Commons, with photographer's back to
1 / 10

Bennington College

4.5
·42 reviews·Bennington, United States

A distinctive liberal arts college in Vermont, known for its individualized study, arts focus, and stunning natural surroundings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall

Stunning foliage

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Commons, with photographer's back to

Bennington College

Best Time

Fall

Stunning foliage

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A distinctive liberal arts college in Vermont, known for its individualized study, arts focus, and stunning natural surroundings.

4.5
(42 reviews)

"Bennington has a gorgeous campus though."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍂 Embrace the Seasons

The campus is beautiful year-round, but fall foliage is spectacular! Pack layers for unpredictable Vermont weather.

🎤 Attend Public Events

Check the college calendar for performances and lectures. It's a great way to see student talent and faculty expertise.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Campus

The Iconic Campus

Throughout the campus

A picturesque setting with a blend of historic and modern architecture, surrounded by Vermont's natural beauty.

Peter Dinklage's Legacy

Peter Dinklage's Legacy

Commencement ceremonies

Hear echoes of inspiring commencement speeches from notable alumni like Peter Dinklage, encouraging risk-taking and embracing failure.

Arts & Performance Hub

Arts & Performance Hub

Various performance spaces

Experience student and faculty talent in music, theater, and dance, reflecting the college's strong arts programs.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vermont Vibe

Bennington College offers a unique, arts-focused liberal arts education. Expect a strong emphasis on individual study and creative expression. Plan for a rural setting; while beautiful, it means fewer immediate amenities than a city campus.

Seasonal Beauty & Events

The campus is stunning year-round, with vibrant fall foliage and snowy winters.Instagram Check the college calendar for public events like performances and lectures, which offer a glimpse into student life and faculty expertise.

Best Times

When
Fall
Why
Stunning foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring
Why
Blooming campus
Crowd
Medium
When
During public events
Why
Experience student life
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What’s your favorite season at Bennington?
atbennington
607 likes • 9.5K views

🍂 Embrace the Seasons

The campus is beautiful year-round, but fall foliage is spectacular! Instagram Pack layers for unpredictable Vermont weather.

🎤 Attend Public Events

Check the college calendar for performances and lectures. It's a great way to see student talent and faculty expertise. Instagram

✨✨✨ #benningtoncollege #bennington #studentlife #vermont #liberalarts
benningtonstudents
749 likes • 9.3K views
Peter Dinklage Advice to young actors ✨😎 Youtube : Bennington College #actorslifestyle #actingtips #actingskills #actingaudition #holywooddreams #FilmIndustry #holywood #actinglife #LAActors #actorscareerguide #ShowbizLife #TVIndustry #ActingCommunity #CinematicArts #oscarawards #screenactorsguild #auditiontips #actingquotes #actorsadvice #actorshustle #actorslife #acting #speech #actorsadvice #q...
actorscareerguide
1.9K likes • 38.5K views

🚗 Consider Your Transport

Bennington is rural. A car is recommended for exploring beyond campus and for commuting if working nearby. Reddit

🏛️ Explore Historic Architecture

Admire the unique blend of historic and modern buildings that make up the scenic campus. Instagram

Peter Dinklage’s Life-Changing Graduation Speech that Redefines Success” In a graduation speech that left a lasting impression. Peter Dinklage urged Bennington College graduates to embrace failure, take risks, and find their own path. “Try again, fail again, fail better,” he boldly declared, reframing failure as an essential part of growth. In a world that often prioritizes success over struggle,...
risingfounders
5.3K likes • 90.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🍂 Embrace the Seasons

The campus is beautiful year-round, but fall foliage is spectacular! Instagram Pack layers for unpredictable Vermont weather.

🎤 Attend Public Events

Check the college calendar for performances and lectures. It's a great way to see student talent and faculty expertise. Instagram

🚗 Consider Your Transport

Bennington is rural. A car is recommended for exploring beyond campus and for commuting if working nearby. Reddit

🏛️ Explore Historic Architecture

Admire the unique blend of historic and modern buildings that make up the scenic campus. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(42 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Bennington College's stunning campus and the vibrant, creative atmosphere fostered by its unique educational approach. The strong arts focus and the beauty of the Vermont setting are frequently highlighted as major positives. However, some note the rural location and the potential need for a car for off-campus access.

