International students and scholars who choose to bring their families to the US while studying at IUP may have questions about medical facilities, schools, and entertainment. Below is a list of resources available to families while in Indiana, Pennsylvania. We encourage all family members to purchase health insurance while here. Please contact our office with any additional questions you may have.
Indiana, Pennsylvania is a small town dedicated to educating its community members and children. There are numerous childcare and preschool options, many of which include ESL courses. The list below provides contact information for area child care, preschool, public school, and English as a Second Language (ESL) facilities.
Child Care
Below, you will find a listing of daycare providers in Indiana and surrounding areas. The Office of International Education recommends you visit providers to decide what is best for you and your child/children. If you are an undergraduate or master's level student, you may be eligible for the CCAMPIS program.
Area Schools
A list of ESL programs as well as preschools, elementary, and high schools in the Indiana area.
Preschools
Keys Montessori School
695 School Street, Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-5680
Zion Lutheran Preschool
100 S 6th Street Indiana, PA 15701 724-465-5770
St. Bernard Learning Center
300 Clairvaux Drive, Indiana, PA 15701 724-465-5476
Indiana County Head Start Incorporated
528 Gompers Avenue #1 Indiana, PA 15701 724-349-6200
K-12 Schools
Visit the Indiana Area School District website for information about local public schools. Visit the main administrative office to enroll your child in a school. You will need an English translation of each child's birth certificate and immunization record. Visit the Indiana Area School District enrollment page for more information.
English Programs
American Language Institute (ALI)
The American Language Institute is IUP's intensive English program. The ALI offers full-time, noncredit programs for international students and visitors.
ARIN/ESL Programs
ARIN has community outreach services to adult learners, partnerships, and local management with businesses, higher education institutions, and agencies. The English as a Second Language (ESL) course is currently offered in Indiana County.
Indiana County CareerLink
300 Indian Springs Road Indiana, PA 15701
Monday and Wednesday, continuing through the school year, 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The section below has contact information that will help you adjust to life in the United States. Listed is a variety of shopping venues, restaurants, or specialty supermarkets you may need, both local and outside of Indiana. Also, important phone numbers and other miscellaneous information you may need.
Venues in Indiana, PA
Indiana Mall
2334 Oakland Avenue
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-6110
Regency Mall
1570 Oakland Avenue
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-4442
Downtown Indiana
9 N. 9th St
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-6110
Southtown Plaza (Walmart/Staples)
3100 Oakland Avenue
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-7769
Restaurant Guide
Visit the restaurant Guide for a list of restaurants around Indiana.
Coffee Shops
View the Coffee Shops Guide for a list of coffee shops around Indiana.
Venues near Indiana, PA
Shopping Malls
Pittsburgh, PA
Greensburg, PA
Grove City Outlets
RestaurantGuide
Coffee Shops
Specialty Supermarkets
Important Numbers
In the United States and Canada, the telephone number used to call police, fire, or ambulance emergency services is 911.
IUP Office of International Education
920 Grant Street
Delaney Hall B25
Indiana, PA 15705
724-357-2295
National Poison Control Center
800-222-1222
Alice Paul House
P.O. Box 417
Indiana, PA 15701
Administration Phone: 724-349-5744
Fax: 724-349-7883
Email: info@alicepaulhouse.org
Note: The email address is not a secure, confidential way to contact the Alice Paul House. If you are a victim, please call the 24-hour hotline (724-349-4444) for assistance. If you are in a crisis situation now, call 724-349-4444. Someone can help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.
Crime Victim's Hotline: 1-800-435-7249 (For calls from outside the local calling area only, within Pennsylvania)
Children and Youth Services
350 N. 4th Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3895
Children and Youth Services protect children from the damaging effects of abuse and neglect, facilitate services within the community, empower families to provide for their children in a safe environment and enable them to reach their full potential.
Student Legal Services
Robert S. Muir, Attorney at Law
936 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-6020
Lawrence M. Lebowitz, Attorney at Law
Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.
