The IMU has endured many changes since its establishment as a men’s club in 1911.

Originally housed in a former Unitarian Church at the intersection of Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue, the IMU now sits at Jefferson and Madison Streets near the banks of the Iowa River — which flooded the building last summer, closing it for much of the fall 2008 semester.

The building reopened on Nov. 1, but only the first through third floors are available to students. The ground floor is still closed.

Before last year’s flood, the ground floor housed the Union Market, Union Station, Java House, University Book Store, ITC, and UI Community Credit Union.

Now, most of these areas have been relocated to the first floor, with the exception of the University Book Store, which remains in the Old Capitol Town Center.

Also located on the first floor is the Hubbard Commons, University Box Office, Bijou, Campus Information Center, Iowa House Hotel, and River Room.

The IMU offers a variety of study locations for students — Hubbard Commons has comfortable chairs and tables, the River Room offers tables with a view of the Iowa River, and several smaller spaces with couches are available throughout the building.

Students can also check out free laptops from the University Box Office, and an ITS is open on the third floor.

In the spring 2008 semester, the IMU started to remain open 24 hours each day during finals week.

The activities board sponsors many social, educational, and cultural events in the IMU throughout the year — including comedians, movies, and massage chairs.