Red Carpet Days

Get ready to celebrate your admission to IU in style! Review the information on this page for a schedule overview, travel and hotel information, places to eat, and special discounts just for Red Carpet Day guests.

The Red Carpet Days Students

Dates

Red Carpet Days take place on a variety of dates in February, March, and April. After you register, please check your confirmation email to confirm your date before you make travel plans.

Schedule

Upon arriving, you will have an opportunity to talk with current students and staff, and enjoy a light continental breakfast before your program begins.

Students and staff will welcome you to campus and give you a preview of what the rest of the day will hold.

Join an IU student for a campus tour—explore where you’ll take classes and learn more about student activities and IU traditions. Already visited IU? This tour is different from our regular tour, so you’ll learn new things about IU and see new places on campus.

Participate in a discussion and ask questions about life at IU. Panel participants will include a faculty member; one or more current IU students; and staff from the Office of Student Life, the Office of First Year Experience Programs, and Advising and Major Exploration Services.

We’ll conclude the required portion of the day and make sure you have everything you need to explore lunch options and enjoy your optional activities in the afternoon.

Enjoy the delicious on- or off-campus dining options and take some time to explore campus and Bloomington.

These academic information sessions provide more details about specific programs of study. Registration for these sessions is required. If you need to sign up or change your selection after you make your Red Carpet Day registration, please contact the Office of Admissions at iuadmit6@iu.edu or talk with an Admissions team member at the event.

  • College of Arts and Sciences: During this hour-long session, we will cover everything from our over 80+ majors and academic resources to research opportunities and career preparation. This is an opportunity to get information about the Walter Center for Career Achievement and hear from an academic advisor and a member of the recruiting team.
  • Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies: Learn about the global opportunities and campus experiences of an HLS student.
  • Jacobs School of Music: Experience our community and discover the many resources you will have as a Jacobs student. Attend an information session, go on a guided tour, and connect with admissions staff and current students to get your questions answered.
  • Kelley School of Business: We are excited to introduce you to the Kelley School of Business. During this session you will have the opportunity to learn about the undergraduate student experience at Kelley. We will introduce you to the admission requirements, curriculum, student life, study abroad, and career opportunities at the Kelley School. Our time together will conclude with a student led tour of Hodge Hall.
  • Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering: At the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering information session visitors will learn about our technology majors, career opportunities, and student resources. You will also hear from current students who will share their Luddy experiences and answer your questions. The Luddy information session includes a tour of spectacular Luddy Hall and our Luddy Living Learning Center/dorm floors located in Teter Quad.
  • The Media School: Learn more about opportunities in The Media School from staff and current students. We will discuss academic programs, experiential learning, admission, scholarships, and more!
  • O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs: At the O'Neill School, we study people, policy, and issues that affect the planet. No matter if you're interested in studying the environment, working on capitol hill, or going into the private sector, a degree from the O'Neill School can prepare to you address—and work to solve—the complex issues facing society today!
  • School of Education: Don't miss your opportunity to find out everything there is to know about the School of Education at Indiana University! From our awesome academic programs to our engaging INSPIRE Living-Learning Community located in Spruce Hall, this session will cover all the important topics.
  • School of Public Health-Bloomington: The School of Public Health degree programs are valuable across a wide range of careers and industries. An academic major doesn’t confine you to a specific job type or field, and now is a great time to explore! This session will provide a general overview of our School of Public Health-Bloomington, the academic majors offered, options for minors, and opportunities available to students. Our sessions include student ambassadors who share their academic journeys and campus experiences. If you're unable to attend one of our School of Public Health-Bloomington Information Sessions or if you would like to have an individual appointment, our Undergraduate Recruitment Team is happy to offer meetings via phone, Zoom, or in person. Schedule a time to meet.

Check out these options to keep exploring and learn more about special opportunities at IU. You can choose a session or tour when you register for Red Carpet Day.

