Bard College
Reviews

It's Not the Worst, but It Could Be Better

It's a long standing tradition to make fun of Kline Commons, our main dining hall, but is it worth it? Kline can come up with some delicious dishes at times, and though it can be repetitive, there is usually at least SOMETHING you can find to eat. There is a lot of understanding for the dietary needs of vegetarians/vegans and Chartwells (the company which caters it) is trying to do their best. The pizza is strangely fantastic and so is their General Tso's and Fried chicken. There are good days and bad days. There is also Down The Road cafe which is really unhealthy but absolutely delicious with their chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, quesadillas, nachos, and pizza. Also, The Manor Cafe is a nice switch if not a bit more limiting.

Uhmm Well....

Red Hook, the town next to Bard is pretty small and is literally like two miles wide. You'll usually get bored of it within the first two weeks of coming here but it does offer some interesting stores and very courteous people. As far as the other surrounding towns around Bard the same concept applies. If you want hustle and bustle you'll have to go farther away from the campus.

Professors Who Truly Care

Bard is a beautiful place, two small towns close enough to reach by car. If you do not have a car (like me) there are shuttles that run infrequently. However, the part that I love about Bard College is the academics. The professors are 100% involved and really care about you as a student. Our classes are so small that by the end of each term, it feels like the professors have become your friends because you can talk to them so frequently.

Classes themselves are also wonderful, because I find myself wanting to take over 40 credits each year, instead of 16. Hard choices, it's just all so good!

Mathmatics

Its very rare to see an African American Mathematics major in Bard; especially adding to the fact that i am a women. Since Bard is a liberal arts school, the majority of the students here are all Literature, Art, or Dance majors. The Mathematics Program is small but very intriguing. There are a lot of required classes that we have to take and most of the faculties are wonderful.

Studio Art Major

art here is intense. A lot of nonmajors take level one classes thinking it will be a "fun" class to let off steam, and then regret it when they find themselves constantly in the studio. But the majors are all dedicated and talented, and for the most part enjoy the high workload. Professors are amazing and fairly well-known in their fields, so it's always nice to hear their critiques. They really care about teaching and building personal relationships with their students. sculpture is weaker than the other disciplines (painting, printmaking, drawing), but still good. Most majors that ive met chose bard over some great art schools or transfered from art schools, and for the most part everyones happy with their choice and the quality of the department.

A Weird, Weird Place

many girls are used to going out and being hit on just because they are semi-attractive females at parties. this is certainly not the case at bard. for the most part, women have to "advertise" themselves, as a male friend put it, to the pool of available boys. this pool is great for girls who are into the whole skinny hipster douche thing, but for those of us who have had slightly more conservative tastes, it's not satisfactory. lots of sex. not lots of love.

One of the Best Schools

I've been at Bard College for three years now and I've loved every minute of it. Classes are small and teachers are available, masters of their fields, and will immediately know you on a first name basis. The students are very open minded and will listen to any argument then counter it with their own. The only reason it's not an A+ because it doesn't have an engineering program and it's sciences are still young. However, the school has been funding science heavily and it's been one of the most rapidly growing programs in the northeast.

Nice Variety

Many options that are different and all great in their own way. There are no triples and housing is offered to all students that ask for it. A lot of the dorms are fairly new and eco-friendly, which is great.

Always Available

There are always computers available in many locations on campus. There are multiple computer labs open to students with very high quality machines. The main computer lab is open 24 hours during week days.

Great Place

Bard College offer a great educational experience for all students. All the classes are small in size and professors pay attention to every student and are always available for one on one help. I have enjoyed every class I have taken so far and all the professors are fantastic.

Super Safe

Bard is very safe. There has been no crime, nor any dangers. The only people walking around Bard all times are students, and professors. "Strangers" are not often on campus- only when visiting a friend, or if there is a performance. We have campus security who drive around campus, but are not needed for serious issues. The only thing they are in charge is of preventing the students from abusing alcohol, or being too loud.

Bard Hippies

No one cares about what you wear, what you believe in, or how you wants to represent yourself. You can walk around campus naked. You can sit and have either lunch or dinner with your professors. It is not something you can find at other colleges.

Bard College Weather

Extremely cold in the winter. You are likely freeze to death if you are underestimate winter in Upstate New York. Classes often cancel because of snow storms. My favorite weather is in the summer.

Intense. the Good Kind of Intense.

Many of Bard's professors are some of the most influential intellectuals of the past half-century, and for the stunning Hudson Valley environment, it is absolutely the right place to be to study creative writing and literature. But moreover, Bard is an elite institution because of its students. Bard students are passionate about their work and inspire one another. In the meantime, there is a lot of faculty support and, if you ask, most professors sincerely want to help you with your goals.

Printing is easy

Computers in the libraries, computer labs, etc are readily accessible. printing is almost always verry easy.

The night-life is decent for a college

I have spent time at many of the small liberal arts schools in the North Eastern United states (I have friends who I visit). Bard's nightlife is about as good as it gets at any liberal arts school. Its almost always fun

Proffessors are wonderfull and inspiring

All my professors have been great and extremely helpful. They make an effort to know their students individually. Small classes are superb.

So easy

Its a breeze. I've never had a problem. Parking lots are logically located around campus.

The Middle of Nowhere, for Better or Worse

The truth about Bard is that we are in the middle of pretty much nowhere in Upstate New York. Advantages? It is gorgeous. Breathtaking scenery is the surrounding. Disadvantages? We are in the middle of pretty much nowhere. There are two or three small towns (Tivoli, Red Hook, Rhinebeck) which the shuttle goes to, and Kingston (the shopping destination) isn't that far (although you'll need a car, or have to take the weekly shuttle).

The townies range from friendly and eccentric to gruff and disdainful. Most Bard students have gotten the occasional yell from a car packed with men in hunting jackets questioning their sexuality or telling them to "go back to California". But this is by far the worst that could happen - these towns are incredibly safe. It's much more likely that you'll strike up a strange conversation with a bored and kind old person.

So, while there might not be much to DO in these towns, there's all the things you need - gas stations, pharmacy, some surprisingly great food, movie theaters, and all the other modern conveniences. The fact of the matter is that there's plenty to do at Bard anyways, you won't really feel like you're missing out on a whole lot entertainment wise.

Okay

You can always find parking, but sometimes its only in unpaved lots

Mixer.

There are a number of scences at Bard, from academic to social. You won't find as many tree loving son-of-a-guns anywhere else, who are mostly ok people. They, generally love to have fun, party, and debate.

Oh, Bard!

Bard has given me ups and downs, twisted me sideways, and smacked me around. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. From the old falling apart dorms to the rigorous classroom discussion. Bard is where I rest my head.

International Relations

it's ok; there are many great professors and really sweet classes. but, international relations itself is not the best major to pursue at bard. there is, however a cool program you can apply for in the new york city which allows you to combine an internship and classes in IR theory.

You're Lucky If You're a Guy

There's a huge disparity between the men and women. Most people are hipsters or altogether apathetic but all in all the people are not bad.

Buy Food

Of the two dining halls on campus the main one serves the worst food. Don't expect the food at Bard to be one of its highlights.