Why IUP students should become Townies: An Open Letter to IUP Students
By Sarah Hillegas
If you’re debating whether or not you should stick around Indiana following graduation, we have a few compelling reasons why you should consider staying in the area:
The Atmosphere
Indiana has a unique atmosphere that combines hometown charm with modern businesses and academia. From August through May (with the exception of traditional semester breaks) the Indiana area is filled with college students from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). This beautiful college campus turns what would be a small town into bustling city three-quarters of the year. Students arrive here from all over the nation and many of them leave following their degree without realizing what they are leaving behind. From new businesses, boutiques, the nightlife, hiking trails, and the opportunity for higher education, Indiana is a wonderful place to embrace your mid 20’s. In fact, the entire county offers the opportunities and entertainment options that you desire as you start the next chapter of your life. Being a young adult is fun and freeing. If you are the type that wants to start a family then you have even more of a reason to stay in this area.
New Commerce
What many IUP students don’t know when they start applying to jobs out of the area is the amount of opportunity that’s right here. Indiana County is a great place to get your career started and there are local businesses and organizations specifically designed to help graduates become successful. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce regularly posts on their job board, supports local internship programs, and has a young professionals organization that is geared towards an up-and-coming crowd. In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, there is a small business development center created to help all of you aspiring entrepreneurs!
In addition to the formal organizations created solely to help you become successful, there are many new local businesses with young owners who understand and appreciate your value in the Indiana workforce. Notable newer businesses include White Lace, Bella Spa and Beauty, the Bella Ragazza, and Trendy Trades. All of these new businesses have helped to make Indiana a more beautiful place, offer quality products, and contribute to the economic development of this county. Aside from new shops that focus on female apparel and empowerment, Indiana has a happening nightlife and downtown area. Although, many IUP students call the downtown area “uptown.” I guess you’ll have to change the way you describe things if you decide to become an Indiana “townie.”
Nightlife
When you are in your mid to late ’20s, your idea of a good time definitely changes. You still want to go out and have fun with friends, but you’re looking for a different kind of atmosphere than you were when you tried on your first pair of party pants. You aren’t going places based on what’s the cheapest or where you can get drunk the quickest. You’re looking for places that have quality drinks, lots of tables, great food, and live music. Luckily, Indiana, PA provides a nice selection of bars and restaurants that provide everything a young professional needs to have a great time. Our new favorite place for happy hours and Saturday nights is Levity Brewing. They have an excellent selection of house-made beers and outstanding food. The vibe is genuine and relaxed. It’s a great place for people of all ages to hang out and talk while enjoying great drinks, food, and music. Levity is one of two local breweries in town. If you want to read more about the Indiana bar scene from the student’s perspective check out this blog post by Alexandra Seibert!
Not into boozing?
Indiana, PA is also the home of excellent restaurants and coffee shops that you can start enjoying while you’re still an IUP student. If you’ve spent any time exploring this town you may already have a list of favorites. One of our favorite coffee shops of all time is Café Amadeus. This eclectic café has the best baristas in Indiana and Hungarian pastries that taste even better than they look (and they look fabulous). It’s located right downtown (on Philadelphia street) and is a great spot to meet up with friends or get work done. Another spot we love to stop at to caffeinate and relax is The Artists Hand Gallery and Espresso Bar. Not only do they serve up some great coffees and teas, but they also host some awesome events accompanied by an excellent local art scene.
Our favorite place for lunch and dinner is Brunzies. Brunzies has an urban feel and the food is outstanding. Their chicken salad is easily the best salad you can order in Indiana. Pair it with homemade ranch and it’s a match made in heaven. If American style foods aren’t for you there is a ton of variety on Philadelphia Street ranging from Thai to Italian. If you haven’t taken the time to find your favorite spot downtown, you’re missing out!
Affordability
The best part about living in Indiana is that you will be able to afford to have a great time because there is a large selection of affordable housing. Due to the growing IUP population, there is a never-ending list of rentals that can meet the needs of any age group. Once you get your career started and decide to fully commit (scary, I know) there are tons of beautiful homes for sale. Living in an area that is more affordable will give you the freedom to travel and spend money on the stuff you enjoy. If you want to get out of Indiana for a night, Pittsburgh is only a short drive away. You will be able to enjoy all the amenities of the city without the big city price tag.
Want to learn more about Indiana, PA? Check out the Indiana County Tourist Bureau.
