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Bemidji State University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Bemidji State University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Bemidji State University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Bemidji State University reviews, or contribute your own Bemidji State University review if you're a current student there.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Ashley from Alexandria, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Bemidji State has many classes to choose. The chances that you were learning something in each one is very high. In each and every class I took last semester I learned something from a little astronomy to how to write an argumentative paper. Some classes are harder than others but that's expected. You just have to change your mind frame and go into each class telling yourself you are going to listen and go to class so you can learn something. After all you are paying for an education, not to party.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is beautiful in summer and winter. You can even park on the lake while it's iced over. The people are great and the teachers are friendly and helpful. I have made many friends through classes and living in the dorms. The only downfall is the cold weather, but there are tunnels all along campus so we don't have to walk outside in the bitter cold.
    Bang for the buck

    Tuition to attend Bemidji State is actually quite reasonable. The college is good about helping with financial aid and will do as much as they can to help you with your own needs. The education you will receive in the end is worth whatever amount you have to pay. Going to college makes your diploma worth more, therefore you can earn more in whatever career you decide to pursue.
    Tips for prospective students

    When picking out a college make sure it's the right one for you. When I came to Bemidji I automatically knew I was coming here. Also, check in with the Admissions office or Career Services to make sure the college offers the major you are intending to do. Another thing, when picking out classes don't just look for ones you know you do well in. Try to pick a few that you think would be interesting and open up your mind to a different view or way of thinking. You might find out you really like something else.
    Great for these types of students

    Bemidji State University is a great place for students that want to get a life long education. This campus offers so many majors and there are many teachers that are willing to help you figure out a plan that you can handle. It is great for those who love the outdoors during any season. You can canoe or go swimming on the lake in the summer, ice fish during the winter, and play all types of sports whether its for the school, for an intramural team, or just for fun.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Laura from Becker, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In each of my classes I picked for fall semester there was a different tone of learning in the class. My math class really went for understanding and clarity, we moved slowly and the prof was incredibly helpful in making herself available for any questions we had. I'd have to say this really is the atmosphere of most classrooms at BSU, the teachers are considerate and will help you if you ask for it.
    Am enjoying being here

    I LOVE Bemidji State. I've met the coolest people through classes and playing intramurals. I'd say about 90% of the campus population is from Minnesota which makes it easy to find friends from the same area as you.
    Bang for the buck

    One of the reasons I was so attracted to Bemidji State when I was looking at schools was the fact that for a state university they offer all the qualities of big state schools in this neat little package that is Bemidji. Sometimes I do feel like I'm at a private college because the campus is so small and interconnected.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking at Bemidji State make sure before you commit that the small school atmosphere is what you want. Some students complain about not having stuff to do and they are always bored, but if you are willing to make friends with new people and find stuff to do then what you get out of your experience relies on what you put in.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that like to be active outdoors and in extracurriculars will fit right in at BSU because there is always a group going somewhere or doing something.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Kayetoinette from Bemidji, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Im a second year freshman and the professors are nice and help the students that have questions. Some professors are confusing and drag on about 1 thing but studying with friends is helpful. friendly environment
    Am enjoying being here

    Love the on campus activities many are free for students. Mens hockey games are amazing. Town of Bemidji is awesome not to big and not to small quite a few things to do (legally) around town, movies, paintball, hunting, go carts 15 mins away, fishing, boating, swimming, snowboardng, etc. love the town
    Bang for the buck

    Im from Idaho and 1 major thing I chose BSU for was NO out of state tuition. City is really pretty and people are nice once you get to know them. cheaper than most U of MN colleges. Worth every penny.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved with on campus activities to meet new people if not from this area. try not to procrastinate. bringing a vehicle is a plus if you would like to go off campus for some activiites with friends.
    Great for these types of students

    any kind that likes outdoors, sports (hockey), cold weather, lots of snow, town size of about 12,000-15000 ppl. wants to get away from home for a small cost ($16,000) approx. 4 hrs drive from twin cities. 2.5 hr drive from duluth 2.5 hr drive from grand forks. 2hr drive from canadian boarder.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Sarah from Bemidji, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Several programs are being cut due to the new budget, BSU has some great programs such as in Nursing, Social Work, and Business to name a few. Every teacher I had has met my expectations thus far.
    Am enjoying being here

    Bemidji State University has a lot of offer! There are various activities that anyone can partake in due to its location. BSU is on a lake and after class swimming, canoeing, and fishing are great stress relievers. A public park runs across part of the campus allowing for great leisure time, picnics, and a nature filled environment for one to kick back and study peacefully in. BSU provides on campus events such as swing dance, plays, has a great recreational center, and dorm to dorm activities. The scenery is beautiful, and anyone who loves the outdoors will find a home here at BSU.
    Bang for the buck

