Life as a student means there’s a lot of hard work—rewarding hard work—but in addition to class, there’s also inspiring friends and student organizations as well as events and a bunch of new experiences. In the end, you’ll be enriched with what happens outside your class schedule (and dramatically improve your time in the Homecoming Bed Race).
Events + Entertainment
With an event calendar full of attractions such as Broadway shows, NCAA Division I athletics, blues legends, Russian National Ballet performances, and professional comedians, Ball State brings excitement to Muncie that most Midwestern cities would envy, without forgoing any of that college charm. The Village, located right on the edge of campus, offers plenty of places to eat and hang out with friends. The Tally on the first floor of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center showcases comedians, bands, and other entertainers. Christy Woods arboretum and the Duck Pond are just a couple of places where you can enjoy nature; there’s also the University Green where you can take in an outdoor concert. And then there’s Late Nite, the best party on campus. Every Saturday night you can take advantage of free entertainment. Activities include everything from bowling and billiards to DJs and dancing and, of course, free food. Just keep your eye on the Flyswatter, the billboard near the Scramble Light, for upcoming events.
Resume Boosters + Recreation
Join one of many departmental and professional organizations to network in your major and gain experience in real-world career settings. There are more than 300 student organizations to pick from. From improv comedy to worldwide health care missions, there’s likely something to pique your interest. We’ll even help you start your own group. Intramural and club sports offer plenty of opportunities to get fit, be competitive, and even show off that jumpshot. Or maybe you want to push your mind and body with lessons in salsa dancing or tae kwon do. You can do it all.
Dwelling + Dining
The more than 6,300 students who live on campus can’t be wrong—residence life is great at Ball State. Nearly 35 percent of our student body chooses to live in one of our 29 residence halls, even if “home” is fairly nearby. And our campus dining is excellent. First-year students take part in Freshman Connections, a national award-winning program, and just one reason Ball State was named one of 13 “Institutions of Excellence in the First College Year” by the national Policy Center on the First Year of College in 2003 and deemed a “program to look for” by U.S. News & World Report. The program allows freshmen to make friends and a smooth adjustment to college life through common programming. Whether it’s because they have a great study circle or a great circle of friends, students who live on campus get better grades and are more likely to graduate on time. And they get a classic college experience.