At a school like Bucknell, it’s easy to fall into a routine: go to class, eat at the same dining spots, study in the same few buildings, repeat. But beyond those daily habits lies a wide network of resources that many students overlook or only discover too late.
From reservable recording studios to free fitness classes and career preparation tools, Bucknell offers far more than what most students actually take advantage of. Here’s a look at some of the most useful, and perhaps underutilized opportunities on campus, and why they’re worth your attention.
Academic Resources
Bertrand Library
For many students, Bertrand Library is simply a place to study. But beyond its open seating areas, the library offers a range of tools that can transform how students work.
Study rooms, for example, can be reserved in advance for individual or group work, offering whiteboards, large tables and private space for collaboration. While reservations are limited to two hours per day per student, students can coordinate with friends to book consecutive timeslots, making longer sessions possible if you know this trick.
Even more surprising are the library’s media spaces. Students can book recording studios equipped with video technology, green screens and even virtual reality capabilities. There are also podcast studios and soundproof booths for audio recording. These resources are especially useful for presentations, class projects or even creative work.
In addition, the library’s equipment desk functions almost like a short-term rental hub. Students can check out laptops, tablets, cameras, microphones and a wide range of accessories, often for up to one or two weeks depending on the item.
The Teaching and Learning Center
Beyond physical resources, Bucknell also provides extensive academic support services. The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) offers peer one-on-one tutoring in subjects like math and science, as well as structured study groups for 25-30 classes that meet weekly throughout the semester.
Students can also meet one-on-one with academic coaches to develop skills like time management, note-taking and test preparation– support that can benefit even the most high-achieving students.
Career Preparation
The Center for Career Advancement (CCA) is often associated with resume reviews and job searches, but its offerings extend far beyond those basics.
Students can reserve private interview rooms in the Botany building, which are ideal for virtual interviews or even for taking standardized tests like the LSAT or GRE in a quiet, controlled environment.
The CCA also runs a mock interview program that connects students with alumni and parent volunteers. These sessions simulate real interview scenarios while providing personalized feedback, helping students build confidence without the pressure of being in a real-life interview scenario.
In addition, students can join specialized “career communities” tailored to different fields, including Business & Consulting, STEM, Creative Arts, Media & Communications, Government & Public Interest, Law and Health. These communities provide targeted job postings, events and advice relevant to specific career paths.
Despite the breadth of these services, many students wait until their final year to engage with the CCA. By then, they may have missed out on opportunities to build skills and connections earlier in their college experience.
Wellness & Recreation
KLARC Services
While many students use the KLARC for individual workouts, fewer take advantage of structured programs offered through Recreation Services.
Group fitness classes are available throughout the week and are open to students of all experience levels. Options range from High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and spin classes to yoga, pilates and dance-based workouts. These classes are led by instructors who adapt sessions for beginners and advanced participants alike, making them accessible regardless of prior experience.
The KLARC also hosts late-night events that provide exciting opportunities for fitness and fun, all in one place. Programs like glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, themed cycling sessions and candlelight yoga provide alternatives to more traditional workout sessions.
Outdoor Education and Leadership Rentals
Beyond indoor fitness at the KLARC, Bucknell’s Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL) program offers access to equipment that would otherwise be expensive or difficult to obtain. Students can rent items ranging from camping gear and kayaks to winter sports equipment and even climbing gear.
The Bison Bikes program adds another layer of accessibility by providing free bike rentals, complete with maintenance support throughout the term if needed.
Bucknell offers a wide range of academic, professional and personal resources, many of which remain underused simply because students aren’t aware of them or don’t think to seek them out. The result is a disconnect: students may feel stressed, unprepared or limited in their options, even while support systems are readily available. At a university where tuition covers far more than classroom instruction, making use of these opportunities isn’t just beneficial– it’s getting what you’ve already paid for.
