Bentley University
Waltham, MA, USA

Reviews

Bentley University

Christopher from Attleboro, MA

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bentley University is centered on educating prospective business majors with a good variety of courses that prepare students for the business world. They also offer a liberal arts major known as the LSM for students who either stray away from business or want to to add even more diversity to their resume with a double major. The majority of students have a reputation for being laid back outside the classroom but very career driven and focused within it.
Tips for prospective students
-The first tip is a given for any college student but make sure you take your academics extremely seriously. College is an awesome experience but be sure to manage your time wisely to eventually take pride in handing an employer your resume. No matter what anyone tells you, your GPA is the most important item on your resume.
-Get involved with the variety of clubs and intramurals on campus as it is a great way to have a diverse group of friends.
-Bentley is a relatively small school with small class sizes so do not miss class unless you have too as most professors take attendance seriously.
-Professors are there to help you. If you have a concern or question, let them know.
-As a freshman, your Resident Advisor is not your enemy but someone who you should go to for advice on classes to take and how to get adjusted to college life.
-Bentley, like most schools, is an exciting place on the weekends. Make sure you make smart decisions and be safe.
Academic Rigor
Bentley is known for educating freshman on the applications of accountancy and finance early on with the mandatory GB112 and GB212 classes. These are challenging classes but putting the time and effort in will be very rewarding. The general education requirements include basic math, science, history, writing, and other courses that will remind many of high school. However, make sure you take every class seriously as you do not want your GPA punished as a result of laziness. Once a student decides their major the courses are known to get much harder as many will be reminded to get their GPA as high as possible freshman and sophomore year. But like every other class, if you work hard you will be rewarded. Professors are also very important when it comes to your academic experience, so be sure to do your research and pick one's that are known as helpful and resourceful.
Dorm Life
Freshman year all students either live in Trees, Slade, or Miller which can be seen as the standard freshman year dorms but were quite large and nice compared to my friends at other schools. Following freshman year, the dorms can very nice as lower campus is home to Fenway, Orchard, and Copley dorms that were built only about ten years ago. I currently live in a Fenway 6-person Suite and it is amazing in terms of space, cleanliness, and closeness to facilities. The dorms on upper campus such as Forest, Kresge, Collins, Boylston, Rhodes, and Falcone are very similar to those on lower but offer a shorter walk to class. You will find a much tighter relationship to floor mates freshman year due to the communal bathrooms and that is where most people meet their close friends. Laundry units are located on the first floor of most of the buildings and all the buildings are cleaned regularly by the maintenance staff.
Food and Dining
The main dining hall on campus is Season's and it is known to get old after a couple weeks for upperclassmen like myself. They offer a variety of options in terms of sandwiches, pizza, and a salad bar. But after a while you get tired of the same thing. However, Bentley offers discretionary options that are included in your meal plan. All freshman must take the unlimited swipe plan which gives them about $350 in discretionary. This can be used at places such as Currito (basically Chipotle or Qdoba), Yella's (fresh sandwiches and pizza), and Einsteins (fresh baked bagels, coffee, and breakfast/lunch sandwiches). All of the discretionary options are much preferred over seasons for students but make sure you allocate your allowance wisely!
What to do for fun
During the week, Bentley offers a variety of intramurals and clubs that keep the students active. I suggest forming a team on your freshman dorm floor or joining something with a friend. The fitness center is also always open very early and closes around midnight which allows students plenty of opportunity to work out. On weekends, campus is usually up and about with music and students everywhere. Fraternities also have parties off campus which are a must for any freshman. Fraternity and Sorority life have been growing gradually over the past few years and offer another fun opportunity for students.
Bang for the buck
Bentley gives very generous financial aid and one can simply go to one career fair to see that job opportunities are quite abundant for students. If you plan to put in a lot of hard work and make the most of your education, you will be rewarded in the end. I am currently at my 2nd internship and just going into my junior year. Our career services is one of the best in the country, hands down. They work their butts off to ensure the best career opportunities for Bentley students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
People will usually hang out on the G-space on nice days, which is the big grassy field next to the bookstore.
Great for these types of students
Students looking for a school where the learning environment is friendly for those looking for small classes and a medium sized student population. Any student who takes their academics seriously will thrive here. Most students are in good shape as the campus is on a hill and are generally outgoing and down to earth. Also make sure you want to major in business as that is how you will truly make you education worth every cent.
Clubs and Activities
There are a variety of clubs and activities as almost all students participate in at least one intramural or club. Intramurals offer everything from flag football to basketball to ultimate frisbee. There is also a great amount of clubs for every kind of person from the very popular Bentley Investment Group to Club Roller Hockey.
Greek Life
Being in Greek Life myself, I have to say joining a fraternity was a great way to meet even more people than I already knew. It also puts you in touch with upperclassmen who can provide valuable insight and networking. I also stayed close friends with those who are not in Greek Life and honestly would recommend it to anyone looking for a even more diverse college experience.
Campus Safety
Located in Waltham, Bentley Police are real police officers, not just guys in polo's with a badge as seen at other schools. They make their presence felt as there is usually a cruiser located at various spots on campus to make the students feel safe. I have walked around campus at various times during the week and have never felt threatened in the slightest bit.

