Bryant University
Smithfield, RI, USA

Reviews

Bryant University

Meredith

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Professors at Bryant are extremely accommodating and present a great deal of real world experience to pass onto their students. The small class size is also helpful in allowing for students to get the attention they require. The blended curriculum of business and liberal arts that is designed for all students furthermore allows for the development of marketable skills and knowledge in a variety of valuable subject matters. Bryant’s facilities such as the library, financial markets center, and TV studio, are also particularly helpful for learning and preparing for various aspects of potential careers.
Am enjoying being here
The atmosphere on Bryant’s campus is great. Both faculty and students are welcoming, there are many activities to take part in, and the campus is beautiful. Living in the residence halls provides students with a great experience in which many close friendships are formed. It is also exciting to meet students from different parts of the country and world and being able to learn about their diverse experiences and perspectives. There are also many clubs and organizations on campus of which students are guaranteed to find a few that will appeal to their interests. Such clubs also provide a great atmosphere for making friends that share similar backgrounds and interests. Bryant’s Campus Ministry is also wonderful in keeping students close to their faith while also providing opportunities to explore different faiths. There is always something taking place on campus. Whether there is a well-known figure coming to speak, a musical performance or comedian, or craft activity for students to take part in, students can always find ways to get out and have a good time.
Bang for the buck
Bryant has a lot to offer students. The school provides you with your own laptop which gives students access to great deal of valuable technology. Classrooms are also well-equipped with technology that makes learning more interesting and relevant. There is something for everyone on campus regarding student clubs and activities and there are many opportunities to become involved in things that interest you. The athletic center, which provides free gym membership, is also a great part of campus that provides access to work-out equipment and a variety of exercise classes that are taught by students. Bryant most importantly provides students with the opportunity to become well-rounded people with its strong focus on developing “The Character of Success”. The knowledge needed to become more aware of current issues, the business world, and life after college is received at Bryant, which can ultimately help students to be successful in their future endeavors.
Tips for prospective students
Keep up with current events and assignments, bring an umbrella and boots (for rain and snow), join at least one club freshman year, and make the most of your experience.
Great for these types of students
Students interested in gaining a global perspective, those that desire approachable and concerned faculty, students looking for small class sizes, those who like to be involved in campus activities and students who want to be a part of a close-knit community in a beautiful suburban setting.

Cristine

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Our classes are very globally oriented and focus on different aspects of the subject areas. The professors are all about their students and teaching them what they know. Our professors are very qualified in their fields and are very knowledgeable.
Am enjoying being here
Student life is great! We have over 80 clubs, organizations, and Greek organizations. Students can even create their own club/organization if they feel that what they want/need is not available (you just need some friends and a write up!). Our Center for Student Involvement is very involved with the students and works very hard to provide the kinds of activities that we enjoy. Students have a voice on this campus - something that cannot (and is not) taken for granted.
Bang for the buck
You get a good education, decent housing, free gym access, sports, and plenty of student activities.
Tips for prospective students
Bring a warm winter coat and rain boots!!!!
Great for these types of students
Very studios. very involved, love to do community service and learn about others, the world, and our global environment.

Lauren

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Like many other students, I came to Bryant for a career in business and I already feel like I'm immersed in the business culture after only one semester. My first semester I took Business 101, Microeconomics, Math, a Literary and Cultural Studies class, History, and FFL. The mix of the business and liberal arts classes was pleasant and I did very well, earning a 3.8 GPA. The classes are small, no more than about 30 people and all of my professors knew who I was pretty quickly. Participation is important in most classes and it makes the classes much more interesting. The business plan is definitely the most memorable academic event of last semester. This project seems daunting at first, but you learn a lot and it is very satisfying.
Am enjoying being here
Bryant is an amazing school and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. There's also an event hosted by an organization on campus, such as the Student Programming Board or Bryant at Night. I really enjoy bingo, the game nights, free pizza, Midnight Breakfast and Festival of Lights. I also live in a suite, so I have access to a common room and have made great friends this semester. I belong to several clubs including Students in Free Enterprise, Bryant Helps, and Colleges against Cancer.
Bang for the buck
Bryant may be fairly expensive, but I received a $15,000 academic scholarship, which has assisted in defraying the costs of attending. Bryant is definitely worth the cost because of the great classes and the name in business. I have already begun networking with alumni and meeting potential employers.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend applying even if you think it's too expensive; almost everyone I know has an academic scholarship. I'm on academic scholarship even though I had less than perfect grades in high school. I would also recommend coming to visit the school. The campus is beautiful and the buildings are all updated and new.
Great for these types of students
Bryant is great for many types of students. I would recommend those interested in sports, community service, greek life, business, or anything really. Bryant is best for people who have many interests.

