Schedule & Activities

At IFS, you’ll be more involved than ever. You won't have unused time. In addition to classwork and prep for class, you'll experience the rich cultural opportunities at IU Bloomington and learn about faculty expectations for college students like you. You'll have the chance to join a variety of activities: sports, movie nights, art events, performances, and programs that highlight the full spectrum of IU and community services. Part of the experience of IFS is learning to balance your time, have fun, and work hard toward becoming a successful IU student.

Before you get started, read this!

Note: The IFS course placement and enrollment processes happen on a rolling basis concluding when capacity is reached. For questions about your application status, please contact us.

After you apply and are accepted into IFS, you can expect the following communications:

Early April - Welcome Email from IFS: Initial acceptances are sent in early April. If accepted into IFS, you will receive a welcome email notification.
Early June - Course enrollment & advising communications: In early June, accepted applicants will receive an email from ifs@iu.edu with course enrollment & advising information.
Early July - IFS Professor Communications: In early July, you will receive an email from your IFS Professor that includes a welcome, course meeting times, locations, expectations, and textbook information.

Your first week of IFS will be virtual. Be available for an intensive experience! IFS virtual instruction will be very different from high school online coursework. You will have a series of online lectures, tours, events, and experiences requiring your full attention. Students holding part-time jobs, or maintaining busy non-academic calendars report finding balancing the workload very difficult.

Tips from IFS students:

"Say goodbyes to relatives and friends before you start IFS. Even though it is virtual, it is your first week with Indiana University!"

"Plan to finish any outside activities including work and volunteering before virtual week with IFS begins."

Your attendance and participation during virtual week (August 3 – August 9, 2025) is an essential component of the IFS program. New Student Orientation advising should be scheduled outside of IFS dates (August 3 – August 20, 2025) to avoid conflicts with required class activities.

IFS 2025 Timeline

August 3rd - August 9th

Virtual Week

You will likely have an introductory virtual class, where you'll meet your professor, TA, and fellow classmates and receive a deeper look at your course experience. Virtual aspects of IFS will begin on August 3rd, and these will be extended to and blended with in-person instruction. IFS students will receive detailed instructions to their IU email address.

August 10th

Student Move-in

IFS move-in and check-in will take place Sunday, August 10th. Time and location will be announced in July. After checking in, you'll settled into your room and say goodbye to your family. We recommend enjoying a meal together before they leave Bloomington. There are many local dining establishments within walking distance.

August 10th

IFS Welcome Festival

It's your first evening on campus! IFS Welcome Festival is a great time to meet and greet your classmates and fellow students after your family has left campus. There will be activities to help you mingle and get to know other IFS students.

August 11th

First Day of In-Person Class

student writing in classroom Students will receive IFS class meeting details and plans from their professors. IFS teaching assistants will guide and assist you in finding your classroom on campus. Courses will continue with daily instruction and activities through August 20th.

August 11th

Glow Stick Tours

students posing with glowsticks Here's your chance to explore campus! Meet up at Showalter Fountain and get to know IU in a whole new light.

August 14th

Faculty Panel

During the Faculty Panel, a handful of IFS faculty members discuss a chosen theme from the perspective of their academic disciplines. Faculty Panel is a series of engaging presentations from IFS faculty, a lively panel discussion, and a chance for you to ask questions.

August 19th

Academic Forum

During the Academic Forum, students present projects, analysis, and research from their IFS studies and engage with other students and classes.

August 20th

FYE Welcome Week

The Office of First Year Experience offers exciting Welcome Week programming for students as they arrive to campus. Welcome Week has something for everyone! FYE programs will continue through your freshman year.

August 25th

Fall Semester Begins

IU Bloomington fall semester courses begin. Plan your semester by visiting Student Central where you can find official IU calendars, steps to managing your class schedule, and financial planning resources.

Explore our courses

Check out the exciting topics you can study in IFS.

Courses

Reserve your spot

Complete the IFS application to register for IFS 2025.

Apply now

Schedule & Activities