Navigating IUB: New Faculty Guide

Navigating Your New Community: Finding where to go and what to do

July 23, 2024

Moving to a new city is never easy. Finding that favorite brand of food in that new-to-you grocery store, getting your pet set up with a new veterinarian, or just finding a good trail to walk after a long day at work can all seem overwhelming when trying to acclimate to a new home. I distinctly remember the deep panic that set in when I realized that I had no idea where the closest urgent care or pharmacy was located when I accidentally cut my finger slicing a bagel in my new home. Just know that you are not alone in this transition. There are many new friends and colleagues around ready to help and everyone has an opinion–best park for kids in town, favorite restaurant or pub, the go to hiking trail when you just need a little bit of nature—and we are all ready to share! Never hesitate to ask your departmental colleagues, IU friends, or Bloomington neighbors for their suggestions. 

Not sure where to look? Visit the Bloomington Visitors Center to learn more about what is available in and around Bloomington. This wonderful resource provides lots of information on a wide variety of places to go and things to do. From outdoor adventures at Monroe Lake or the Hoosier National Forest to spending a day with the kids at the WonderLab Museum, Bloomington has much to offer. Explore Bloomignton’s culinary offerings at the many locally owned and operated restaurants or my personal favorite, Food Truck Fridays at Switchyard Park. And don’t miss out on the many local farmers’ markets where you can pick up fresh cut flowers, locally grown and produced vegetables and eggs, or my favorite, summer sweet corn. 

Bloomington is a great place to live, and I hope you find some time to get out and explore your new home. On and off campus, Bloomington has much to offer to people of all ages! 

 

Cindy Broderick, Ph.D.

Director, Faculty Recruitment and Development 

Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs 

IU Employment has its benefits

Did you know that as an IU employee you get a special rate for car rentals from companies like Enterprise/National, AVIS, and BUDGET or discounted rates at select Indiana area hotels? Feel like you need to move more? IU employees can purchase memberships at IU Recreational Sports at a discounted rate or join a free, university-sponsored program or workshop on important personal health related topics through Healthy IU. Need a new computer or wireless headphones? Check out the amazing deals available to all IU employees through companies like Apple, Dell, and Microsoft. 

Looking for entertainment options? There’s still time to subscribe to the IU Auditorium’s 2024-2025 season, or just pick your favorite show with single seat (or small group) tickets available to most shows. Sports fan? IU employees receive a 10% discount on football season tickets and free admission to other IU varsity sports like volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, swimming and diving, women’s basketball, baseball and softball. Twenty IU athletes and coaches will participate in the upcoming summer Olympic games in Paris, so cheer on those Hoosier athletes during the Olympics and then watch them compete when they return to campus representing the Crimson and Cream. 

Keep an eye out for special programs sponsored by the OVPFAA including our new Hoosiers Connect group mentoring program, the upcoming New Faculty Orientation and Welcome Picnic, or the first New Faculty social event at an IUB Men’s Soccer game. 

Important Upcoming Dates and Events for New Faculty

See more events from OVPFAA