New Student Resources

What to Bring with You to Bard

The following items are suggested to bring with you to Bard:

bedspread
blankets
sheets (size twin extra-long)
mattress pad
towels
toiletries
shower shoes
pillows
flashlight
clothes hangers
laundry detergent
laundry basket
first aid kit
insect repellent
wattage adapter (for international students)
personal computer
surge protectors
wastebasket
recycling basket
desk lamp
radio
bicycle
bicycle lock

If you plan to bring a laptop computer, we suggest you also bring a laptop desk lock.

Items Not Allowed in Residence Halls

• candles/incense
• exposed coil heaters of any kind
• heating pads
• microwave ovens
• halogen lamps**
• portable heaters
• subwoofers

**Aside from being a fire hazard, halogen lamps use five times more energy than fluorescent lamps.

Items Permitted for Use in Residence Halls

• alarm clock
• electric fan
• hair dryer
• computer
• radio
• television (rooms do not have cable access)
• study lamp
• You may either bring your own mini-fridge measuring no larger that 3.2 cubic feet, or rent one. Stand alone microwaves are not allowed in student rooms except for a microwave/mini-fridge combo that can be rented. This unit has a feature that shuts off the mini-fridge when the microwave is in use to prevent circuit overloads. Rental information will be featured here soon.

Items Allowed Only in Designated Kitchen Areas

• coffeemaker
• clothes iron
• popcorn maker
• toaster oven
• hot pot

Only UL-approved appliances may be used.

Shipping Packages to Bard

Each student will receive a unique mailbox number, which will be emailed to their Bard email account. Student mail should be addressed as follows:

     Student Name
     Bard College
     PO Box 5000 - MSC (insert box number here)
     Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000

However, you can still ship your possessions to Bard at the address below prior to your arrival. Packages received before the arrival date will be stored in the shipping department and will be available for pickup on Friday, August 9. Please note that the Shipping and Receiving office is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please mail packages so that they arrive no earlier than July 22. 

     Student Name (as it would appear on ID card)
     Bard College
     30 Campus Road
     Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000

How do I get to Bard?

You can travel to Bard by:

• By train: Amtrak provides service from Penn Station, New York City, and from Albany to Rhinecliff, about 9 miles south of Annandale. Taxi service is available at the station.
• By automobile: Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 19 (Kingston), take Route 209 (changes to Route 199 at the Hudson River) over the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge to Route 9G, turn left onto Route 9G and drive north 3.5 miles.
• By air: Bard College is accessible from Kennedy and LaGuardia airports in New York City; Newark in New Jersey; and Albany and Newburgh in upstate New York.

For more detailed information follow the link below.

Maps and Directions to Bard

Can I have a car on campus?

All students are allowed to bring cars to campus; however, Bard encourages biking and alternative methods of travel as a part of the College’s commitment to sustainability. An annual $200 vehicle registration fee goes toward the Green Fund, which supports campus sustainability projects and scholarships. You may pay Student Accounts on the day that you arrive on campus. Please note that students are only allowed to park in designated student parking lots.

Register Your Vehicle

Are there campus shuttles and transportation to local destinations?

During the semester, a free shuttle travels through Tivoli, Red Hook, and Bard’s campus. Free shuttles also run to local grocery stores, the mall, and, on weekends, the local train stations. During breaks and at the end of the semester, there are shuttles from campus to the New York City and Albany airports for a $30 fee. When returning, students make their own arrangements to get to the Poughkeepsie or Rhinecliff train station, where they can take the free shuttle back to campus.

Visit the Transportation Website

Is there ride sharing at Bard?

Bard works with 511NY to maintain a ride-sharing service; students are encouraged to register, whether they have a car or not, at bos.bard.edu/transportation. Bard has also partnered with Zipcar to bring self-service, on-demand car sharing to campus. Visit zipcar.com learn more about the program and to sign up.

Visit the RideShare Website