Good news, incoming students: when it comes to getting you ready for Hoosier life, IU definitely understood the assignment.
Every summer, IU’s New Student Orientation program gives incoming fall students and their families a chance to learn about IU offices, resources, and services that support student success while meeting other new students and families. This year, the Office of Student Life was more involved than ever.
All 36 departments within Student Life were represented at Wells Library’s resource fair and in a brand-new presentation, but there were multiple areas that were also highlighted further throughout the NSO process.
“For our newest Hoosiers, the Office of Student Life is a good place to start when you have questions, concerns, or you’re not sure where to go,” said Kathy Adams Riester, associate vice chancellor for student life and dean of students.
With departments focused on areas in health and well-being, involvement and belonging, and care and advocacy, there is no shortage of resources and opportunities available to students.
“You aren’t in this alone,” Adams Riester said. “There are a lot of people waiting to help and provide support—you just need to ask.”
Here are some highlights of Student Life’s involvement in NSO.
Late Nite
Fri-day. Fun-nite. That’s the main idea of Late Nite, an event series taking place on select Fridays during the school year at the Indiana Memorial Union. Because so many orientation events take place in and around the IMU, lovingly known as the heart of campus, new students and their families were the first to know about upcoming Late Nite fun.
The Late Nite team hosted evening activities on the first night of NSO. Along with games, karaoke, and more, students also snagged free food, crafts, and IU swag.
“Students are experiencing life in a new capacity, and we want the Indiana Memorial Union to be their home away from home,” said Hayley Griffith, IMU events program coordinator. “This is the place that welcomes them on their first day, says congratulations on their last day, and continues to welcome them home going forward every time they step on campus.”
NSO Late Nite activities aren’t just a way to explore and experience the IMU, they’re also a way to connect with fellow first-year students.
“There’s always a place for you here,” Griffith said. “It can be daunting to make new connections, but at the IMU it’s not just a welcome, it’s a welcome home.”
Sneak Peek
Recreational Sports hosts Sneak Peek every year during NSO, giving incoming students a chance to tour their facilities, engage in interactive activities, and learn about the fun things they’ll have access to when they arrive in August. And, of course, free t-shirts are involved. Who doesn’t love free t-shirts?
“There can be assumptions made about what Rec Sports is like, and nothing makes me happier than rupturing those stereotypes and seeing students get really excited about something they never imagined we would offer,” said Mandy McGhee, director of outreach and relational service at Recreational Sports.
Some fun activities at Rec Sports include Intramural Battleship, Figure Skating Club, Restorative Yoga, and the HydroMassage chair in the Wellness Studio. If students pay their activity fee, they have access to almost everything Rec Sports has to offer with a simple scan of their CrimsonCard, the official IU photo ID.
IU Housing
With housing made especially for Hoosiers, it’s no surprise that IU Housing made multiple appearances during NSO. Students and families met with IU Housing staff during the “Arriving to Campus” sessions, the resource fair in Wells Library, and residence hall tours to get the inside scoop on campus life.
Arguably one of the most exciting parts of NSO, the daily residence hall tours let students visit a sample show room to get an idea of what their on-campus living space will look like.
“I’m always excited to share how students can get involved in their communities within the residence halls,” said Jocelyn Maul, director of housing operations and assignments. “With so many first years living on campus, we see changes and shifts in the culture of each of our halls every year, which is driven by the student engagement and leadership of each group.”
IU Housing is ready to help students settle in, get comfortable, and learn everything they need to know about on-campus housing.
“The most important thing is learning to ask for help or clarification,” Maul said. “Transitioning to a big university can be overwhelming, and we hope we’re able to make this big place feel small.”
As students experience New Student Orientation, they can explore campus, get “need-to-know” information, and do so much more with the help of Student Life.
If you’re looking for your community on campus, consider visiting IU’s culture centers during your orientation schedule or once you arrive in Bloomington. IU’s six culture centers provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate culture. The culture centers include:
- Asian Culture Center
- First Nations Educational and Cultural Center
- Jewish Culture Center
- La Casa/Latino Cultural Center
- LGBTQ+ Culture Center
- Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center
All culture center events, programs, and activities are open to all members of the IU community.