625 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-297-4979
IUP Campus Police
University Towers
850 Maple Street
Indiana, PA 15705
724-357-2141
Food Banks
Indiana County Community Action Agency (ICCAA)
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-7440
WIC
WIC is a federally funded program that provides food, infant formula, and nutrition education for low-income families. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children, who represent the populations WIC serves. WIC is meant for low-income mothers who are pregnant and/or have children under the age of five. The government distributes the money to state agencies which, in turn, assist women and children in need.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
2750 W Pike Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-357-2900
Indiana Gazette
899 Water Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-5555
Included in the Housing section below is information concerning finding housing, insurance, getting utilities, what is a lease, finding furniture, local laundromats, and storing your items if you are in need.
On-campus and Off-campus Housing
There are many living options on and off campus. See on- and off-campus Housing Options for more information.
Renters Insurance
Many people who rent apartment units or other housing mistakenly assume that the owner's insurance policy will cover the loss of personal property after a devastating event (fire, flood, break-ins, etc.). The reality is that renters are not automatically protected–the landlord will only be reimbursed for the structure itself, not the renters' belongings. This is why renters are strongly encouraged to purchase a protective policy called renters insurance.
Renters insurance is a low-cost insurance policy that covers almost all personal property inside an apartment and liability for medical or legal expenses if a visitor is injured. A typical insurance policy may cost from $150 to $300 USD a year in premiums but covers up to $35,000 USD in property losses and $100,000 in liability claims against the renter. Insurance companies often reject applications for this type of insurance based on group housing situations or duplicate coverage from a renter's parents. College students seeking insurance for off-campus housing may find it difficult to obtain, and those in dormitory settings may be rejected out of hand because of the increased risk of horseplay and theft.
Utilities (phone, internet, electric, gas)
The costs of some utilities, such as gas and electricity, tend to fluctuate with the weather and the market price of fuel. Some regions of the country may have more properties that use gas and electricity.
Apartments may include some of the utility costs in your rent. This could save you money, especially if your landlord pays for your heat. Some apartments include all of the utilities in the monthly rent. If you own a home, you're responsible for all utilities, including trash, water, electricity, gas, cable, and internet. A condo or townhouse may have a homeowner's association that covers some of these utilities. You must still pay a separate monthly fee to the association, which in turn pays the utility bill for all of the properties in the association.
Indiana County Municipal Services
602 Kolter Dr,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-6640
Xfinity Authorized Retailer
1-844-702-8151
UGI Central Penn Gas
800-652-0550
Central Indiana Water Authority
30 E Wiley St,
Homer City, PA 15748
724-479-8005
Leases
Leases are written agreements under which a property owner allows a tenant to use the property for a specified period of time and rent. Make sure you have read your lease agreement very carefully before you sign this binding contract.
Furniture
Some apartments and homes come unfurnished. You may need to provide your own furniture. Furniture may be purchased or rented.
Speedy Furniture
3100 Oakland Avenue Suite 20
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-7778
Smith's Furniture of New Germany, Inc.
3955 W Pike Rd,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-6921
Levin Furniture Co.
1540 Oakland Ave,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-2909
Rustic Acres Furniture
1850 Oakland Ave,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-1720
Laundromats
If your house or apartment does not have a washer and dryer, you can go to a laundromat. A laundromat is a coin-operated laundry facility, often called a coin laundry. Laundromats usually feature many dryers on one or two walls and rows of washing machines in the middle of the room. This allows those without access to a home washing machine or without access to a machine large enough for certain items, the solution of having another place to do their laundry.
Laundromats usually have tables for folding clean laundry and chairs, so those using the laundromat have somewhere to sit while waiting for their clothes to be washed and dried. Some coin-operated laundries may have television sets or Internet access. Many people don't like leaving their clothes in the laundromat unattended and waiting through the washing and drying cycles. This is because items could be stolen, and the laundromat management assumes no responsibility for missing or damaged laundry. See our Laundromats Guide for a list of laundromats near you.
Self-storage Facilities
A self-storage facility is a storage space rented out to people typically on a monthly basis. Customers of self-storage facilities are treated as tenants to their chosen space, which can either be a locker, container, room, or an outdoor space. It is considered a comparatively smaller space compared to that of storage rentals comprised of whole warehouses or land property. The rented space is secured by the tenant himself using his own lock and key. However, the entire facility has the benefit of overall security as provided by the self-storage company
Renting a self-storage facility is subject to a written agreement between the facility and the tenant. This agreement needs to be signed before move-in is allowed. The facility staff explains the terms and conditions of storage, and the tenant should take the time to understand them. Potential tenants must be able to show suitable proof of identity.
