Indiana University, Bloomington
Public four-year university

Admission difficulty: Average
Size: Huge. There are 40,000 undergraduate students.
Tuition: $26,785 a year for non-Indiana residents.
Things sighted: Students who wear business suits to class, students who wear pajamas to class, students who only wear clothes with Greek letters on them, pale Midwesterners, overly tanned East Coast kids, people who hate Purdue.
Known for producing: Business execs, musical prodigies, people who want to save the planet.
Pros: A large campus means a variety of students and activities, so there are plenty of ways to feel like more than just a number. Go Greek, join student government, live in a freshman learning community, join the bass fishing club, whatever. Also, students get discounted tickets to off-Broadway productions like Rent, Avenue Q and Hairspray.
Cons: Since campus parking is difficult and the bus system is unreliable, walking around the huge campus is the best possible mode of transportation. And because each dorm neighborhood has a distinct personality, you may end up with a roommate who hosts 2 a.m. quartet rehearsals. And we’re called Hoosiers.
Social scene: There are plenty of bars, house parties and frat parties to fulfill your college fantasies. For a more low-key evening, check out the ethnic restaurants on Fourth Street, watch a free movie at the student union, or go bowling.
Athletics: Despite questionable coaching decisions and candy-striped pants, Hoosier basketball is a quintessential part of campus life. Even if the team is on a losing streak, the hall will be packed with students clad in cream and crimson. Football is less popular, although tailgating is arguably the most popular sport at IU. And the “World’s Greatest College Weekend” Little 500 bike race in April takes cycling to the extreme. Greek houses and campus organizations train all year to fly (and collide) around the track.
Typical day: Put on your Ugg boots and grab your umbrella. In the morning you’ll dash through Dunn Meadow (home to campus concerts, protests and lots of free food) and climb some hills to get to your class in one of IU’s ladybug-covered limestone buildings. Watch out for the bikers zipping around campus. If you’re not paying attention, they will hit you. Many days you’ll be greeted by chubby Indiana squirrels that might look straight from a Disney movie, but if you’re not careful one will pelt you with an acorn.

Sarah Hutchins is an Indiana University senior.