The highly anticipated fall 2020 semester is officially underway, and students are getting into a new routine with both in-person and online learning. While there are new policies and procedures in place to keep our campus community healthy and safe, students are still encouraged to socialize and build community. We’ve compiled 10 tips for having fun and staying safe while physical distancing.
1. Take a walk on the downtown canal. You can connect to the canal at various points on campus, like Blackford St. by Herron School of Art and Design and Military Park, off of Indiana Avenue by the School of Informatics and Computing, or by walking the White River Trail that goes behind Carroll Stadium and past NIFS and the NCAA headquarters.
2. Enjoy the green space on campus. Bring a blanket and a face mask, grab a few friends and enjoy a meal or games outside. You can physically distance and socialize -- a win-win. Spaces to check out are the South Meadow between Herron School of Art and NCAA Headquarters, the Instructional Field which is east of Carroll Stadium, University Library lawns, Magnolia Court, Taylor Courtyard, or Military Park.
3. Reserve the CROF for some pick-up games of your choice. If you and some friends are looking to hang out, the space can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. Max capacity is 50 people -- 10 per court for basketball and sand volleyball. Student organizations can reserve the CROF through The Spot. If maintaining six feet of physical distancing is difficult, just make sure you bring your mask.
4. Connect to esports leagues on campus.Gamers Hall, Smash @ IUPUI, and Pokémon League @ IUPUI are student orgs you can get involved with now. Campus Recreation will also launch esports leagues this fall through IM Leagues. Speaking of intramural sports, you can join fall leagues now.
5. Hammocking. It’s a thing here. We’ve got trees galore that make this easy, especially near the library. Hammocking is the perfect opportunity to relax and guarantee that six feet of physical distancing.
6. Play billiards in the Game Room or check out art exhibits in the Cultural Arts Gallery. Grab a friend, some hand sanitizer and a mask and have fun!
7. Create an account on The Spot and join a student organization. We have 500+ clubs and orgs to choose from, and they’re finding unique ways to operate in person and virtually this year. Download the Corq app to view student org events at your convenience.
8. Connect to the Multicultural Center, LGBTQ+ Center, and culturally-based student organizations. You can learn more about how to connect virtually and in person here. And if you’re interested in how the university is moving forward with anti-racism initiatives, you can learn more at diversity.iupui.edu.
9. Go for a bike ride or a walk on the Cultural Trail. If you don’t have a bike, you can utilize the Pacers Bikeshare while you explore.
10. Connect to events in downtown Indy through Visit Indy. There’s always something safe and fun to do in the Circle City.
