Reviews

I know one thing students hate are mandatory classes; but honestly these classes, at Bonaventure called CLARE courses, give you a wider range of knowledge. I'm learning things I wouldn't in my major and I find it really interesting. Granted some are more interesting than others, they all teach you a lot.

I absolutely love it here at St. Bonaventure, the smallish campus makes it easy to know your professors and you get to know the people in your major as you have similar classes. Everything here is really personal and there are always a lot of different things going on to appeal to every one's interests. There's something for everyone here.

Honestly, college isn't cheap. That's probably why you're on this site. But a good college education is worth it. Private Catholic universities are highly regarded as good schools and I'd put St. Bonaventure at the top of that list; the food is good, the housing is nice, you don't have to pay extra to go to the gym, the classes and interesting and personal, and your professors actually know who you are. At St. Bonaventure you get your bang for your buck.

Take advantage of the clubs offered! You get to meet a lot of people with similar interests and they look great on resumes. Work hard in class, your professor knows who you are and recognizes hard work and initiative. This is good when you need letters of recommendation. Get to know the people on your floor, but don't just limit it to that, know people from other floors and dorms too. But most of all have a good time, you'll always manage this here.

Those who are interested in getting a higher education, outgoing, have goals, like having activities to do, and those who want to become extraordinary!

St. Bonaventure is a fantastic institution that offers a comprehensive liberal arts education to all majors. Its Journalism/Mass Communication program and its Business program are extremely prestigious; anyone looking into either of those fields would be a fool not to consider Bona's. It is also a relatively small university, which makes for a very personal approach to teaching; your professors get to know you on a first-name basis and are always available outside of class to work with you on approaches that will help you to hone your strengths.

I cannot stress enough how much it helps to apply early -- it shows determination and incentive that will definitely be appreciated. Because St. Bonaventure is a Franciscan university, community service will stand out on your application and tip the odds in your favor. A good GPA will not only help you get in, but might make you eligible for an extremely helpful scholarship, as well.

What kept me from putting five stars here, while it pains me to say it, is that I do know students who coast through their classes here. Depending on your course of study and which professors you have, it is very possible for you to get a pretty light load, which can be a disappointment when you're paying for an education. However, as with most things, I guarantee you that with every class and every major here, you will get out what you put in. If you put your best foot forward and you go into your courses determined to do the work and do it well, your teachers will appreciate your efforts and do everything they can to help you and you will leave St. Bonaventure with a valuable, unforgettable education.

The dorms are all pretty old, but don't let that deter you; I had a fantastic experience living in a dorm my freshman year. St. Bonaventure gives a survey out to incoming freshmen and uses the results to place freshmen in halls with people that they are compatible with, making roommate problems much less likely. I got along wonderfully with everyone on my hall, and community showers really aren'Ã?Â?t nearly as terrifying as people make them out to be. Once you finish your first year several new housing options are open to you: Shay suites, Garden apartments, and Townhouses. I have only been in a Shay suite once, but they are comfortable; sharing a bathroom with three other people is certainly better than sharing with twenty. This past year I lived in a Garden apartment, which was a whole lot of fun. Gardens house six students each with two bathrooms, a huge living room, and a full kitchen. We hosted a lot of dinner parties and played a lot of Xbox Kinect! Next year I am going to be living in a Townhouse. Though Townhouses are smaller, each of the four students sharing a Townhouse gets his or her own room, which is nice. Also the fact that they are smaller makes them much more manageable in terms of keeping them clean and gives them a much more homey atmosphere.

The dining hall recently underwent an upgrade, meaning that the food is, simply put, fantastic, especially considering that it's a college dining hall. You are presented with several options throughout the day; Mongolian grill, brick oven pizza, pasta, freshly made sandwiches; there is even a delicious vegan station. Aside from the dining hall there is also La Verna, which is a superb coffee and sandwich shop, and the Reilly Center Cafe, which has choices ranging from savory fast food to healthy, delicious wraps. On the off chance that you are not in the mood for any of these options, Dunkin Donuts is right across the street from the main campus!

There is a movie theater within walking distance of the campus, and a three-mile trail through the gorgeous surrounding area for those who like to bike, skateboard, rollerblade or walk. The little towns on either side of the college, Olean and Allegany, have tons of quirky, cheap, good quality restaurants and boutiques to explore. Overnight retreats are often held at Mount Irenaeus, a beautiful mountain retreat cared for by the Franciscan friars and a great place to get away from school-related stress and enjoy some down time.