  • Education Abroad session | 330 N. Eagleson Avenue (Ferguson International Center) | Learn about study abroad programs and opportunities available to you as an IU student.
  • Hutton Honors College: | 811 E 7th St | Attend the Hutton Honors information session to learn about admission criteria, program requirements, and opportunities.
  • Student Financial Assistance session | 940 E. Seventh Street (Office of Admissions Welcome Center) | Get information about the financial aid support and resources available to you at Indiana University Bloomington.
  • Student Recreational Sports Center | 1601 E. Law Lane | The Student Recreational Sports Center is a popular venue amongst IU students as a place to stay active with sports and fitness activities. Tour the space and learn more about activities.
  • Visit a Residence Hall | 541 N. Woodlawn Avenue | Chat with a current IU student to learn more about living on campus and tour a sample room in Smith Hall at Collins Living Learning Center. Tours are available from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Directions and parking

Please plan to arrive on campus no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow time to park, walk, check in, and enjoy breakfast. Please note: Parking is limited, so bookmark this information or keep it close just in case parking is not available in the first location you choose.

We recommend parking in a visitor spot in the Henderson Parking Garage, located at 310 S. Fess Avenue (use this address when mapping your trip to campus). When checking in for the event, you will be provided with a parking pass to be used at the automated kiosk to exit the garage at no charge. It will take approximately 15 minutes to walk to the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) from the Henderson Parking Garage.

Exit the Henderson Parking Garage and head north on Indiana Avenue to Kirkwood Avenue. At the intersection of Indiana and Kirkwood, turn right and proceed on the sidewalk through the Sample Gates. The Indiana Memorial Union will be the fourth building on your left, northeast of Maxwell Hall. You can also map your walking route in advance by using IU’s interactive campus map.

There are two pay lots located at the Indiana Memorial Union at 900 E. Seventh Street. Please visit the IMU website for more information, including rates and availability. Parking is limited in these lots; be sure to have other options if space is not available. PLEASE NOTE: If you choose to park in either of the IMU pay parking lots, we will not be able to reimburse your parking fees.

Hotels

From a highly rated hotel right on campus to national hotel brands, you have options for where to stay during your Red Carpet Day visit.

The following hotels are providing Red Carpet Day guests a discount on select days. Claim your discount with the code or link listed below, or let the hotel know that you are coming for a Red Carpet Day when you call. We encourage you to wait until your Red Carpet Day visit is confirmed before making your hotel reservation or other travel plans.

The Biddle Hotel and Conference Center has welcomed campus visitors for more than 100 years. Located in the Indiana Memorial Union, it’s a great option if you want to stay right in the heart of IU Bloomington.

The Biddle Hotel is offering a 10 percent discount off their online rate and a discounted parking rate of $6 per night in IMU lots 1 and 2 for visitors who are attending a Red Carpet Day, subject to availability.

To book, call 812-856-6381 or visit the Biddle Hotel website. When making your reservation, use the group code ADMISSIONS25.

Book your room at the Biddle Hotel

The Courtyard by Marriott, located in downtown Bloomington just southwest of campus at 310 S. College Avenue, is offering a 15% discount for visitors who are attending a Red Carpet Day on select dates, subject to availability. When making your reservation, please call 812-355-8000 and mention Red Carpet Days.

Learn more about the Courtyard by Marriott

Graduate by Hilton Bloomington, prominently located on Kirkwood Avenue (210 E. Kirkwood Avenue), is a campus-comfy Hoosier hangout just steps away from Sample Gates and neighboring shops and restaurants. For a discounted rate, please use the link below or call 812-994-0500 and mention corporate code 3436694.

Book your room at The Graduate

Check out Visit Bloomington to learn about additional off-campus accommodations.

