Bryant’s Student Ambassadors recently held a Q and A session with prospective parents over Zoom, part of an ongoing series of virtual events designed to give the Class of 2024 a look at life at Bryant. They shared their experiences, what life is like on campus, and what students could expect when they enroll.

You can find the whole discussion on Youtube, but here are 10 big ideas students shared:

1. At Bryant, the days are packed!
A typical day at Bryant combines a purposeful mix of classes, cocurricular activities, and spending time with friends, said Mckensie Avanesian ’22. “It’s a great mix of engaging socially and getting things done.”

“There’s always something going on, and there's always something to do,” added Jonathan Huntley ’21. “And if you ask any one of us what our favorite thing is, we're all going to give you a different answer.”

2. You’ll have help finding your path
Hannah Sheldon ’20 came to college undecided about her major, and changed her mind a few times before deciding to double major in Accounting and Economics. Bryant’s Gateway Program for first-year students, introductory courses, and dedicated advisors helped her figure out her path. “Those experiences and the relationships you develop really help you figure out what you want to study and where your interests lie,” said Sheldon.

“If you’d told me that I'd meet some of my best friends just walking down the halls here, I’d probably think you were crazy. But it happens at Bryant.”

3. Your professors will always be there for you
“All of my professors are always willing to help,” said Huntley, who noted that he’s currently working with one of his mentors on developing his Honors thesis. “We have relatively small class sizes, and all of our courses are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. That means that you really get to know your professors, especially in your major or your area of concentration.”

4. It’s a collegial community
All of the students agreed that one of the things that drew them to Bryant was the sense that everyone cared about each other here. “If you’d told me that I'd meet some of my best friends just walking down the halls here, I’d probably think you were crazy,” stated Angelique Perrone ’20. “But it happens at Bryant.”

“There’s a place for everyone, so no one ever feels like they're alone."

5. There’s a club to match your interests
Bryant’s 100+ student clubs and organizations, ranging from professional development associations to performing arts groups, help students hone their leadership skills and make friends, said Nick Farrington ’22. “You should definitely got involved,” he advised. “It's really helpful because you’ll meet a lot of new friends and it will help you find your true passions. It can even help with networking after college.

6. Bryant is a school for everyone
As a member of Bryant’s Multicultural Student Union, Nazir Rodriguez ’21, shared how much he enjoyed organizing events that introduced students to new perspectives, from panel discussions to cultural showcases to cooking demonstrations from around the world. “Bryant is extremely accommodating to international students,” said Brittany Gouws ’22, who came to Bryant from Cape Town, South Africa. “There’s a place for everyone, so no one ever feels like they're alone."

7. Study abroad can be your ticket to the world
“One of my favorite things that I've done at Bryant was study abroad,” said Melissa Rodriguez ’21, who studied in Seville, Spain, and, through Bryant’s signature Sophomore International Experience, traveled to Singapore and Malaysia. With more than 270 locations to choose from, she noted, Bryant’s Study Abroad Office can help you match your studies and your interests.

“Our Department of Public Safety is a great resource, and super friendly. You always bump into them walking through the hallways, and they always ask you how your classes are going and how your day is going.”

8. Go Books, go Bulldogs!
Luke Samperi ’21, a member of Bryant’s Division I football team spoke about how the University’s student-athletes succeed on and off the field. In addition to participating in high-level athletics, and focusing on maintaining academic excellence, they also engage in the full student experience. “Just because you're an athlete, that doesn't mean that you can’t be involved in at least two or three other clubs as well,” he said.

9. Bryant’s campus is safe and secure
Perrone noted that one of her favorite things about Bryant is how safe she feels on campus, with its single entrance, out-of-the way location, and staff that genuinely care about students. “Our Department of Public Safety is a great resource, and super friendly,” she said. “You always bump into them walking through the hallways, and they always ask you how your classes are going and how your day is going.”

10. It all starts with Orientation
From day one of Orientation, said Farrington, students will be welcomed into a warm friendly community of high achievers, and receive a comprehensive introduction to life as a Bulldog. “It's two days with a lot of fun built in. I had a blast doing it last year and I'm excited for this year, as well,” said Farrington, who is returning as an Orientation Leader.