IDS Housing & Living Guide - Spring 2026

AN INDIANA DAILY STUDENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION

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Must-have items for your apartment

Here’s what you should buy for your first place

By Abby Whited abwhited@iu.edu

Finding shopping items for your first college apartment is often overwhelming, and it can be difficult to separate wants from needs. To make that discernment a little easier, here are five items I think are absolutely essential for your first apartment.

Air fryer

If you ask any college student about first apartment essentials, I think many would mention an air fryer. Whether you’re a cooking beginner or a seasoned pro, the air fryer is a kitchen must-have for convenience.

You can cook a numerous things in an air fryer, from vegetables to frozen chicken nuggets. An air fryer meal can be as simple or complex as you want. Aside from versatility, using an air fryer is relatively mess-free, as well. You can get a small one at Walmart or Kroger for under $50.

Candle warmer

of a burning candle.

As someone who received a candle warmer for Christmas and has been using it every day since, I can assure you it has been an essential addition to my first apartment. I truly think anyone can benefit from the cozy ambience and impressive scent projection of a candle warmer.

If you tend to burn through candles quickly, a warmer will prolong the lives of your candles and improve their scent projection. Using a candle warmer is also less of a fire hazard than the open flame

Candle warmers don’t only make your space smell amazing, they also make for a great piece of decor. Their soft, warm light creates the perfect atmosphere to settle down and relax after a long day of classes. Amazon sells a variety of candle warmers for under $40.

Vacuum

Although a handheld dust buster might suffice for a dorm room, an apartment requires the aid of a heavy-duty vacuum. No matter how many rooms your apartment has, a vacuum will allow you to cover optimal ground.

A good vacuum will take care of inevitable messes and get the job done faster than a broom or dust buster. If you

have roommates, a vacuum is the ideal item to pitch in on because you’ll all use it at some point. From upright to cordless, Walmart sells a variety of vacuums for under $100.

Tool kit

A tool kit is one of those items that will always be beneficial to have, especially in your first apartment. If you live somewhere where the maintenance service isn’t great, it always helps to have basic tools to make small repairs yourself.

Even if you think you wouldn’t use one, you’ll never regret having a tool kit in your apartment. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and a basic tool kit is a good way to stay prepared

for a variety of apartment inconveniences. The Home Depot sells basic tool kits ranging from $16 to $63.

Fan

Although a fan might be the last thing you’re thinking about during these cold winter months, it is an absolute staple for any first apartment. During the warmer seasons, a good quality fan will save you from overheating or discomfort.

My personal savior in the fan category has been the Woozoo Fan, which is great for its oscillation, timer and five speed settings and sold at Costco for about $50. If you’d prefer something more affordable, you can also get a reasonably priced box fan from most local grocery stores.

How to decorate your dorm or apartment to feel like home

College housing is temporary, but you can always make it feel cozy

By Alana Wilkening awilkeni@iu.edu | @alaynawilkening

Decorating your dorm or apartment can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. As a senior, I’ll admit it’s been a while since I’ve been in a dorm myself. But I like to think my decorating expertise has stayed consistent through my freshman dorm and my apartment now.

I think of dorm decorating a little like locker decorating in middle school. Yes, there is wallpaper available. No, you don’t need it. The magnetic chandelier can go, too.

Dorms are small and temporary. It’s important to own your space while it’s yours, but it’s also important to remember you’ll be moving out in just a few months, likely while juggling finals. Indiana University doesn’t give you much time to move out, and at the end of the year you’ll be thankful you’re not trying to stuff a headboard into your tiny hatchback car.

The biggest things you’ll need in terms of decor are bedding and maybe a rug. I still love the bedding I picked out, and I never got tired of seeing it. I think it really pulled my side of the room together. The rug wasn’t as much of a need, but it did make the room feel cozier. Mine wasn’t anything fancy — I think it was less than $20 — but it helped cover the gross dorm floors and brightened up the room.

This is true in apartments, too, but it can be slightly dif-

ferent depending on if you choose a furnished or unfurnished space. My apartment came furnished, so my only real decision was new bedding. I ditched the rug in my room this time, though we have one in our living room that I love.

My friends with unfurnished places have done their fair share of Facebook Marketplace scrolling with some pretty impressive results, too.

In terms of actual decor, I’m a big fan of a full wall. It was true in my dorm room, and it’s true in my room now. The only difference here is that I have a lot more walls to fill. I hang everything up, from Indiana Daily Student staff awards to notes from friends to the parking tickets I’ve accumulated through my academic career. This is obviously personal choice, but

I think college is a unique time where you can really go all out on unserious decor. When you graduate, it’s a lot less socially acceptable to hang parking tickets on the wall, though who am I to judge?

My point is, now is the time to be goofy with your decor. Sure, it’s nice to have a spot that feels cohesive, but it’s also so special to be able to walk into a room full of things that make you smile. Even if you’re not as maximalist as I am, I think it’s important to insert a little bit of yourself into your space. My roommates’ rooms are completely different than mine, so our living room is a lot more subdued. We’ve all still put our personal touches on it. I have some of my prints hanging from a letterpress class I took last semester, and we

have birthday streamers hanging from a sophomore year party. Nothing is fancy or super expensive, but it makes our apartment feel like it’s ours. There’s so much pressure online to make your space look and feel perfect. Of course, each August a new wave of social media posts pops up that urges people to buy into whatever’s trending at the time. If that’s something you’re into, more power to you. But I think there are so many more important things to care about than whether that throw pillow goes with the blanket you got from your aunt 10 years ago. Worry about what will make you happy after a long day of classes or work, and remember everything is temporary, so enjoy the space you’re in while you’re in it.

5 traits to be a good roommate

By Zoe Reed reedzoe@iu.edu

Everyone has a story about a roommate, good or bad.

The bad ones make the best stories — the person who turned your shared kitchen into a biohazard or who discovered your TV had volume levels you didn’t know existed.

The good ones? They’re rare enough to brag about.

The difference between peace and an all-out war often comes down to a handful of key qualities that separate the ideal roommate from one who makes you sleep with one eye open. Here are five traits that make someone worth sharing 400 square feet with.

Clear communication

Communication is always the first step to any new relationship. Good roommates don’t leave passive-aggressive sticky notes on the bathroom mirror or text complaints from the comfort of their bedroom. They address problems directly, calmly and before resentment builds.

During initial conversations, pay attention to how they talk about past living situations. Do they blame everyone else or do they acknowledge their role in conflicts? Look for someone who’s open to feedback without getting defensive and willing to compromise when conflicts arise.

Keeping things clean

Chores can be a daunting task for working college students, but that doesn’t excuse messy living spaces. You don’t need someone who scrubs the floor weekly; you do need someone whose definition

of clean aligns reasonably with yours.

A good roommate does their own dishes, takes out the trash before it overflows and cleans up messes in common areas. They don’t let their personal mess spill into shared spaces.

Different people clean differently, so look for someone willing to discuss standards and meet somewhere in the middle.

Respecting boundaries

Loud talking at 6 a.m. isn’t a preferred wake-up call for most people. A good roommate understands that sharing space doesn’t mean surrendering all privacy or personal property. They knock before entering closed doors, ask before borrowing items and don’t touch food that isn’t theirs.

Look for a roommate who acknowledges different people

have different needs and wants, someone who is willing to accommodate those differences rather than expecting everyone to adapt to their preferences.

Financial responsibility

Nothing kills a living situation faster than money problems. A good roommate pays their share of rent and utilities on time, every time. Don’t be shy about discussing financial expectations up front.

Look for someone who won’t leave you scrambling to cover their half or make excuses on why Venmo isn’t working again. They contribute to shared supplies like toilet paper, dish soap and treat shared expenses as the serious commitments they are.

Compatibility matters

You’ll cross paths in the

kitchen, see them in their pajamas at 7 a.m. and will probably use the same toilet. A good roommate is someone you don’t dread running into, someone who can hold a conversation without making things tense.

This doesn’t mean you need to be best friends, but basic compatibility matters. Look for someone with similar lifestyles and ideas about what the home should feel like. If talking feels forced now, it won’t magically improve in the mornings before your coffee.

Choosing a roommate isn’t about finding someone perfect. Trust your instincts and ask the important questions. The effort you put into choosing a roommate will determine whether your living situation becomes another horror story to tell.

The top social media accounts to follow

From farmers markets to author talks, find events on these social media accounts

By Grace Fridy gfridy@iu.edu

As the snow melts this semester, it’ll be time to get outside and explore all that Bloomington has to offer. The question isn’t whether or not there’s anything to do around town, it’s where to find things. From farmers’ markets to live music, there’s always a campus or community event to keep an eye out for.

In this day and age, social media is often the best way to go to find things to do around Bloomington.

Visit Bloomington

This Instagram account has food and activity recommendations for tourists and residents alike to explore the city. Visit Bloomington’s recent recommendations include checking out the museums on campus, such as the Wylie House Museum, the historic home of IU’s first president, and the Lilly Library, home to IU’s special collections as well as rotating exhibits. Currently on exhibit is “The Big Picture,” which features some of the largest items held at the library.

