BISM

BISM Bulletin August 2026

Welcome to Bloomington, New Hoosiers!

Hey everyone!

A new semester is here, and we are so glad to welcome both new and returning international students to Bloomington! The first few weeks can be a whirlwind of new places, new people, and lots of things to figure out. We hope BISM can be a place where you find friendship, support, and a sense of community as you settle in. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the joy of welcoming students through airport pickups, picnics, the Furniture Give-Away, and other events. And we’re just getting started. There are many more opportunities ahead to meet people, explore Bloomington, experience American culture, and build meaningful friendships. We’re glad you’re here, and we hope Bloomington begins to feel a little more like home.

🌟 Story

Story

The People Behind the Welcome

August is always a big month for BISM, and this year was no different.

From airport pickups to the Furniture Give-Away, welcome events, rides, meals, and everything in between, a lot of people worked behind the scenes to help new students get settled in Bloomington.

Here’s a little look at what happened:

88+ airport pickups coordinated, 190 students served through the Furniture Give-Away, 371+ volunteers helping throughout the month, 950+ pieces of furniture and household items given away.

If you’re new to Bloomington, we hope these events have helped you get settled, meet some new people, and start feeling a little more at home here.

🤝 Student Spotlight: Our BISM Student President

Gbenga

Nigeria

PhD, Anthropology

•If you could instantly master any language, what would it be?: French?
•What is your favorite restaurant in Bloomington?: I use McDonald's often.

🌍 Culture Corner

culture by Brenda

Culture Corner (Ghana)

Ghana, officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in West Africa. It is situated with the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and shares borders with Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to the east. Ghana covers an area of 239,567 km2 (92,497 sq mi), spanning diverse ecologies, from coastal savannas to tropical rainforests. With nearly 35 million inhabitants, Ghana is the second-most populous country in West Africa. Food – Jollof Rice A vibr...

🤝 Ways to Connect

🤝

Get matched with a Friendship Partner

Connect with an American friend, build meaningful relationships, experience local culture, and feel supported during your time in the United States.

☕

International Coffee Hour - Every Sunday

Join us for coffee, breakfast and conversation every Sunday

📸 Recent Memories

3 photos

Where the world comes together, right here at IU. 🌍❤️ #StudentInvolvementFair — Where the world comes together, right here at IU. 🌍❤️ #Stud...

Aug 27

📚 Helpful Resources

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IU Surplus Store

Need a desk chair, bookshelf, bike, or monitor for your apartment? Before buying new, check out the IU Surplus Store. They sell used items from around Indiana University, and you never really know what you’ll find.

🌮

Bloomington Food Truck Friday

Date: Every Friday in May Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S Rogers St, Bloomington, IN

One of Bloomington’s most popular summer events featuring local food trucks, desserts, live music, and outdoor seating. A great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a summer evening downtown ☀️

📅 Upcoming Events

1 event

Sep 7

Labor Day Hike

Monday · 9:00am

📅 View Full Calendar →

🗳️ Your Voice Matters

What has surprised you most about Bloomington so far?

A The weather B The size of the campus C The friendliness of people

🎂 Birthdays

🎉 Happy Birthday to all of our August birthdays! We hope your year ahead is filled with good friends, new adventures, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. We’re glad you’re part of the BISM community!