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.
Red Carpet Days
Schedule - Indiana Memorial Union dates
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.
The IU Experience Panels include a Next Steps panel and a Student and Faculty Perspectives panel.
Participate in discussions and ask questions about your next steps to enroll with staff from IU Housing and the Office of Orientation and Enrollment Programs.
Get the inside scoop on academics and the classroom experience from a current student and professor in the Student and Faculty Perspectives panel.
Enjoy the delicious dining options on and off campus 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.
- Health Professions and Prelaw Advising: Join an advisor from Health Professions and Prelaw Advising at this meeting to learn about services available for Indiana University students preparing for law school, medical school, and other health profession schools, and how to become a competitive applicant. Note: This session is not intended for pre-nursing students. HPPLA sessions are available on select Red Carpet Day dates.
- 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.
- 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 Nursing: This Red Carpet session, which is intended for students directly admitted to the School of Nursing or Pre-Nursing only, will introduce you to the IU School of Nursing where we will discuss a wide range of topics including the nursing profession, compliance requirements, admission criteria, and answer any questions related to our program. Optional tour opportunities will also be available within our space at the Health Sciences Building following the session.
- 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.
- Building Your Business Future at IU | Indiana Memorial Union, Alumni Hall on February 27 and April 6; Whittenberger Auditorium all other dates | Business at IU is bigger than just one building—join us to explore the many different doors to success and learn how to construct your own business future by finding the unique pathway that fits your strengths. This session is intended for students not directly admitted to the Kelley School of Business.
- 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 Session: | 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 visit a sample room in Smith Hall at Collins Living Learning Center. Open house hours are from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Schedule - IU Auditorium dates (February 21 & March 27)
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.
During this time, you'll have a chance to explore campus and learn about the IU experience. Some attendees will take the tour first and attend the panel second; others will attend the panels first and take the tour after. Here are more details about each activity:
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.
The IU Experience Panel includes a Next Steps panel and a Student and Faculty Perspectives panel.
Participate in discussions and ask questions about your next steps to enroll with staff from IU Housing and the Office of Orientation and Enrollment Programs.
Get the inside scoop on academics and the classroom experience from a current student and professor in the Student and Faculty Perspectives panel.
Enjoy the delicious dining options on and off campus 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.
- Health Professions and Prelaw Advising: Join an advisor from Health Professions and Prelaw Advising at this meeting to learn about services available for Indiana University students preparing for law school, medical school, and other health profession schools, and how to become a competitive applicant. Note: This session is not intended for pre-nursing students. HPPLA sessions are available on select Red Carpet Day dates.
- 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.
- 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 Nursing: This Red Carpet session, which is intended for students directly admitted to the School of Nursing or Pre-Nursing only, will introduce you to the IU School of Nursing where we will discuss a wide range of topics including the nursing profession, compliance requirements, admission criteria, and answer any questions related to our program. Optional tour opportunities will also be available within our space at the Health Sciences Building following the session.
- 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.
- Building Your Business Future at IU | Woodburn Hall, February 21: Room 100; March 27: Room 101 | Business at IU is bigger than just one building—join us to explore the many different doors to success and learn how to construct your own business future by finding the unique pathway that fits your strengths. This session is intended for students not directly admitted to the Kelley School of Business.
- 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 session: | 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 visit a sample room in Smith Hall at Collins Living Learning Center. Open house hours are from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Directions and parking
Parking options will vary based on the date of your scheduled Red Carpet Day. You will receive a reminder email and a parking information email with the best options for your date.
Please plan to arrive on campus no later than 8:15 a.m. to allow time to park, check in, and enjoy breakfast.
We recommend reviewing road closings in Bloomington and road restrictions/closings in Indiana for updated travel information closer to your visit.
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 discounted hotel 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, select the Red Carpet Days (RCD) rate option.
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. The Courtyard by Marriott offers $15 parking for guests. Use the link below to book your room or call 812-355-8000 and mention Red Carpet Days.
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 discount off of the best available rate, please use the link below. Please note that you'll need to update the arrival and departure date.
The Hampton Inn Bloomington, located at 2100 N. Walnut Street, offers a comfortable stay in a convenient location! Enjoy free parking and a complimentary breakfast. Red Carpet Day guests will receive a discounted rate. Use the link below and use group code 2686140 to book your stay.
The Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington, located at 245 N. College Avenue, is offering a discounted rate for Red Carpet Day attendees, including a $139 per night room rate with complimentary breakfast, parking, and late checkout (1 p.m.), and a 20% discount at Coaches Sports Bar and Grill. Click the link below or use corporate code 3205152 when booking.