Additionally, Visit Bloomington has a free to order 2026 Visitors Guide that highlights a variety of activities, which can be found at the link in their Instagram bio, along with a series of blog posts on different locations to check out. Its posts provide information on activities like winter hikes around town, Bloomington’s indoor attractions and how to spend 48 hours in Bloomington.

City of Bloomington

While the city of Blooming-

ton’s social media isn’t solely focused on fun activities, it’s one of the best places to go for news and updates about parking, sanitation and local government. During winter weather, for example, the city’s instagram often posts updates on sanitation delays and parking garage openings as well as tips about snow shoveling and warming stations.

The city’s social media, which is @citybloomington on Instagram, X and YouTube, and City of Bloomington, IN – Office of the Mayor on Facebook, also has information about financial assistance programs for utility bills as well as town halls, neighborhood grants and volunteer opportunities.

Bloomington WinterFarmers’ Market

From November to March,

the winter market is held at Switchyard Park Pavilion on Saturdays. Its social media account lists the vendors, time and location of the farmers market. Additionally, from April to November, the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market is held at Showers Common next to City Hall.

The market’s social media, @bloomingtonfarmersmarket on Instagram and Bloomington Winter Farmers’ Market on Facebook, also shares information about live music and photos of different produce and baked goods available for sale.

Morgenstern Books and Cafe

For the book lovers of Bloomington, Morgenstern Books is an obvious follow on social media. Its Instagram bio boasts that it’s “Indiana’s larg-

est Independent Bookstore,” but Morgenstern’s is also a community hub for coffee and literary events.

In addition to books, you can purchase coffee, food and local art in the store. The store’s Instagram advertises all its upcoming events. From book launches to author talks, Morgenstern’s hosts multiple events each month.

Indiana Daily Student

Finally, this one may be a bit on the nose, but the IDS is the place to go for Bloomington news. The IDS social media also shares “Three things to read today” on its Instagram story, which is a good way to get a quick dose of Bloomington and IU news. You can also find the IDS on X, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok as @idsnews.

How to search for off-campus housing

By Conor Banks conbanks@iu.edu

Living off campus at Indiana University Bloomington can seem intimidating to start. Here is a guide to help with the process.

Know what you want into the process

Understanding exactly what you want in off-campus housing is a crucial first step to the process.

Before starting the search process, ensure roommate plans are in place, in addition to your location and price preferences. If you plan on subleasing at any point, have a plan in place for how you are going to do that.

Also take into account furnishing when exploring options. Most unfurnished housing is cheaper than already-furnished places. If you are an in-state student and have a realistic way of transporting used furniture, the more budget-friendly option may be to look for unfurnished housing. On the other hand, people from out of state or who are looking for convenience may opt for fully furnished options, which will likely come at a higher price.

So, make sure you have a general idea of the kind of living situation you want before starting the search for off-campus housing.

Use popular search websites

After generating an idea of what you want in off-campus housing options, start the search on some popular websites. There are a wide variety of websites that make the search for off-campus housing easier, including Apartments.com, Rent College Pads and Rent. com, which allow users to filter

by preferences. These sites enable you to search for specific options that meet certain criteria such as price, location and number of bedrooms, making the process more convenient and efficient.

Support from IU

IU has a multitude of tools to support the search for offcampus housing. The university has a database titled, “IU Classifieds,” which is accessible within One.IU. Through this, people can post ads about leasing, subletting and furniture.

On its website, The Office of Student Life at IU offers tips about how to live in an off-campus community.

Student Legal Services at IU also offers a free lease analysis. Students can schedule an appointment on the Office of Stu-

dent Life’s website to gain clarity and get the terms and conditions of their lease explained by legal services prior to signing.

If you are a graduate student, the IU Graduate and Professional Student Government has a housing board on its website designed for posting rentals and housing offers.

Stay connected with the community

When searching for off-campus housing, it is important to be on the lookout for open housing and renting opportunities. One way to stay in touch with options is through a shared community.

Facebook has a housing group for IU students, where people can post leasing availabilities, or request a roommate if needed. Looking for IU communities surrounding housing

is a great way to expand options beyond traditional websites. However, make sure to verify listings in person if choosing this route to avoid potential scams.

Plan ahead

While there are plenty of resources at IU to help with the offcampus housing search, the best way to make sure you secure a place to live is to plan ahead. If you are looking for this kind of housing for the 2026-27 academic year, it is best to begin this search now. Ensure you leave plenty of time to tour all options because those that are affordable and in close proximity to campus will go quickly. So, start the process of looking off campus as early as possible. Make sure you have roommate plans in place, and take advantage of all resources at your disposal.

How to sublet your apartment or house

By Jack Davis jjd5@iu.edu

ough I’ve been fortunate enough not to have to sublet my house, I’ve watched friends go through the process, and it’s rarely stress free. Subletting involves uncertainty, paperwork and trusting a stranger with your house or apartment. It isn’t easy, but with the right preparation, it can be manageable. ere are plenty of reasons one may have to sublet in college. Studying abroad, not getting along with a roommate, graduating early or transferring schools can all make it impossible to stay for the remainder of a lease. Financial reasons can also play a role, as paying rent for an apartment that isn’t being used can cause unnecessary

strain. Subletting o ers a practical solution: you can ful ll your lease while adapting to di erent circumstances.

e rst step to subletting is determining whether it is allowed where you live. Before making any decisions, review your lease carefully and look for clauses related to subletting. For more information IU Legal Services o er free lease review. Some landlords require written approval, while others prohibit subletting altogether.

One of the most important steps is communicating with your landlord as early as possible. Being upfront about your situation and timeline helps establish trust. Landlords who may initially be hesitant are often more receptive when they feel informed and involved.

Now Hiring Students Like You.

After that comes the most critical part: nding the right person to sublet to. ere are several resources available, including Facebook groups for students seeking roommates.

Social media groups aren’t the only way to nd a subletter. In many cases, opportunities come through personal connections like your roommate knowing someone who needs housing or hearing your friends and classmates talk about nding a place to live.

Regardless of how you nd potential subletters, it’s essential to vet them carefully. Rushing the process can lead to issues later down the road including making the other tenants uncomfortable, choosing someone who doesn’t pay rent on time or someone who vio-

lates other terms of the lease.

Once you’ve chosen a subletter, make sure all terms are documented in writing. A sublease agreement should clearly outline rent, move-in and move-out dates and any additional responsibilities.

While subletting can be stressful, taking these steps can make the process far more manageable. With clear communication, careful planning and the right subletter, you can protect yourself and your lease.

Come join our sta — no experience or specific major required. Apply online at idsnews.com/jobs or reach out to editor@idsnews.com.

How to be frugal in Bloomington

By Sydney Weber syaweber@iu.edu

Saying that “being alive is expensive” might win me

Understatement of the Year Award, but that doesn’t make it less true. It’s especially so in Bloomington, which RentCafe reports (based on September 2025 data) is the most expen sive Indiana city, with an av erage cost of living 9% higher than the state average. Other sources list places like Zions ville as the most expensive, but that doesn’t change the fact that living in Bloomington is pricey.

Below, I’ve compiled three tips to hopefully reduce your cost of living in Bloomington.

Clip those coupons

If you haven’t already, get a Kroger loyalty card and sign up for the weekly ad newsletter. As I write this, you can save $1.50 if you buy three-quarters of a pound of Kroger-brand meat or cheese from the deli counter, and another $1.50 when buying two units of multi-pack Yoplait yogurt. Saving three dollars doesn’t seem like much, but the gains accrue over time.

Aldi is another great place to save on food costs. I recently bought apples, strawberries, ground turkey, two dips, tortilla chips, canned green beans, a paper bag and a half gallon of milk for $21.47, and I’m quite pleased. The most expensive item on that list was the $4.69 ground turkey.

Do be careful not to go to the grocery store hungry, though. I’ve made that mistake more than a time or two.

Figure out your tastes and pack your lunch

Continuing the food theme,

discovering what meals you can make at home (that you actually like) can save you part of the cost of eating out. I’m not telling you to never eat at a restaurant — Mother Bear’s Pizza is too delicious for me to say that honestly — but it can be more fun than you think to cook for yourself.

For example, one pound of brown rice is $0.99 at Kroger. Add a $1 can of black beans, some shredded cheese from a $2.49 bag of Mexican cheese, a splash of $1.89 red enchilada sauce and maybe some slices of a $1 avocado, and you’ve just meal-prepped a nutritious lunch for the next few days, all for $7.37.

Or, you could just bring a can of SpaghettiOs ($1.39 per can, which for me is a full meal) to campus and heat it up in a mi-

crowave. (Don’t heat it up while it’s in the metal can, though!)

Shop secondhand

Clothing and furniture costs can quickly add up, and the savings available on these items is one reason I love Goodwill. My beautiful wooden kitchen table cost about $30, but it probably would have gone for $200 new. Cruising through Goodwill (or the Habitat for Humanity ReStore or browsing IU Classifieds) when you’re looking for furniture can pay off big time, especially around the end of the semester when students are moving out and getting rid of furniture.

Places like Goodwill or My Sister’s Closet are fantastic options for buying clothes. They have large enough selections that you’re likely to find some-

thing in your size, at much lower prices than buying new.