As with any private institution, the tuition for this school is daunting: roughly $40,000 a year. That said, because St. Bonaventure gets so many cash gifts from its alumni, there are a LOT of financial aid options one can apply for and TONS of on- and off-campus employment opportunities.

One thing that often turns people off of St. Bonaventure is that it is a Catholic university, but most of the students in attendance are not Catholic at all. In fact, most of the Theology department's professors aren't Catholic, either! While there is certainly a great Catholic and Franciscan presence on campus, the friars, sisters, and everyone involved in the spiritual life of St. Bonaventure are some of the kindest, most understanding and accepting people I have ever met. Rather than make non-Catholics feel isolated, they welcome them with open arms and want only for them to feel comfortable.

Because the campus is so old there are several areas reputed to be haunted, especially Devereaux Hall, one of the dorms. Most of the spirits are said to be benevolent, because most of the people who have died on campus have been friars and sisters, but if you'Ã?Â?re looking for a chilling tale, ask an upperclassman about what allegedly happened on Devereaux's top floor.

There are students of all types enjoying their stay at this school, from hard partyers to hard workers. I think that it best suits those who benefit from small student-to-teacher ratios and a very personal approach to learning; students who are very serious and passionate about their education who don't want to hide amid the hundreds in a lecture hall.

Bona's offers a veritable ton of intramural sports and clubs. I, personally, am a member of Writer's Bloc, which is a club for creative writers aspiring toward publication, which just goes to show you that there are clubs on campus for everything under the sun. Whether you're into Model UN, dance, the LGBT community or community service, you'Ã?Â?ll find your niche.

Something in particular that I really love about St. Bonaventure is that there is no Greek life; no fraternities or sororities. This means that the entire school is its own community that no one is excluded from, that no one has to feel pressured to fit into. It's a healthy, laid back environment.

I have never felt unsafe on this campus, and that is due in no small part to the fact that it is located pretty much in the middle of nowhere in western New York. The campus security and the campus EMT response team are quick, efficient, and reliable.

St. Bonaventure University is a place where everyone can find a home. I am constantly joining new clubs and making new friends. It is a supportive environment where I know I can go to faculty and staff for advice in any area of life, whether it be academic, extra-curricular, or personal.

My word of advice for students is to take time to discern who you are: what you like, where you want to be, what you want to do, etc. Unless you know who you are, you will not be able to truly choose a school that you will be comfortable at for the next four years of your academic career. That being said, it is also okay to be undecided. If you are undecided, Saint Bonaventure is a great place to experience different fields of study and decide what you want to pursue. The guidance of the faculty is exceptional, a wonderful resource for both decided and undecided majors to take advantage of.

Academic life is as easy or as difficult as you make it. This is true for any institution. The student is in charge of how many credits he or she takes, as well as the level of difficulty in the courses he or she selects. I find myself always challenged, but that is because I am willing to challenge myself academically. Currently, at Saint Bonaventure University I am taking 21 credits and am a member of the Honors Program.

Dorm life is not something one person can judge for another. I would give dorm life at Saint Bonaventure 5 stars, not because of the dorms, but because of the life. I feel very comfortable with my roommates as well as my floor mates. They make it a wonderful place to live. If one person is feeling sick, the rest take care of that person. If someone is feeling stressed, the others make it their personal responsibility to relieve that stress by taking some of the weight off, bringing that friend to yoga, or having a fun night with the floor. Dorm life is about feeling comfortable where you are, and I most definitely feel at home when I am here.

The dining hall at Saint Bonaventure University is full of options. As an example, for breakfast you can have one of the cereal selections, fresh fruit (whole or cut), yogurt, oatmeal, Belgium waffles, pancakes, eggs, biscuits, breads, a personal omelet made just for you, etc. The options are endless. Obviously, at any institution the options can seem to get boring at times because you see them all multiple times throughout the year. However, the options are much more plentiful than you would normally have at home.

There are so many activities to do for fun! I find myself always active with clubs and friends. This year I was involved with many mission trips and service projects. I also branched out to audition for the musical and had an amazing time working on that and performing for the entire campus and any one else who was in attendance. My guy friends here are also always getting involved with intramural sports. For me, it is nice to go to open swim hours with a few friends.

