Downtown Bloomington is full of different shops, restaurants and bars that provide entertainment for students and locals. However, options are more limited for those under 21.
Students who have not yet reached the age of 21 don’t have the opportunity to spend nights out at the bars that Bloomington offers. Despite that, they still find ways to enjoy outings with friends. IU sophomore Ellie McFadden recommends grabbing a meal at a local restaurant, specifically The 3 Amigos Mexican Restaurant. The main location of this Mexican restaurant is on North College Avenue and is open seven days a week. McFadden also recommends Social Cantina.
“I love going to The 3 Amigos with my friends because it’s a great environment,” McFadden said. “Since we can’t go to the actual bars, this restaurant is a good place to go out. I also love their chips and guacamole.”
For students who don’t prefer going to The 3 Amigos Mexican Restaurant for food and drinks, there are other restaurant options available. Chipotle and Raising Cane's are popular fast food options that are walkable for students living on campus. They are located next to each other on Kirkwood Avenue. If people are looking for a sit-down restaurant, Da Vinci Pizza and Pasta (South Washington Street), Malibu Grill (North Walnut Street), and Mother Bear’s Pizza (East Third Street) are all in downtown Bloomington as well.
“I’ve recently gone to eat at Chipotle a lot this year if I don’t want the meals at my sorority house,” McFadden said. “It’s super nice that it’s downtown because I can walk to it from class if I want to.”
For freshman students, it may seem like they have the fewest options when it comes to going out. As first-year students, they haven’t been officially initiated into a sorority or fraternity yet. These are popular social organizations on campus. This often results in spending large amounts of time in dorm buildings on the weekends.
IU freshman Alec Molina shared what he and his friends have done in their free time so far.
“My friends and I usually just hang out at our dorm building on the weekends unless I’m doing something for the fraternity I’m rushing,” Molina said. “I have a nice floor which makes it easier.”
Once it’s second semester, students who choose to join a sorority or fraternity become busier with Greek life events.
“The first semester of my freshman year was a little boring since we aren’t allowed to go out to the places that the older grades go to,” IU sophomore Olivia Sagrilla said. “Once I joined a sorority during the second semester, my schedule got way busier which I loved. I met a lot of new people and got to get out of my dorm a lot more often.”
Intramural and club sports are other options for IU students. It’s a way for those who are not in Greek life to meet new people and for students to step away from their classes and assignments. These teams typically practice on the Recreational Sports Field Complex (North Fee Lane) or the Bill Garrett Fieldhouse.
IU sophomore Riley Ferris began playing on the IU women's club soccer team during her freshman year. She just began her second year on the team.
“Being in a club sport is the best of both worlds,” Ferris said. “It isn't very time-consuming and still allows you to participate in other campus activities. One of the reasons I love club soccer is because of the balance it helps me feel. It’s a good alternative way to meet people outside of just going out.”
Students are able to access the IU events calendar that lists different activities being held on campus. This calendar serves as another place where students can find things to do and groups to be a part of. The calendar is a great option for those who want to get out and try something new.
