New Graduate Student Checklist

The transition into graduate school is as large or larger than the transition from high school into undergrad. Graduate students must take more responsibility for their own learning (fewer quizzes, tests and extra credit), have different roles to balance (student, teacher, mentee) and, oftentimes, have families or at the very lease, are no longer under someone else's healthcare plan.

If you wish to ask a current graduate student about their experience at IU, please visit The Graduate Student Emissaries Blog.

To help you with this transition, the GPSO has put together a short checklist of things to do to get settled in Bloomington and at IU.

STEP ONE: Orientation to the community

1. Read: The GPSO's How to Thrive in Graduate School
   
   
2. Attend the GPSO New Grad Student Orientation
   Thursday, August 28rd, 2008
   Wells Library
   2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
   (see map)
   
   The only campus-wide orientation for graduate and professional students. This event will provide you with valuable resources and information needed for a successful graduate education at Indiana University, as well as some free stuff! Registered attendees will have the chance to win the annual GPSO Book Scholarship. It is also an opportunity to socialize with other new graduate students from different schools and departments, and a chance to hear from returning students about what they wish they had known.
   
   
3. Attend the GPSO Cook-Out
   Sunday, August 31st, 2008
   Bryan Park, Woodlawn Shelter
   Serving from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
   Families and friends welcome!
   We will provide "main dish" food.
   Blankets, chairs, frisbees and other park toys encouraged!
   
   
4. Attend the University Graduate School Wine and Cheese Reception
   Friday, September 5, 2008
   Neal-Marshall Center, Grand Hall
   (Corner of 7th and Jordan)
   (see map)
   
   Meet The University Graduate School staff and other graduate students.
   Sponsored by: The University Graduate School
   
   
5. International students: also attend the International Student Orientation

Back

STEP TWO: Settling into Bloomington

1. Find a place to live
   Don't forget to browse the GPSO Housing Board - specifically created for IU graduate and professional students!
   
   
2. Set up your major utilities
   
   

   Gas:
   Vectren - (800) 227-1376
   Electric:
   Duke Energy - (800) 521-2232
   Water/Sewer:
   CBU - 812-349-3930 or 349-3655, http://bloomington.in.gov/utilities/
   
   The city of Bloomington's information for students.
   Familiarize yourself with city parking, trash removal and regulations.

   
   
   
3. Explore your neighborhood
   
   
4. Open a bank account
   
   
5. Register your car and bike at IU with Parking Operations
   
   
6. Learn how to use the IUB and Bloomington bus systems
   
   
• Around town on Bloomington Transit
• Around campus on the Campus Bus Service
• Carpooling
  
  
7. Register to vote
   Print out a voter registration form and mail it in or sign up at the GPSO New Graduate Student Orientation.
   
   
8. Register your car with the state of Indiana
   
   
9. If you have a family - find child care
   
   
10. Take a look around town
    
    

Back

STEP THREE: Becoming a part of IU

1. Attend your school or department's orientation
   
   
2. Contact your academic advisor
   
   
3. Visit your departmental office and meet your grad department secretary
   The graduate secretary in your department is a good person to get to know. S/he often knows the system better than your advisor and can sometimes help you cut through the red tape.
   
   
4. Get your IU username
   Once you receive your admissions letter, follow the directions to get your network ID - your username on IU's computer systems.
   
   p.s. Setting up your username won't work until you've received that letter because the letter is sent out after you are officially entered in IU's system. If your letter did not contain directions, contact your department for that information.
   
   
5. Explore online and technology resources at IU
   How to access e-mail, online course materials, your financial accounts and student records, as well as many other IU services.
   
   
6. Get your Student ID card
   Have your card made at the IMU, located on the Mezzanine Level next to Delights snack shop, or from the Campus Card Services Office located in Eigenmann Hall at 1910 E. 10th St., once you get your student ID number.
   
   
• How to use your Campus Access Card
  
  
7. Check out the IU library system (http://www.libraries.iub.edu/)
   Take a stroll through both the main library (The Herman B. Wells Library) and (if you have one) your school / department's library. This will save you time when classes begin because you'll be more comfortable digging into your classwork and research.
   
   
8. Get involved with your graduate student government

Back