Guide to All Things Indiana University

Congratulations and welcome to all the new admits! If you’re a new international student starting your Master’s journey at Indiana University, this guide will help you organize your to-do lists and learn more about what Bloomington has to offer. I have complied all the frequently asked questions in this guide. Although orientation can be a lot of fun, it can be overwhelming sometimes. I hope you find this guide helpful.

• Social Security Number: Apply for an SSN after you get a part-time job.
• Indiana State ID: Apply for a state identification card which can serve as your identification proof within the US if you don’t have a US driver’s license.
• Driver’s license: You should take the driver’s license knowledge written test and then take behind the wheels test to get your license. You can find the study manual online or get a free one from the BMV office. Once you pass the written test you will be given a learner’s permit if you do not have your native country driver’s license. You can drive with learner’s permit for 6 months before you can give your driver skills test to get the permanent driver’s license. If you already have your native country license (valid only for a year), then you can directly get the license if you pass the test. In both cases, you still should write the knowledge written exam.
• Bank Account: Most of the international students have accounts in Chase and IU Credit union. You will need your visa documents to open the account.
• SIM card: You can go to BestBuy to buy a sim card. You can start a family plan with your friends and it is usually cheaper than individual plan. One of the cheap options most international students go for is H20. Other popular ones are AT&T, Sprint and Verizon.
• Credit Card: You can apply for student credit card after you get your SSN. I’d recommend Discover and Blue Cash everyday American express. Try to get a referral for cash bonus. Using credit cards in the US is really important as it helps you build your credit score and get loan approvals. Here is a referral link for Discover
• Hooked: Deals on restaurants for dining in or pickup
• Uber and Lyft: Ride sharing app.
• Btownmenus: Online food delivery. Grubhub and Hoosierfood are the other popular ones
• TAP ride: Free taxi service provided by IU, from 8 PM to 1.45 AM, seven days a week.
• Double MAP: Real time Bloomington transit bus tracking app
• Splitwise: Most popular app among friends and roommates to track bills and other shared expenses.
• Cash, Venmo: Online free payment app
• Remitly and Western Union: Transfer money outside of the USA
• Rebtel, Dial 91: To make international calls
• BISM: BISM stands for Bloomington International Students Ministries. They host a lot of fun events and services for international students. It is a great community to get involved in and make new friends.
• Hoosier sale: There is a Hoosier sale that happens during the Fall where you can buy cheap furniture.
• Public Library Monroe County: For book lovers, definitely go to the Public Library Monroe County. It is free for residents. All you need is ID and address proof to get yourself a membership.
• IMU: IMU society hosts game nights and movie nights for the students. Check out their website and Facebook group.
• IU Auditorium: They host different cinema, art and music events throughout the year, especially during Christmas
• Salsa dancing: Check out Ritmos latinos dance club if you’re into Salsa.
• Recreational center (SRSC): They have a bunch of different fitness classes and swimming classes, which are free for students. Visit the SRSC home page to see their group class schedules.
• Go to IU job website and find part-time jobs that interests you. It is always good if you get a referral or try going and meeting the employer in person.
• IU Recreational center hosts recruiting sessions for part-time jobs. Other opportunities in campus cafes are: RPS café, Bookmark eatery at Wells library, Burger King and Baja Fresh in IMU.
• You can find part time jobs in IU Classifieds as well. If you have a skill you want to teach you can post an ad in IU Classifieds.

Zipcar, Enterprise, Hertz: These are some car rentals popular in Bloomington. If you want to share a ride with someone, you can join the Bloomington Rideshare group in Facebook.

Bloomington bike project: Need a free bike? Visit this.

Toast Master Club: Looking to improve your public speaking skills? Checkout Toastmasters