Bellarmine University (BU)

Bellarmine University encourages students to become "well-rounded individuals" by fostering growth "in mind, body, and spirit." Students at Bellarmine have a "passion for knowledge" and a desire to use their education "to make an everlasting impact" on the world. Classes are both "challenging but rewarding," and the university strives to set students up for success. In addition to tutoring centers and faculty office hours, many "professors will give you their personal numbers for whenever you need help" and "are always available to meet regarding any questions or concerns." One undergrad adds that Bellarmine "is very good at [offering] one-on-one work with students if they want it." There's also praise for the university's "fantastic study abroad program" and "great science programs," noting that the "nursing program and physical therapy program are definitely standouts." Professors are "very interested in our success and put a lot of time into their classes and students." Regardless of your major, "critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation are encouraged across all disciplines." Bellarmine offers plenty of "opportunities for students to grow, to achieve success inside and outside the classroom, and to pursue their dreams."

"There is not a person on campus who is not respectful, courteous, or friendly," runs the overall consensus about Bellarmine students. Many seem to hail "from Kentucky and its surrounding states" and peers report that it seems "the majority of students are white Catholics or Christians." Far from being homogenous, however, you'll find people "of every race, religion, sexuality, gender" and get to "meet students with different opinions and backgrounds than your own." It helps that the community is described as "very friendly and extremely welcoming." As one student proudly states, "Walking to class, you'll run into at least five people you know, and they'll smile and say hi when you see them." Similarly, "it's not hard to find a helping hand, or someone to study with, or someone to send you notes if you miss a class." Undergrads also connect through their shared desire to give back. Indeed, "there is a unifying quality when it comes to the students doing service activities and helping others in the community." As this undergrad sums up, "I never would have guessed that such a high concentration of good-hearted, confident, and intelligent young adults would be on a college campus."

Bellarmine students take their academics seriously, and you'll often find them "studying in their dorm rooms or the library." Yet they still manage to find time for fun. A great way to socialize is at the numerous events sponsored by the Student Activities Center. These include "free ice skating, free movies at a local movie theater," and "Late Knight Bingo, which is a huge Bingo party where students can win really awesome prizes." And everyone loves to support the men's basketball team. Indeed, they "always draw huge crowds." It's also common to find students simply "hanging out in the Fireplace Room, getting coffee at Einstein's, or working out in the SuRF [Sport, Recreation and Fitness Center]." Moreover, undergrads appreciate that the school will "encourage and support any club a student would like to create," with one student adding, "I am the president of the Bass Fishing Team that I started." When the weekend hits, you can "usually [find] 1-2 parties on Friday and Saturday nights off campus at students' houses." And given that "Bellarmine is in the heart of Louisville," undergrads often head off campus and into the city. One student notes, "We are right by Bardstown Road which [has] a ton of food and entertainment areas." Something that's much appreciated is that "our school offers a lot of opportunities for both commuters and people on campus alike," so there's much to do, "often for free."