The dress I wore to my friend’s wedding in June was a Goodwill find that cost less than $10. Same for the dress I wore to my cousin’s wedding in January. This goes to show it’s not just jeans and T-shirts that you can find while shopping secondhand. Blazers and slacks might both be on the racks, or IU merch that would otherwise cost $80.

Another option for professional wear that won’t break the bank is IU’s Crimson Closet. You can borrow business casual and professional clothing for free on the second floor of Ernie Pyle Hall.

Hopefully these tips can help you save some money here in Bloomington, which is a lovely but very expensive place to live.

Tips for maintaining a spotless living space

Cleaning a whole house can be overwhelming, so here are some tips

By Stella Klaus ssklaus@iu.edu

While most people would probably like to say their house or apartment is always perfectly clean and they are always on top of it, that is just not realistic for most college students with busy schedules. A clean space, however, can help improve mental health and boost productivity. So, here are some tips on how to keep your space spotless, even if you have a busy schedule.

Cleaning your whole house or apartment can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. To help make things less intimidating, pick one room to start and focus on just that space. This is a good place to start because if your whole house is messy sometimes it's hard to even know where to begin.

Splitting up your cleaning into one room at a time can also help if you have a busy schedule. If you don’t have enough time in one day to clean your whole house or apartment, you can do one room each day. Maybe on Monday you clean your bedroom, then Tuesday you clean your living room, Wednesday you clean your kitchen and Thursday you clean your bathroom. If you can’t decide which room to clean first, pick whichever room you spend the most time in, especially if you do a lot of studying or homework in that room, then work from there.

Once you choose a room, it is

also helpful to split your cleaning up with different tasks. It’s best to start by picking up clutter or trash and putting it away or throwing it away. If there is a lot of clutter, you can even split that up into categories. For example, you could pick up everything of a specific color first or you could pick up everything that goes to a different room in the house first. After you take care of the clutter, you can straighten things up, like putting throw pillows back where they go or making your bed.

Now that things are all in order, you can actually clean. Start with the surfaces in

your room, like coffee tables or bookshelves, and dust or disinfect those. Then you can move on to the floor and sweep and mop hardwood floors and vacuum carpets.

Finally, you can do any last touches, like putting anything else away that you missed or lighting a candle to make your freshly cleaned space smell nice. Breaking up your cleaning into smaller tasks like this can help the process be less daunting and before you know if you will have a spotless house.

Now that you have a clean space, the hard part is keeping it clean. Realistically, your place

is going to get messy again, especially as the semester picks back up and you get busy. The best thing to try to do is to clean as you go. Do your dishes right after your meal so they don’t pile up, put your laundry away right after it’s done so it doesn’t clutter your room up and put all the things you used that day away before you go to bed. These things don’t take very long if you do it in the moment, but once they pile up, it can take you hours to clean.

The longer you wait, the messier your place will be, so put your favorite music on and get to cleaning.

COLUMN: The home workouts I follow and why

By Aryana Amin-Tehrani aaminteh@iu.edu

The spring semester always flies by. Students return to campus halfway through January, February is a shorter month and spring break interrupts March. When April arrives, students are already studying for final exams and preparing for their final projects. As students seek housing and roommates for the next academic year, while juggling extracurricular and social lives, the semester’s pace seems to accelerate.

It’s still important to make time for our bodies and health during this busy time. While on-campus options for exercise, like the Student Recreational Sports Center, offer essentials like weight and cardio machines, home workouts offer many of the same benefits — as long as you maintain proper form — as well as the comfort of being in your own home.

Over the past year, I developed my home workout plans by

arranging playlists of useful fitness creators on YouTube. For those already at a more advanced strength level, Growingannanas’ workouts are a well-developed option with various routines targeting certain muscles of the body. She even offers a dedicated playlist to calisthetics, which seems to be a growing trend online in the fitness community, based on what I see while scrolling on Instagram.

Calisthenics, a type of exercise that requires no equipment and relies only on your body weight, is a perfect kind of exercise for someone getting into fitness or returning to physical activity. According to the Cleveland Clinic, calisthenics also improves your strength and fixes your posture. By combining “strength training with a heart-pumping cardiovascular workout,” the Cleveland Clinic states, consistent calisthenics help you “build up your endurance and build muscle over longer periods.”

Growingannanas also offers

a high-intensity interval training workouts playlist. HIIT workouts provide cognitive benefits that could last for years, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Its study of 151 healthy adults between the ages of 65-86 showed HIIT workouts produced positive influences on the function of the hippocampus –the part of the brain responsible for short-term and long-term memory, spatial navigation and emotional regulation – for those participating.

Meanwhile, I also follow MadFit, a creator who posts similar no-equipment at-home workouts on her YouTube page. Every week day, I complete her “5 MIN DAILY ABS WORKOUT.” Six days of the week, I follow up that regimen with one of her many other workout videos, including her 15-minute “Full UPPER BODY Workout,” her “10 MIN CALF WORKOUT” and her “10 MIN FULL BODY SWEAT SESH” on different days. Other days, I attempt to complete MadFit’s “15 min DANCER THIGH SCULPT

Workout” or her “10 min Intense BACK WORKOUT.” These various exercises help me target the different parts of my body such as my biceps, triceps and the upper back.

Through engaging with these videos, I’ve noticed I feel more energized during the day. Since incorporating the workout routine, I feel more confident in my endurance during runs and other physical activities, like biking and hiking. The best part is I can do it all from home!

While I know I could go to the SRSC for similar satisfaction, home workouts offer me greater convenience, comfort and flexibility. With only the yoga mat I keep right next to my bed, my laptop and a stable Wi-Fi connection, I’m able to work out at any time that fits with my schedule – free of worry about busy seasons at the gym – and continue to grow and become the best version of myself. Simply start your own home workout journey by exploring the fitness community online.

A guide to watching Indiana football and basketball without a ticket

By Elakai Anela eanela@iu.edu

Are you a student, parent or fan on Indiana University’s campus in Bloomington wanting to watch Indiana sports but can’t get into the stadium without a ticket?

Here are a few places around Bloomington to catch the game.

Places on Kirkwood

The most popular spots on Kirkwood Avenue, the most popular street in Bloomington, include Kilroy’s on Kirkwood, the Upstairs Pub and Nick’s English Hut. However, those places, aside from portions of

Nick’s English Hut, are only accessible for adults 21 or older.

Those three are all close to each other. Kilroy’s on Kirkwood and Upstairs are right next to each other, and Nick’s is right across the street.

For people under 21 around Kirkwood, BuffaLouie’s at The Gables is one of the only realistic alternatives. BuffaLouie’s has a variety of televisions throughout the restaurant, so anyone can catch the game. It serves wings and other food. It is located on 114 S. Indiana Ave. in Bloomington.

Options not on Kirkwood

Two other options away

from Kirkwood are Yogi’s and Coaches Bar and Grill. Both these places are open to those under 21.

Yogi’s is located on 302 N. Walnut St. and has daily food and drink specials, especially on game days. There are televisions throughout the restaurant and the bar, making it a friendly game day environment for people of all ages.

Coaches Bar and Grill has a similar layout to Yogi’s. The difference is the atmosphere — it is more relaxed and caters to visitors, as its right by the Hilton Garden Inn, rather than students, while also feeling more like a bar than a restaurant. The

address of Coaches Bar and Grill is 245 N. College Ave.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a classic place to watch any IU sporting event. It has a variety of televisions, booths and a bar setup in the center of the restaurant. It is located on 1350 W. Bloomfield Road, which is farther away from the center of town than the other places listed. Because it is also a chain restaurant, it is familiar to many fans already.

Ultimately, staying at home instead of going out to a bar or a restaurant is by far the most affordable option. But for people who want to go out, these locations throughout Bloomington are all adequate options.

COLUMN: 5 restaurants where you won’t break the bank

By Jack Forrest jhforres@iu.edu | @byjackforrest

I like good food. But I don’t like to spend a lot on it. I think that’s a fairly common opinion to have.

So, for the folks who agree with me, I’ve picked five Bloomington restaurants, excluding fast food, where you can grab a meal without breaking the bank.

Döner Kebab

The food truck Döner Kebab, when you can track it down, is a great place to eat well and under budget. It’s usually parked somewhere along Kirkwood Avenue.

Try the döner kebab gyro, with either lamb or chicken and a host of toppings, or the falafel kebab for $6.99 (plus tax, as with all the prices on

this list). You can also snag a lamb or chicken quesadilla for $5.99, a Greek salad for $4.99, a cheese quesadilla for $3.99 or a hummus or baba ghanoush plate with pita and veggies for $4.99.

Dats

Dats is comfort food for me, which is nice considering it’s easy on the wallet.

A half-order entrée of its Cajun and Creole food will set you back $6.50. I assure you that even a half size will be plenty. My favorites are the gumbo, chili-cheese étouffée with crawfish and voodoo chicken. Even the half orders come with Dats’ delicious garlic bread, as well.

Bloomington Bagel Company

I may prefer Gables Bagels myself, but Bloomington Bagel

Company is still a solid, and often more affordable, option.

