Bard College Top Questions

No, no, kinda, no, kinda, maybe twenty years ago but no, kinda.

yes

This stereotype has some truth to it but is mostly false. Most Bard students are not hipsters. It would be incredibly challenging to stereotype Bard students accurately.

Professors around campus have noticed the significant change of attitude from the "Old Bard" (the seniors) to the new bard, this year’s freshman class. It’s developing a new reputation.

Drug culture is big at Bard. It's a fact. However, if you want to avoid it, it's totally possible to. Nobody will force you to do something you don't want to. And yes, drugs are still illegal here just as they would be anywhere else in the US. There are still hippies and flower children, just not as many as before, and they don't always appear as stereotypical hippies. Hipsters are everywhere, and almost everyone smokes. Again, though, the smoking is definitely avoidable if you so choose. Bard is very liberal with many alternative and almost radical views, but everyone has their own opinion and Bard encourages individuality. I think there might be some Republicans on campus somewhere, I just haven't met them. It's quite artsy and artistic, which is just really fun. It's also got some pretty awesome science departments and labs and professors and such. And it's got some great international programs. Most people who go to Bard, however, do want to save the environment and recycle and stuff like that.

Yes and no. We have many clove-smoking, birk-wearing hippies. Lots of people smoke pot, but at the same time, it's not difficult to avoid pot. Like any campus, it's easy to find other kinds of drugs. We don't have too much heavy stuff on campus -- mainly hallucinogens, coke, and weed. The only thing readily available without effort is weed. We have a lot of skinny-jean-type hipsters, and yeah, Bard can get a little cliquish. At the same time, I'm a fairly friendly person and have a very large network of friends. Though sometimes it's difficult to get to know another upperclassman who I've never met before, I find that people are for the most part friendly. I mean, hey -- it's a step up from New York City -- people actually smile at me when I pass them on the path. Campus life isn't going to be like NYU. I feel like students applying to Bard should already know this, but some apparently don't. Clearly, since we live in the woods, our options are fairly limited. There's only one bar in the surrounding area, no concert halls until you get to Poughkeepsie, etc. You can't rely on other people to amuse you. Many weekends, there are club or school-sponsored parties where many people go and drink and dance, but most times, I have get-togethers with twenty or so friends where we all smoke, talk, drink, dance, and play games. If you're a big clubber, Bard isn't the place for you.

When making general statements about Bard as a college, it is important to remember that for every person who comfortably fits the stereotype in question, there is at least one other who does not fit it at all. Many students have come from habitats not quite as urban as many would think and there are a good number who focus on sciences or mathematics instead of integrated arts or creative writing. When it comes to queer students, there is definitely an unprecedented shortage, and a good number of those who do choose to explore their sexuality shy away from common labels. Additionally, the campus is virtually devoid of any formidable pushes of political activism.

When you run into these people, they leave a lasting impression which can make it seem that their numbers are greater than they actually are but it would be incorrect to slap the entire student body with these generalizations.

The fact that some of us are obscenely wealthy does contribute to some students being rude and elitist in thier tastes. Bard students themselves complain about this on a daily basis. However, many Bard students are compassionate and prolific. So many of us just want to constantly explore ideas, learn and evolve.

no