Jessica from Monroe, CT

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There is a large range of business classes offered at Bentley. The school makes sure that you get a taste for each sector of business through their required general business courses. They also have a range of general education courses but if you come to Bentley, you definitely need to be interested in business.
Am enjoying being here
Bentley has such an amazing atmosphere and it really feels like a home. The people are great and there is always something fun to do on the weekend. Bentley also provides a shuttle to Harvard Square which is always a good time.
Bang for the buck
Bentley can be very pricey but it has some of the best facilities that money can buy. They have an amazing trading room which is one of its trademarks. It also has some of the best classrooms and dorms that I've seen at any college.
Tips for prospective students
I would be sure to make a trip to campus if you're thinking of coming to Bentley. It is beautiful, but on the smaller side so you want to make sure it's right for you. Also try to talk to some of the students to get their perspective on the college.
Great for these types of students
Bentley is a great college for students who are looking for a home away from home. It has a large community feel, though if you're looking for a school big on its athletics I would look somewhere else. Regardless though, Bentley is an amazing college for students interested in business.

Edimil from Haverhill, MA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers are incredibly helpful and I am learning so much in this school. There are also a lot of help throughout the campus in different labs and workshops.
Bang for the buck
The tuition is a bit pricy but I think it's worth it. Plus the school offers a lot of financial help for those who need it.
Tips for prospective students
Tour the campus beforehand to get a feel for the school. Definitely eat in the cafeteria to see how you like the food. I would also talk to students who attend the school and ask them questions you would want answered. If you do go here, ask for help if you need it. There are many resources on campus (including internship opportunities).
Great for these types of students
This school is good for people who have an interest in Business and are up for a challenge. The work load can be heavy but it's worth it in the long run.

Matthew from Derry, NH

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bentley is a fantastic school that offers so many different opportunities if you know how to utilize them. Having only 4000 undergraduate students from all over the world you really get to meet all different kinds of people which is great for networking, one thing that Bentley really tries to strive for. One final note is the campus looks absolutely beautiful; the grounds maintenance and gardeners spend a long time making the school clean and appealing and it truly comes off as gorgeous.
Tips for prospective students
There are two tips I have to prospective students: firstly, you definitely need to have some type of clue that business is for you. Bentley is a business school and it obviously puts the majority of its emphasis on that. Now while they do have some liberal arts and are really incorporating liberal arts into the business curriculum it is still heavily influenced by business. My second tip is that you should find out every detail you can about all the career services and community service projects Bentley offers. They put so much effort into finding people jobs and internships that really at any point in school, even freshmen, anyone can get either a job or internship.
Academic Rigor
Because Bentley is such a highly regarded school for business, one of the best in the world, it therefore has a high standard to live up to. If you apply yourself to the work then not only will you have a great experience but you will make connections with both the professors and other students. One other note is that almost every class, either business or liberal art oriented, has group projects. This is to get students to understand what the real world is like and how you have to rely on other people sometimes to accomplish certain goals. Sometimes this can have a negative effect on a grade but it is useful in understanding how companies operate. If grades and GPA are your sole concern then this is definitely something to consider.
Dorm Life
Dorms are actually pretty good as they offer fairly large size dorms and each room comes with central air units that have both air conditioning and heating. In my experience the RA's are all great too. they really go all out in trying to get to know all the residents and plan some type of fun event every month that residents attend. Usually they are either movie parties or dances and they oftentimes incorporate other floors so you meet not only your own floor but a lot of the other students in your building. As you progress through school the housing only gets better. Freshman year is a typical dorm style but once you are a Sophomore you move into suite style living with a common room and your own bathrooms. As Juniors and Seniors students can get into on-campus apartments that have just about everything one would expect from an apartment.
Food and Dining
The main dining facility on campus is call Seasons and is right in the middle of campus. Unfortunately the food there is not that great. Many people try to avoid eating there when they can. The other eateries on campus though are much better which is why this is rated 3 stars. The Lower Cafe is the best place to get food on campus because everything is made right in front of you and is fresh, however you do have to pay for it. Another place that is pretty good is Yella's which is a sub shop on campus that people go to at night. They have everything from subs to pizza to chicken fingers and nachos.
What to do for fun
One service that Bentley offers is a free shuttle that takes students, and there guests, into Harvard Square. People use this to go to the Hockey games, its the only sport Bentley is Div 1 in, and to shop and hangout. Typically this is really popular on the weekends.
Bang for the buck
Aside from the Career Services that Bentley offers another great program Bentley has is Service Learning. Service Learning is a program that people can either sign up on there own or through a class and perform community service. People who sign up for service learning on there own can actually get paid doing some of the work and many companies view the program as highly favorable. Those students who sign up for service learning through a class can oftentimes receive an extra class credit making classes 4 credits instead of 3. A second feature Bentley has that is amazing is that they offer free language lessons. Bentley does not require students to take a language but they do offer classes that students can sign up for in there spare time and learn the language. What makes this even better is that Bentley also offers free Rosetta Stone software on students laptops. Even if you can't find time to go up to the language lab you can study many languages in your own dorm room.
Clubs and Activities
There are many different types of groups that almost anyone can find anything they want. However, there are a number of students that don't take advantage of the clubs and activities that they don't foresee as being useful. By that I mean that students will typically take the finance group and take about the stock market then sign up for bike riding club.
Greek Life
Greek life is not a prominent part of campus life. It makes up about 17%-18% of students and they don't hold many events or anything like that.
Campus Safety
Safety is a very important element to Bentley. Being a smaller school there are not a high level of incidents and the ones that do occur usually are simple things such as student parking. The Police officers on campus are all State Trooper certified and do many events to bring awareness to safety, such as CPR classes and Self-Defense classes. They also have an escort service where anyone can call the Police Department and have an officer pick them up and drive them anywhere on campus.

