With diverse local and student populations, IU Bloomington boasts a stimulating learning environment with a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. Housing in Bloomington Bloomington offers several housing alternatives, both on and off campus. For graduate students who prefer to live off-campus, the best time to look is from March to June. Much of the housing in Bloomington is within walking or biking distance from campus, and campus and public bus service is also available. This and other smaller lakes in the area provide opportunities for canoeing, and sailing is available through the University Sailing Club.
Spelunkers enjoy exploring the numerous limestone caves in and around Monroe County.
The Hoosier National Forest is composed of 180,000 acres of forest land, much of it within 20 minutes of Bloomington. The federal government has designated 13,000 acres of the forest as the Deam Wilderness Area.