The Holiday Inn, located at 1710 N. Kinser Pike, is offering a discounted rate of $99 for Red Carpet Day attendees. This location offers easy access to downtown Bloomington’s vibrant dining and shopping scene, Lake Monroe, and attractions like the IU Art Museum and local wineries. Use code IL68F when booking.
POSH on Kirkwood, located at 200 E. Kirkwood Avenue, just a short distance from the Sample Gates, is offering a 20% discount off their best available rate online for Red Carpet Day attendees. Your stay will include complimentary bagels from local restaurant Gables Bagels. Valet parking is available for $30 per night. Email Diana@poshhotelbloomington.com to inquire about availability.
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.
501 N. Eagleson Avenue
Choose from a wide variety of dining options at Wright Dining Hall, one of the largest dining locations on campus. This location includes our healthy dining concept, Eat Right, a convenient way to incorporate flavorful and healthful foods into your diet.
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.
Big Woods Bloomington Big Woods is a local favorite known for its scratch-made comfort food, craft cocktails, and award-winning Quaff ON! beers. Visit us during your Red Carpet Day visit and enjoy a warm, true-to-Indiana experience, plus an exclusive discount for visiting students and families.
238 N. Morton Street (next to the Hilton Garden Inn)
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.
USA Today named BuffaLouie’s one of the nation’s top 10 wing joints. Choose among 17 sauces.
The Chocolate Moose is a southern Indiana ice cream tradition, serving delicious ice cream made on site. From sundaes to shakes to banana splits, come experience the best ice cream around. Grab a sandwich, snack, or coffee while you're here, too.
Darn Good Soup, a Bloomington favorite, is located inside The Chocolate Moose.
Come by Everbowl for an acai bowl or smoothie and enjoy the light and healthier alternatives that we provide.
Gables Bagels is excited to bring authentic New York City Kosher Water Bagels to Bloomington.
For gourmet pizza, deliciously large sandwiches, and mini indulgence desserts, come to Lennie’s—one of Admissions’ staff local favorites.
A Bloomington institution! Ranked best pizza in Indiana by Trip Advisor, Mother Bear’s offers specialty pizzas and lunch specials.
Nick’s English Hut, a student and alum favorite, serves a range of burgers, sandwiches, strombolis, and pizzas.
Raising Cane's specializes in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast.
Siam House offers Thai cuisine and serves as an anchor to Restaurant Row, a series of international restaurants on 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.
Discounts
Use your Red Carpet Day badge to get VIP discounts the day of your visit!
The following locations are All-You-Care-To-Eat (AYCTE) dining halls, a type of dining hall where students can use meal swipes multiple times a day and enjoy unrestricted servings. The following AYCTE locations will all be offering discounts for Red Carpet Days.
- Collins Living-Learning Center
- Forest Quad
- Goodbody Hall
- McNutt Quad
- Wright Quad
Show your Red Carpet Day badge for 15% off your order.
Show your Red Carpet Day badge for $2 off a purchase or a free naked bagel.
Bonne Fête is a retail shop that features an array of products from self-care and grooming, home decor, candles, greeting cards, and more. Show your Red Carpet Day badge for 20% off your total purchase.
Show your Red Carpet Day badge to receive 50% off any food or beverage item or a free cup of drip coffee.
Show your Red Carpet Day badge to receive 15% off your food and drink purchase.
Show your Red Carpet Day badge for a 15% discount on any one item.
Show your Red Carpet Day badge for a 15% discount on any one item.
Show your Red Carpet Day badge for a 15% discount on your food and beverage purchase.
Gather offers unique artisan made jewelry, clothing, stickers, decor, and more! Show your Red Carpet Day badge for 20% off any purchase during regular shoppe hours, or for 20% off any DIY Bar activity (excluding snacks and alcoholic beverages) during After Hours events (Fridays, 6–9 p.m.)
Show your Red Carpet Day badge for a 15% discount on food items.
Show your Red Carpet Day badge to receive a free order of breadsticks with the purchase of 10" or 14" pizza.
Oak is a plant boutique with a variety of plants, plant-like accessories, and quirky gift items. Show your Red Carpet Day badge for 20% off plants or 10% off adaptogen mocktails during Speakeasy events.
Show your badge to receive a free promotional item with the purchase of a Box Combo.
Show your badge to receive 5% off your food order (food items only).
That's the Rub Massage Therapy Center offers massage, fitness, stretching, and skincare services. Show your Red Carpet Day badge for 10% off services.