a cut out of the driver! Wow, I look short.

May 4, 2012

By Stephanie

Hmm.. where to begin…

I can say that it will weird/nice to come back next year and not have to ask questions about everything because everything is so new to me. I’m proud of all the things I learned (like shortcuts, where to sell/buy textbooks, and the best sandwiches to have at dining halls) and I’m excited to put them to use and learn new things next year. I know a couple of times I have been like, “Oh! I can’t wait to do X next year and blog about it! Oh… wait… ” and then I remember that I won’t be a freshman anymore which means I will not be blogging about it on the freshman blog

On the flip side, I’m excited to meet new freshmen and be able to share with them the things I learned and wish that someone would have told me when I first started (like joining MAPS at the beginning of the year if you’re a pre-med student).  I honestly can’t believe it’s been a year already. I’ve grown so much and learned so much about myself. And I know that sounds really cliche, but wait until this is your position next year and you will say the same thing!! I’m really glad I got to spend this year of change and growth at IU, though! I have met so many people and made so many friends that opened my eyes and mind to different interests, hobbies, mindsets, etc. and I’m so appreciative of it! I honestly can’t wait to see what next year will bring!

The highlights/positive things that stand out to me the most are definitely Marching Hundred and MAPS. Without both of these groups, I would not have the new great friends that I have now nor the excitement of being able to see where these two groups will go next year. I am truly am thankful that I made the decision to join both of them. They helped me realize what really means the most to me and what makes me happy- playing & entertaining people with music & the healthcare field.

The only negative thing that I can think of as of now is not reaching out to the people on my floor earlier to make friends with them. The main reason for that is because I spent the majority of the first week at band, and when I wasn’t at band I was either eating, studying, or sleeping. I’ve learned how to manage my time better so that I have time for friends as well as getting things done and it’s really a great skill to have.

I really enjoyed blogging for the Freshman Year Blog, and I’d like to give a shout out to the people who allowed me this awesome opportunity! (Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!!!!) It means a lot that I was able to share with you guys my activities and things I went through. And for the new students/ incoming freshman- If you ever see me on campus and have a question about ANYTHING! Please! don’t be afraid to come up and ask! I would love to help you out!

Thank you for your time for reading this long post!!

May 4, 2012

By Stephanie

Wow! So the last week of my freshman year at IU is about over. It’s so crazy. This week has been crazy. I stayed up until 3 on Sunday night/ Monday morning to study for my chemistry final exam that I had Monday morning. I felt so drained after it. Haha, but I had to suck it up and quickly study for my Spanish final that was to start in the afternoon. After that was over, I took a long nap and felt great. From then on, it’s been a really slow week. I didn’t really have anything to do because the last final I had was today (Friday morning) over a chapter of notes. So, I studied a little bit each day and enjoyed my free time. And now, here I am… I just finished packing and I’m waiting until I get picked up later tonight.

I really can’t believe it’s the end of the school year already. Most of my friends’ rooms are empty and all of their stuff is packed up. The campus is becoming empty. It’s soooo weird how it’s time to go home. I’m really excited for summer, (and honestly, I never thought I would say this when I first moved here) but I’m going to miss Bloomington, IU, my IU friends and activities, and taking classes. It’s unbelievable how I’ve gotten used to two different lives and now I have to get used to having one life again for awhile haha. But, I am really happy to say that I had a really good year here!

May 4, 2012

By Andre

I had back to back finals today, it was very stressful, but I’m glad I got it over with. People leaving campus since the beginning of the week, its now a Thursday evening and campus is looking pretty bare. It seems that my freshman year came and went! I have one more final tomorrow and I’m done for the year!

May 4, 2012

By Kaitlin

I’m so proud of myself for moving out all alone. Of course it is hot outside and I used every ounce of my strength, but whatever. I’m actually home right now at the start of my summer vacation. It’s sad to know that I won’t be blogging anymore, but here’s a reflection because, hey, why not.

Freshman year of IU was definitely not what I expected. Classes were challenging, but I finally did get in the groove of doing work and studying which definitely paid off. Procrastinating was fun at first, but it’s so much easier just to get everything done and then go out. It was actually ridiculously easy to make friends as well. Nobody really cares if you sit next to them and start a conversation and there’s new people in each class so there’s a wide range of people to get to know. Rushing for a sorority was by far the worst experience ever in the rain, but it ended up being really rewarding (except for the sickness I had for weeks after…). Little 5 was insane and something that everyone needs to experience. And, well, I actually kinda already miss IU. The entire feel of campus is just so home-like and welcoming that it’s hard to say goodbye to it even if it’s just a few months.

May 4, 2012

By Annalinda

It is amazing that this year has gone by so fast. One more final to go and then I’m done for the year. I had back home on Saturday. It is going to be weird to not see everybody that I have seen all year but I know everything will be ok. It will be so fun to be able to go home and see my friends and family! I can’t wait.

May 3, 2012

By Haley

With everyone moving out and trying to use up their meal-points, the C-Store is completely wiped out. Every freezer was like that, if not emptier! I got a microwave meal…and then realized that my roommate took her microwave home and accidentally unplugged my fridge…it was not a good day for eating! I spent all day studying for physics, and had a review session from 5 to 8 that was pretty intense.