Lauren from West Hartford, CT

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bentley is a great place to study and interact with other equally serious students. The campus is awesome AND safe AND close to Boston. I have enjoyed great classes, fun activities and awesome athletic opportunities!
Tips for prospective students
Visit in the winter to get a feel for the snow and cold!

Go to accepted student day!

Make an appointment to speak to your financial advisor.
Academic Rigor
Great selection of classes.

Get a spattering of all business aspects first 2 years in order to truly make your career decision.
Dorm Life
Air conditioned rooms
Football team moves freshmen into their rooms!!!!
Suite living as a sophomore
Food and Dining
Only 1 dining hall
What to do for fun
Take the shuttle to Cambridge then take the t- to Boston

Great intermurals

Lots of clubs to get involved in
Bang for the buck
Bentley's stellar reputation in the business world is worth its weight in gold!!!
Great for these types of students
Serious business career minded students

Students that want great internmship possibilities
Clubs and Activities
Everything and anything you can desire
Greek Life
Available..although I did not explore
Campus Safety
During the recent Boston Marathon chaos..we were very well protected and kept in our rooms and walked to meals!!!! My mom was very relieved to hear this!

Shane from Taunton, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Excellent business connections. Classes that make you challenge yourself where you will learn material relevant to you in life. A place to make friends and have a good time.
Tips for prospective students
Study hard throughout the semester rather than cramming for finals. Pace yourself.
Academic Rigor
The classes are tough but feasible. Mostly a business school. Freshman and sophmore year you'll take general business courses and your prerequisites and juniors/seniors take classes for their majors. Alot of opportunities for internships!!!
Dorm Life
Freshmen have it rough but that is anywhere you go. Upperclassmen housing is awesome. No cars for freshmen but there is the shuttle and the T.
Food and Dining
Well the dining hall is below average and you have to get creative. There are places for you to spend discretionary money on like a burrito place, Einsteins which is bagels, and a sandwich place too and a sub place. Falcon Market has lots of snacks.
What to do for fun
Party! Upperclassmen dorms have great parties, frat's and sports teams mostly but there are people who just throw them to throw them! Halloween is crazy, and after the Red Sox won the world series it was unbelievable. You can go to Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots games for reduced ticket prices. There are shuttle buses that take you to Harvard Square and you can take the T from there to get anywhere in Boston! Party, Sports games, Bars/Clubs, Sightsee, and shop! Boston area offers it all!