A bagel and schmear ranges from $2.85 to $6.88, according to its website. Take your pick between options like everyseed, cinnamon raisin, jalapeño cheddar and pretzel, topped with schmears including scallion horseradish and honey toasted almond. You can also add veggies as toppings for a small added fee.

Also on the menu is an egg and cheese bagel sandwich, starting at $5.90. You can choose from a variety of types of bagels and cheeses and add extra toppings and meats.

Goodfellas Pizzeria

Located on Kirkwood Avenue next to Greetings and a stone’s throw from the Upstairs Pub, Goodfellas is conveniently placed.

Equally convenient is its bythe-slice pizza, which starts at $4.50. And these are big, New York-style slices, large enough to fill you up. It’s a perfect option for anyone having a late night on Kirkwood or just short on time between classes.

Taqueria Acapulco

This Mexican street foodstyle joint at 107 N. College Ave. — between The Inkwell Bakery & Cafe and JL Waters — has a number of options sub-$7.

Taqueria Acapulco offers single tacos, with meat choices like pastor, steak and grilled chicken, for $3.99. Other tacos, like shrimp and beef tripe, are $4.50.

The restaurant also has chalupas, 8-inch quesadillas, chicarron preparado, esquites, gorditas and tamales, which range from $3.50 to $6.99 each.

A guide to dining at IU Bloomington

By Will Kwiatkowski wdkwiatk@iu.edu | @wkwiatkowski_15

Finding what to eat on campus at Indiana University Bloomington can be intimidating at rst. With students’ busy schedules and a large campus, students need dining options that are both convenient and a ordable.

Luckily, IU has plenty of dining options whether you are on a meal plan or paying as you go.

If you have a student meal plan, it comes with three key components: Meal scans, combo meals and dining dollars.

Meal scans let you enter any of IU Bloomington’s allyou-care-to-eat dining halls any time they are open. Combo meals, sometimes called meal

exchanges, are limited each week and let you use a swipe at select pay-as-you-go locations or cover a guest at a dining hall. Dining dollars are like campus cash you can spend at cafés, C-stores, dining halls and other retail locations across campus. Everything works through your CrimsonCard.

Students without a meal plan can still load money onto their CrimsonCards and use it much like a debit card around campus.

All-you-care-to-eat dining halls are great for full meals. Forest Dining Hall, McNutt Dining Hall, Collins LivingLearning Center, Goodbody Hall and Wright Dining Hall all o er diverse menus, including plantbased and international options that change daily. You can use meal scans there for breakfast,

lunch or dinner.

IU also has many places for quick bites or snacks. Campus convenience stores, known as C-stores, are located near dorms and across buildings on campus and stock everything from frozen meals and snacks to toiletries and drinks. ese places accept dining dollars, CrimsonCash and credit or debit cards.

Food courts and restaurants across campus provide even more choices. e Bookmarket Eatery in the lower level of Wells Library has a variety of spots like Hubbard and Cravens for breakfast items, e Meltdown for sandwiches, King’s Hawaiian chicken, e Greenhouse salad bar, BlenzBowlz smoothies and bowls and rotating international food from e Globe. Combo meals, dining dollars,

CrimsonCash and credit cards are also all accepted at these locations.

e Indiana Memorial Union is another central dining hub with many options. You can grab sweet treats and co ee at Sugar and Spice Bakery, try rotating global dishes at e Globe, get burgers and fries at Whit eld Grill or enjoy a sit-down meal at e Vault Pub.

Academic buildings also house dining spots, such as Hodge Hall in the Kelley School of Business. Hodge Café o ers everything from quick snacks and co ee to sushi and poke bowls.

Once you know where to scan, swipe or spend, eating well on campus becomes one less thing to worry about during your busy day.

The IDS’ (kind of) pro chefs share their favorite recipes

Mia Hilkowitz, co-editorin-chief

One of the easiest meals to make is chili. My favorite is a ground turkey chili. You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound Ground turkey

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1/2 onion

• Olive oil

• 2 cans of beans

• 2 cans of diced tomatoes

• 4 tablespoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chop your onion and mince the three garlic cloves. Start by sautéing your chopped onion and minced garlic in the olive oil for about five minutes on medium to high heat. Then, add in your ground turkey. You should use a spoon to break up the turkey and cook until there is no more pink. Next, add in your seasonings (chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and salt) and stir.

One can at a time, add your beans and diced tomatoes. Some people also add corn to their chili. Once you have everything in, stir for 45 seconds. Finally, wait until the chili comes to a broil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer for another 30-40 minutes. After this, you can add more seasoning to your preferences.

I usually get around six servings out of this recipe, so it’s a great food to meal prep for the whole week.

Andrew

Miller, co-editorin-chief

Here’s a solid one-pot vodka pasta recipe that’s not com-

plicated and doesn’t result in many dishes. For it, you’ll need:

• 1 pound of some smaller pasta (short pasta is needed to be cooked in the sauce)

• 1 1/2 cups Parmesan (1 cup Parmesan and ½ cup Pecorino Romano if you’re fancy. Add a little goat cheese if you’re really fancy)

• Marinara sauce (you’ll need to eyeball this, sorry)

• Heavy cream (have fun eyeballing this!)

• Chicken stock heated up in a separate pot.

• 4 cloves of garlic, cut finely

• 1/4 cup diced onions

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Little bit of olive oil

• A little vodka, like a shot’s worth

• Spinach and arugula

Get yourself a pot and heat up a decent amount of olive oil on just below medium. Throw in your garlic, wait a second, then throw in the onions. You can’t wait too long while cooking this or your garlic will burn. If it burns, it will make your entire pasta bitter. So if you do burn it, you’ll have to re-do it.

OK. Next, throw in your marinara sauce (honestly like a third to half of the jar) and give it a little time to heat up. Then drop a shot of vodka (I use Tito’s), and mix that in. Put in the butter, stir. Put in enough cream to make it orange, then throw in the cheese.

Add seasonings (salt and pepper) until it tastes good. I also add chili flakes, rosemary, oregano and parsley. Let it heat up then throw in your pasta (I’ve found penne or shells work well). Turn the heat up to a little

over medium and let your pasta cook in the sauce. If you need more liquid, squeeze in some chicken stock and mix. I typically add my spinach and arugula at this point.

See, you’ll have fewer dishes! I told you. Just keep dipping a fork in and tasting the pasta until it tastes al dente. Now you have a delicious meal that can feed a whole house, or yourself for a week vis a vis meal prep.

Natalia Nelson, enterprise editor

One of the quickest meals I know that can save you in a pinch is sheet pan sausage, potatoes and broccoli. That’s it, it’s just those three ingredients, plus oil and spices. You can use kielbasa, chicken apple sausage, any type of potato (russet, red, gold or even sweet potato) and broccoli. If you’re a broccoli hater, I’m sure this recipe could work with carrots or brussels sprouts, as well.

Set your oven to 400 degrees, and chop your potatoes and sausage while it’s heating up. Then spread them with the broccoli over the pan. Drizzle the pan with oil and coat generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powder. Let that cook until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork and the sausage reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees, probably around 30-40 minutes.

Zoe Reed, campus life reporter & designer

Mom’s chicken paprikash! This is my all-time favorite comfort meal my mom makes. It’s

creamy, savory chicken paprikash.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 medium yellow onions, diced

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons paprika (Dark if possible, not smoked!)

• 1 teaspoon salt and pepper

• 1 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken pieces (I use shredded pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for ease) Instructions:

• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about five to eight minutes.

• Add seasonings and cook for around 30 seconds, incorporating the paprika.

• Add chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

• Add cooked chicken.

• Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in sour cream until fully combined.

• Adjust for taste. And you’re done! I personally love to add this on top of cooked rice, but you can also use noodles. Enjoy!

Benjamin LeGrand, enterprise reporter

Shout out to McCormick spices for the meatloaf recipe on the back of their meat loaf seasoning packet. It’s been a family classic growing up and was a hit entrée at the Indiana Daily Student’s 2024 Friendsgiving. Follow along below for the simplest recipe ever, with some very small modifications of my own: Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground turkey

(a healthier alternative to the endless supply of red meat that we consume)

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1/2 cup of milk

• 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, usually I go for Italian bread crumbs

• 1 package McCormick Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup chopped onions

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients except the ketchup in one large bowl until well blended. I find it easiest to complete this task with your hands, so be sure to wash up for real.

• Once it’s well mixed, shape the meat into a loaf. Place the loaf in a foil-lined baking sheet or your trusty 9x5-inch loaf pan (which I’m sure ev ery college student has in their extensive pan collec tion).

• Top the loaf with ketchup. Drizzle, slather, glaze it, what ever ketchup design your heart desires.

• Bake one hour or until cooked through.

• Let rest for 10-20 minutes, be careful about cutting into the loaf prematurely, as that may lose the juices built up in the loaf.

• Cut into slices and enjoy with a classic bag of microwave veggies and powdered stuffing.

Aryana Amin-Tehrani, opinion writer

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow Onion

• 1 pound ground Beef

• Garlic cloves to taste

• Sumac spice

• Paprika spice

• Turmeric spice

• Pepper spice

• Onion powder spice

• Garlic powder spice

• Salt spice

Instructions:

• Dice onions and garlic cloves

• In a bowl combine ground beef, the diced onions and garlic, and all spices to mix.

