What's the College Scene Like in Bennington, VT?

I've been kinda drawn to the idea of attending college in Bennington, VT. Would any of you know about what colleges there are, how's the student life, academics? Just looking for a general idea before I delve deeper into research. All perspectives appreciated!

In Bennington, VT, the primary college is Bennington College, a small liberal arts institution. It's known for its student-driven curriculum and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Academic life is indeed unique as there are no required courses and instead, each student is encouraged to design their own course of study.

To guide your learning, you'll have a faculty adviser from the get-go. They help you navigate through diverse academic interests, enabling you to move seamlessly between, say, visual art and cognitive science. Many students appreciate this open structure because it allows for immersive study in your passion areas beyond traditional boundaries.

The student life is a mix of New England charm and artsy vibe. Bennington is a small town, so you get a strong community feel with students often engaging in the local community through internships or volunteer work. On campus, life revolves around academic pursuits, creative projects, student-led initiatives, and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, or exploring other parts of Vermont (if you're an outdoor lover, you're in luck!).

The student body itself is relatively small and intimate. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, allowing relationships with peers and faculty to grow quite strong. Plus, being a part of a small student body, students generally have more opportunities to stand out and make a difference on campus. Advantages like these could contribute to your overall college experience and postgraduate success.

Something to note though is that the winter can be quite harsh if you're not accustomed to harsh New England winters, so do keep this in mind while factoring in your decision.

Remember that it would be beneficial to visit the campus (if possible) to get a concrete feel for the environment because everyone has differing preferences on campus settings and college towns. Best of luck with your college search!