College Preview Weekend

Start your Preview Weekend by checking in, picking up your swag bag and name tag, and connecting with staff who can help you navigate campus and make the most of your visit. 

Check-in will take place on the first floor lobby of Ernie Pyle Hall. We'll tell you where to go from there!

Ernie Pyle Hall
940 E. Seventh Street
Bloomington, IN 47405

Find Ernie Pyle Hall

Plot your own adventure through campus to make early connections with faculty, staff, advisors, and your fellow scholars as we proudly introduce you to the College departments, programs, and services.

You’ll have a chance to discover opportunities, tap into all the resources available, and learn more about what you can study through the College's 80+ majors, 140+ minors and certificates, and other programs. Hoosier the Bison is known to roam campus during College Preview Weekend. Be sure to visit both Expo locations in case you spot him along the way!  

We'll tell you where to go from Ernie Pyle Hall as you check-in for the weekend. Be sure to get your passport signed at each location, and once you've visited them all, come back to Ernie Pyle Hall to claim your prize. 

Explore campus dining or nearby restaurants on your own for dinner. It's a chance to try a new spot and recharge before the evening activities.

Explore Bloomington's culinary scene

Keep the excitement going after dinner! These optional evening activities allow you to experience IU beyond the classroom.  

Night Sky Observatory Open House  |  7-8:30 p.m. 
Check out the Kirkwood Observatory, IU's astronomical observatory, and enjoy stargazing through historic telescopes.

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall  |  7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. 
Step inside one of the most iconic basketball arenas in the country with a behind-the-scenes tour of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall—all while learning about the history and culture of IU basketball. A shuttle will take attendees from Ernie Pyle Hall to the arena. Please note this tour may be longer than an hour, including shuttle transportation. Limited to the first 100 guests per tour. Shuttle begins boarding 30 minutes before the tour start time.

Dean's Welcome and Distinguished Alumnus
Whittenberger Auditorium, Indiana Memorial Union, 900 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47405 
Join us on the first floor of the Indiana Memorial Union for a welcome address from Rick Van Kooten, executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, followed by a conversation with a distinguished alumnus on the value and relevance of a liberal arts and sciences degree. We'll end the hour with a performance from an IU Acapella Group. 

College Tour or Collins Living-Learning Center Tour
Departs from Ernie Pyle Hall, 940 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47405
Choose from one of two tours! Each tour will depart from Ernie Pyle Hall. We'll have coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries for you to enjoy before you head out. Each tour will be offered again later in the day if you are interested in attending both. 

• College of Arts and Sciences Tour:
  Join us for an immersive tour of the College of Arts and Sciences! You'll explore a typical classroom and residence hall, while also visiting some of the College's most historic buildings. Along the way, you'll take in gorgeous views of campus. The tour includes stairs, but we're happy to accommodate mobility needs—just let your guide know if you'd prefer a route without steps.
• Collins Living-Learning Center (LLC) Tour:
  Explore living history with our Collins Residence Hall tour. As one of the first living-learning centers in the nation, Collins isn't just a place to stay, it's a vibrant community shaped by students with a passion for leadership, sustainability, and the arts and humanities. This tour isn't just about exploring a residence hall; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the unique experience of being a student in a community that values both history and progress.

Guests are assigned to Schedule A or Schedule B to help manage space and crowd flow. Students will receive an email the week of the event confirming their assigned schedule for Saturday morning. 

Registered students will receive a dining voucher at check-in, which may be used at Wright, McNutt, or Forest all-you-care-to-eat dining halls. Family members who wish to join their student for lunch are welcome to purchase a meal for $14.28. Learn more about IU Dining locations and hours.

Guests are also encouraged to explore the many dining options available near campus and throughout Bloomington. 

Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, with 15 minutes allocated for walking to the next location.

Inside the Classroom
Room 134, Ernie Pyle Hall
Ever wondered what it's really like to take a class at IU? This session gives you a firsthand look at the College of Arts and Sciences classroom experience. You'll start with a short faculty-led lecture, followed by a panel of current students who will share what they've learned inside and outside the classroom—from building relationships with professors to developing strong study habits. No pop quizzes here—just an honest preview of what college learning is really like. 

College Study Abroad
Frangipani Room, Indiana Memorial Union 
Studying abroad is an opportunity to enhance your academic skills, to build your resume and career profile, and to become a better version of yourself. When might it fit into your plan? How will you decide where to go? And what are the costs? Pete Giordano, director of International Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, will help you begin your exploration. A student panel will join him to share their stories and discuss the value of their experiences overseas.

ASURE
Whittenberger Auditorium, Indiana Memorial Union
Curious about research opportunities at IU? Drop by Whittenberger Auditorium to join an Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) session and gain insights from professors and current students who are already immersed in their research journey.

Financial Aid
Room 257, Ernie Pyle Hall
Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work-study options, and more. Staff from Student Central will walk you through ways to help you manage costs. 

Student Opportunities Fair
Georgian Room, Indiana Memorial Union
Talk to staff and students about Culture Centers, Living-Learning Centers, student organizations, and more from 1-4 p.m. 

Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, with 15 minutes allocated for walking to the next location.

Student Opportunities Fair
Georgian Room, Indiana Memorial Union
Talk to staff and students about Culture Centers, Living-Learning Centers, student organizations, and more from 1-4 p.m. 

College 101 Panel
Room 134, Ernie Pyle Hall
Feeling nervous, unsure, or curious about what college life will really be like? College 101 is a welcoming Q&A session for students and families who want space to ask questions and hear honest perspectives about the college experience at IU. Faculty, staff, and current students will be available to respond to questions about academics, campus life, support resources, and navigating your path forward. 