• Knead the mixture until well mixed like you would make dough.

• Place the mixture on parchment paper, flatten the meat.

• On a non-stick pan, carefully transfer the meat to the pan, and make sure it is flattened on the pan using a spatula.

• Using a butter knife cut 1 and 1/2 inch wide strips.

• Let the kabob cook on the pan on medium heat until dark brown and fully cooked.

• Once well done, transfer to a

plate and enjoy. Feel free to add cherry tomatoes and rice to your meal.

Annabel

Prokopy, photographer, podcaster

I’ve been adapting this banana bread recipe for years to make it as simple as possible to make last minute when we have extra ripe bananas or right before hosting. My roommates (shoutout Mia) love it and I’m sure yours will too.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 extra ripe bananas (save the extra half to slice on top)

• 2 1/2 tablespoons butter

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup oat or regular flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• Optional: blueberries or chocolate chips

Instructions: Melt butter in microwave. Mash bananas in separate bowl. Add butter, egg and honey to the bowl with the mashed bananas. Mix flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add optional mix-ins. Bake in a bread tin for about 30 minutes, checking frequently so that it doesn’t overcook.

• 1/4 cup honey (or more or less depending on how sweet you want)

IDS editors pick their favorite B-town restaurants

Andrew Miller, co-editor-inchief

It’s Siam House. It’s just so easily Siam House. I’ve only had a handful of dishes that taste better than what you can get at this Fourth Street jewel. inking of their panang curry, mixing it into my rice when I’m done with the beef and peppers, made me hungry for it as I wrote this. at said, it’s hard to evaluate the nature of things without considering context. So, I must give honorable mention to Rockit’s Famous Pizza for always being there for me after a late night out at the Video Saloon.

Mia Hilkowitz, co-editor-inchief

Anyone who knows me

knows I love e Runcible Spoon. Every day last semester I would pass the Spoon on my way to the newsroom, and every day I’d then have to ght the urge to skip my next meeting and grab a bite to eat. What’s not to love? You can get breakfast any time of day. Personally, my favorite is the corned beef hash with overeasy eggs. If you’re not in the mood for breakfast, they also have lunch and dinner options, and its black bean burger is delectable! For co ee lovers, the Runcible Spoon also has drip co ee and espresso drinks.

Jack Forrest, managing editor

Dagwood’s Deli and Sub Shop always reminds me of here. ere’s something so authentically Bloomington

about it. e place has been around forever. e drink cups are iconic. It’s often my rst stop whenever I’ve been away for break. Sure, the sandwiches are on the pricier end. But look at how much you’re getting for your buck. I often get the larger size and have it for both lunch and dinner. Get the Dagwood Supreme and try to tell me, honestly, that you prefer a chain sub shop instead.

Eric Cannon, opinion editor

Nick’s English Hut sells a top-rate burger, so it pains me not to pick Nick’s. e last burger I had there, on Rusty Coats’ dime — his gift to the Indiana Daily Student — tasted even better. But Bloomington’s best restaurant is Mother Bear’s Pizza by far. Both restaurants

share charming interiors — vintage wood paneling with dark lighting and tables long enough to t every one of your friends. at’s why both have stuck with me. ey’re the perfect gathering spots. But Mother Bear’s pizza, especially its Margherita, is one of a kind. Plus, I see Mother Bear at all of the IU football and basketball games; she’s a cultural icon and practically a second mascot.

Lily Saylor, arts editor

Anyone who truly knows me knows my love for Da Vinci Pizza and Pasta. Everything I’ve had at the cozy Italian restaurant has been a 10/10, from the Il Formaggio to the Margherita pizza. You have not lived until you’ve tried its salmon tortellini pasta, served with a tru e-

cream sauce and grilled salmon topped with hot honey and pistachio crumbles. I want that dish served at my wedding.

Natalia Nelson, enterprise editor

ere are three ai restaurants on Fourth Street alone, and surprisingly, the one that takes the cake (for my favorite dish, at least) is a Tibetan place. Anyetsang’s Little Tibet has the best Pad ai I have ever tasted. Its sauce is just superior, it’s creamy and has the perfect amount of peanuts and egg, even for egg haters like me. It also has Tibetan and Indian food, of course, but Pad ai is what I go for every time.

As far as Pad ai rankings go, I’ll give Blooming ai number two and Siam House third place. I appreciate the random television screen showing videos of people making boba

and co ee at Blooming ai, that’s the only reason it gets a bump up.

Mia Lehmkuhl, enterprise editor

Every time I move somewhere new, I nd the best taco place. Bloomington was no exception. Something about warm tortilla chips, salsa and carne asada tacos hits the spot so much that I can’t live anywhere without a reliable spot nearby.

Near College Mall, Vivencia Latin Flavors is that place for me. Vivencia is best known for its Venezuelan and Mexican dishes, spanning breakfast to dinner, so you can enjoy a delicious meal any time of the day. Its menu is perfect for anyone who wants to explore traditional Latin fare (try the cachapas and thank me later) with the classics always there for you when

you need them. I recommend complimenting your meal with a slice of key lime pie or an iced latte; they’re to die for!

Plus, what Latin restaurants have you been to that have a drive-thru?

Alayna Wilkening, managing editor

e chips and queso at Viva Mas have heard all of my drama. My roommates and I often debrief with each other after a long week, and there’s no better place to do it than in the carved booths at Viva Mas. For $10, I can get enough food to last me a meal and a half. It makes the splurge on queso worth it. Last year, we found out we could order chips, salsa, guacamole and queso to-go, which means we’ve almost certainly doubled our Viva Mas intake since then. It’s become our favorite thing to order for a

night of relaxing and watching a terrible movie.

Chloe Oden, news editor

I’ve only eaten at Chubbies Burritos twice, but as soon as I bit into the tortilla swaddling a delicious mass of al pastor pork, Mexican rice, queso and an amalgamation of other yummy toppings, I knew I wouldn’t be staying away for long. Just before a massive snowstorm took over the city this January, that warm, foil-wrapped burrito assured me everything was going to be okay. Mexican food is my favorite cuisine, and although I don’t normally opt for a burrito, Chubbies was sure not to disappoint. e salsa verde is very tasty and has just the right level of spice. I recommend ordering it on the side, so each bite of burrito has just the right amount of the tangy, green avor.

COLUMN: How to spice up your nightly ramen

The key is in the broth

By Andrew Miller ami3@iu.edu

Ramen’s always been there for me. If you’re a college student or have been one, I’m assuming it’s always been there for you, too.

But ramen, unless you’re a top chef who knows the ins and outs of broths and noodles, can start to get old if it’s your nightly dinner. I worked for a brief time at a Korean kitchen and have been toying around with ramen for some time now, so I’ll try to share all I’ve learned:

First, make sure you pick the right ramen for you. I prefer Shin Ramyun or Buldak Ramen, which are a bit spicier and more flavorful. But I’d recommend trying out a few brands to find out what kind you prefer most. After that, take it step by step, trying out different ingredients and ways to mix your broth.

I’d also recommend making half a cup of white rice alongside your ramen, always. There’s nothing better than mixing rice

with the broth that’s left after you’re done with the noodles.

And as always, put an egg in there. I prefer making a sunnyside-up egg so I can split and mix in the yolk.

The broth

The broth is the most important part of your ramen. It’s the flavor for your noodles, the soup that’s left to sip on when you’re done.

The easiest way to make the broth better is to avoid using water. I still do this from time to time, but I know I’ll be eating an inferior product. If I have chicken stock or bone broth (I’d use low-sodium ones), I’ll cook it in those for an instantly more flavorful base. I’ll also add a little sesame oil and garlic if I’m feeling fancy.

And there’s also MSG. A pinch will make your ramen much better.

Ingredients

Adding extra ingredients can

make a good ramen into a great one. There are the obvious ones: eggs and green onions. A lot of this will depend on how much effort you’re willing to put in, but those two alone will help.

I’m a big fan of chili crisp. If you can handle spice, there’s nothing better than adding some Lao Gan Ma in. I can’t find the words to describe the taste.

Veggie-wise, I like adding bean sprouts and spinach. But you can add pretty much anything depending on what you enjoy: bok choy, yu choy, carrots, peas and corn will always be good. Mushrooms, if you like them, are also a good addition.

If you have meat lying around, you should also add that. My favorite is putting in some bulgogi beef, which is super easy to make yourself. Try out Maangchi’s mak-bulgogi, which you can find online. My only change to this recipe is in the sugar: I do 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon brown sugar instead of 2 tablespoons sugar.

Also, when the recipe says to cut your beef thin, it’s not joking. Cut it as thin as possible.

An addendum on an abomination

Sometimes there are weekends when I feel like a bum. That’s OK. And sometimes, over those weekends, I feel a calling to make an abomination.

That abomination is a ramen burrito. And it’s very simple. First, cook a cup of rice. Second, cook your ramen. Third, cook a sunny-side-up egg and some scrambled eggs alongside that. Fourth, shred some cheese.