Alexander from Wellfleet, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
1. Bentley's professors are accessible and professional.
2. The number of opportunities to join pertinent business clubs is outstanding, as is the number of networking opportunities.
3. As a member of Kappa Sigma, Greek life is highly respected on campus and this fraternity of brothers offers immeasurable opportunities for volunteerism, networking and personal growth.
Tips for prospective students
Although Bentley is focused on business or accounting majors, there is an extraordinary core curriculum of options which makes the education there broad based and comprehensive. Visit the campus which is exceptional and only 20 minutes from Boston.
Academic Rigor
I am a member of the Honor Society at Bentley and you must maintain a 3.3 GPA to enable attendance in a rigorous academic program of classes. I highly recommend inquiring about this if you want the most rigourous coursework available.
Dorm Life
Right now as a Sophomore, I still have to reside in the dorms which have no kitchen. I hope to switch over to those dorms as a Junior as I am a chef ( at my family restaurant in the summers) and I want to be able to cook. Otherwise, dorm life is comfortable and reasonable and I feel totally safe at Bentley.
Food and Dining
There is a cafeteria and other options on campus. However, since I am an Italian chef, it's difficult for me to find options that are satisfying and healthy. My roommates, however, like the Seasons Dining Hall and you can get fresh fruit there all day long.
What to do for fun
Boston is incredibly close, so I go there on the shuttle bus once a week to see concerts, go to the Prudential or out to dinner. On campus, there are events at my Fraternity, Kappa Sigma every week and opportunities to network often.
Bang for the buck
This is an amazing school. The coursework and choices are vast and the classes are generally small. Most professors I've had are incredibly accessible and actually care what's happening with us on a one to one basis. The reputation od this school is getting better and better and I have absolutely no regrets with my choice and in was accepted to Columbia, NYU and Wharton.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a May Day celebration where you go around from dorm to dorm and share food and drink- it's incredible fun and I did it as a freshman last year for the first time and it was fantastic!
Great for these types of students
1. Business focused
2. Organized
3. Like small classes
4. Lots of one on one interaction
5. Want to be part of Greek life
6. Interested in volunteering
7. Like to socialize at networking events
8. Outgoing, lots of expectation inclasses to contribute
Clubs and Activities
Bentley has an incredible array of clubs to choose from and there are events for signing up to most clubs on campus. I'm a member of the Marketing Club, Honor Society and Bentley Finance Club.
Greek Life
Yes- is is an important part of life at Bentley. I am an initiated member of Kappa Sigma and it's given me a chance to connect at a very deep level with a relatively small group of guys with whom you develop a bond for life. We have a social almost every week with the sororities and it's a great way to meet girls!
Campus Safety
Bentley has it's own Bentley Campus Police. So, any issues are handled right on campus and I've had no issues- other than parking my car in the wrong place once( and I got a ticket for $25). But, as far as safety, they are patrolling 24/7 and it's a really safe Campus.

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bentley is a very diverse and well rounded school with all like minded students and teachers. If you wish to be a high class business man/woman, Bentley is the best school for that. Bentley will take care of you if you need the help, they are trying to become the next Harvard business school so are trying to get the top quality students to come and stay.
Tips for prospective students
If you are wanting to be an investment banker, financial manager, accountant, etc. Bentley is the perfect school for you. Make sure you go to an interview with a counselor because they can write a fantastic report for you that may make or break your chances.
Academic Rigor
The core classes are some of the most difficult classes I have ever taken, and I was in almost all the possible AP courses at my high school. The non-core classes make up for the difficulty by being easier and giving you more time for the core classes.
Dorm Life
Bentley is ranked one of the top schools for Dorm rooms for good reason. Your freshman year you will have a room that is just a bit better than the average dorm room, but the rooms jump in quality once you have a years worth of credits. You will have a room easily the size of a two bedroom apartment your sophomore year and it will slowly increase in quality.
Food and Dining
The main cafeteria at Bentley is notorious for students to get sick of fast, but Bentley has a wide range of other options around campus besides the cafeteria which are of high quality even compared to college food such as Harvards.
What to do for fun
At Bentley almost 90% of all students participate in some sort of sport. If you don't like sports there is a wide range of the stereotypical college clubs such as student government as well as investment clubs and business oriented clubs. For the weekend, there is always a party going on someone on campus or off campus within walking distance. There is also a street within walking distance that has clubs/bars and shopping.
Bang for the buck
Bentley is very expensive, but you are truely getting what you pay for.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have a rock on campus that everyone spray paints depending on what time of year it is.
Great for these types of students
Those are sure they want to be in business, finance or accounting.
Clubs and Activities
They are always full of people, I don't know a single person who isn't in a club or sport.
Greek Life
I am in a fraternity and love it, all greek life is off campus but all the houses are close enough to walk too.
Campus Safety
We have our own police department on campus which patrols the grounds 24/7. Also if your walking around late at night there are many emergency poles that will call the cops to your location.