    BSU is affordable, it tuition isn't that high, and most of my teachers choose textbooks based on quality and do take in the price range while selecting it for the class. BSU parking can be a pain especially during the winter months, but with a parking pass its alot better.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Laura from Bemidji, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There is so much useful information to be obtained through every class. The professors do their best to make sure students here are successful but there are some who go on and on about one subject that isn't exactly useful, so study groups and reading your text book can both be very helpful. The advisors here are also excellent. If you have questions on what classes you should be taking, or others relating to school, talk to your advisor and they always help. There is also a financial aid center, where you can ask questions about your tuition, loans, and more.
    Am enjoying being here

    Bemidji State is a great school with many opportunities. There are so many options when choosing your classes, so you have the opportunity to try out new things and get a broad perspective of the world, as well as knowledge about your major. There are also many activities that are school related that you can attend as well, such as events for charity, clubs, and much more so that you may enjoy your time here.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition for this college is so reasonable for all the majors and other classes offered. There is a broad range of classes to choose from including industrial tech, science, math, art, music, business, criminal justice, medical, and so many more that can be found by accessing the school website, and clicking on the link Majors and More under the Academics link at the bottom of the page. There are also many scholarships, or school loans that are available to those eligible students, in order to help pay for college.
    Tips for prospective students

    One thing I have learned so far is that attendance, whether required or not, is key to doing well in your classes. The professors test a good amount on material that was discussed in class, rather than information straight from your text book, so pay attention! Something useful for saving money, is don't get your textbooks right away. Yes, you will need them for most introductory classes, but once you get further into your major, you don't spend a lot of time with the books and some professors might even tell you that they don't require you to have them. Most professors don't use them the first week, so you will have time to get them after you find out if it will be necessary. Also, if you have a close friend in a class, consider sharing a text book.
    Great for these types of students

    Once you are familiar with the area, you will notice that there are also many things you can do outside of school to have fun. There is a ski or snowboarding area north of town called Buena Vista, the campus is right on Lake Bemidji which is a great lake for fishing, there is a lot of public land for hunting if you are interested, and snowmobile trails for those who are interested in outdoor activities. There is also a new movie theater and a new event center here in town where hockey games are held as well as other events, such as concerts and more. On campus jobs are available here as well if you are interested.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Zach from Wauwatosa, WI

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    I learned a fair amount from my classes, there are always going to be classes that you don't really learn much in, and others where its hard to keep up, but overall it was a fairly informative school. Some professors were always willing to go the extra mile, but a few seemed uninterested and it was clear they were only in it to make a living
    Did enjoy being here

    The overall atmosphere was pretty nice, the winters are absolutely breathtaking. It is definitely a school for out doors people. The community is pretty friendly and it is a nice town. There isn't a whole lot to do other than out doors activities however.
    Bang for the buck

    Seeing as its a fairly cheep school, its definitely worth the money. The meal plans offered also are pretty cheep for how well fed they will keep you. The dorms are nice, and the facilities are all very well maintained
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you like hunting, fishing, or hockey because it is a very out doors oriented school. If you are a freshman, join the FYRE program and it will help you meet a lot of cool people pretty quickly.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for people who like cold, because it gets very very cold, and for the type of people who like to hunt and fish. It is on a big beautiful lake and other than out doors activities, there isn't all that much to do in town.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Jenna from Walker, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Heather from Park Rapids, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    If you like being on the lake or enjoy the nature, then Bemidji State is for you. Bemidji State is right on the lake and offers activities that involve the lake and all of the nature. It is a great place to be.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just keep up with your work and study hard. It is different from High school. Ask for help when you need it.
    Academic Rigor

    Bemidji State has academic rigor in all areas of classes you can take while pursuing your career.
    Dorm Life

    By what I have heard, the dorm life is good but is not for everyone. Since I don't live on campus I am not sure about it completely.
    Food and Dining

    Bemidji State offers a great variety of food for each meal. There are so many options to choose from. Even in Bemidji you have a great choice of food when you do not want to eat on campus.
    What to do for fun

    For fun you can go canoeing, biking around the lake and through Bemidji State Park, you can go snowboarding or skiing at Buena Vista just north of the school. You can also have fun in town just with your friends.