Put the scrambled eggs and rice into a big mixing bowl. Then, put in the noodles and enough broth so that it’s flavorful but not soggy. Drop in the cheese. Stir. Add the sunny-side-up egg, break it and stir the yolk in. Add a little chili crisp. Stir. Put what you can into as many big tortillas as you can. Fold. And you’re done.

It’s good, I’m sorry. This will feed you for a day or more.

How to make 5 easy meals from your dorm

By Natalia Nelson nelsonnb@iu.edu

When you’re in a pinch or tired of dining hall food, making meals from your dorm might be a quick and delicious solution. Here are five easy meals you can make with just a dorm microwave and a fridge.

Overnight oats

To make overnight oats, you need rolled oats, milk, sweetener, like maple syrup or honey, and toppings like fruit, nuts or Greek yogurt. Combine one part rolled oats with one part milk in a sealable container, most commonly a Mason jar, and mix it together. Leave it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to let it thicken, then add your toppings and about a spoonful of sweetener. Some good topping combina-

tions include bananas and strawberries or apples and maple syrup. You can also add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

Microwave rice poke bowl

For this recipe, you need microwavable rice and your favorite poke bowl toppings, like canned tuna or imitation crab, edamame, avocado, cucumber, seaweed, sriracha mayo or soy sauce. Canned tuna and imitation crab don’t need to be cooked, so all you’ll have to do is pop the rice in the microwave and prepare it according to the package instructions. Then, top with your favorite vegetables and proteins and add a drizzle of sauce.

“Baked” potato

Potatoes can actually be

baked in a microwave — just pierce your russet potato a few times with a fork to let the steam escape, sprinkle it with salt and pepper and microwave on high for five minutes. Flip the potato over and microwave it for another three minutes or until the potato is soft enough to be pierced easily with a fork.

Slice the potato down the middle and top it with sour cream and cheese. You can use imitation bacon bits as a topping if you don’t want to cook real bacon, but bacon can also be cooked in the microwave. Lay it on paper towels and microwave on high for three to four minutes or longer until it’s no longer translucent.

Macaroni and cheese

To make microwave macaroni and cheese, you need equal

parts pasta and water. Combine them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for four to five minutes until the pasta is cooked. Make sure to use a big bowl so the water doesn’t bubble over. Drain the water and add one part shredded cheddar cheese. Then add milk, salt and butter to taste. Microwave for another minute or two until the cheese is melted and serve.

Chia pudding

Similar to overnight oats, this easy breakfast only requires a fridge and no cooking. Combine a cup of milk with a quarter cup of chia seeds, sweeten with maple syrup or honey to taste and store in the fridge in an airtight container overnight to let it thicken. In the morning, top with fruit, granola or jam.

Bloomington’s coffee shops

Here’s what you need to know for your next coffee run

By Lily Saylor saylorl@iu.edu

Coffee lovers, this guide is for you.

Although I try to refrain from spending $8 on an iced latte, Bloomington has such an abundance of great coffee shops that it’s hard not to. From earthy iced matchas to rich seasonal mochas, I guarantee there is a coffee shop around town for you. While I can’t include every coffee shop in this guide, here are five spots to add to your must-try list.

Soma

Coffeehouse and Juice Bar

I can’t write a coffee shop guide without including Soma, a Bloomington classic. While there is a location at 322 E. Kirkwood Ave., I’m biased to the Soma at 1400 E. Third St. because that was my go-to

location my freshman year.

For first-timers, you can’t go wrong with an iced caramel latte or the Miele, an espresso with honey and cinnamon. In my opinion though, the smoothies at Soma are even better than the coffee. Once you’ve tried the Jungle Juice with mango, pineapple and papaya, you’ll agree.

Crumble Coffee & Bakery

Crumble has three locations: 532 N. College Ave., 1567 S. Piazza Drive and 316 S. Swain Ave. The one on Swain Avenue, tucked behind Mother Bear’s Pizza, is my personal favorite for its comfortable atmosphere and great customer service. The coffee is also consistently solid; you really can’t go wrong.

Although I haven’t tried them yet, their Polar Bear Latte, a twist on their Teddy Bear latte with white chocolate,

brown sugar and mint, and their Cookie Butter Chai sound divine.

Coffee Beanery

If you’re looking for a drink with more sugar than espresso, then Coffee Beanery is for you. Located at 228 S. Grant St., this coffee shop features an extensive selection of decadent drinks, like the Girl Scoutsinspired Samoa Cookie Latte and the Turtle Mocha Latte with caramel and Heath bar pieces.

For chocolate lovers, I recommend trying the S’mores Latte, a rich espresso drink topped with marshmallow foam and graham cracker crumbs.

Hive

Even though Hive is more of a restaurant and less of a coffee shop, the drinks are too good to not be included in this list. Located at 2608 E. 10th

St., Hive always has unique seasonal beverages, like the Beachside Matcha with coconut or the Sample Gates S’more, a mocha with marshmallow and cinnamon.

The food at Hive is delicious and fresh, as well. My go-to order is always the turkey bacon melt with a side of fries and a Beachside Matcha.

Poindexter

Located inside the Graduate Hotel at 210 E. Kirkwood Ave., I honestly go to Poindexter for the ambience more than the coffee. The cozy couches and eclectic, antique decorations make this a perfect spot to settle in for the day to study.

If you are opting for a drink, I would choose one of its seasonal beverages. Last winter I ordered a hot raspberry mocha and even though I’m not really a fan of hot coffee, it was delicious.

Where can students find the best study spots?

By Will Tallackson wdtallac@iu.edu

Adjusting to life away from home during my rst year at IU required quickly building routines to manage coursework, deadlines and daily schedules. A key part of that transition was developing consistent study habits by setting aside regular study times and choosing spaces that support your focus.

Finding quiet, accessible study locations across campus helps students stay productive and manage their time more e ciently. From libraries and low-tra c areas in academic buildings to lounges designed for longer study sessions, knowing where to study can reduce distractions and improve focus throughout the semester.

Get out of the dorm room

Dorm rooms work well for brief homework assignments or assigned readings, but they are rarely ideal for studying for exams or writing longer papers. Noise from shared living spaces and frequent interruptions can break concentration, and the presence of a bed often encourages resting rather than sustained focus.

Dedicated study spaces

reduce these common distractions and provide an environment better suited for longer periods of focused reading, writing and studying.

Find an area with lighting

Lighting plays an important role in maintaining focus during longer study sessions. Studying in dark or dim areas can lead to fatigue and drowsiness, making it harder to stay engaged. Choosing locations near windows or with consistent overhead lighting supports more e ective study habits.

One reliable option is the rst oor learning commons, located in the West Tower at Herman B Wells Library, where bright overhead lighting and large exterior windows provide steady light throughout the day. Sitting near a window adds natural light and outdoor views, helping you stay alert while working.

Restful studying

Not all studying requires complete silence or rigid structure. Several campus lounges allow students to remain comfortable while still staying productive.

One go-to location for relaxed studying is the South Lounge inside the Indiana

Memorial Union. While it is not as brightly lit as library study areas, the lounge’s sofas and chairs make it well suited for reading, reviewing notes or outlining papers. e lownoise, low-pressure atmosphere supports productivity without the strict silence of a library. e lounge’s proximity to Starbucks and nearby dining options such as Whit eld Grill and Quarry Pie Co. also makes it a convenient choice for longer study sessions.

Focused studying

For tasks that require sustained concentration — such as exam preparation, problem sets or long-form writing — quiet and structured environments are most e ective. Spaces with minimal foot tra c and limited conversation help reduce distractions and make it easier to remain engaged for longer periods.

Upper oors of the East Tower and West Tower of Herman B Wells Library are well suited for focused studying due to their quieter atmospheres and individual seating. ese areas work best for intensive tasks that require extended periods of concentration with minimal interruptions.

Resources and tips

Finding the right study space often takes trial and error, and what works best can depend on the task and time of day. Rotating between di erent locations — such as libraries for focused work and lounges for lighter studying — can help prevent burnout and improve productivity. Exploring study spaces across campus allows students to build routines that support both academic success and balance throughout the semester.

Studying does not have to be done alone. Group study sessions are ideal for reviewing material, preparing for exams and working through di cult concepts, especially in collaborative-friendly spaces.

In addition to study locations, IU o ers free academic resources that support students beyond independent or group work.

Services such as the Academic Support Center and Writing Tutorial Services provide structured assistance that can strengthen study habits and improve understanding throughout the semester. Residential tutoring services are also available in Forest, Briscoe and Teter quadrangles.

Best nature spots in Monroe County

By Stella Klaus ssklaus@iu.edu

Sometimes all you need after a long week of classes or work is to reconnect with nature. Luckily, Bloomington has plenty of opportunities for that. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or camper, or you just enjoy picnicking or strolling down a nature trail, there is something for you in Monroe County. Here are just a few of the best spots.

Gri y Lake

Located just north of campus, Gri y Lake is the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day of classes. e nature preserve o ers hiking trails, shing, boating and picnicking. ere are 10 hiking trails, most around one mile long. You are allowed to sh at the lake with a valid shing permit. ere are also boating options at the lake; you can nd regulations for private boat launching as well as renting options on the City of Bloomington website. If you aren’t up for an adventure, you can also enjoy the lake from the picnic area by the boathouse.

