Bethel University: Part-Time Students' On-Campus Living Options

Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, offers students a vibrant campus life, with various housing options, dining facilities, and extracurricular activities. The university encourages students to live on campus, citing benefits such as convenience, affordability, and a greater sense of community. While the university's website provides comprehensive information about campus life, it is not clear if part-time students can avail of on-campus housing. Full-time students taking in-person courses may be eligible to live on campus, but they must be at least 17 years old and have senior status.

Benefits of living on campus

Living on campus at Bethel University is a great way to be connected to the greater Bethel community. There are several benefits to living on campus, including:

Enhanced Academic Performance

Living on campus means you are just a stone's throw away from classrooms, libraries, academic buildings, and other resources. This proximity can enhance your academic performance and make it easier for you to collaborate with fellow students on group projects and study sessions. Studies have shown that students who live on campus tend to perform better academically and are more likely to graduate on time.

Convenience and Cost Savings

On-campus living saves you time and money by eliminating the need for transportation and the stress of commuting. You won't have to spend money on gas, parking, or car maintenance, and you won't have to worry about traffic delays or bad weather affecting your commute. Additionally, many universities offer affordable and all-inclusive housing options, which can save you money on rent and utilities.

Improved Safety and Security

Most universities, including Bethel, prioritize student safety and have security personnel patrolling the campus 24/7. Living on campus means you are in close proximity to these security staff, which can make you feel safer and more secure. ID cards or key fobs are often required to access dormitories, providing an extra layer of protection.

Building a Sense of Community

Living on campus allows you to build a strong sense of community and belonging. You'll be surrounded by other students who are going through similar experiences, making it easier to form lasting friendships and support networks. This sense of community can help you navigate the challenges of college life, such as homesickness, stress, or loneliness.

Social Opportunities

On-campus living provides countless opportunities to connect with your peers and make new friends. From organized activities to simply hanging out with roommates, you'll have more chances to socialize and build a diverse network within the larger school community.

Residence halls

Bethel University is primarily a residential campus, with several residence halls to choose from. Living on campus is a great way to be connected to the greater Bethel community and has a host of benefits, financially, socially, and educationally. Studies have shown that students living on campus are more likely to stay in school and more likely to graduate.

If you don't live within a 50-mile radius and haven't completed 96 credit hours, you are required to live in campus housing. Students wanting to live off-campus must meet the requirements listed in The Log Student Guide and be approved by the Housing Office. A deposit of $175 must be paid before being placed in housing.

The Office of Residence Life provides a wide variety of activities, from monthly community programming to weekly activities, including video game tournaments and movie nights. Students are also encouraged to share their ideas for activities with the Director of Residence Life and Student Housing.

Bethel University offers a variety of student housing options, from suites and apartments shared with friends to more traditional dorm rooms. The Café is the central dining facility for students living in the residence halls and offers all-day dining.

Full-time students taking at least some in-person courses may be eligible to live on campus. Students must be at least 17 years old, with senior status, to apply to live in residence areas alongside traditional Bethel students. Room and board fees are not covered and will be charged to the student.

Dining options

Bethel University offers a wide range of dining options for its students, ensuring that everyone can find something to suit their tastes and dietary needs. The university's dining services are provided in partnership with Sodexo, a leader in the food service industry, guaranteeing a high-quality dining experience.

The Cafeteria (affectionately known as The Caf) is the central dining facility for students, staff, faculty, and guests, offering all-day dining with a variety of options. It is located in the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment and operates on extended hours to accommodate different schedules. The Cafeteria also includes specialised stations such as the Veggie Venue, Garden Gourmet, Healthy Edge, and Upper Crust, ensuring that students with dietary restrictions or preferences can find suitable options.

In addition to the central cafeteria, Bethel University offers several other dining options on campus. The Wildcat Cafe, located in Marrs-Stockton Hall, provides a cosy atmosphere and a range of food and beverage options, including biscuits, burgers, chicken wings, and Frothy Monkey products. The Den, located inside The Caf, is a great place to unwind, socialise, and study while enjoying a bite to eat. For fans of Chick-fil-A, there's the Chick-fil-A Express located in the Vera Low Student Enrichment Center, offering all the brand's popular menu items.

Bethel University also understands the importance of a good cup of coffee, and the Royal Grounds coffee shop is there to satisfy caffeine cravings. For those looking for a quick bite on the go, the Sufficient Grounds Café offers hot and cold beverages and a variety of food choices daily, except for Sundays. The Lounge in the Miller/Moore Academic Center provides a more low-key setting with a vending machine offering drinks and snacks. And for special events, The Acorn, located in the Sailor Residential Center, is the perfect spot.

With such a diverse range of dining options, Bethel University ensures that its students are well-fed and energised to tackle their academic pursuits. The university also accommodates special diets and provides dietary counsel by appointment, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its student body.

Requirements for living off campus

Bethel University is primarily a residential campus, and students are required to live in campus housing unless they meet certain criteria. Students wanting to live off-campus must meet the requirements listed in The Log Student Guide and be approved by the Housing Office.

Criteria for Living Off Campus

• Students must live within a 50-mile radius of the campus.
• Students must have completed a total of 96 credit hours.
• Students under 21 years of age must have lived on campus for four semesters and not be receiving scholarship assistance.

Application Process

Students who meet the above criteria and wish to live off-campus must complete the following steps:

• Fill out an Off-Campus Application at the Bethel Housing office.
• Pay a deposit of $175 prior to being placed in off-campus housing.
• Complete the Housing Application, which can be found in the Bethel e-portal.

On-campus jobs

Bethel University in Minnesota offers a range of on-campus jobs for students, including undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students. Working on campus is a great way to get involved in the Bethel community and gain valuable work experience.

Benefits of On-Campus Jobs

• Convenience: With various job opportunities available right on campus, students can easily fit work into their busy academic schedules.
• Community Building: Working on campus allows students to connect with peers, staff, and faculty, fostering a sense of community.
• Financial Aid: Many students working on campus have received state or federal work-study as part of their financial aid package, providing financial support during their studies.
• Flexibility: Bethel University understands the importance of a balanced life for students. Dining services jobs, for example, allow students to choose their own schedules by selecting shifts that work best for them.

Types of On-Campus Jobs

Bethel University offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities:

• Catering and Dining Services: Students can work in various dining facilities on campus, such as Monson Dining Center, Royal Grounds, and 3900 Grill. Job roles include cashiers, dishwashers, and catering staff for events.
• Grounds Maintenance: Students can help maintain the beauty of the campus by working in grounds maintenance, including roles like snow removal crew members.
• Campus Tours: Students can become campus tour guides, showcasing the university to prospective students and visitors.
• Athletics and Events: There are opportunities to work in athletics and event management, such as game day operations, camera crew for sports events, and marketing assistants for promotional activities.
• Residence Halls: Students can find jobs within the residence halls, such as custodial positions, to ensure a clean and comfortable living environment for their peers.
• Administrative Support: Administrative roles are available in different departments, such as the Office of Safety and Security, where students can work as community service officers.

Finding On-Campus Jobs

Bethel University provides resources to help students find on-campus jobs:

• Job Listings: The university's website often posts job openings for current and incoming students, including work-study and non-work-study positions.
• Supervisors: Students can directly contact supervisors for specific jobs they are interested in to inquire about opportunities and apply.
• Career Development: The university's Career Development and Calling office can provide information on both on-campus and off-campus job opportunities.

Frequently asked questions