Chanel from Baton Rouge, LA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A private business school that is one of the best kept secrets of all universities. Although business is the main focus, there are an enormous amount of majors and minors offered. Any degree from Bentley University will set you on the path to success.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to work hard your freshman year. It is a tough general curriculum that can make or break your next 3 years at Bentley. Do not be discouraged by GB 112 and 212; everyone has to take those classes. Do well now and you will reap the benefits as you become an upperclassmen.
Academic Rigor
I do not completely agree with the grading scale at Bentley. I cannot disagree that every class you take, you earn the grade you receive but the scale only allows the professor to record a 4, 3.7, 3.3, 3, 2.7, 2.3, 2, 1.7, 1.3, or 1 on your transcript, nothing in between. Therefore it is difficult to bargain with teachers about final grades as you could in high school.
Dorm Life
Freshman do not get much of a say in their housing. Overall the ranking system is fair rising seniors go first then juniors and sophomores. Within the grades they give you a time to pick housing based on how many credits you have either as a single person or averaged throughout your group you would like to live with. Facilities are always cleaning no matter where you live but they do not go into your rooms just the public areas of the dorm buildings. I would say they can be overpriced because of needing meal plans or vice versa. They have been overbooking accepted students and dorm space recently which has caused some unhappiness.
Food and Dining
If you can, I would avoid the cafeteria that allows you to swipe; seasons. The food has little variety and has been the root of some sickness throughout the campus. All of the other dining places such as LaCava, Einsteins, and Yellas are exceptionally fulfilling.
What to do for fun
The Student Government Associaion and other clubs have things going on every weekend in the student center as well as parties on campus in upperclassmen dorms. As long as you have a group of friends you will always find something to do on weekends. Getting into the city of Boston is extremely easy since there is a shuttle every 30 minutes into Harvard square right near the red line subway( T) stop.
Bang for the buck
Although Bentley is not well known to the general public, the business world is a great fan of the university. You are not only paying for an education, you are also paying for networking and opportunities for great programs and privileges that most other universities do not have.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I'm not sure if other schools do a large bingo night people fight to get boards in order to win trips to the Bahamas, flat screen TVs, iPod accessories, ect. We also have two multicultural based dorm buildings that try to welcome the many foreign students we have as transfers, studying abroad or accepted students; Miller and Orchard North.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for a student that knows how to work hard during the week but play hard during the weekends. It gives you a great balance of school and work. For athletes I would not say the same while in season. During that time all you can think about is your sport then school but no time for hanging out. Once season is over, the first sentence can apply to you.
Clubs and Activities
I do not know where to begin with clubs. We have over 130, all student run, and for different topics. We have an audit club that audits the other student clubs, SGA of course, we have a speech and debate club, a Black United Body, Fashion club, and many more. Each club host activities large or small and fundraisers for charities. The best activity I've attended was Spring Day hosted by SGA,SAC,and CAB. It is right before spring finals every year. We have activities and food on a Saturday morning following an afternoon concert.
Greek Life
There are more fraternities than sororities at Bentley University, but it is actually a small portion of the school. They host many activities for the different charities they support and during the spring there is a competitive week of head to head games called Greek Week. Even though it is a small portion, once you have joined you are automatically recognized within the Greek community everyday just walking around campus.
Campus Safety
There was the scandal about the stabbing of a male student and a male student charge with assault that did not take place on campus, but these were extreme cases. Campus police are always driving or walking around. We have emergency poles in different locations of the campus. We are located in a suburban upperclass area of Waltham, MA wih a fire house down the road from the campus. All campus police are also Waltham city police therefore they have been trained wih the necessary guides for any circumstances.

Emily

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Bentley offers some of the best business professors out there and many have worked in a high-level positions for companies and the government and have a lot to share from those experiences.
Am enjoying being here
I have met my best friends here and the college scene is great. There is the perfect balance between getting an amazing education and having the best time of your life.
Bang for the buck
The college is very expensive, but financial aid tries to help everyone who wants to come. Some people get full ride scholarships here so make sure you submit everything they want to offer you financial aid.
Tips for prospective students
Tour the campus if you can't because you'll fall in love with it the minute you step on campus, even if it's raining. Apply for financial aid and call and make sure you submitted all of the documents because you don't want to miss out on any financing opportunities.
Great for these types of students
Students who are really interested in business because you will be pushed in that direction the whole time you're here. There are tons of liberal studies major opportunities, too though, in case you are looking for something different than business.