Walter Center for Career Achievement Information Session
Room 206, Ernie Pyle Hall
Your college experience is about more than choosing a major. It's about discovering who you are, what matters to you, and how to translate that into a meaningful career. Learn how the Walter Center for Career Achievement supports College of Arts and Sciences students at every stage of their professional journey, providing the tools and guidance you need not just for your first job or graduate school, but for a lifetime of meaningful work. Rooted in curiosity, creativity, and a student-centered approach, this session highlights the Walter Center's signature programs and practices that help students translate an Arts and Sciences education into real-world outcomes. 

College of Arts and Sciences Tour
Departs from Ernie Pyle Hall
Join us for an immersive tour of the College of Arts and Sciences! You'll explore a typical classroom and residence hall, while also visiting some of the College's most historic buildings. Along the way, you'll take in gorgeous views of campus. The tour includes stairs, but we're happy to accommodate mobility needs—just let your guide know if you'd prefer a route without steps.

Collins Living-Learning Center (LLC) Tour
Departs from Ernie Pyle Hall
Explore living history with our Collins Residence Hall tour. As one of the first living-learning centers in the nation, Collins isn't just a place to stay, it's a vibrant community shaped by students with a passion for leadership, sustainability, and the arts and humanities. This tour isn't just about exploring a residence hall; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the unique experience of being a student in a community that values both history and progress.

Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, with 15 minutes allocated for walking to the next location. Hoosier the Bison will be roaming around breakout sessions in the Indiana Memorial Union during this hour! 

Inside the Classroom
Room 134, Ernie Pyle Hall
Ever wondered what it's really like to take a class at IU? This session gives you a firsthand look at the College of Arts and Sciences classroom experience. You'll start with a short faculty-led lecture, followed by a panel of current students who will share what they've learned inside and outside the classroom—from building relationships with professors to developing strong study habits. No pop quizzes here—just an honest preview of what college learning is really like. 

College Study Abroad
Frangipani Room, Indiana Memorial Union
Studying abroad is an opportunity to enhance your academic skills, to build your resume and career profile, and to become a better version of yourself. When might it fit into your plan? How will you decide where to go? And what are the costs? Pete Giordano, director of International Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, will help you begin your exploration. A student panel will join him to share their stories and discuss the value of their experiences overseas.

ASURE
Whittenberger Auditorium, Indiana Memorial Union
Curious about research opportunities at IU? Drop by Whittenberger Auditorium to join an Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) session and gain insights from professors and current students who are already immersed in their research journey.

Financial Aid
Room 257, Ernie Pyle Hall
Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work-study options, and more. Staff from Student Central will walk you through ways to help you manage costs. 

Walter Center for Career Achievement Information Session
Room 206, Ernie Pyle Hall
Your college experience is about more than choosing a major. It's about discovering who you are, what matters to you, and how to translate that into a meaningful career. Learn how the Walter Center for Career Achievement supports College of Arts and Sciences students at every stage of their professional journey, providing the tools and guidance you need not just for your first job or graduate school, but for a lifetime of meaningful work. Rooted in curiosity, creativity, and a student-centered approach, this session highlights the Walter Center's signature programs and practices that help students translate an Arts and Sciences education into real-world outcomes. 

Hutton Honors College
Great Room, Hutton Honors College, 811 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47408
High-achiever? Attend a breakout session in the Hutton Honors building, located across from the Indiana Memorial Union on 7th Street, to learn more about the program, eligibility, and how to apply.

The College of Arts and Sciences has reserved a limited number of rooms at the locations below. Guests are responsible for making their own reservations and for all travel expenses. Rooms available on a first come, first served basis:

Historic Biddle Hotel in the Union
Address: 900 E. 7th Street
Contact: 812-855-1802
Booking link: Make a reservation
Booking Code: CPD26

Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 245 N. College Avenue
Contact: 812-331-1335
March 27 booking link: Make a reservation

Home 2 Suites
Address: 1410 N. Walnut Street
Contact: 812-668-5985
March 27 booking link: Make a reservation

Explore other accomodations at the Bloomington Visitors Center website

Weekday Visits
Hourly parking is available in all parking garages and designated visitor spaces around campus at posted rates. This includes East Garage (upper deck only), Poplars Garage, and Henderson Garage. Links to garage locations and current rates can be found here: https://parking.indiana.edu/facilities/parking-garages.html 

Visitors may also purchase a one-day parking permit ($10) on the day of their visit. Please note that one-day permits are not available for online purchase. Permits are available in person at: 

         •  Parking Operations Office (Henderson Garage) 
         •  Biddle Hotel (Indiana Memorial Union) 

Saturday Visits
Parking is free on Saturdays in all parking garages, including Henderson Garage, Poplars Garage, and East Garage (upper deck). 

The IU interactive campus map includes IU and non-IU buildings, construction zones, visitor parking lots, accessible lots, bike racks, and emergency phone locations.

View the IU campus map

The closest airport to Bloomington is Indianapolis International Airport. Allow 1.5 hours of travel time from the airport to Bloomington. You can also use a shuttle service to travel between the Indianapolis International Airport and Bloomington: Bloomington Shuttle Service.

Since College Preview Weekend is all about you, we certainly want you to be comfortable—dress is casual. Since you’ll be walking from location-to-location on campus, be sure to dress for winter-in-Bloomington weather!

Absolutely yes! Families are welcome to join our College Admits on this special weekend.

If you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact us at (812) 855-7440 or collinfo@iu.edu.