I love Saint Bonaventure University. The professors are great and willing to help. There is such a great family atmosphere and the Bona spirit is wonderful! It's truly home away from home!

The admissions staff is wonderful. Visit Saint Bonaventure and you will love it. You will feel the family feeling right away.

The professors are willing to help you. There are tutors willing to help and the student professor ratio is such that you can go to them anytime with questions and assistance. If you do your work, go to all your classes and study hard, you will succeed.

Dorm life is great - it's like a close knit family. Everyone is kind and considerate and it's like a little family. I love it!

The food is great! I just love Hickey Dining Hall - there is so much to choose from and there are a lot of healthy choices as well. You will never go hungry.

There are so many clubs to choose from - there are sports, sports clubs, game night, all kinds of things to do. You will never be bored.

You get your money's worth going to Saint Bonaventure - everyone will go out of their way to help you succeed and have a wonderful experience. It's such a tight community and family atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to be!

Bona fires, ghost walk for Halloween, entertainment, fun fun fun!

Students who like smaller class size, students who like the catholic tradition, students that like to go to a smaller college, students who would like to practice their catholic faith, students who like the feeling of home away from home.

Tons of clubs to choose from and you can always form your own club - check out the website to see details!

Very safe campus with plenty of security and staff.

St. Bonaventure is a campus where anything is possible. There are plenty of open spaces, the teachers are so helpful, and everyone seems to be there to learn. The class size is a real advantage, the professors know every student and personalize some instruction to help keep everyone involved.

As with every college, some students choose classes that are easy and coast by. If you really want to, though, you can work with your faculty advisor to choose courses that challenge you and help you.

The dorms are similar to any other school you'll visit. Talk to any student who has lived on campus and they'll tell you everything you need to know!

The Hickey has such a great variety of food, it's different almost every day. The dining hall itself was recently renovated and a gorgeous wood ceiling was uncovered.

It is a private Catholic college, and as much, is pretty expensive. The financial aid office is amazing at finding ways to keep students in control of their education and making St. Bonaventure a possible option.

The variety is amazing. Anything you're interested in, theres probably a club for it.

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St. Bonaventure is a very welcoming school with equally welcoming staff and students. This school has such a great atmosphere, not only for learning but also for other things. I would recommend St. Bonaventure to anyone.

Visit all the schools that you are interested in to make sure that they are the right fit for you. Honestly you will know right away if a school is right for you. And don't be afraid to go away from home.

I enjoyed my classes my first two semesters for the most part. They definitely pushed me and taught me many things about myself. I didn't enjoy a couple classes, but I've learned what I like and what I don't.

I absolutely loved living on campus! I can't imagine doing it any other way. This is how I met most of my friends and because of dorming, I was able to join a lot of extra clubs.

I love having the option of the RC cafe and Cafe La Verna because sometimes it is easy to get sick of the Hickey food. I can't explain about the Hickey food though because there is a great variety and it's actually really good food.

Join clubs and sports! I took the opportunity to join rugby my second semester and I wish I had joined sooner. This is the time to figure out what you love so it's great to have so many options to keep busy!

Francis Hall has Hickey dining swipe during certain days at certain times and that is great because it doesn't cost you anything extra to get really great food!

In the past there has been a streaker at the late night breakfast which is right before finals week, but this year there wasn't. Everyone is hoping for the return next year.

Any type of student honestly! I've met all types of people.

There are so many choices and there is definitely something for everyone if you put yourself out there and try new things.

Campus security it pretty good and the campus is small, so there is not much to worry about. But if you do worry, security is available 24/7 which is nice.

saint bonaventure is a wonderful school. wonderful and genuine faculty. you are part of a family when here.

challenge yourself, don't be afraid to go a distance for a great school. look at all the programs saint bonaventure has to offer, compare the tuition to suny and cuny schools. if you are a good student in high school this school will surprise your parents in the wallet. very affordable!!

you can make it as hard as you want.

as a parent, when looking at schools that were "away" from long island - it seemed that a lot of kids left campus on the weekends. at saint bonaventure they come home 2 times before christmas and then in the spring there are 2 visits home before the end of spring semester.

kids do better when living on campus.

i wish the dining option was a little more flexible. i have a picky child. but neither one of my kids did not starve. if you are an upper class men and live in the on campus apartments you can change the meal plan into a block plan.

lots of campus activities. skiing at holiday valley. day or overnights to buffalo great student center. lots of clubs.

basketball school.

my out of pocket was less than a suny school.

floating down the alleghany river in an inflatable pool during graduation week.

all types of students. both of my kids attended and they were polar opposites. they both loved everything about the school.

