Of all the schools I have toured and visited, Bethel seems the most like home. I feel like a fish dropped into my fishbowl. The people, professors, activities, and environment are absolutely charming.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The academic rigor will have a lot to do with which majors and/or minors your are interested in, which track you choose for generals, and how much you challenge yourself. Professors are very approachable, fun to work with, and will always help accommodate a student with needs.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I have met some lifelong friends here at Bethel. The atmosphere is inviting and so supportive, whatever the struggle. Freshman year, I had a problem with my roommate and needed to move out of my initial dorm room, to another one on campus. My resident assistant (RA) and resident director (RD) were so kind and so helpful and so caring throughout the entire process. I ended up living with a group of girls who were so beautiful on the inside and the outside!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Bethel has a 97% from scratch kitchen. They make almost everything there at the school, and even grow some of their own herbs and vegetables. Every so often, they have specialty food days, where they make food from a specific country or in a certain style (France or Cajun-style, for example). They say when you leave, you learn as much about food as if you had taken a class on cuisine. I am a person with a plethora of food allergies, and dining is always a problem for me. When I came to Bethel, I met with the head chef, and he took me on a tour of the entire kitchen, showing me places I could find things to eat, and things and food to watch out for. I was always well fed. (Vegetarian and gluten-free diets also accommodated.)
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Bethel has a number of event days throughout the year where students can attend things like skating, Minnesota baseball games, Minnesota lacrosse games, etc., for reduced or no cost. Bethel Student Activities (BSA), a student group, also organizes events on campus, such as girl's/guy's nights and Halloween festivities, and Bethel even hosts local bands at a free concert during the year.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Bethel is a very expensive school. A Bethel education is worth it. It has leading programs in both the Physics and Education departments, and excellently composed programs otherwise. Departments are well supplied. Programs expand and challenge students. The campus is clean and well-maintained.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Bethel has a large rock/boulder in the middle of the Kresge Courtyard which students spray paint about once every month in different colors. Most memorable for me was when it was painted like the head of a teenage mutant ninja turtle...
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students who are looking for a school with a thriving faith community. Students at Bethel are serious about God, without stuffing faith down the new-comer's throat. Chapel is optional, so those who go are interested and engaged. Bible studies and community outreach programs are numerous and easy to join. Students are encouraged to take their faith into their own hands, and one of the ways this is accomplished is by not hosting church services on Sundays, but rather providing shuttles to transport students to local churches, further getting them involved in the community.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are no fraternities or sororities associated with Bethel.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Bethel puts an emphasis on safety. Bethel is a pretty closed campus. After about 7:00pm, all gates are closed to the outside except the main entrance, which is blocked by a sort of guard house. All entering cars must prove that they are Bethel students or employees, or must be called in by a student to gain entry. All students are encouraged to have the phone number of campus security. If a student feels unsafe walking between two points on campus, campus security will escort anyone who calls. Weather warnings and campus alerts are sent by email, and can be sent to a student's mobile phone.
Of all the schools I have toured and visited, Bethel seems the most like home. I feel like a fish dropped into my fishbowl. The people, professors, activities, and environment are absolutely charming.
The academic rigor will have a lot to do with which majors and/or minors your are interested in, which track you choose for generals, and how much you challenge yourself. Professors are very approachable, fun to work with, and will always help accommodate a student with needs.
I have met some lifelong friends here at Bethel. The atmosphere is inviting and so supportive, whatever the struggle. Freshman year, I had a problem with my roommate and needed to move out of my initial dorm room, to another one on campus. My resident assistant (RA) and resident director (RD) were so kind and so helpful and so caring throughout the entire process. I ended up living with a group of girls who were so beautiful on the inside and the outside!
Bethel has a 97% from scratch kitchen. They make almost everything there at the school, and even grow some of their own herbs and vegetables. Every so often, they have specialty food days, where they make food from a specific country or in a certain style (France or Cajun-style, for example). They say when you leave, you learn as much about food as if you had taken a class on cuisine. I am a person with a plethora of food allergies, and dining is always a problem for me. When I came to Bethel, I met with the head chef, and he took me on a tour of the entire kitchen, showing me places I could find things to eat, and things and food to watch out for. I was always well fed. (Vegetarian and gluten-free diets also accommodated.)
Bethel has a number of event days throughout the year where students can attend things like skating, Minnesota baseball games, Minnesota lacrosse games, etc., for reduced or no cost. Bethel Student Activities (BSA), a student group, also organizes events on campus, such as girl's/guy's nights and Halloween festivities, and Bethel even hosts local bands at a free concert during the year.
Bethel is a very expensive school. A Bethel education is worth it. It has leading programs in both the Physics and Education departments, and excellently composed programs otherwise. Departments are well supplied. Programs expand and challenge students. The campus is clean and well-maintained.
Bethel has a large rock/boulder in the middle of the Kresge Courtyard which students spray paint about once every month in different colors. Most memorable for me was when it was painted like the head of a teenage mutant ninja turtle...
Students who are looking for a school with a thriving faith community. Students at Bethel are serious about God, without stuffing faith down the new-comer's throat. Chapel is optional, so those who go are interested and engaged. Bible studies and community outreach programs are numerous and easy to join. Students are encouraged to take their faith into their own hands, and one of the ways this is accomplished is by not hosting church services on Sundays, but rather providing shuttles to transport students to local churches, further getting them involved in the community.
There are no fraternities or sororities associated with Bethel.
Bethel puts an emphasis on safety. Bethel is a pretty closed campus. After about 7:00pm, all gates are closed to the outside except the main entrance, which is blocked by a sort of guard house. All entering cars must prove that they are Bethel students or employees, or must be called in by a student to gain entry. All students are encouraged to have the phone number of campus security. If a student feels unsafe walking between two points on campus, campus security will escort anyone who calls. Weather warnings and campus alerts are sent by email, and can be sent to a student's mobile phone.