"Beautiful campus. I do not personally attend college here, so I can not speak to any specific details."

Christine Cartwright

"Beautiful campus! Super friendly staff. Brilliant students. August faculty."

Steve James

"Met them at the job fair. Nice College and maybe I can teach Hollywood to students.
This post had 5k views in a short time period. Funny that the College never called me back to talk about teaching. Too bad they have no pro teaching Hollywood style filmmaking. Go to USC they know me and I have used their job board."

Scott Migdol

What People Like

Beautiful campus scenery
Creative arts focus
Unique educational model

What People Dislike

Rural location isolation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bennington College is located in Bennington, Vermont. The nearest major airports are Albany International Airport (ALB) and Burlington International Airport (BTV). From either airport, renting a car is the most convenient way to reach the campus. Driving directions can be found on the college's official website. If you're considering living in Albany or Troy while working in Bennington, note that it's about an hour's drive each way. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Bennington College are limited due to its rural location. While there might be local bus services within Bennington town, they may not directly serve the college campus. Having a personal vehicle or relying on ride-sharing services is generally recommended for getting around the area. Reddit

The drive from New York City to Bennington College typically takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions, especially around the NYC metropolitan area. The route primarily involves highways like I-87 North and then connecting to Vermont routes. Reddit

While Bennington itself offers local living options, some people consider areas like Albany or Troy, NY, for a wider range of amenities and proximity to family, though this adds a significant commute. Reddit The college campus also offers student housing. Instagram

The closest major city with an airport is Albany, New York, approximately an hour's drive away. Troy, New York, is also nearby. Rutland, Vermont, is another option, though smaller than Albany. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, prospective students and visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful Bennington College campus. It's recommended to check the admissions section of the college website for information on campus tours or to schedule a visit. Instagram

Bennington College typically offers campus tours for prospective students. It's best to visit the official Bennington College admissions website to find out about tour schedules and how to book a spot. Instagram

Bennington College often hosts public events, including performances, lectures, and art exhibitions. Checking the college's events calendar is the best way to find out what's happening and if tickets are required. Instagram

Admission to Bennington College is competitive and focuses on a student's academic record, essays, and a portfolio of work. The college emphasizes individual study and creative potential. Specific requirements can be found on their admissions page. Instagram

While the campus is generally accessible, specific visiting hours for admissions tours or administrative offices may apply. It's advisable to consult the Bennington College website or contact the admissions office directly for the most accurate information. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Bennington College is renowned for its distinctive approach to liberal arts education, emphasizing individualized study, interdisciplinary work, and a strong focus on the arts and humanities. It's known for fostering creative thinkers and independent learners. Instagram

Bennington College offers various housing options for students, often integrated into the campus environment. While not explicitly ranked among the 'top 10 dorms' in viral lists, student housing aims to support the academic and social life of its residents. Instagram

The town of Bennington offers several dining options, ranging from casual cafes to more traditional restaurants. For a wider variety, residents often travel to nearby cities like Albany. Reddit

Bennington attracts students who are independent, creative, and passionate about interdisciplinary learning. Many are drawn to its unique educational model and the opportunity to pursue their own academic interests deeply. Instagram

The campus atmosphere is often described as creative, intellectual, and community-oriented. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with their studies and with each other in a supportive, arts-focused environment. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire campus offers picturesque views, especially during the fall foliage season.Instagram Look for shots combining the unique architecture with the surrounding natural landscapes. Jennings Hall has a distinct gothic aesthetic that's popular for spooky-themed photos. Instagram

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos on the Bennington College campus, especially for personal use. If you're planning a professional photoshoot or commercial filming, it's advisable to contact the college's communications department for guidelines and permissions. Instagram

The blend of historic and modern architecture provides many unique photo opportunities. The natural beauty of the Vermont landscape surrounding the campus also serves as a stunning backdrop throughout the year. Instagram