  • Marlys from Lakeville, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is a really nice school, with a history feel to it. The programs offered here are well structured, so its easy to figure out what you need to complete. Also the professors are all really nice.
    Tips for prospective students

    Its a great school if your still unsure about what you want to major in. It also is small but big enough that you meet a lot of people.
    Academic Rigor

    Classes get harder with every year your in school. Than by your senior year its not as hard its more time consuming. They have a great program to get you introduced to college work.
    Dorm Life

    There is a first year program that you get put into, it helps you meet a whole bunch of new people. The dorms are also built really well so its always fun going back to the dorms.
    Food and Dining

    They have a lot of options for food. Most of the options are healthy but there are some unhealthy ones. Like any other college food it gets repetitive after a while.
    What to do for fun

    There is mostly outdoors activities to do in Bemidji. So if you like the outdoors this school would be perfect for you.
    Bang for the buck

    Its a great school with normal Minnesota school tuition.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    When the football team wins the homecoming game, they all jump into the lake no matter how cold it is outside.
    Great for these types of students

    Outdoors people.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are many clubs that you can join, with all different things to do.
    Greek Life

    There is one sorority and one fraternity. Both are pretty awesome!
    Campus Safety

    There is always officers on duty and the campus is really safe.

  • Shelby from Gully, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I really like how scenic and close-knit Bemidji State University is. The faculty is friendly and inviting while the residential life is diverse and mulitcultural. The town is a perfect place for any homebody or prospective city college student to find a great place to be educated.
    Tips for prospective students

    Always remember to sign up as soon as possible when the registration for the upcoming semester comes out. Keep your head up and you can go anywhere you please. Also, when you receive your I.D., always keep it on hand as it is your meal plan card and ticket to on campus social events.
    Academic Rigor

    The professors here motivate you to be and do your best in everything that you do. I find that it's so easy to get caught up in other things, but the main focus on campus is to become intellectually sound and better your future career with with best education possible.
    Dorm Life

    The residential staff as friendly and understanding. They are carefully selected to fit your needs and will help you interact socially as well as help any resident cope with issues such as anxiety away from home. The people at BSU are warm and welcoming!
    Food and Dining

    The food and dining service here is excellent. Depending on where you are from we have a vast array of foods such as vegan, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and comfort food. There is so much to choose from there is no doubt that you would be satisfied with the experience.
    What to do for fun

    There is so much to do in the area being that BSU is located in a small town of about 11,000 with a surrounding 17 mile perimeter lake and boundless countryside. You can do anything from snowboarding and skiing at the Buena Vista Ski resort, go to a movie, eat at one of the many local restaurants, fishing, hunting, biking, camping, sightseeing, boating, anything!
    Bang for the buck

    BSU is a great college that would provide pretty much anything and everything that you would expect to pay for. I feel it is definitely work the bang for your buck!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There are some very fun and unusual traditions on campus. At the beginning of the year, there is always a freshman Orientation bonfire and activity week filled with fun activities and helping new-coming students feel right at home.
    Great for these types of students

    BSU is great for any type of person. Whether you are city goer looking for a great education with a scenic campus or if you are a small town type looking for a successful career while doing all the activities you love.
    Clubs and Activities

    There is so much that goes on at campus every week of the school year. There is a wide variety of social clubs and events that are promoted in every single dorm hall and academic center where you can openly join without segregation. This allows for positive social interaction and new friends!
    Greek Life

    The Greek life is flourishing at BSU with two fraternities and sororities that promote religious values and social gatherings that allow all college students to feel right at home.
    Campus Safety

    The BSU public safety is among the best that I've seen. A lot can happen at college where there is bound to be trouble and parties involved with people who may try to harm others or disturb those who reside in the dorm halls. The public safety has strict but meaningful policies that are in the best interest of everyone on campus.

  • Laura

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Bemidji State University is a perfect school for future students who want to attend a smaller sized school. The professors here are sure to know their students by name. And the scenery makes it an enjoyable place to be and an easy environment to learn in.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to pack all of your winter clothes because during the winter it becomes the frozen tundra. For the days that it is below freezing, use the tunnels but be sure to leave about ten minutes before the time you would normally leave.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are made to fit to your needs and the professors are there to help you as much as you need them, as long as it is during their office hours.
    Dorm Life

    They have all types of accommodations to fit any students needs. They have the FYRE program, which is first year residential experience, for the freshmen and co-ed floors, along with learning environment floors such as honors floors.
    Food and Dining

    The food is okay, but there aren't very many options in the dining hall with the food court on campus only open during lunch time.
    What to do for fun

    BSU is right on the lake with two beaches in walking distances. They have a mall and other shopping centers. BSU also has a division l hockey team which makes Friday and Saturday nights during the winter fun and intense.
    Bang for the buck

    The education is good quality for the amount that tuition is.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    After every homecoming game, if the football team wins, they run and jump into the lake right behind the stadium. Also, during the winter many students with a car choose to park on the lake.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that like the outdoors and enjoy nature. Also for students from smaller schools because then its not too much of a change.
    Clubs and Activities

    BSU offers hundreds of clubs and activities.
    Greek Life

    there is only one fraternity and sorority.
    Campus Safety

    Campus security is always around to protect the students along with key cards that can only get you into your dorm building. There are emergency poles that have a button to press if you feel unsafe. Also, campus security has a gun locker to store them so students feel more safe.

