The
Indian Student Association (ISA) at Bradley University welcomes
you!
What is the ISA?
The ISA (Indian Students Association) at the Bradley University of consists of a small band of tightly knit, ever-helping and fun-loving Indians. You will find all shades of the spectrum among us - bookworms, freaks, morons, geniuses, singles, couples…you name it! Though most of us are graduate students in technical disciplines, we also have students from other disciplines. All Indian students are encouraged to be members. The ISA is run by volunteering students - you too can be part of it!
Food
- Maggi noodles in Peoria, Illinois?Masalas, pickles, rice, dals and much more are available in Peoria. Even Maggi noodles and Parle-G are available! We have two Indian stores in Peoria. Do bring certain specific spices and mixes that are peculiar to your type of cooking if you so wish. There are also a wide variety of vegetables and vegetarian foods available. Learn to cook well so that you do not get sick of eating your own food! A recipe book or two would also be a great idea.
Information
for Indian Students
Peoria is a small nice city about 160 miles southwest of Chicago.
It is the third largest city after Chicago in Illinois (pronounced
as ili-noy). The Indian Students Association at Bradley University,
or ISA, as it is better known, represents
the Indian students at Bradley. Throughout the year, ISA organizes programs in co-ordination with
HHC (Hindu Heritage
Center) and IAP (Indian
Association of Peoria) to celebrate Indian festivals and
national days. Independence Day, Dussera, Diwali, Republic Day,
Dandia,Pongal and Holi are the major celebrations organized by
ISA. We also have a
mandir here.
Additionally, we screen Hindi movies on a regular basis at the theater of Bradley. For those of you who are interested in cultural activities, ISA provides a forum to display your talent.
How do you reach Bradley University?
By Air
Peoria city has its own domestic airport called as Greater Peoria Airport. The nearest International airport is O'Hare International Airport Chicago. Students normally come from India to this airport and from there finally come to Peoria.
By Bus
Bradley University has special arrangements with the Peoria Charter Bus company, which runs daily from Peoria to Chicago and vice-versa. Flights from India usually land at Terminal #5 of O'Hare airport.
The transportation will drop you at the Bradley University Student Center. Normally, students will inform Bradley University (which eventually informs the ISA), or directly to the ISA or any of the Indian Students here. In any case, rest assured, there will be students to pick you up from Student Center at the time of your arrival. He or she will take you to his/her house and bingo! You are in safe hands.
How do you find housing?
Don't panic, houses are adequately available near the University - but the earlier you come, the better of a chance you will end up with house which is only a few minutes walk away! Sounds interesting, huh? Living expenses in this kind of house will be around $225-325, excluding your phone bill. This range varies dramatically, depending on how much you like to talk on phone!
If you are a person who enjoys living in a multicultural environment, Bradley University offers Student Apartments all around the campus. These are full-fledged apartments for two persons, costing around $265 per person without any other expenses included.
What
clothing should you bring from India?
Winter and summer are the main seasons here so, lets talk about
that a bit.
Winter:
Sweaters - both light and heavy are absolutely essential for
winter, when the temperatures drop well below the 0°C mark. A heavy
jacket with a hood, gloves, woolen socks, ear-muffs and monkey caps
are also very useful. Thermal (woolen) undergarments are highly
recommended from India. However, it is a better idea to buy your
winter jackets here. Peoria is subject to frequent changes in
weather and expect rain at any time, so don't forget to get an
umbrella or a raincoat. A pair of good waterproof boots like the
Woodland brand would also be very useful.
Summer:
Summer is warm and very humid. It's the time to wear T-shirts,
shorts, etc. Do bring some traditional Indian garments like saris,
salwar-kameezes, kurta-pyjamas - you do get to show them off at
Indian festivals and international gatherings. Try and bring some
formal attire, too. A blazer or a suit, ties, a formal wear shirt,
a skirt suit etc. These are useful during professional meetings and
interviews.
Last but not least - unless you are fond of doing your laundry
often, get enough clothes (especially undergarments!) to last you
for at least 2-3 weeks!