Dining

Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) dining

Choose from a variety of on-campus dining options in the Indiana Memorial Union:

  • The Globe, serving a rotating selection of favorites from around the world
  • Lantern, a pan-Asian style street kitchen
  • The Mix, where you can build a salad and order a side of soup
  • Quarry Pie Co., pizza made fresh, on-site, and cooked to perfection in a fire oven, plus salads also available
  • Starbucks, with all your favorite drinks and snacks
  • Sugar and Spice, with pastries, cookies and other sweet treats 
  • The Tudor Room, offering an extensive lunch buffet in a stately space—a favorite among visiting parents (check their website for hours)
  • The Vault, a family-friendly location offering classic pub food for lunch and dinner, along with a full bar.
  • Whitfield Grill, with a classic diner-inspired menu

Additional on-campus locations:

All of the following locations, with the exception of Bookmarket, are All-You-Care-To-Eat (AYCTE) dining halls, a type of dining hall where current students can use meal swipes multiple times a day and enjoy unrestricted servings. The following AYCTE locations will all be offering a discounted price of $12 per person for Red Carpet Days.

1320 E. Tenth Street
Bookmarket, located on the ground floor of the Herman B Wells library, offers a blend of international cuisine and local favorites at five micro-restaurants and convenient grab and go options.

541 N Woodlawn Ave
This is a carry out AYCTE option that offers cold and hot features. Menus change daily and include vegan, vegetarian, and meat options.

1725 E. Third Street
Discover All-You-Care-To-Eat dining, where you’ll find flavorful food from local, regional, and international cuisine. The menus, which change daily to offer you variety and choice, provide a variety of healthy options including plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan fare.

1011 E. Third Street
Grab something to eat from the cold and hot bars or make a selection at the custom order station which changes daily. There’s plenty to choose from at Goodbody Hall.

1101 N. Fee Lane
Discover All-You-Care-To-Eat dining, where you’ll find flavorful food from local, regional, and international cuisine. The menus, which change daily to offer you variety and choice, provide a variety of healthy options including plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan fare.

125 S. Eagleson Avenue
Choose from a wide variety of dining options at Read Hall, one of the largest dining locations on campus. This location includes wholesome mediterranean cuisine, authentic burgers and sandwiches, soup and salad options, along with American and Middle Eastern BBQ.

Bloomington dining

Take a five-minute stroll to Kirkwood Avenue and walk through the Sample Gates and you'll find dozens of great restaurants to choose from. Some are listed below. You can also head just southeast of campus and find a Bloomington favorite. For additional appetizing ideas, see Visit Bloomington’s much longer list of Bloomington restaurants.

113 N. Dunn Street

238 N. Morton Street (next to the Hilton Garden Inn)

913 S. College Mall Road

At Bloomington Bagel Company, the bagels are the stars, but the menu also includes salads, muffins, and other treats.

101 W Kirkwood Avenue, Suite 021

Bloomington's only 100% gluten-free restaurant, Brightside Cafe offers baked goods, sandwiches, desserts, coffees, and more for breakfast and lunch.

 

114 S. Indiana Avenue

USA Today named BuffaLouie’s one of the nation’s top 10 wing joints. Choose among 17 sauces.

518 E. Kirkwood Avenue

Come by Everbowl for an acai bowl or smoothie and enjoy the light and healthier alternatives that we provide.

421 E 3rd St #10

Gabels Bagels is excited to bring authentic New York City Kosher Water Bagels to Bloomington.

514 E. Kirkwood Avenue

For gourmet pizza, deliciously large sandwiches, and mini indulgence desserts, come to Lennie’sone of Admissions’ staff local favorites.

1428 E. Third Street

A Bloomington institution! Ranked best pizza in Indiana by Trip Advisor, Mother Bear’s offers specialty pizzas and lunch specials.

423 E. Kirkwood Avenue

Nick’s English Hut, a student and alum favorite, serves a range of burgers, sandwiches, strombolis, and pizzas.

422 E. Kirkwood Avenue

Raising Cane's specializes in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast.

430 E. Fourth Street

Siam House offers Thai cuisine and serves as an anchor to Restaurant Row, a series of international restaurants on Fourth Street.

316 E. Fourth Street

Discover family-owned and operated restaurant, Taste of India, which features Northern Indian cuisine and boasts Bloomington's only Southern Indian cuisine as well.