Dates & Deadlines
Note: Interviews are NOT required for admission.
Bard College Catalogue
FAQs for Accepted Students
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Traveling and Arrival
What to Bring
- What should I bring with me to Bard?
- Can I send packages to myself before I arrive?
- Can I have a car on campus?
- Do I need my own computer at Bard?
Phones and Banking
- Will my cell phone work at Bard?
- Who is Bard's long distance carrier?
- What about opening a local bank account?
L&T and Registration
Family Visits
Q: When should I arrive on campus? 
A: Students should arrive on Saturday, August 9, 2008, between 9:00 a.m. and noon. You will get more information about where to check in during July, but all students must arrive on the 9th.
Q: What's the best way to get to Bard if I'm not driving?
A: Albany International Airport is probably the most convenient to Bard, located 60 miles north of the campus. You may rent a car there or take an Amtrak train from Albany to Rhinecliff Station, then a 10-minute taxi ride to campus. Although Stewart-Newburgh Airport is 50 miles south of campus, there is no train connection and the number of carriers is limited. The major New York City airports (Newark, J.F.K., and LaGuardia) all have public transportation into the city (bus, taxi, subway for J.F.K. and LaGuardia) and to both train stations: Grand Central (Metro North Railroad) and Penn Station (Amtrak). We suggest that you take Amtrak to Rhinecliff Station. Although it's more expensive than Metro North, Metro North stops at Poughkeepsie (45 minutes south of the campus), so what you save in train costs, you lose to the longer taxi ride.
Q: What should I bring with me to Bard?
A: Please download the following What to Bring to Bard PDF.
Q: Can I send packages to myself before I arrive?
A: Yes! Packages that arrive before Opening Day will be stored for your arrival. Our shipping department will be open on August 9th. Packages can be sent to the following address:
-
Your Name - "Incoming First-Year Student"
Bard College
30 Campus Road
Annandale on Hudson, NY 12504
Q: Can I have a car on campus?
A: Yes, all students (including first-year) are allowed to bring cars. Bard encourages biking and alternative methods of travel on campus, however, as part of the College's commitment to "going green." Incoming students are charged a $100 yearly fee for registering their cars.
Q: Do I need my own computer at Bard?
A: No; there are more than 250 public access computers available for your use on campus, located in the Campus Center, Library, Henderson Computer Center, Henderson Technology Laboratories, and in most of the residence halls. Should you decide to bring your own computer, click here to download a PDF of the Computer Recommendations Sheet.
Q: Will my cell phone work at Bard?
A: Check with your cellular provider to find out about availability of service in the Hudson Valley. On campus many use Verizon and AT&T services which have offices in Kingston. AT&T also offers a special discount for Bard students. If you would like to set up an account, contact:
- Verizon Wireless 1300 Ulster Ave. #212, Kingston, NY 12401, (845) 336-0111
- AT&T 1137 Ulster Ave., Kingston, NY 12401, (845) 331-4600, college code: 2529324 more
Q: Who is Bard's long distance carrier?
A: Many students use their cell phones for long-distance calls. You can also use any calling card that has a 1-800 number (available for purchase at the campus bookstore) from your on-campus phone.
Q: What about opening a local bank account?
A: During the first week of L&T the College will take students to Red Hook to open bank accounts. Below are six local banks:
- Bank of America 635 Broadway,
Kingston, NY 12401 and 4266 Rte 9G,
Germantown, NY 12526, (800) 841-4000 - Key Bank (Key Bank has an ATM in the Campus Center), 28 West Market St., Red Hook, NY 12571, (845) 758 2311
- M and T Bank, 7280 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571, (800) 724-2440
- Mid-HudsonValley Federal Credit Union, 7472 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571, (800) 451-8373 x6000
- Rhinebeck Savings Bank, 7350 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571, (845) 758-1150
- Ulster Savings Bank, 7582 North Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571, (845)758-4020
Q: Is L&T graded?
A: Satisfactory completion of L&T is required for matriculation into the College. Students receive a pass/fail grade for the three-week workshop and are expected to attend all class sessions, complete all assignments, and participate fully in class sessions.
Q: When do we register for classes?
A: Students will meet with an academic advisor and register for courses during Matriculation Days which takes place on August 28 and 29.
Q: When can my family visit me at Bard?
A: Students are encouraged to invite their families to Family Weekend in October.