International Guest Houses

Staying in an international guest house

Some visiting scholars and other international visitors sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs (OVPIA) may be assigned a room in one of our International Guest Houses on the IU Bloomington campus. The houses are conveniently located on the campus at 704 East Eighth Street and 715 East Eighth Street, about one block north of the Indiana Memorial Union and one block east of the Mathers Museum.

How do you know if a room has been reserved for you? 

The letter of invitation you received with your DS-2019 form will indicate if you will have a room in one of the International Guest Houses. If you are an international visitor sponsored by OVPIA, you will be sent information by email about your room assignment.

The bedroom of one of IU's International Scholar houses.

About the international scholar houses

The international scholar houses are fully furnished and are intended to be shared accommodations, with up to three scholars sharing one house.   

Each scholar will be assigned one bedroom with a secure lock. All bedrooms have a bed with all linens (pillows, duvet, sheets, and blanket), bedside table, desk with chair, lamps, closet, and other furniture for storage. At check-in, scholars receive two extra sets of sheets, an extra blanket, and three sets of towels. The bathrooms also have secure locks.

If a house is unoccupied and available, a scholar with accompanying dependents may be permitted to reside in the house for the duration of their stay in Bloomington. Scholars must receive permission in writing for an accompanying dependent to stay with them in the house. Scholars who violate this policy will be required to move out immediately and find housing at their own expense. 

Special guests of OVPIA may be permitted to stay in a house when space is available. Such guests must be invited and/or sponsored by OVPIA. Contact partner@iu.edu for more information.

  • One full bathroom (shower/tub, sink, vanity, and toilet) on the second floor near the bedrooms with a secure lock
  • One half bathroom (sink and toilet only) on the first floor near the kitchen with a secure lock
  • Common living area with large-screen television
  • Study on the first floor with a door that closes for privacy
  • Dining room with a table that seats six people
  • Shared kitchen with all standard appliances (refrigerator with filtered water, stove/oven, coffeemaker, toaster, and dishwasher), dish towels, cookware (pots, pans, and baking sheets), cooking utensils, glasses, silverware, and dishes (plates, saucers, bowls, and cups)
  • Washer and dryer
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Laundry detergent for sheets and towels
  • Professional house cleaning provided every two weeks

  • Change and wash bedding and towels periodically during your stay
  • Keep all common areas of the house clean after use (bathrooms, kitchen, living room, study, and dining room)
  • Clean any kitchen items in a timely manner after use
  • Place trash in a bin outside the back entrance to the house once per week
  • Purchase your own food, beverages, and other supplies (including laundry detergent to wash personal clothing items)
  • Ensure that any food or beverage items stored in the kitchen are labeled with your name or bedroom number
  • Discard all personal food or beverage items before your departure

Check in and check out procedures

If you have been assigned to an international guest house, you can be checked in only on weekdays (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (08:00-17:00). Check-in will not be possible on any holidays when administrative offices are closed.

If you arrive in Bloomington outside the standard check-in time, you must stay in a hotel or secure other accommodations at your own expense until check-in is possible.

To schedule a check-in time, contact Mary Nell Shiflet (mnshifle@iu.edu) at least two weeks prior to your intended arrival.

How to check out of an international scholar house

On the day of your departure, leave the key in the lock of your bedroom door. Exit the house through the front door. The front door of the 704 guest house automatically locks when you close it. At the 715 guest house, you will need to use the push lock. Please be certain the door is locked. 

Learn more about your stay at IU

Get information for incoming scholars