What Are the IUPUI Residence Halls Like?

I'm thinking about attending IUPUI and I'm really curious about what the residence halls are like. What's the general vibe in the dorms? Are there any specific ones that you would recommend, or ones to avoid? Also, how's the community and social scene for freshmen living on campus? I'd love to hear about any pros and cons or personal experiences you might have had if you lived at IUPUI.

I'm really glad you asked! IUPUI does have a number of different housing options, each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities. However, please note that as a non-student advisor, the insight I provide here is based on information gathered from several sources, rather than personal experience, to provide an aggregate picture.

To start off, IUPUI has four main residential facilities: Ball Residence Hall, North Hall, Riverwalk Apartments and Apartments on the Riverwalk, and University Tower.

Ball Residence and North Hall are the traditional dorm-style housing, with Ball being a suite-style residence with shared bathrooms, while North Hall features private bathrooms. Both buildings have communal spaces for studying and socializing, including a large community kitchen area in Ball Hall.

Riverwalk Apartments, as the name suggests, offer apartment-style living with options for single or shared rooms within the apartment. Located right next to the canal, it offers great outdoor space too. The University Tower is a former hotel converted into a residence hall, offering both dorm and suite-style rooms. The unique aspect of University Tower is that it houses a dining hall within the building, making it really convenient for students.

In terms of community and on-campus social scene, as with any college, much of it depends on how involved you choose to be. IUPUI does offer a variety of activities, clubs, and organizations which can help you find your community. The residence halls themselves are known to conduct events and foster environments where you can meet people and build your social circle.

As for recommendations, it really does depend on your individual preferences -- some students prefer the traditional dorm-style living, for the community it offers, while others might prefer the independence offered by Riverwalk Apartments. If dining convenience is a major factor for you, University Tower might be your best bet due to its in-house dining hall.

The primary cons generally brought up are regarding the costs associated with on-campus living and limited options for personalizing your living space due to dorm rules. Other issues, such as lack of quiet during social events, or challenges in sharing spaces, are mostly standard across college residence halls.

All in all, every residential facility has its pros and cons. You should take into account your personal preferences and lifestyle choices, then decide what's best for you. Even though living on campus might come with challenges, it's a great way to fully immerse yourself in the university experience.