Vacating a rented space would require the tenant to give notice to the facility. In cases of non-payment of rented space for a determined period of time, self-storage facilities may be allowed to conduct a storage auction or lien sales. This is always subject to the prevailing laws in the location of the facility. The non-paying tenant has until the beginning of the auction to pay and reclaim his properties.
Self Storage
1700 Philadelphia St, Indiana
724-463-3822
Indiana Self Storage Center
1749 Wilson Ave, Indiana
724-840-3687
Lug-It To Larch's Self Storage
4346 Route 286 Hwy E, Indiana
724-463-3110
There are numerous healthcare facilities located in and around Indiana, Pennsylvania. This section will include the contact information of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and clinics.
Dentists
Chestnut Hills Dental
655 Church St Ste 300,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-8380
Dr. Dennis R. Brumbaugh, DMD
1177 S. 6th Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-2036
Cavalancia Orthodontics
152 N. 5th St,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-7700
Dr. M. Frederick Dills, DDS & Dr. Scott F. Dills, DDS
880 Church St
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-7270
Allegheny Orthodontic Associates
120 N. 5th St,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-6662
Dr. James A. Connelly, DDS
2277 Warren Rd,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-8553
Dr. Joseph E. Marko Jr, DDS
450 N. 9th St,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-9115
General Medicine
Dr. Imran Bajwa, MD
850 Hospital Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-8825
Dr. Harry Fegley, MD
2125 Oakland Ave
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-8660
Dr. Sungshu Lan, MD
2255 Philadelphia St.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-1616
Dr. Jamil Ahmed, MD
2121 Shelly Dr.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-3433
Dr. Donna Hosmer, MD
835 Hospital Rd.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-357-7121
Dr. Richard Sandrowicz, MD
1265 Wayne Ave.
Suite 105
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-6742
Dr. Edward Woodle, MDO
660 Stutzman Rd.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-9000
Dr. Paul Zorch, MD
835 Hospital Rd.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-357-7121
Gynecologists
Dr. Michael Stever, RDO
1075 Indian Springs Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-9560
Ben Franklin Obgyn Inc
1265 Wayne Ave. Suite 200
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-0225
Dr. Thomas McCoy, DMD
841 Hospital Rd. Suite 2600
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-1630
Adagio Health
1097 Oak Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-2022
OB/GYN Care Center
879 Hospital Rd.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-357-8198
OB/GYN Care Center
1177 S 6th St.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-357-8198
Hospitals and Medical Clinics
Indiana Regional Medical Center
835 Hospital Rd.
Indiana, PA 15701
724-254-4314
MedExpress
2128 Oakland Ave
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-4362
Urgent Care at Chestnut Ridge
25 Colony Blvd. Ste 112
Blairsville, PA 15717
724-459-4762
Highlands Health
340 Main Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
814-534-6242
Pediatrics
Indiana Pediatric Associates
15 S 8th St. Ste 200
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-0476
Pediatric Care Center PC
1265 Wayne Ave. Suite 309
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-1310
Rose Medical Associates
15 S 8th St. Suite 201
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-8311
Dr. Neale John, MMD
935 Indian Springs Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-7590
Indiana Pediatric Associates
1177 S. 6th Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-0540
Pharmacies
Gatti Pharmacy
701 Philadelphia St
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-4200
Diamond Drugs (two locations)
670 Philadelphia St
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-4200
841 Hospital Rd Ste 1100,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-3440
Kmart
2334 Oakland Ave Ste 6,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-7654
Rite Aid Pharmacy
375 Philadelphia St,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-2243
CVS Pharmacy | Photo
2501 Warren Rd,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-5620
Walmart Pharmacy
3100 Oakland Ave
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-5759
Martin's Food Market
1570 Oakland Ave,
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-6834
Find entertainment for you and your family in Indiana and in surrounding cities. Also listed is information about airports and local hotels available in and around Indiana.