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security available. very safe campus and area.

Saint Bonaventure has a welcoming atmosphere. When they say once a Bonnie, always a Bonnie, they mean it. No one comes together like a Saint Bonaventure family.

Don't shoot it down due to its size. It has a big school feel with the attention of a small school.

If you do not give 100% in the Biology major say goodbye to your scholarships. Even in the core curriculum you still need to give it your all.

If you like to be quiet, some dorms are not gonna work for you.

There are not many options because the school is so small but the cafe's are wicked good.

Basketball games, rugby games, hockey games anything like that is fun. There is always something being offered on campus. If you're bored, you're boring.

In terms of a privae university it is on the cheaper side of things.

There is a green light from on of the academic buildings that randomly goes on.

Religious, hard working, fun-loving

There's a ton of them and they are always welcoming of new members.

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Campus security is there in a flash when they're needed. There are also many people that you can tell anything to.

Everyone here is like a big family. The classes are great and really enjoyable and the campus is gorgeous. The professors are great and always willing to help you if needed.

Find a school where you feel at home immediately. Make sure, also, that they have exactly the kind of clubs and sports you have. If they do not, then you can always create one.

The school is easy to get into, but difficult to stay. The classes are definitely harder then high school, but not impossible to pass. This school makes sure you are getting everything out of the classes and the school.

The dorms are not as bad as they could be. The buildings on campus are very old so they are made out of beautiful brick. Your neighbors become your best friends and it is really fun to live with your friends.

The food is normally really good, however, there are some questionable foods. the dining hall is basically a buffet, if you have your student ID then you can eat as much as you want.

In little Olean, NY the biggest supermarket is Walmart. However, there are things on campus that you can do and during the winter there is ice skating and basketball games. All the sports games are fun to go to.

With coming to this school, not only will I earn a degree, like every other school in the country, but I receive a sense of school pride and a feel of being in a giant family on campus.

Unlike other school, St. Bonaventure has friars walking around campus all of the time. It is a nice feeling to see a friar say hi or sit with you in the dining hall. Through the school students are able to go to Mt. Irenaeus, which is a mountain where students can go to relax and get away from campus for a while.

St. Bonaventure is great for students who do not mind being in a small town. The city of Buffalo is only an hour away so students go up to the city for weekends, too. This school is a great place for people who are always religious, there are many activities and clubs to join for people who want to be very involved in University Ministries.

There are many different varieties of clubs and activities at St. Bonaventure. However, we do not have a football team because our team was so bad that they got beat by the surrounding high school teams.

There is no Greek system at St. Bonaventure.

The school only has 2,074 students, so it is relatively small. Also, security is always driving around making sure nothing suspicious is going on.

The professors here come from some of the country's greatest universities and you can't help but learn by engaging in discussions with them. During lectures, professors bring in their personal experiences with the subject matter to really help their students comprehend what is being taught.

I absolutely love being at Bonas. Every summer when I leave, I begin to count the days until I can return. Unfortunately this marks my final countdown for returning to school. There are so many opportunities, clubs, organizations, sports, and events for people to get involved with, it's difficult to not get attached to the campus.

Bonaventure offers merit-based scholarships to a large percentage of students and there are scholarships based on certain criteria. After scholarships, students still have to pay a few thousand dollars, but between the multitude of courses and programs, great professors, amazing experiences, and tight-knit alumni base, Bonas is well worth it.

Schedule a visit to campus and visit an open house. This way, you can really get a feel for the campus. Bonas runs tours everyday and allows prospective students to sit in on classes. Open houses are great because certain programs (and even some organizations) will host workshops for interested students so that they may become familiar with the faculty for their program as well as current students who are already enrolled in those programs.

St. Bonaventure is a great place for students who thrive in a small environment. Between graduate and undergraduate students, there are about 2,500 students on campus. Most professors live in Olean or Allegany, so they're often on campus and easy to get in touch with. Also, Roman Catholic students will love Bonas because of the Catholic-Franciscan values that are present throughout campus.