Living at Bentley
Your New Home Base
What’s the best way to describe the Bentley community? For starters, it’s close-knit, spirited, caring, multicultural, international, and driven. Students, faculty and staff share a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom, and value personal responsibility and mutual support. At the same time, their different backgrounds, interests and goals keep members of the campus community learning from each other — and having fun in the process.
Residential Center
Dorm Life
About 80 percent of full-time Bentley undergraduates make their home on campus. Freshmen live in traditional dormitory residence halls with double, triple or quad occupancy. Later, upperclassman options include multiperson suites and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with bathrooms and kitchenettes.
All students benefit from individual access to the Internet and the college network in their rooms. Other perks include on-site laundry facilities, air conditioning, vending machines and, in some dorms, game rooms and workout facilities. A resident assistant (RA) lives on each floor to assist students, and to maintain an environment conducive to learning. Security is important, too; students must use their personal ID cards to gain entrance to each building.
For students who opt to commute from home, the support network is strong. The Commuter Association encourages its members to be as active as possible on campus. Past activities have included an annual Winter Holiday Party, movie nights, trips to Boston, bowling, pool, barbeques, and more.
Dining Services
When you’re hungry, there’s plenty to bite into at Bentley. The Seasons dining room offers unlimited, sit-down meals from early morning to 9:00 p.m. The LaCava Caf is a great place for food on the go, from Starbucks coffee to sushi to salad. Harry’s Corner, in the Student Center, offers convenience items and more.
Students even have a say in the Bentley menu. Thanks to their input, Dunkin Donuts came to campus and Einstein’s Bagels at the Deloitte Café opened in the Bentley Library. The diverse tastes of the student body are reflected in events such as Caribbean Night, Big City Eats, A Taste of Italy, and more.
Bentley offers four dining plans with a range of costs. Your student ID card serves as your meal ticket throughout the year. For more information, visit the Dining Services home page.
Be Happy and Healthy
You’ll find a variety of offices on campus whose number one job is keeping you safe, supported and satisfied during your four years at Bentley.
• Student Health Service
• Campus Police Department
• Counseling and Student Development
• Multicultural Center
• Center for International Students and Scholars
• Spiritual Life Center
The Student Health Service (SHS) provides free, confidential health care to all full-time students. Their services include diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, lab testing, dermatology, men’s and women’s health care, and medical and dental referrals. Staffed by nurse practitioners and physicians, the SHS offers counseling and education programs covering topics such as stress management, relaxation, sexuality, and responsible lifestyle decision-making.
Members of the Campus Police Department take a proactive approach to safeguarding the campus and promoting security awareness. Their initiatives include a Safety Escort Service, educational programs in residence halls, and training in CPR and standard first-aid. Officers patrol buildings and campus grounds; provide assistance in case of illness, accident or emergency; and ensure compliance with college rules and procedures.
The Counseling and Student Development (CSD) office offers free and confidential programs and services to all students. Its staff of psychologists, social workers and counselors provides counseling and mental health services for concerns related to stress, depression, anxiety, family life, relationships, and more. The Alcohol and Drug Resource Center has a trained professional who offers education and counseling for alcohol and drug issues. Disability Services is also housed in CSD; a staff member provides support services and works with students to arrange appropriate accommodations during their academic career.
The Multicultural Center serves to further the retention and success of the college’s ALANA (Asian American, Latino/a, African American, Native American, and multiracial) students. It provides academic monitoring, guidance, and referrals; initiatives for leadership development; and one-on-one connections for advocacy and ongoing personal support. The center also serves as a campus-wide resource, promoting the college’s efforts to foster diversity and to develop itself as a richly varied, learning community.
International students have a ready resource in the Center for International Students and Scholars. Staff members coordinate orientation programs for new international students and provide advising on immigration, employment, and academic issues. In addition, the International Peer Advisers program eases the transition to college life by fostering relationships between international students and continuing students at Bentley.
The Spiritual Life Center serves the spiritual and religious needs of students and other members of the campus community. The staff comprises Catholic and Protestant chaplains as well as advisers to individuals of the Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions. Students from a variety of faiths can call on the center for referrals to appropriate religious communities in the Waltham and Boston area. Look to the center for counseling, interfaith and faith-specific services, scripture studies, sacramental preparation, and opportunities for spiritual growth. Join us for weekly services in the sacred space, in the Student Center.