Given the college's strong arts focus, photography of student art, performances, and campus life is common. The scenic beauty also lends itself to landscape and architectural photography. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. However, the campus is visually appealing throughout the day, with different lighting conditions highlighting various architectural and natural features. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Bennington College is a higher education institution, families visiting the area can appreciate the beautiful campus and its surroundings. The scenic Vermont landscape offers opportunities for outdoor exploration. Consider visiting during the fall for stunning foliage Instagram or exploring the town of Bennington for local charm. The college itself might host public events that could be suitable for older children interested in arts or performances. Instagram

🎓 Prospective Students

Bennington College offers a unique educational experience for students seeking an individualized and arts-focused liberal arts education. Focus on your portfolio and craft compelling essays that showcase your creative potential and intellectual curiosity. Attend campus tours to get a feel for the community and the stunning Vermont setting. Instagram+1 Connect with current students or alumni to gain insights into the Bennington experience. Instagram

🚗 Day-Trippers & Commuters

If you're considering working in Bennington, VT, and commuting from a larger hub like Albany or Troy, NY, be prepared for about an hour's drive each way. Reddit While Bennington offers a quieter lifestyle, the commute is a significant factor to weigh. The college campus itself is beautiful to visit for a short exploration, especially during peak foliage season. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Bennington Educational Model

Bennington College is celebrated for its distinctive educational philosophy, which centers on individualized study plans and interdisciplinary learning. Unlike traditional majors, students work closely with faculty advisors to design their own course of study, often combining subjects from the arts, humanities, and sciences. This approach fosters deep engagement and allows students to pursue their unique intellectual passions. The college emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to connect their academic work with real-world applications through internships, fieldwork, and community projects. Instagram

This model is supported by a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship. Students are expected to take significant ownership of their education, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The culmination of this rigorous academic journey is often a senior thesis or project, a substantial body of work that showcases the student's acquired knowledge and creative abilities. This unique structure attracts students seeking a more personalized and self-directed college experience. Instagram

Notable alumni, such as actor Peter Dinklage, have spoken about the transformative impact of this educational approach, highlighting how it encourages students to 'fail better' and find their own unique paths. Instagram The college's commitment to fostering independent thought and creative exploration makes it a distinctive institution in the landscape of American higher education. Instagram

Campus Life and Community

Life at Bennington College is deeply intertwined with its strong emphasis on the arts and a close-knit community. Students are encouraged to participate actively in campus life, whether through artistic endeavors, academic discussions, or social events. The rural Vermont setting contributes to a focused environment, where students can immerse themselves in their studies and creative pursuits. Instagram The college often hosts a variety of events, including student performances, faculty lectures, and visiting artist presentations, providing ample opportunities for engagement and learning outside the classroom. Instagram

The community at Bennington is known for being intellectually curious and artistically inclined. Students often form strong bonds through shared academic interests and collaborative projects. While the campus is relatively secluded, this fosters a unique sense of camaraderie and shared experience. For those considering living in the area, it's worth noting that Bennington is a smaller town, and some residents find themselves commuting to larger centers like Albany for certain amenities or job opportunities. Reddit

Student housing, or dorm life, is an integral part of the Bennington experience, designed to support students' academic and social lives. Instagram The college aims to create a supportive and inspiring environment where students can thrive both personally and academically, surrounded by peers and faculty who share a passion for learning and creativity. Instagram

The Scenic Vermont Setting

Bennington College is nestled in the picturesque landscape of southwestern Vermont, offering a visually stunning environment for its students and visitors. The campus itself is a blend of historic buildings and modern architectural designs, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery. This natural beauty is a significant part of the college's appeal, changing dramatically with the seasons. Instagram

During the fall, the surrounding forests erupt in a vibrant display of reds, oranges, and yellows, making it a particularly popular time for photography and appreciating the scenery. Instagram Winter transforms the campus into a serene, snow-covered landscape, offering a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. Spring brings a renewal of life, with blooming flora adding color to the grounds, while summer offers warm days perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the verdant surroundings. Instagram

The rural location also means that the immediate surroundings are peaceful and conducive to focused study and creative work. While this offers a tranquil escape, it also means that access to larger urban amenities requires a drive. For those who appreciate natural beauty and a serene environment, Bennington College's setting is a major draw. Reddit

You may also like