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Berea College

Any domestic, first-time college student who has been successfully admitted to Berea College is eligible to participate in Berea Bridge.

Who is eligible to attend Berea Bridge?

For the 2025 program, students will arrive on Saturday, June 14 and leave on Saturday, July 12.
Information for the 2026 program will be announced soon!

When is Berea Bridge?

Berea Bridge is FREE for participants.

How much does Berea Bridge cost?

You’ll  want to be sure to bring:
<ul>
<li>Bedsheets or a sleeping bag</li>
<li>Toiletries</li>
<li>Activewear (e.g running shoes, comfortable shorts/t-shirts)</li>
<li>An umbrella or rain jacket and rain boots</li>
<li>Laundry supplies (e.g., detergent and dryer sheets) Note: Use of laundry facilities in the residence halls is free.</li>
<li>A bath towel and cheap plastic sandals to wear as “shower shoes.”</li>
</ul>
Many Bridge students have been happy they’ve brought:
<ul>
<li>Sunscreen and bug spray</li>
<li>Over the counter medications (e.g. Tylenol, band-aids, Neosporin)</li>
<li>An extension cord and a fan</li>
<li>A small reading light</li>
<li>Light snacks (e.g ramen, popcorn, granola bars)</li>
<li>Boots or sturdy footwear</li>
<li>A hat and sunglasses</li>
</ul>
Once a week, you will have the chance to take a shuttle to Walmart should you run out of something or discover you forgot to pack something. You can also order items online and have them delivered to your CPO mailbox on campus.

What should I pack for Bridge? 

We’ll supply everything you need for class (notebooks, pens, textbooks, etc.), so don’t worry about packing school supplies. Leave your candles, hot plates, and big appliances at home. Keep in mind, too, that you will not be able to store your belongings on campus after Bridge because of the in-depth cleaning of residence halls that happens over the summer. Whatever you move in at the start of Bridge will have to be moved back out and taken home once the month is over. You can consult the <a href="https://legacy.berea.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2023/09/Residential-Living-Guide.pdf">Life at</a> <a href="https://legacy.berea.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2023/09/Residential-Living-Guide.pdf">Berea</a> page for additional information.

What should I not pack for Bridge?

Once a week, you will have the chance to take a shuttle to Walmart so that you can buy supplies as you need them (e.g., if you run out of shampoo or want to pick up baking supplies to make brownies with a friend). There are also several stores within walking distance near campus that make for fun shopping trips with friends!

What if I run out of something during Bridge?

Not necessarily. We assign roommates for Bridge based on information that you offer through your Housing Application (these applications are typically released in April); for the school year, however, you will have the option to either request a roommate or have a roommate assigned to you.

Will my Bridge roommate be my first-year roommate? 

No, student participants are not allowed to bring their cars for Bridge. You can, however, apply to bring your car with you when you return to campus in August. Public Safety will send out an email with a permit application in July!

Can I bring my car for Bridge?

Everything you need for learning, dining, or joining in official program activities will be provided to you. Additionally, after move-in, students will receive a modest stipend that will help them cover any incidentals that they might need or a visit to the local ice cream shop with friends. For your work in the labor program during Bridge, you will receive a scholarship reimbursement payment.

Do I need spending money?

Because you’ll be taking classes, working in the labor program, and having fun, you’ll be busy from about 8 am to 9 pm each day, so we ask that all Bridge students stay at Berea for the duration of the program. Your family may visit you on campus, but they may not stay with you in the residence halls.

Can I go back home if I live nearby?

For Bridge 2025, you’ll take a single one-credit course that will fulfill a requirement of the general education program that all students must complete to graduate. When you apply for the program, you’ll be able to signal your course preference, and when you are notified of your acceptance, you will know which class you’ve been assigned to.

What classes will I take during Bridge?

Students will have the opportunity to submit information about their previous work experience to the Labor program who will assign you to a summer position. Bridge students work in typical Berea College labor positions, like Information Technology, the College Farm, in College Crafts, and as Facilities Assistants in the residence halls. All Bridge students work up to 6 hours per week during the program, and your Bridge labor position will not necessarily be your fall labor position.

What will my labor position be?

While adjusting to the expectations of college-level academic work is the central feature of Berea Bridge, it’s only one part of what you’ll be doing during the month that you’re on campus. You’ll be eating meals in the dining hall, working a labor position, attending workshops, visiting different campus centers, participating in fun activities organized by your RAs and Bridge Mentors, and even traveling off campus for some excursions into nature and/or area attractions. In downtime, Bridge students make their own fun, too: you might enjoy playing video or board games with friends, having a movie night in the residence hall lobby, gathering together to play music and sing, playing basketball at the gym, joining an informal bible study, or hiking on local trails.