Lower Cascades

Lower Cascades Park, which

was established in 1921 and was Bloomington’s rst public park, o ers many outdoor activities for the whole family. ey have multiple shelter areas and picnic tables available, a playground and a paved nature trail to the Lower Cascades waterfall. You can nd more information about the park and how to reserve a shelter house on the city’s website.

Monroe Lake

Whether you like hiking, camping, swimming or boating, Monroe Lake and the surrounding area has plenty of options. Being near the Charles C. Deam Wilderness nature preserve, there are plenty of hiking options, like the Lake Monroe peninsula trail (10 miles), the Axsom Branch loop trail (4.6 miles) or the Sycamore loop trail (6.3 miles). e Hardin Ridge Recreation Area near the lake has a great campground with lots of di erent camp spot options. e Paynetown campground is also right by the lake.

Ridge Recreation Area. e lake also o ers shing and boating. You can get more information on permits and boat rentals on the Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s website.

Cedar Blu

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can enjoy the three beaches Monroe Lake has to o er: Fairfax State Recreation Area, Paynetown State Recreation Area and Hardin

Located just west of Monroe Lake, Cedar Blu Nature Preserve features a 75-foot-tall limestone blu . It was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 1976 and is now owned by e Nature Conservancy, which works to manage and preserve the land. e nature preserve in-

cludes a hiking trail that is a little over one mile for visitors to use.

Hickory Ridge Fire Tower

e Hickory Ridge Fire Tower looks out over the Charles C. Deam Wilderness and o ers scenic views of the forest. Built in 1936, it was used for re detection until the 1970s but is now the only remaining lookout tower in the Hoosier National Forest. With 133 metal steps, it is a long way up, but de nitely worth it. e Sycamore Loop Trail begins from the lookout tower’s parking lot as well.

4 hidden gems to discover on IU’s campus

Abby Whited abwhited@iu.edu

Whether you’re a new or veteran student, there is so much beauty to discover on IU Bloomington’s campus. From study spots to cozy cafés, these are four spots I consider to be the hidden gems of IU.

Lilly Library’s Reading Room

Located within the Fine Arts Plaza, the Lilly Library is commonly utilized by students as a space to study or conduct research. In my opinion, its Reading Room is one of the library’s most special features.

e Reading Room is a space where students can request to view speci c items held within the library, including rare manuscripts, books and other artifacts. Students must request a Reading Room appointment online at least two weeks in advance. Whether it is for research purposes or just personal interest, the Reading Room o ers students a chance to interact with the library’s rich archives.

The Cheshire Café

e Cheshire Café is a co ee shop located inside the Edmondson building of the Collins Living-Learning Center

Living-Learning Center. e café provides a cozy atmosphere and a ordable treats, making it an ideal study or hangout space for students.

Open from 8 p.m. to midnight seven days a week, the Cheshire Café sells a variety of ca einated and non-ca einated beverages, seasonal food items and baked goods. With each item on the menu costing less than $4, the café is a great spot if you’re looking for a treat while on a budget.

Biology Greenhouse

Passing by the greenhouse and marveling at all the plants and owers through its windows was de nitely the highlight of walking to Media 101 during my freshman year. Whether you’re just walking past or going inside to explore, the greenhouse is a great place to admire garden conservatories and feel connected to nature.

e greenhouse can be accessed through Room 139 of the Biology Building and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30

tours can be booked individually or with a large group and are free for students and community members to attend.

IMU Solarium Patio

e Indiana Memorial Union Solarium, which is available to rent as an event space, opens up into a patio that can be enjoyed for free by anyone. Located on the north side of the IMU, the patio makes a great location for outdoor studying, lunches or hanging out with friends.

Best places to catch a movie

A guide to Bloomington’s top theaters for every kind of moviegoer

By Lexi Bunting lexbunti@iu.edu

If you’re looking for a place to go for a movie night in Bloomington, you don’t have to search far. The city’s theaters offer everything from art-house films to nostalgic drive-in experiences. Here are the top spots to catch a movie locally.

IU Cinema

My favorite entry on this list, and arguably the most college-

student-friendly when it comes to cost, is IU Cinema, a public arthouse theater that offers something for everyone. Each year, the cinema curates about 200 events that highlight a wide range of genres, cultures and eras.

But what truly sets IU Cinema apart is the experience beyond the screen. Audiences have the rare opportunity to attend post-screening panels with industry professionals, discover less-recognized films

and engage with programs designed to bring moviegoers together. It’s not just a place to watch a movie but rather a place to learn, discuss and connect through cinema.

IU Cinema runs screenings nearly every day during the school year, with tickets available to purchase both online and in person.

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Located on Kirkwood Avenue, the Buskirk-Chumley

Theater has stood as a beacon of art and entertainment in the heart of downtown for 103 years. Walking out of the theater after a great movie and onto the lively, light-filled Kirkwood Avenue is something everyone in Bloomington should experience at least once.

The theater highlights both classic and contemporary films, and beyond its typical box office offerings, it also hosts a variety of community events

and arts programs.

It is the second most a ordable option on this list, with both student and general admission pricing that depends on the production.

Starlite Drive-In Theater

A true Bloomington gem, the Starlite Drive-In eater delivers the classic American drive-in movie experience. On a warm evening, there’s nowhere better to spend time with friends, family or

a date. e retro charm is undeniable, and the nostalgic atmosphere o ers a rare chance to slow down and step away from the everyday rush. e theater rotates between new releases and classic lms, o ering audiences a variety of options for an outdoor movie experience.

e only downside to the Starlite is that screenings are weather dependent. Rainy nights can force delays or cancellations, and the theater

Say hello to

does shut down for the winter months. Still, that minor inconvenience shouldn’t keep you from adding it to your Bloomington bucket list.

AMC CLASSIC Bloomington 12

e AMC CLASSIC Bloomington 12 has been a staple in town for years and hopefully will be here for many more. Sometimes, there is nothing better than watching a movie in a classic theater chain.

e charm of AMC Bloom-

ington lies in its familiar, universal experience. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, most of us have been to a theater like this before. For me, seeing a movie here reminds me of the countless times I went to my hometown AMC with my loved ones. So, if you are feeling homesick, I recommend catching a lm at AMC CLASSIC Bloomington 12. It is the perfect place to relax, unwind and feel connected to something familiar.

Is owning a pet right for you? Here’s what you need to consider

Furry friends have many positives and negatives while in college

By Sean McAvoy semcavoy@iu.edu

With newfound independence, many college students might make an impulsive decision to buy a pet. But, like many other decisions, potential owners must weigh the positives and negatives of their choice.

It’s hard enough to take care of yourself when in college, so adding a furry friend can present new challenges. Still, having a dog, cat, fish or maybe even a bird can foster companionship when away from home. However, before you make your decision, here are some things to consider when having a pet at Indiana University.

On-campus housing

According to the IU Housing Rules and Regulations, no animals or pets are allowed in

IU Housing residence halls, apartments or housing units. This rule even pertains to animals such as birds, laboratory animals and guests’ pets.

However, IU Housing allows crustaceans or fish kept in aquariums that do not exceed the 10-gallon capacity.

There are certain cases where animals can be allowed inside IU Housing units, such as service or emotional support animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”

Students must request approval before bringing them to campus. There are two ways to begin this process: contacting IU’s Accessible Education Services or emailing the IU Housing Assignments Office.

Off-campus housing

Pet-related policies for offcampus housing change depending on the property owner, but there are pet-friendly options all over Bloomington, including The Dillon, Evolve, Reserve on Third and The League Bloomington, among many others.

Many places charge a onetime fee, which could be a couple hundred dollars. They could also charge monthly fees or rent per pet, which usually falls between $10-40 per month. On top of that, some properties have weight limits on how big a pet can be. For example, Echo Park has a 75-pound maximum weight for pets.

Students should review lease agreements, confirm the property’s rules and ask questions about restrictions. Also,

knowing if the property has amenities available to keep your pet happy and healthy is crucial. Being informed before signing the lease can prevent conflicts with landlords and neighbors.

Where to adopt?

Several places in Bloomington provide opportunities to adopt a new pet. The City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control offers adoption and animal care resources. It is open every day of the week, except Wednesday, and its hours vary every day. Adopters must be 18 years of age or older and provide a valid ID at the time of adoption.

BloomingPaws and Bloomington Pets Alive partner with local shelters to provide medical care for new pets and promote adoption.

e Pipsqueakery is a nonpro t small animal rescue and sanctuary. It provides medical help and adoption opportunities to small animals, such as rabbits, rats and guinea pigs.

Final decisions

With so many options, potential owners need to ask themselves if they are ready to

deal with the consequences of owning a pet. Factoring in the amount of money that pets cost per month for things such as food and litter, adopters need to budget their money to see if they can comfortably make it work.

Also, owning pets requires a lot of time and e ort. Acclimating to a new environment forces owners to tend to needy

and anxious pets. Pets can also damage furniture, carpets, oors and other items in households. Training pets can be a rewarding experience, but being patient is key.