  • Ida from Bemidji, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Bemidji State University is a great place for new college students and people who aren't quite sure where they want to go or what they want to do. The campus is really nice and very easy to navigate. Its a great started university.
    Tips for prospective students

    ratemyprofessor.com is a life saver. Also don't be afraid to ask for help.
    Academic Rigor

    Its tough but not to bad, my guess is that it has a lot to do with the program you are going into and how far along in that program you are.
    Dorm Life

    Its about as good as its going to get when you live with a bunch of people. The RAs and other building staff are all very nice and helpful.
    Food and Dining

    If you enjoy food prepared in bulk then you will love the food here.
    What to do for fun

    Go outside.
    Clubs and Activities

    Play rugby, enough said!

  • Cassandra from Miltona, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Bemidji State University is a very good college in my opinion because the size is ideal for someone wanting a college that isn't too big or too small. The class sizes are perfect to get to know your professors and have one on one time help with them. Overall it is a very good learning and social environment.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be willing to ask questions of your teachers and meet new people.
    What to do for fun

    Lots of outdoor things and activities on campus.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    If the football team wins the homecoming game they jump in the lake.
    Great for these types of students

    It is great for students who want a campus were you meet a lot of people but is not overwhelming.

  • Chantelle from Hugo, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    bemidji state university is a great school with small class sizes and challenging courses for dedicated students. the campus is absolutely beautiful and is right next to the lake, which is great if you love to fish! finally, i cannot imagine calling any other campus home because bsu is such a fun and welcoming university.
    Tips for prospective students

    take college seriously, even the first few weeks. it may seem like your in an ocean of schoolwork but once you get to know your professors and start studying you will be able to swim your way to the top. don't splurge for colored towels/sheets because you'll learn that the white ones are best because you can bleach, which is nice because the washers/dryers alone do not clean your laundry as well as your mom does.
    Academic Rigor

    there are certainly slide classes here but i have come to learn that if you want an a you really need to study your tail off. i spend between 5 and 12 hours a day doing school work but it pays off. do take the time to go onto ratemyprofessor.com and figure out which professors have teaching styles that will benefit you.
    Dorm Life

    dorm life can be a challenge at first because you are living in a community setting with very little privacy but keeping your room clean and door open will really help you to make friends. do not be afraid of your room mate, they will probably turn into your best friend, and if not there are always options. bemidji is really welcoming and accommodating to their incoming freshmen so it is a great school to start off at.
    Food and Dining

    there are endless dining options here at bsu. we have a coffee shop, two convenievce stores, five fast food style lunch shops, a large buffet/banquet hall, and a late night dining option that offers: pizza, sandwiches, buffalo wings, fries, chicken wings and more. there are also many healthy options and even a vegetarian option every night, furthermore, bemidji has just about every dining establishment that a college student can imagine, except buffalo wild wings.
    What to do for fun

    there are copious options as far as activities organized by the school and volunteer activities. bemidji, and the surrounding area, is a great place for hunting and fishing. finally, there is a bowling alley, arcade, water slide/go kart park, mall, an art center, and a few museums.
    Bang for the buck

    the tuition cost is moderately low for a four year university and if you live at home or rent it is really worth every penny. the curriculum is alto more rigorous than i had imagined considering that it is an affordable school. moreover, bemidji state university offers many scholarships which i truly love.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    one tradition bsu has is the annual lake storm. this is where the football viewers storm and jump into lake bemidji after the homecoming game if the beavers win.
    Great for these types of students

    bemidji is great for students who love the outdoors, especially if they enjoy hunting and fishing. bsu is also a great place to be for nursing students because they have a competitive nursing program. lastly, it is a great school for students who want small class sizes and accommodating professors.
    Clubs and Activities

    i am in the student nurses association and ducks unlitited which really shows the diversity of the clubs and organizations that bsu offers. bsu has far too many clubs and organizations to list, these include club mud, anime club, rugby club, chemistry club, hall council, art club, math club and many more.
    Greek Life

    i know that bsu has a sorority and a fraternity, however, i cannot be of much help in this category because i am not a member of either.
    Campus Safety

    bemidji state university always has security on patrol and many emergency phone booths (i don't know what else to call them since i have never had to use one). the campus is also well lit and welcoming. we also have an underground tunnel system for students who do not want to walk outside.

