Off-Campus Housing Guide: Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship campus of the IU system, set on a wooded, limestone-building campus in Bloomington. IU is known for strong programs in business, music, and the arts, along with a passionate basketball following at Assembly Hall.

Bloomington is a compact, walkable college town, and most upperclassmen move into the neighborhoods just west and south of campus once they're off the meal plan. This Off-Campus Housing Guide covers the best neighborhoods, what student life looks like, and local spots worth knowing.

Off-Campus Housing Guide: Best Neighborhoods Near Indiana University Bloomington

The Kirkwood Avenue corridor, the main student strip running from campus into downtown Bloomington, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, with plenty of apartments right above and around it.

Elm Heights, a residential neighborhood just south of campus with a mix of houses and smaller apartment buildings, popular with juniors and seniors.

The College Mall area, a bit farther from campus but well served by bus routes, with generally more affordable apartment options.

Off-Campus Student Life at Indiana University Bloomington

Downtown Bloomington sits just a few blocks from campus at the end of Kirkwood Avenue, giving students easy walking access to a full college-town restaurant and bar scene.

Basketball season at Assembly Hall is a major part of student life, and Lake Monroe, a large reservoir just south of town, is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and hiking when the weather turns.

Nearby Spots Worth Knowing

• Sample Gates — IU's iconic limestone campus entrance and one of its most photographed landmarks.

• Assembly Hall — home of IU basketball and one of the loudest arenas in the Big Ten.

• Kirkwood Avenue — the main student strip connecting campus to downtown Bloomington.

• Lake Monroe — a large lake just south of town popular for swimming, boating, and hiking.

Find your off-campus home near Indiana University Bloomington at Off-Campus Universe — browse verified listings near Bloomington by neighborhood and price.

This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Indiana University Bloomington.