Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a course cost?
The total cost includes tuition, transportation fees, room and board, and miscellaneous field station fees. IU has a tiered tuition rate distinguishing between in-state and out-of-state students. Generous scholarship support is designed to offset out-of-state tuition costs.
- Can I bring my laptop to the Field Station?
G429, G433, and X429 students are encouraged to bring their own laptops for use on their projects. A limited number of Field Station laptops are available for use for specific projects during the course. Necessary information and programs are already loaded into these computers.
- Are there ATMs available?
There are several ATMs at or near locations that students can travel to on the weekends.
- Can I use my cell phone at the Field Station?
You may bring your cell phone and use it at various locations away from the Field Station. The Field Station is located in a valley and has no cellular service.
- If cell phones do not work at the Field Station, is there a phone available to make calls?
Yes. You will need to bring a pre-paid phone card or calling card with you to make calls. There is also a designated phone for students to receive phone calls. The number is listed on the Field Station home page along with the mailing address for students to receive mail and/or packages.
- Will I have access to email at the Field Station?
Yes. One computer is designated as a student computer and is used for email purposes. This computer is shared by all students.
- If I drive my personal vehicle to the Field Station, am I free to leave on the weekends?
Absolutely not. Any personal vehicles driven to the Field Station will be parked upon arrival and will not be allowed to be driven for the duration of the course. Anyone driving to the Field Station is responsible for getting themselves from the Field Station to Rapid City, South Dakota for the beginning of the course. Public transportation is not available anywhere near the Field Station. Using a personal vehicle as transportation to get to and from the course is not recommended.
- May I have visitors while I am at the Field Station?
Yes, but all guests and the dates of their visit must be preapproved prior to the start of the course. Contact the Field Station office in Bloomington for more information regarding visitors and the preapproval process. (Phone 812-855-1475 or iugfs@indiana.edu)