What is student life like at BGSU?
The ultimate university experience
BGSU offers so many opportunities for you to connect with faculty, other students and the Bowling Green community. Our most successful students are the ones who get involved and take advantage of the resources, opportunities and support systems available to help them succeed.
300+
Student organizations
400+
Cultural events a year
18
NCAA D1 sports teams
Social life
You won’t have to look far to find something to do. Our Division of Student Engagement and Success coordinates a diverse range of events, activities and resources designed to create a vibrant campus culture.
Student organizations. We have more than 300 student organizations that build community – from groups centered on academics, sports or volunteering to those celebrating cultural identity.
Athletics. Watching BGSU athletes as they compete in 18 varsity sports is a favorite activity for students. We also have dozens of club sports – like soccer, table tennis and rugby – that allow you to play the sports you love.
Arts events. BGSU is a huge cultural resource for our region and has a thriving arts scene. We host hundreds of events on campus – lectures, music performances, plays, art exhibits and more.
The city of Bowling Green. Walk a few blocks from campus and you’re in the midst of one of the country’s best college towns. Bowling Green offers a perfect balance of city life and small-town charm. It's a place where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat, listen to live music, shop or just hang out. The town hosts annual events like the Black Swamp Arts Festival and the Holiday Parade.

“I am a member of the Falcon Flight Team. We participate in the flight competition every year. I participated in Vietnamese Student Association, and I joined in many amazing events like karaoke and board games night and Mid-Autumn Festival. I took part in Campus Fest, joined in the BG Holiday Parade (I hold the Vietnam flag) and acted in the Lunar New Year twice.”
– Vu Thai Duong Dang, dual major in aviation management and operations and mathematics with a specialization in data science
Hanoi, Vietnam
Academic life
You may find that the education system is different here than what you’re used to.
Active learning. BGSU encourages active learning through group projects, discussions, presentations and hands-on experiences. This can be a big adjustment for international students who may be more accustomed to lecture-based learning.
Every professor teaches differently, but you may find that U.S. classrooms focus heavily on participation, individual assignments and critical thinking. You may be encouraged to ask questions, express opinions and engage in classroom discussions.
Grading system. The grading system in the U.S. may differ from what you are used to. BGSU uses letter grades (A, B, C, etc.), with an emphasis on cumulative performance throughout the semester. Your grades on exams, assignments, projects and participation will make up your final semester grade.
If you have trouble adjusting, reach out – the sooner, the better – to your academic advisor, professor or someone in the International Programs and Partnerships office. BGSU has many support services, and they can help connect you to them.
Everyday life

How do I get around campus?
It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to walk from one side of campus to the other. Many of our students bring or rent bicycles. We also have free shuttles to take you around campus or into downtown Bowling Green. At night, you can call our free campus escort service to walk you to any destination on campus.
What’s the food like on campus?
You will not go hungry at BGSU!
- Two dining halls with lots of food options, including vegetarian and halal
- Convenience stores and other places to grab fast food
- Restaurants in downtown Bowling Green
We even have starship robots that will deliver food right to your door!

Where will I live?
You have a variety of living options at BGSU. Undergraduate students are required to live on campus the first two years unless they meet one of the housing exemptions.
On-campus residence halls. Many international students like living on campus because it gives them an opportunity to make more friends. It’s also proven that living on campus leads to greater academic success. Students who live on campus have a higher GPA.
Take a tour of residence halls
On-campus learning communities. Students who share similar majors or interests – like the arts or healthcare – can live in learning communities within certain residence halls on campus. The Global Village Learning Community is perfect for those who share an interest in other cultures. Students who live in learning communities experience a smoother transition to university life, earn higher grades and graduate at higher rates.
Off-campus apartments and rental houses. Upperclassmen and graduate students often choose to live off campus and share rental units with friends.

“I was impressed with on-campus housing. Each hall features indoor games, study rooms, a kitchen, laundry facilities and a lounge area. Resident Advisors (RAs) live in the residence halls and serve as mentors and role models. They provide guidance on academic and personal issues, organize social events and help maintain a positive living environment."
"I’m glad to stay on campus. It allows me convenient access to educational resources like academic buildings, libraries and to recreational facilities – all just steps away from my residence hall. Another significant advantage of living on campus is a strong sense of community among residents. Sharing communal spaces like lounges, and kitchenettes helps me establish connections and make lifelong friendships.”
– Devarapally Pranay Kumar Reddy, computer science major
Hyderabad, India
Updated: 07/03/2025 09:51AM