  • Grace from Faribault, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    bemidji state university has a friendly staff and student community. the college offers great work study opportunities as well as many off campus jobs. along with all of the academic choices, bemidji state university also has a beautiful campus that will take anyone's breath away.
    Tips for prospective students

    don't just sit in the dorm room. get out and join one or more of the many different organizations the college has to offer.
    Academic Rigor

    the teachers at bemidji state university are there to help, but if you slack off and do not take your studies seriously they will not show sympathy.
    Dorm Life

    dorm life helps freshmen get to know more students on campus. it is a fun way to get to know people and become really close to people.
    Food and Dining

    bemidji state university offers a dinning hall, a food court, and a late night dinner option. the hours of these places are so that when one place closes, the other opens.
    What to do for fun

    there are many different activities available. there is a game room in each of the dorms, fishing on the lake next to the campus, hunting in the many woods around the city, and all of the clubs offered on and off campus.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    if the football team wins homecoming, then everyone jumps into the lake with their clothes on. this tradition includes the football team, the coaches, and the fans.
    Great for these types of students

    this is an excellent college for hunters. a gun locker and game cleaning room are provided for use on campus.
    Campus Safety

    campus safety is available when ever need arises. there are emergency posts throughout campus and a 24/7 hotline that you can call.

  • Samantha from Baltimore, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The teachers are very helpful and understanding, and they really know what they're teaching and can teach it well. I learned more about a lot of subjects than I thought I would. For example, before they cut the theatre department, I had a scenery building class with a teacher who had 30+ yrs experience in the field. I learned more about wood, safety, and saws than I ever thought I would, and I can use this information in everyday situations. And after taking philosophy, I think deeply about life's questions, and look at problems from different angles. This is a quality education.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love my friends at BSU and I made plenty right away. I was a searching Christian when I came here, and after the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship welcomed me, I made lots of friends and found it to be very warm and that the people love to discuss and analyze Bible passages...not follow them blindly and believe just what churches say, but find our own understanding. As for the weather, it gets to -60 degrees, I'm told...it's very cold and the lake freezes over. But the lake is beautiful year round, and the breeze on it is a blessing in the hot months. The dorms are okay...Maple is the worst, Tamarack comes close and Oak is pretty bad too but bigger and more inviting...Linden is amazing but pricey and Birch was just redone and is supposed to be pricey but fantastic. The school has amazing facilities (athletic, tech, etc). Overall, I love BSU. :)
    Bang for the buck

    Definitely! It's cheaper than any of the schools I applied to in my home state (Maryland). It's reasonable, though tuition is increasing slowly and departments are being cut (theatre being the main one people are outraged about, since Bemidji is an arts town). Still, it's a quality education for less than what private schools and many state schools are asking for.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you like the cold or can withstand it. Don't rely on the heated underground tunnels if you don't like the cold...one section is closed this year and there is one spot where there is no tunnel, so you do get exposed to the cold some if you walk between Tamarack and Linden or between Decker and the class buildings. If you were coming here for arts, consider all other options or make sure your major is still offered since many arts are being cut or combined into one major...theatre is gone after spring 2012. Bemidji accepts most applicants so there is no fear of being rejected. Don't rely on emailing anyone for stuff...if people don't answer your questions, bug them in person or call until they respond. And don't assume you can skip, because these teachers are serious and some take attendance or hand out in-class assignments that you can't make up if you miss them. Also, and this is super important: DON'T GET A MEAL PLAN--GET BEAVER BUCKS. The place you can use your meal plan is too far from class buildings, and you'll find yourself eating at the food court or buying things from the C3 and wasting your meal plan and buying more beaver bucks. Just save yourself the hassle and get beaver bucks, please.
    Great for these types of students

    You'll like this school if you like the cold, want to be a mass communication major (it has a radio station, a TV station, and teachers with a million years experience), want to go into education or business, enjoy deep discussions, like small class sizes, want a flexible schedule, etc. Really it's great for a ton of reasons...most people can fit in okay or get along fine in classes. It's not for everyone, of course, but it's great overall and it's a great fit for some, like me!

  • Rachael from Menahga, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure your credits transfer and take a tour with you department