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Student Life

Discover how amazing college life can be

Take the stage as part of a performance at the Musical Arts Center. Cheer on the team at a football game, soccer match, or swim meet. Chill out in front of the fireplace in the Indiana Memorial Union. And get a great vegan meal. All in the same weekend—all without leaving campus.

There are endless opportunities for fun, exploration, and academic enrichment at IU Bloomington, and as a Jacobs student, you have access to all of them.

You’ll never want for things to do—but you may have to make some hard choices about what to do first!

Performance opportunities abound

Image from IU Jacobs Jazz concert featuring two students and John Raymond performing a trio.

With more than 1,100 performances taking place each academic year, there are plenty of opportunities for you to take the stage.

Most Jacobs programs require you to audition and join an ensemble—each of which performs at least once per semester, and often more than that. There are dozens of ensembles to choose from, all focusing on different genres, musical styles, and performance types.

Even better, you’re encouraged to try a number of different ensembles while you’re here. Doing so broadens your musical education, adds depth to your personal repetoire, and maximizes your job opportunities after graduation.

One of the things that drew me to Jacobs was the sheer number of incredible people to meet and collaborate with. IU has given me the chance to focus on composition but has also given me a lot of wonderful opportunities to sing and play.
Leigha Amick, B.M. Composition

Residence halls feature top-notch amenities

Ariel view of Read dormitory, located near the heart of IU Jacobs School of Music.

With 13 residence halls and 11 apartment complexes on campus, it’s easy to find the perfect place to call home.

Many Jacobs students choose to live in the Southeast neighborhood, since it’s closest to our classroom buildings. Your choices include apartments, rooms with private or semi-private bathrooms, and typical community-style residence halls. Many buildings in this neighborhood feature perks like music rooms and dance studios.

You’ll also find one of IU’s favorite food courts—the Woodland Eatery, featuring everything from vegan meals to a steak dinner.

Student organizations add another dimension to your education

Explore new interests and discover new passions as a member of any of the more than 750 student organizations on campus.

There are more than two dozen groups associated with Jacobs that enable you to explore a musical interest in more detail, whether you’re curious about audio engineering, the band profession, composing, or community service.

In total, there are more than 110 student organizations across IU devoted to arts and entertainment. You can explore your comedic side, sing in an acapella group, or get moving as part of a dance troupe.

And don’t forget—if you don’t see the perfect organization for you, you can create your own.

Explore student organizations at Jacobs

Marching Hundred and Red Steppers Homecoming performance.

Caring for student needs and concerns

The Student Representative Committee (SRC) is made up of undergraduate and graduate students who serve as the student body's voice to faculty committees that make decisions about student life and education.

Students can be involved by serving as their department's representative on the SRC, serving as a student representative to one of the Jacobs faculty committees, or sharing their ideas and concerns to improve student life and opportunities.

Learn more about the SRC

At Jacobs, there is no shortage of enthusiastic collaborators and inspiring colleagues, and I cherish the friendships and professional relationships I have found here.
Christopher LaRosa, D.M. Composition

Take care of your health

College life can get pretty busy—and it’s sometimes easy to neglect your physical and mental health.

IU offers a full-service student health center to make it more convenient to get the care you need, whether you’re already sick or hoping to prevent illness.

You can also access Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) through the health center. CAPS can help you through almost any mental health issue you can think of through one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and more.

Learn more about health services

Feel safe wherever you are

Indiana University is home to a full-service police department that protects our campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An officer is never more than a phone call away.

You can also use the Safety Escort service to get a ride home when you’re feeling unsafe at night. The service operates from 8 p.m. until 1:45 a.m. seven days a week.