Culture and Art
IUP Campus Galleries and Museums
IUP is home to several art venues, including Kipp Gallery, Miller Gallery, and the University Museum, which display the work of faculty, students, and other international, national, and regional artists in thought-provoking exhibits throughout the year.
The Artists Hand Gallery and Espresso Bar
732 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701
724-463-8710
The Jimmy Stewart Museum
845 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-349-6112
There are also many art galleries and museums that you can visit with your family that are located in Pittsburgh, PA.
Fun, Bowling, and Cinemas
Bowling
Mohawk Lanes
1924 Oakland Avenue
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-7443
Cinemas
Carmike Cinemas
Indiana Mall
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-8800
Fun
Indiana Free Library
845 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-8841
IUP Athletics
Visit an IUP football or basketball game. Check out the website for a list of events.
Public Playgrounds
Horace Mann Playgrounds- next to Horace Mann School
205 S 5th Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Eisenhower Playground- next to Eisenhower School
1460 School Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Mack Park- Near Indiana Regional Medical Center
South SixthStreet
Indiana, PA 15701
Home of the J.S. Mack Community Center, Mack Park features an outdoor swimming pool with diving area, a 90-foot water slide, five ball parks, three tennis courts, and an enclosed picnic pavilion.
Getty Heights Park
Local Directions:Rte. 286 East into Indiana, turn right on Rustic Lodge Rd. at light, park located on left beside Rustic Lodge.
S&T Arena Playground
497 E Pike Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-2665
Outdoor Activities
Indiana Recreation Department
497 East Pike Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-3473
The Indiana Area Recreation and Parks Commission is committed to providing a wide range of recreational activities to the general population of the Indiana community. It is also our commitment to ensure equal participation for all participants regardless of skill level, race, age, gender (some programs are age and/or gender-specific), or income level. All participants are encouraged to do their best, interact socially, develop good sportsmanship, and, most important, have FUN.
S & T Bank Arena
497 East Pike Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-2665
The S&T Bank Arena, at the White Township Recreation Complex, offers a variety of community-based programs and services, including public ice skating, ice skating lessons, Learn to Play hockey lessons, and many more. Our facility houses a turf arena, full ice arena, batting cage, and meeting/party rooms. The arena is also well-equipped for a variety of indoor events. We are proud to host many organizations such as the Red Line Club, Indiana Youth Hockey Association, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the Indiana Ice Minks, Kiski Prep, Indiana Area Soccer Boosters, and the Indiana Lacrosse Club.
Pennsylvania State Parks
If you want to explore Pennsylvania's great outdoors, you've come to the right place. You can find information for planning a one-day picnic or hiking trip, a weekend getaway, or a vacation. Pennsylvania State Parks do not charge an entrance fee. Parks close to Indiana are Yellow Creek State Park, Blue Spruce State Park; see the full list on the website.
Seasonal Activities
Amusement Parks/Outdoor Adventures
Here you will find information about getting a driver's license, auto insurance, and renting or purchasing a car. Public transportation is also included.
Getting a Driver's License
The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees issuing of driver's licenses and state identification cards. Most non-immigrants and their dependents can obtain a Pennsylvania (PA) driver's license or state identification card. A state identification card is a good alternative to carrying a passport and is useful for opening bank accounts or going to bars or restaurants where alcohol is served.
Visit the Driving, Licenses, Pennsylvania Identification for more information on how to obtain a driver's license.
Automobile Insurance
Pennsylvania law requires all Pennsylvania motor vehicle owners to maintain vehicle liability insurance (financial responsibility) on a currently registered vehicle. Vehicle liability insurance covers property damage or injuries you may cause to others in a crash.
Failure to maintain liability insurance on a registered vehicle may result in a three-month suspension of your vehicle registration privilege. You can find out more information by downloading the Insurance Law Fact Sheet.
Public Transportation
Local Bus
IndiGO Bus (Indiana County Transit Authority) provides bus transportation around campus and Indiana. Use your IUP I-Card to ride the bus for free.
Greyhound
Indiana's Greyhound bus station is located just off campus. Tickets can be booked on the Greyhound website.