Anonymous from NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bryant is a tight-knit community with a great academic reputation. Most people here are athletes and partiers. If you don't fall into one of those two categories, it might not be the place for you.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you ask the right questions on any college tour that you go on. They will tell you over and over again that they have 100+ clubs for you to join, but they don't tell you what those clubs are doing during the weekends (the answer is nothing). Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of going to a small school rather than a big school. Yes, you most likely will have smaller class but will you have everything that you need to make you happy?
Academic Rigor
If you don't leave Bryant with a job, there is something wrong with you. Bryant has a great repuation and AMAZING career center. The work is hard, and some of the things you have to do as a first year student are annoying (like presentations, online classes) but the academics are very good. They also have a tutor center for free which is really good and really helpful.
Dorm Life
Freshmen dorms are not that bad. The RA's try really hard to try to make you as comfertable as possible. They do put on events sometimes that attracts MAYBE 5 people. But I like my roomate and I feel res life did a good job with that.
Food and Dining
The food is good (not great or spectacular). You only have two choices to use your meal swips, Salmo Dining Hall or Nick's Place. The thing that isn't really good about Salmo is the hours. It closes at 8pm Monday- Thursday and 7pm Friday- Sunday. To make up for this, you can pick from a limited menu at Nick's place (Inside Fisher Student Center) and pay with a meal swipe from 8-10pm every day. I have done this many times but for Salmo and Nick's, There needs to be more variety on the menu!!
What to do for fun
If you are not an athlete or a partier, you have to get off campus. There are two malls that the Bryant bus goes to. The Lincoln Mall and the Smithfield Crossings. You can also go into providence and go to the mall there, but other than that you can/will get board very easily if you don't go to the parties at the townhouses.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Legend says that if you go under the archway in the middle of campus, you won't graduate.
Great for these types of students
People that are good students that party or play sports that are looking for a good business education. Also most students live in Mass so a good amount of students go home on the weekends.
Campus Safety
The campus is very isolated from the rest of the town. Which makes it safe, campus safety is always at the front gate seeing who comes in but only stops people to check for ID on Thursday- Sunday nights.

Michaela from South Easton, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
There is a great sense of leadership and excellence on campus. Faculty are always pushing students to partake in opportunities to become leaders and perform to the best of their abilities. There are also many great resources for both current and past students
Tips for prospective students
When choosing a college, don't just focus on the typical categories. Make sure you take a look at aspects of the college that are not really talked about during interviews and campus tours. Some things I wish I knew beforehand was outside transportation availability, health center hours, and the range of food options. It's hard to see everything at once. Spending an over night before committing to a school really helps to get a well-rounded perspective of all the school has to offer. Don't be afraid to spend the night with strangers! It's great practice for when you start college with brand new people!
Academic Rigor
There are varying levels of academic rigor on campus. Some students are more committed than others, but faculty help to remind students to remain on track. The school allows a grace period to get your grades together if you do poorly during one semester. Overall, the majority of students have a passion for working towards a major goal of theirs.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is average. Freshman year there are several options including 8 person suites, 4 person quads, and traditional style 2 person rooms. Sophomore and Junior year is suite style living and Senior year there is the option to live in a townhouse with a full working kitchen. The variability of living options is a major plus and when looking at various schools I noticed Bryant always had the largest rooms. I've never had a problem as far as space of sharing a bathroom. Every living space is less than a 10 minute walk from anywhere on campus. This is a great plus during the cold winter! The school tends to be a little bit of a wind tunnel but it's also the most beautiful campus around!
Food and Dining
Food and Dining opportunities are limited due to the fact that the campus is small. There is one dining hall as well as a Subway, Dunkin Donuts, Ronzio's, and another dining option through the school that is a sort of take out grille. Meal plans are overrated, you really don't need the largest plan because the options tend to tire out in the main dining hall. The food isn't bad but definitely takes some getting used to. Ronzio's is the place to go when you have late night hunger pains. The only real downside to the dining options is that they tend to have weird hours and not much is open after 7pm.
What to do for fun
Bryant University's campus is a little bit off the beaten track but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do! The Lincoln Mall is just down the street which houses a target, some small stores, and a Stop and Shop - perfect for getting your general grocery and necessity shopping out of the way. Also, since campus is right outside of Providence, you have the entire city to explore! The public transportation bus can pick students up right on campus and drive you to Providence with just the swipe of your student ID card for free!
Bang for the buck
As a current student, I work in the alumni house as a phone-a-thon caller. I talk to alumni and parents of students at the university. A recurring theme I talk about with alumni is their job search success. Many times I hear that the school has a great reputation among employers and that many obtain second interviews or get hired based on their experience and the name of the school alone. To me, having a great reputation in the work place is a great reason to continue to learn at Bryant!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Never walk through the archway in the middle of campus! Legend says that those who walk through will never graduate!
Great for these types of students
Students with passion and ambition are great for this school. Although faculty push students to excel, a lot of a student's success depends on their ability to self motivate.
Clubs and Activities
There are over 80 clubs and organizations on campus. There is something for everybody and if not, all you need is five people to start something new!
Greek Life
Greek Life is growing in popularity. More sororities and fraternities have come on campus since I started two years ago and there is never a shortage in pledges!
Campus Safety
DPS or department of public safety is available 24/7. Campus is very small so they can get to you in the matter of minutes and are always stationed at the gate. They don't allow any unwelcome visitors on campus.