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• What is the current male-to-female ratio?
• What is campus life like?
• How large is the school?
• Are there fraternities or sororities?
• Is housing guaranteed for all four years, and what are the residence halls like?
• Can I have a car on campus?
• How much a part of campus life are drugs and alcohol?
• How many and what types of student organizations exist at Bard?
• How diverse is the campus?
• What is the surrounding area like?
• What is there to do in the area?
• I have no car, how can I get off campus?
• What is the weather like in upstate New York?

Q: What is the current male-to-female ratio?

A: Our current first-year class is made up of 45% men and 55% women. The college campus is 48% men and 52% women. The faculty ratio is currently 55% men and 45% women.

Q: What is campus life like?

A: Bard has more than 80 student-run organizations and clubs that reflect the wide range of social, cultural, and political interests on campus. Student clubs at Bard are formed each semester. With a 14% international population, a curriculum that offers 11 languages, and a broad spread of ethnic diversity, Bard offers a surprisingly cosmopolitan atmosphere of cultural, social, and political activity and events. There is diversity in attitudes, interests, and lifestyle. The academic programs and the extracurricular activities of the college are strong and engaging. The college calendar is full of activities sponsored by the student body and the faculty.

Q: How large is the school?

A: Approximately 1,700 undergraduates study at the Annandale campus. Bard also has nine graduate programs, six of which are located on the Annandale campus. The park-like campus is a fusion of two historic estates and covers more than 500 acres of fields and forested land bordering the Hudson River. The Catskill Mountains, to the west, can be viewed from many student residences and from the grounds and gardens of Blithewood (the mansion that houses The Levy Economics Institute of Bard College). Walking trails crisscross the campus through wooded areas, along the Saw Kill stream, and down to the Hudson River, which borders Bard to the west.

Q: Are there fraternities or sororities?

A: No. Bard does not have a Greek system.

Q: Is housing guaranteed, and what are the residence halls like?

A: All first-year and sophomore students are guaranteed housing. The more than 40 student residences vary in architectural characteristics, social style, and size. Most of the residence halls are coed, and almost half the rooms are for single occupancy. Residence halls are equipped with extension phones, Internet access, social rooms, kitchens, and laundries. Residence directors and peer counselors help students develop programs and activities and create an environment conducive to academic engagement and safe community living. more

Q: Can I have a car on campus?

A: Yes, all students (including first-year) are allowed to bring cars. Bard encourages biking and alternative methods of travel on campus, however, as part of the College's commitment to "going green".

Q: How much a part of campus life are drugs and alcohol?

A: The use of illegal drugs and underage drinking are prohibited at Bard, and the vast majority of Bard students understand and abide by these rules. Themed housing including smoke and alcohol-free residence halls are also available on campus.

Q: How many and what types of student organizations exist at Bard?

A: Bard has more than 80 student-run organizations and clubs that reflect the wide range of social, cultural, and political interests on campus. New student clubs at Bard are formed each semester. If you are interested in a club that doesn't already exist, you will have the opportunity and support to get it started.

Q: How diverse is the campus?

A: Bard is known for bringing the world to its campus. With a 14% international population, a curriculum that offers 11 languages, and a broad spread of ethnic diversity including Hispanic/Latino, African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American/Alaskan. Bard is a campus that offers a mini-United Nations atmosphere of cultural, social, and political events. There is diversity in attitudes, interests and lifestyle here.

Q: What is the surrounding area like?

A: Bard College is in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, on the east bank of the Hudson River, about 90 miles north of New York City and 220 miles southwest of Boston. Bard's location affords an idyllic rural setting for learning and many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but is also close to a number of nearby towns and cities, including Rhinebeck, Tivoli, Kingston, Saugerties, Woodstock, Hudson and Poughkeepsie, and is less than two hours by train from New York City.

Q: What is there to do in the area?

A: The area surrounding Bard offers plentiful activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, snowboarding, white-water rafting, cycling, mountain biking, ice skating, and canoeing are all popular. Nearby towns offer restaurants, movies, and shopping. The area is also a center for spiritual life, containing churches of all denominations, temples, mosques, Zen and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and meditation centers.
       New York City also exerts an enormous influence on Bard. Students have easy access to trains into the city. In many ways, Bard represents the best of both worlds, given its proximity and access to New York City.

Q: I have no car, how will I get off campus?

A: There are Bard shuttles and local LOOP buses that run regularly to nearby towns, including Red Hook and Tivoli. During L&T, we organize trips to the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston, about 15 minutes across the Hudson River from campus. more

Q: What is the weather like in upstate New York?

A: Here in the historic Hudson Valley, we have four distinct seasons. The area receives many visitors in autumn because of the beautiful foliage. We do get snow in the winter, but it usually falls in inches, not feet. When the spring arrives, it is common to see professors holding classes outside on the lawns of our campus. And, later in the spring semester and in the first part of the fall semester, you'll be able to wear your shorts and T-shirts, as we get our share of warm weather.