Fullington Trailways
(800) 942-8287 or (724) 463-0213
Fullington Trailways has service to Pittsburgh and other cities in Pennsylvania. Fullington uses the bus stop in front of Stouffer Hall.
Shuttles
Majesty Shuttle
(888) 794-3400 or (412) 462-5023.
Provide at least 48-hour notice to guarantee pickup. Only cash or credit cards are accepted. SuperShuttle may be reached at 800-BLUE-VAN (800-258-3826). Reservations may be made on the SuperShuttle website.
Taxi Red and White Taxi
(724) 463-0270
Provides rides to and from the airport.
Train
The Johnstown Amtrak Station is the closest train station to IUP. There is no regularly scheduled bus service between Johnstown and Indiana, a distance of about 24 miles. If you plan to travel to IUP by train, you should make plans for transportation from Johnstown to Indiana in advance.
Car Rentals
Most agencies will have a non-negotiable minimum age requirement of 25. Younger drivers (usually 18 to 24) will be subject to a younger driver surcharge. Even if you do meet the age requirement, some agencies will even have an upper age requirement for certain specialty vehicles. Make sure to check with the agency policies online to get clear details about the younger driver policy and your particular situation. Also, note that an international company might have different requirements for each location.
Some car rental companies have agreements with businesses to allow car rentals to younger drivers who will use the car for business purposes only. Sometimes the younger driver surcharge is even waived. If you are going on a business trip and are a younger driver, it would be best to consult your company's corporate travel manager for further details.
Purchasing a Car
Selling or buying a car in Pennsylvania requires more than just a check and a handshake. It's a process of forms and signatures that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires for subsequent titling and registration purposes.
One overlooked signature could cause you a bureaucratic migraine that takes weeks to cure. Making the effort to assure all papers and signatures are in order is time well spent.
If you're selling a car in Pennsylvania:
- Print and sign your name in the presence of a notary on the back of the title (in Section A); the buyer must do the same.
- Record the vehicle's odometer reading.
- Be sure you remove your license plates from the vehicle.
If you're buying a car in Pennsylvania:
- Before you clinch the deal, arrange to have car insurance. Make sure the seller completes Section A on the back of title.
- Print and sign your name on the title in the presence of a notary. Record the vehicle's odometer reading.
- Visit a PennDOT Vehicle Services Center to transfer the title to your name and register the vehicle. You may apply for new license plates, or make arrangements to transfer plates from another vehicle.
- If the vehicle's emission and inspection decals are not valid, you will have 10 days to pass the inspections.
Buying and selling without paperwork
In Pennsylvania, as in many states, you are required to furnish a title when registering a vehicle so make sure you get the title from the seller when you buy a car. The registration papers are not quite as necessary, although it makes the process much easier.
If you're the buyer, please use caution when someone tries selling you a vehicle without the title. This is usually a red flag that could signal the car is stolen or salvaged. It would be wise to look for another vehicle.
If you want to sell a car for which you've lost the title, refer to the Buying and Selling FAQs section for information about how to apply for a duplicate. Once you have the duplicate title in hand, you can proceed with the sale.
Buyer Beware
The excitement of buying a car can go hand-in-hand with the fear of getting fleeced. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has instituted a Lemon Law to help protect you from faulty vehicles.
But this does not mean you are completely immune from getting swindled. Before even approaching a seller, you should research the car or model you are considering. Ignorance is not bliss in a car-buying situation. The more you know, the better your chances of not getting caught in a mechanical debacle.
Car Buying Tips
- Bear in mind that an expensive vehicle does not automatically translate into a good vehicle. Some pricey makes are just as prone to maintenance breakdowns as lower-priced models.
- The best deals for new cars occur July through October, when dealerships are trying to create space for new models, and during late December when salesmen are desperately trying to reach year-end quotas.
- If you are purchasing a used car, have an independent mechanic inspect it. Mechanical flaws in today's electronics-filled engines are difficult to detect with untrained eyes, and damage to the chassis from an accident can be invisible.
- Never sign a blank financial form.
- Get all promises in writing.
- Don't give your driver's license under the guise of "for insurance purposes" to a dealership while taking a test drive. While you're wheeling around the block, the dealership could be using your license to make an unauthorized credit report.