Downtown Indianapolis is easy to like in October. The canal is lined with color, the sports calendar is full and it’s finally cool enough to walk everywhere. If you’re a student comparing Indy apartments near campus, here is what fall looks like from The Avenue on West 10th Street, sorted by distance.
What is fall like in Indy apartments near campus?
Fall near campus is the season when downtown works on foot. The Avenue is at 940 West 10th Street, walking distance to the university, on the northwest edge of downtown. That puts the canal, a state park and most of the city’s big venues within reach without a car.
Whether you’re at Indiana University Indianapolis or Purdue University in Indianapolis, the off-campus part of your week looks about the same. Here’s what’s out there.
Closest: campus and the canal
Start with what’s next door. A walk across campus in October is a decent break between classes, and the Central Canal runs along its edge. The Canal Walk is a paved path beside the water, below street level, with bridges overhead and the skyline in front of you.
Go in the late afternoon. The light on the water is good, and it’s quiet enough to hear yourself think. I’d argue it’s the best free thing downtown. Take a coffee from the onsite retail at The Avenue and make it a habit.
A little farther: White River State Park
The canal leads into White River State Park, which is a big green space with museums and the zoo around its edges. You don’t have to pay for anything to enjoy it. Walk the river promenade, sit on the lawn, watch the leaves come down.
If you want an indoor plan for a rainy day, the museums here offer student pricing at times. Check each one before you go.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail connects all of this. It’s a wide bike and walking path that loops through downtown’s neighborhoods. If you ride, fall is the season for it.
Across downtown: where do you go at night?
Head to Mass Ave. Massachusetts Avenue cuts diagonally across the northeast side of downtown, and it’s where a lot of the local restaurants, theaters and shops are. It’s a good place to take visiting family or a date. Walk the length of it once before you pick a spot.
Monument Circle is the center of the city and worth a pass after dark, when the monument is lit. Later in the season it becomes the holiday light display the whole state drives in for.
Game nights: Colts and Pacers
Fall is when downtown gets loud. The Colts are in season, and the Pacers start theirs in October. On game days, the streets fill with jerseys and traffic slows.
From The Avenue you can walk to either venue. If you’re going, check for student ticket deals. If you’re not, check the schedule anyway, because game traffic affects any drive you had planned. There’s covered and uncovered parking at The Avenue, so your car can stay put while you go on foot.
What about Halloween?
Halloween is a Saturday this year, October 31. Downtown will have plenty going on. If you want something more old-school, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival on the east side has been running for decades. Check the dates, since it spans more than one day.
Or stay in. The Avenue has a social lounge and a video game station, and your kitchen has an island or peninsula with seating, which is all a small get-together needs. Ask your roommates first, and check the guest policy.
The clocks fall back that night. Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1.
How does the time change affect a downtown student?
It makes evening classes end in the dark. From November 1, the walk home after a late lecture or lab is a night walk. Living within walking distance keeps it short. Go with a classmate when you can, and stick to the routes you know.
It also means October is the month to do the outdoor things on this list. By mid-November the canal is cold and the trail is for the committed.
The indoor part of life is covered at home. There are private study areas and a computer lab with free printing for midterms, a washer and dryer in your unit, and a private bedroom and bathroom to retreat to. If you have a pet, The Avenue is pet friendly, and the canal is a great dog walk. You can see the building on the amenities page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Avenue?
The Avenue is at 940 W 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, within walking distance of the university campus downtown.
Do I need a car as a student downtown?
Not for daily life near campus. Many downtown destinations are walkable or bikeable. Covered and uncovered parking is available at The Avenue if you bring one.
Is The Avenue pet friendly?
Yes. Contact the office for the current pet policy.
Key Takeaways
- For students comparing Indy apartments, fall shows how much of downtown is walkable from 10th Street.
- The Canal Walk and White River State Park are the closest and cheapest outings.
- Mass Ave, Monument Circle and game nights fill the evenings; check schedules for traffic.
- Clocks fall back November 1, so plan outdoor time for October.
