Babson College combines the amenities of a traditional university with a business-centered academic platform. The small undergraduate population forms a tight-knit community and the condensed campus and regular group projects draw students into an intimate, yet sometimes competitive family. A sophomore writes, “
You can't walk from one end of campus to the other end of campus (a whopping half a mile) without running into at least 5 people you know. It’s great to never feel like a stranger anywhere you are.” The tight quarters can have drawbacks, though. She continues, “
Along with that comes the high school cliquish side of Babson. Everyone knows everyone else’s business whether or not they have ever had an actual conversation with that person.” Students generally agree, however, that the size is perfect when it comes to the classroom.
Classes at Babson are small, usually between 10 and 20 students. The largest freshman classes only have around 60 undergrads, and even then students say that professors try to make the atmosphere an intimate one. Courses aren’t taught through typical lectures and books; professors relate practical business knowledge from personal experience. “
The classroom environment at Babson is entirely focused on real-world application, and textbooks and syllabi are frequently thrown out in favor of a professor’s real-world experience and news articles,” notes a junior accounting major. Professors’ professional track records are extremely important at Babson, since the curriculum is often based on their workplace wisdom. Students say their teachers are inspiring in class and accessible outside of class, and for many, professors are a great source of contacts in their fields. A junior comments, “
The professors at Babson have been extremely successful in their field of work and share their experiences as often as they are relevant in the course. They truly care about their students and spend as much time as necessary making sure you understand the course material as well as introducing you to their connections in the business world.” The course load at Babson is very rigorous and involves a lot of group projects. Undergrads are forced to effectively manage their time between meetings, classes, studying, and partying, but Babson cuts them a break by not holding classes on Fridays.
The student body at Babson is notably diverse. The business school’s reputation is widely known abroad, and a large population of international students add spice to the otherwise Northeast-based student body. A student from Miami gushes, “
It's amazing to hear so many different languages, from English, Spanish, French, German, Greek, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Japanese, etc. all around campus. Thanks to Babson, I can go to Switzerland, Cyprus, Thailand, Jordan, Ireland, Argentina, Egypt, China, Brazil, and SOOOOO many more and I [will] have a friend there.” Many students note that though there isn’t any tension between identity groups, international students tend to stick together. Socioeconomically, many undergrads come from upper and upper-middle class families, and some say that seeing brand new snazzy cars on campus isn’t unusual. Nevertheless, those without a trust fund won’t feel out of place among these students. As one accounting senior observes, “
It really doesn't have a big impact because normally people wouldn't talk about their finances.”
When these ambitious students have downtime from class and group projects, they fill their plates with extracurriculars. “
There are tons of different clubs and intramural sports that you could get involved in,” divulges a freshman. And since these students learn to be so savvy at multitasking, juggling a number of obligations isn't necessarily overwhelming. “
It is entirely possible to balance the workload with a varsity sport and still join other organizations, such as Greek life or a club sport.” The go-getter nature of Babson ensures that students are always busy. “
Our student government and campus activities board are constantly planning fun activities, [bringing] speakers to campus, and making sure that there is always something to do on-campus.”
Though many complain about a lack of social life due to the heavy workload, undergrads make the most of the on-campus offerings and the school's proximity to Boston. The constant three-day weekends give students plenty of nights to get down. Many parties (often hosted by athletic teams or fraternities), are held in dorms, and the on-campus pub is the major social venue on Thursday nights. A sophomore says, “
Knight parties happen once a month and are like a huge sweaty high school dance with booze and a lot more making out on the dance floor. Knight parties go from 10pm-2am, and there is a beer garden for those 21+.” The on-campus party scene doesn’t fizzle out at the end of the year, either. “
After spring break, there are ‘SODAs’ (Seniors Out Drinking Again) EVERY night, each taking place at a different suite,” writes a junior majoring in statistics. There is a shuttle that makes it easy for undergrads to hit up big city Boston on the weekends, where they can rub elbows with students from surrounding schools, eat, shop, explore museums and other attractions, and embrace the colorful nightlife.
Though students suggest that the host town of Wellesley leaves much to be desired by the young folk, many appreciate it for providing a suburban environment that doesn’t distract from their studies. Almost everyone agrees that the proximity to Boston is a major plus. A sophomore says, “
Babson might be a very small school (about the same size as Bowdoin) but because Harvard, BC, MIT, BU and especially Wellesley College (all girls!) are so close, there's always something going on if you're in need of a change of scenery.” These students are eager to make the most of their college experience, whether that means taking advantage of the location, academics, or social scene, and Babson rewards it’s enterprising students. “
The best part about Babson is that you can create your own college experience there,” says a sophomore. “
College doesn't just happen to you; at Babson your college experience is something you create.”
