Bard College Berlin a Liberal Arts University

At the start of each semester, Student Life staff orchestrate a mandatory Orientation for all incoming students. Orientation typically lasts 2-3 days and also includes trips or excursions around Berlin. Students use this time to settle in, connect with peers and familiarize themselves with the institution.

Orientation equips students for a successful academic career at Bard College Berlin. The Orientation provides students with information on class registration and degree requirements and gives them the opportunity to connect with both their Academic Advisor and current students.

Bard College Berlin has a vibrant residential life. The Residential Life staff engages residents in providing a safe and active community in the residence halls. All un-moderated students (BA first and second year, and Academy Year) live on campus in residence halls. Each building has a student Residential Assistant who provides both programming efforts and 24/7 on-call coverage for emergency situations. Additionally, there are full time staff members on call for emergency situations.

Bard College Berlin has established a small but highly specialized library since 2002, in which faculty and students alike find material ranging from text books to most recent specialist studies on philosophy, literature and literary criticism, cultural studies, art history and film studies, as well as history, religion, sociology, economics, and political science.

Having health insurance is a legal requirement in Germany. Students studying at a state-recognized college or university in Germany are also legally required to have a valid health insurance for the duration of their enrollment.

Students have the possibility to speak confidentially to a professional counselor about any personal difficulties.