16 Tech, a new addition to the Riverside neighborhood, is downtown Indianapolis's technology district. The area is designed to meet the needs of those in the life sciences and information technology fields. Those who live in 16 Tech have access to pedestrian paths and trails with convenient access to shopping, restaurants, and the downtown area. What's more, 16 Tech is only a quick four-minute drive from the IUPUI campus.

Bates-Hendricks is another nearby neighborhood, only about an eight-minute drive from campus. Known for its active neighborhood association and unique houses and buildings, Bates-Hendricks is charming and is within a convenient distance from the downtown area.

For students who appreciate the art scene, Chatham Arch and Mass Avenue is an artsy neighborhood that surrounds the Mass Avenue Cultural District. Not only does Chatham Arch have a variety of housing options, but it is also teeming with exciting and interesting things to do. Residents and visitors can choose to visit their retail stores, restaurants, theaters, and art galleries; they can also opt for a peaceful, relaxing stroll on one of the many trails available there, including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

Dining

When Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis students get tired of on-campus dining hall food, there are many other dining options off-campus that students can explore, many of which are in downtown Indianapolis.

One nearby restaurant is High Velocity, located on 10 S West St. It is a contemporary American sports bar that serves lunch and dinner as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. This restaurant serves several familiar favorites, including soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, and comfort finger foods like chicken tenders.

Another popular nearby restaurant is Conner's Kitchen + Bar, located on 350 West Maryland St., only a four-minute drive or 20-minute walk from campus. This eatery serves everything from breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, late-night, dessert, and drinks. While it is a bit on the pricier side, this restaurant is a great option for students looking to enjoy a nice off-campus meal with friends and enjoy good food.

OP Italian, located on 10 S West St., is another wonderful option for hungry students wandering off-campus in search of a meal. As the name suggests, this restaurant serves Italian food, including breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, dessert, and cocktails. Some of their mouth-watering dishes include fresh-made pasta, fresh seafood, slow-cooked meats, and authentic Neapolitan pizza -- which is sure to sound good to any college student craving good food that perhaps does not come from the campus dining hall. For those who decide to drive to the restaurant, be aware that complimentary self-parking is offered for up to 90 minutes; any longer than that, and the rate per hour increases. As the restaurant is only about a 15-minute walk from IUPUI's campus, however, students may choose to save themselves the trouble by walking instead.

Transportation

IUPUI has several reliable, environmentally friendly transportation options that allow students to get to and from their destinations. For students looking to get from one part of campus to the other without having to walk, the campus shuttle is available and runs every 10 to 15 minutes, Monday through Friday. For those looking to go off campus, IndyGo and IUPUI JAGLINE Shuttle are connected and can get students to different parts of campus as well as around downtown Indianapolis with stops on Indiana Avenue and Michigan Street. IUPUI students can purchase a monthly S pass, which provides access to all bus routes at a discounted rate.

Besides taking the bus, students also have the option to rent bikes through Indiana Pacers Bikeshare. Students can purchase a day pass or an annual membership, so the value will really depend on how regularly a student takes out a bike.

Parking

As Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis is a busy campus, parking spaces are often in high demand. However, IUPUI does have 13 parking garages and more than 50 surface lots across campus -- so for those students who have cars on campus or need to commute, there should always be a spot available. The IUPUI campus map is a handy resource for students who want to figure out the nearest parking lot from wherever they are on campus. If students are going to park on campus, they should also be aware of the parking permit options available for students. These options vary depending on student status and include permits for commuter students, North Campus students, campus housing students, Tower Garage students, Blackford Garage students, accessible students, and students with motorcycles. Depending on the type of permit they get, students can park in different parking spaces on campus. They can choose to pay for their permit usually by semester or academic year.

Safety

IUPUI is committed to its students' safety on campus, with a police department available 24/7. If a student happens to feel unsafe while walking around campus, they can call an IU police officer to escort them. The IU police also work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and public safety partners to ensure the safety of the campus community. The university also offers several resources and programs for crime prevention and safety awareness, as well as resources to help victims.

Several different neighborhoods near IUPUI are also recognized to be safe. For example, several neighborhoods within 20-30 minutes of the campus -- including Carmel, Fisher, and Zionsville -- were rated the first, second, and third best suburbs to live in within Indianapolis.

Shopping

For students who prefer to cook their own meals and need groceries, there are several grocery stores nearby to choose from, including the supermarket chain, Kroger, and Needler's Fresh Market, which are both only a few minutes' drive from IUPUI's campus. There are also several shopping malls and plazas near campus, such as Circle Centre Mall, a multi-level indoor shopping mall featuring nationally known chain retailers, a food court, and a movie theater. Lafayette Square is another nearby shopping option that offers brand-name retail shops, boutiques, and a food court. Downtown Indiana also boasts several boutique shops and local galleries that people can visit while taking a casual stroll around town.