Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN, USA

Reviews

Bemidji State University

Kayetoinette from Bemidji, MN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Laura from Becker, MN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Ashley from Alexandria, MN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Gabriella from Otsego, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bemidji State University is an amazing college! The professors are very helpful and understanding. It's the perfect school to find your niche whether that be academics, athletics, social life, or extracurriculars !
Tips for prospective students
What makes Bemidji State so unique is it's friendly-small-town atmosphere! The campus is the heart of Bemidji and the community takes great pride in it. If you love that family feeling, Bemidji is definitely the college for you! The campus is located on beautiful lake Bemidji and is just minutes away from Bemidji state park.
Academic Rigor
Bemidji State University will definitively challenge you as a student. It has an amazing honors program and the professors aim to teach you practical-life applying- material. Even though it may be challenging for some, there are a lot of resources that you can you use to your advantage to help you succeed in your academic work. There's an amazing tutoring program, professors are willing to help you, a helpful writing center, and lots of study groups that you can participate in. What ever you are in need of, Bemidji State University has- all you need to do is ask!
Dorm Life
LIVING IN THE DORMS HAS BEEN THE BEST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE! My roommate was randomly selected for me and I totally suggest that YOU DO NOT pick your own roommate! The school does a survey that matches you with a roommate that has similar values and ideals as yourself. My roommate is now my best friend! People are extremely respectful and you become very close with the people on your floor. If you want to make friends quick I suggest that you keep your room door open! People flock in your room!
Food and Dining
Overall, the food at Bemidji is good. I suggest you purchase beaver bucks (money you can spend at the school's grocery store and restaurants) rather than meals at the Northwood's dining center (the school's dining hall). There's lots of restaurants on the campus. There's an awesome bagel shop! The only downside to the food here is that there's no big chain restaurants like Subway on the campus.... there's also no Chipotle in the city. Sorry Chipotle lovers. There is a really delicious Mexican resultant located a couple of minutes away from campus though!
What to do for fun
Swim, kayak, canoe, fish, ice fish on lake Bemidji. Go to the town's local movie theatre! There's a ton of small shops in Bemidji like a comic book store and a candy shop! There's a zoo, lots of carnivals and festivals during the summer and fall. I love running and biking around the lake; THE BIKE TRAILS NEVER END! If you feel adventurous, you can hike on the Blue Ox trail! I love going to the state park and swimming! Hockey and football games are fun! There's also a really nice gym with a awesome rock climbing club!
Bang for the buck
THE SCHOOL IS EXTRMELY AFFORDABLE!!!!!!!!!!!! Bemidji offers a ton of scholarships! The city loves donating to the school! You do not need good grades to get the additional scholarships offered by the school! JUST WRITE A KILLER ESSAY! IF YOU PUT YOUR HEART INTO YOU SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY, YOU WILL WIN ATLEAST 1 ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every homecoming football game that Bemidji wins, the whole school jumps into the lake. During Halloween, we have a SPLAT WITCH competition, which is when students make witches and place them all over campus!
Great for these types of students
If you're an outdoors person, love nature, a small town, and close relationships, BEMIDJI IS FOR YOU!
Clubs and Activities
Bemidji has about 60 clubs. Since the school is big on sustainability, there's a lot of environmental and science related clubs. There's also a Judo club, intermural sports, dance club, and much more! GO OUT FOR A CLUB! THERE'S ATLEAST 1 FOR EVERYONE! Bemidji even has a scuba diving and rock climbing club.
Greek Life
Greek life isn't really huge at Bemidji. I believe there is 2 sororities and 1 frat house. I don't participate in any, so I'm not valid to give my opinion on this subject.
Campus Safety
Safety is huge at Bemidji. Campus security is always present. There's also emergency stations that you can go to if you ever feel unsafe.

Sarah from Bemidji, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Laura from Bemidji, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Sarah from Bemidji, MN

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
BSU has a close-knit community of students & facility, but not too close with the perfect size campus. At Bemidji State the professors take a genuine intersest in you and your academics, but they still leave getting your work done up to you. With roughly 5,000 students, by the end of your first semester you'll start recognizing faces everywhere you go, however if you either don't want to see someone or do it's a large enough and small enough campus for you to make that happen.
Tips for prospective students
Don't trust the football team, but the hockey and other teams are cool. If you do the assigned work and show up to class you will succeed. Never let an assignment be late past two weeks, a pile of work will build up fast. Trust RateMyProfesdor and most of your classmates for advice on what professors to take a class with. Lakeside has the best food. Joining clubs on campus is the best way to make friends and meet new people outside of class, the dorms or your off campus linking space. Finally, don't slack on them but also don't let academics stand in your way of having the college experience and meeting friends for life. This isn't high school, just graduating and getting it over with isn't what college is about. College is about relationships, finding what you're passionate about and discovering yourself leading you to possibly a career you'll Perdue the rest of your life.
Academic Rigor
Depends on the program. The English, Humanities, Music, Education and Nursing programs are very rigorous. However, the business program is like saying your undecided, it's defiantly not held to the same standard as the rest including the other program's I didn't mention.
Dorm Life
Great community especially within the freshman dorms. The community lessens as you get into the upperclassmen dorms. Birch is the exception because it's gorgeous and everyone is friendly and knows each other's names by the end of the semester.
Food and Dining
Not bad, but could use some improvement.
What to do for fun
New movie theater and bowling alley, great rec. center with rock climbing wall, tennis courts and lap pool (plus way more!), join a coupe clubs in campus and you'll never be bored, ice and normal fishing- anything lake or forest related, and of course going out to eat or shopping around town-downtown and uptown.
Bang for the buck
Excellent education for a fraction of the price of almost any other university/college. 100% worth it financially.
Great for these types of students
Creative/artistic students and woodsmen/women welcome!
Clubs and Activities
You'll never run out of things to do! You might even have to choose your top four or five favorites.
Greek Life
In the process of getting stronger.
Campus Safety
Excellent. 99% of the time I always feel safe especially with our campus security driving around checking up on people all the time.

Laura

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Zach from Wauwatosa, WI

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.