Finally, when choosing a pet, make sure you go with one that you’ll have a comfortable relationship with. e size of your pet is important to consider, de-

age a big animal and the size of your college home.

Overall, make sure you can care for your pet during and beyond your time at college. Owning a pet can be bene cial to you and your animal, but before you decide to adopt a companion, consider the factors to make sure it is a responsible choice.

Located 1.5 miles from IU Campus

Meet the furry friends of IDS staff

Mia Lehmkuhl, enterprise editor

A friend of mine rescued Ellie on Indianapolis’ southside just before she gave birth to three kittens. I knew I wanted to take her home as soon as I saw her. Ellie loves salmon paté, belly rubs and snuggling

This is Milo, he is my roommate’s cat and just over a year old. In our apartment he is a bit of a menace, known for knocking over cups and stealing hair ties. He can be very cuddly when he wants to be, however on more than one occasion we have had to force him to hang out with us, which we love but he doesn’t so much. His favorite food is shredded cheese and one of his favorite things is new people, or really anyone who he isn’t forced to see every single day, so whenever

Theo Hawkins, Arbutus editor-in-chief

Microwave has been with me since September, when a friend rescued her out of a window well on campus at the University of Indianapolis. My friend named her Microwave because she’d “just always wanted to name a cat Microwave” and I simply could not change it. She’s very cuddly and also a skilled food thief. Kopi has been with me for nearly two and a half years, since he was about eight weeks old. I adopted him out of a surprise litter born in my aunt’s garage. He’s a sweetie who likes to sleep in odd positions and play-wrestle.

Andrew Miller, co-editor-in-chief Gomer (top left) and Milton (bottom left)

ese are Milton and Gomer, my cats I adopted in summer 2025. Both are very cuddly and have huge personalities, and I’ve raised them since they were tiny kittens. In their free time, Milton enjoys chewing on plastic and Gomer likes to yell at me.

5 songs to play while moving out

By Odessa Lyon oolyon@iu.edu

Musty cardboard boxes and dusty plastic bins stare at you from the floor, their emptiness a chasm you must fill: it’s moving day. The next 24 hours will see your home suddenly, viciously carved and scooped out like a pumpkin on Halloween.

Bittersweet can’t quite describe it. A call from your mom can’t subdue the feeling. A prolonged scroll through your photo gallery will only worsen the nostalgia. The only thing that can capture the atmosphere of the momentous day is music.

So, here’s a playlist to set the mood. If anything has comforted me during my biannual packups and move-outs in the past four years — from on-campus to the north side of Bloomington, then the east side, Galway, Ireland, for a semester and back to the west side — it’s an artist who gets it.

“Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” by Billy Joel

We must start upbeat, and, even better, “Movin’ Out” is a classic. This song is best for when you’re spinning around the kitchen, bubble-wrapping gifted mugs and thrifted glasses and placing them in old Kroger bags.

Released in 1977, this opening track to Billy Joel’s piano rock album “The Stranger” describes the trials and tribulations of trying to make it in New York City. There’s despair in the repeated line “it seems such a waste of time,” yet the outro, complete with an evocative engine roar overlapping the final line “I’m moving out,” inspires hope for what might come next.

“Blue Light” by Mitski

As packing up drags on, you

might start to feel overwhelmed by all the memories you’re leaving behind and feel penned in by your version of the yellow wallpaper. This short 1 minute, 44 second interlude encapsulates that claustrophobia.

The penultimate track on Mitski’s 2018 “Be the Cowboy,” “Blue Light” is the soundtrack for clearing out that closet where the overhead light won’t turn on and, out of the corner of your eye, you see yourself reflected in nearby mirrors: it’s surreal, lonely, uneasy, hypnotic. As the instrumentals and the album unravel, you’ll find an ideal opportunity to lean into the pinpricks in your eyes.

“Pretty” by NewDad

From Galway-born, Londonbased band NewDad’s September 2025 album “Altar,” this song serves as an ode to hometowns, homesickness and resignation. “Pretty” is a song of contrasts, interweaving seemingly desolate imagery with words of admiration.

Lead singer Julie Dawson croons “the sky is black, the

clouds are gray” while attesting that the members “haven’t found a better place.” In this, the band has simultaneously and beautifully represented the sonic mood of leaving a home you love in search of something new. That atmosphere feels fitting while you take down sticky-tacked Polaroids and collages from the wall and stow away sentimental trinkets.

“You Gotta Move” by Heatmiser

Sandwiched in the middle of the album “Mic City Sons” — released in 1996, before lead singer Elliott Smith left the band to pursue a solo career — the song “You Gotta Move” reflects the shifting sands of Smith’s life. It’s a guitar-heavy, grungy ballad about the imperative to keep moving forward.

Heatmiser recognizes leaving the past behind is a big ask of yourself, following the line “with your planet packed in your car” with the simple, repeated refrain “you just move.” It’s a sentiment like a sunset: your present is coming to a close and, aim-

less as you might feel, life goes on. The only way out is through, Smith seems to sing, and letting yourself feel that truth might be beneficial as you move through the finalities of the day: doublechecking each room and taping up, labeling and heaving boxes.

“My My Metrocard” by Le Tigre

Blast this anthem from the classic underground feminist punk album “Le Tigre” for an energized look into the future you’re entering. Even though the MetroCards of New York City are now obsolete, “My My MetroCard” celebrates the freedom and independence of being young in a new place.

This song represents a brighteyed and bushy-tailed approach to uncertainty, asserting “situation: it’s all possible,” simply by believing in the opportunities before you. For Le Tigre, the MetroCard is a talisman of belief, like Dumbo’s feather. Sing in stereo with bandleader Kathleen Hanna thinking you’ll go a little, but really believe you’re gonna go far as you load up the car and drive away.

COLUMN: Moving out? Follow these tips

By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu

I’ve done a lot of moving since I started at Indiana University Bloomington almost four years ago. I’ve moved in and out of dorm rooms, into my rst apartment and, this year, into a standard, rundown college house. With each move, there’s always something new to buy or x. But I’ve found the process for moving out usually stays the same.

is May, I will (hopefully) graduate from IU and move away from Bloomington for likely the nal time. Here are the tips I’ll be using:

Use those maintenance requests

roughout the year, things are bound to break or get worn down. In every place I’ve lived so far, appliances and window shades have broken by the end of the year. Don’t just leave these for the next tenants. If you live in an apartment or dorm, often you’ll need to put down a security deposit. If you leave things broken or scu ed up, it could risk losing your deposit.

About a month out from your intended move out date, go around your house or apartment and make a list of anything that needs xed. en, start placing maintenance requests. If all goes to plan, these broken appliances will be xed by the time you move out, so you won’t have to worry about losing your deposit or paying extra fees. Just to be safe, take pictures and videos of xed appliances so you can show your rental company evidence if they try to charge you.

Figure out if you’ll need extra storage

Each move out cycle comes with a new set of questions. Are you moving from one house in Bloomington to another location in the same city? Are you leaving for just a few months or is the departure longer? One major question I’ve come across: where am I going to keep my stu in the meantime?

Luckily, most times I’ve moved, I’ve been able to t all my stu in one carload. If I’m moving my stu in and out in one day, I don’t have to worry about where to store it. However, this past summer I had two months between my move out and move in dates, so I had to nd some other solutions.

I asked friends in Bloomington if I could store my belongings at their apartments until I returned in the fall. I also donated and gave away some larger furniture items that I couldn’t take with me.

Some of my friends have also rented storage units in Bloomington to keep their stu in over the summer

Settle up

Once you nish moving your belongings, be sure to clean the apartment or house the best you can. Your rental company might still charge an additional cleaning fee, but it’s better to get ahead of it. Before you turn in your keys, take a video and photos of you walking around the apartment, showing it in clean condition (just for safe keeping). Make sure to empty your mailbox and that your apartment has your forwarding address.

After you move out, make sure to reach out to your rental company for a move out statement. is should re ect your current balance and outstanding charges. Go through this statement to make sure everything looks correct and that you’re not being mis-charged for anything.

Once I turn everything in, I’m usually overcome by a mix of emotions. Sadness at leaving a space lled with great memories; happiness that the exhausting move-out process is over.

A=Apartment

a

F=Furnished

B=Both

Housing Rental Guide

YOUR RESOURCE TO BLOOMINGTON RENTALS

3 Covenanter Hill Neighborhood District covenanterhill.com

25 Cynthia Circle Apartments crerentals.com

25

Housing Rental Guide

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

3 Scholar's Rock Studio Apts scholarsrockstudios.com 1300 N. Walnut St. 812-330-1123 S $603755

3 Scholar's Rooftop scholarsrooftop.com

32 The Standard Bloomington thestandardbloomington.com

5 State on Campus Bloomington stateoncampus.com/bloomington

3 SummerHouse at Indiana summerhouseatindiana.com

11 Tenth & College TenthAndCollege.com

Clubhouse with Game Room

Courtyard with Jumbotron

24-Hour Fitness Center

Swimming Pool

Tanning Beds, Sauna, & Hot Tub

Yoga Studio & Zen Lounge

Private

Indoor Basketball Court

Paddle