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!

After you apply to IFS, you can expect the following communications:

Early April - Welcome Email from IFS: In early April, you will receive a welcome email notifying you of your acceptance into IFS.
Early June - Course enrollment & advising communications: In early June, you will receive an email from ifs@indiana.edu with course enrollment & advising information.
Early July - IFS Professor & TA Communications: in early July, you will receive communications from your IFS Professor and Teaching Assistant Intern 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."

IFS Timeline

July 30th-August 5th

Virtual Week Begins

Your seminar professor will hold an introductory virtual class Sunday. You will meet your professor and fellow classmates and receive a deeper look at your course experience. Virtual aspects of IFS will begin on July 30th, and these will be extended to and blended with in-person instruction. IFS students will receive detailed instructions to their IU email address.

August 6th

Student Move-in

IFS move-in day is Sunday August 6th. IFS Check-in will take place the same day. Move-in times and check-in locations will be announced in July. Check the website and your IU email. After checking in, you may be getting settled into your room and saying goodbye to your family. We recommend enjoying a meal together before they leave Bloomington. Here you will find local dining establishments, including options within walking distance.

August 6th

IFS Welcome Festival

It is 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. Music, games, and snacks are part of this traditional welcoming event. There will be activities to help you mingle and get to know other IFS students.

August 7th

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 16th.

August 9th

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night is a chance for students to show off their talents! IFS Open Mic Night welcomes talents of all kinds: singers, musicians, dancers, group acts, poets, comedians, puppeteers, yodelers, jugglers, jesters and more! The range of acts spans from polished professional performers to acts that threw something together in their dorm the night before. You never know what will happen at open mic night!

August 10th

Faculty Panel

During the Faculty Panel, a handful of IFS faculty members talk about IU Themester from the perspective of their academic disciplines. The fall 2023 Themester theme is "Lux et Veritas | Light and Truth." Faculty Panel is a series of engaging presentations from IFS faculty, a lively panel discussion, and a chance for you to ask questions.

August 15th

Academic Forum & Closing Celebration

The final days of IFS consist of an Academic Forum and a Closing Celebration. During the Academic Forum, students present projects, analysis, and research from their IFS studies and engage with other students and classes. Afterward, IFS students, staff, and faculty attend a Closing Celebration. IFS coursework will conclude by noon on August 15th.

August 16th

FYE Welcome Week

The Office of First Year Experience offers exciting Welcome Week programming for students as they arrive to campus. From CultureFest, which is your opportunity to start finding your people, to Traditions and Spirit of IU, where you will get to see first-hand what Big Ten athletics are like and get a feel for what it is like to be a Hoosier, Welcome Week has something for everyone. FYE programs will continue through your freshman year.

August 22nd

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.

Intensive Freshman Seminars

Schedule & Activities