What captured me was the modest intelligence of the students. Everyone here not only passionately wants to be here, but every student sincerely deserves to be here. The student body, friendly and easy-going, is a part of the aura of subdued learning and knowledge, that makes Bates a truly welcoming and enjoyable environment.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Although Bates is an amazing school, think about its geography. It has a wealth of opportunities for the outdoors and isn't that far from big cities such as Boston, or more close to home, Portland, Maine. Make sure you are good with the isolation. But isolation does not mean lack of opportunities. Visit campus! Merely looking at photos does not capture the experience. Talk to the students when you visit, everyone is very friendly and usually love to talk to prospective students about what it means to be a Batesie, even a newly named bobkitten (first-year).
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
After participating in the full IB Diploma program in high school, I found that Bates still managed to fullfil my desire to intellectually challenge myself. Now, at the start of second semester, I appreciate the level of work the professors and other students expect of each other. It's a mutual relationship. It is hard to skate by here, and it seems that no one really wants to, either.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I have to say, the dorms at Bates are some of the best I have seen. Most are generous is size, my double being the size of some friend's triples at other institutions. With a small campus, being centrally located is not as big of deal, but they are definitely all well placed. Freshman dorms are going to be loud on weekends, but it is not unbearable. There are low-chem and chem-free dorms which provide a quieter environment for those looking. Most people form a strong bond with their floor during freshman orientation. The janitors are also some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Unlimited meal plan; what more needs to be said. I guess I could add the fact that we have a cereal wall of over twenty different types of cereal, available at every meal. There is also only one dining hall on campus, which adds to the sense of unity felt throughout Bates. No decisions where to eat, and all your friends in once place. The actual food itself is good, the pizza being one of my favorites. There is also late night dining for money, called the Bobcat Den. A popular stop for late-night snacks when Commons is closed. Le Ronj, the student-run coffeehouse provides the ever-famous Chai for your late-night studying habits. The food really is superb and is always improving.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The Student Activities Office provides shuttles in and out of the surrounding cities, Lewiston and Auburn and bigger trips on the weekend. Including the famous Freeport (home of LL Bean) and Portland, for a few examples. There are also plenty of outing club activities for those with the outdoorsy gene in them. Skiing during the winter is also popular. Also, many Batesies enjoy each other's company during the weekend, taking some time away from the books. There are also themed dances every month put on by the Student Activities Center. The multiplicities of clubs also leave no person bored here at Bates. Not to mention concerts, this year K'naan performed.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Yes, Bates is pricey; but I believe that there are plenty of opportunities and the education I am receiving is top-notch. Being a first year, I can't really speak to much to this. If Bates didn't give so much financial aid, it wouldn't be worth it. But they are good about giving those who deserve aid, aid.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One of the best traditions on Bates just occurred, which is the Puddle Jump. The pond on campus, affectionally named the Puddle, freezes over during the winter. During Winter Carnival a hole is carved out and hundreds of Batesies dress up in crazy costumes and jump into the frozen water. It is something people look forward to, if not to participate in, than merely watch.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Great for students who are easy-going, yet want a rigorous education. It is also good for people who enjoy the outdoors, or at least embrace it.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are many clubs and activities throughout campus, as you will learn from your student e-mail the first week of school. From ethnic groups, to environmental groups, to athletic club teams to the biology club; there is something for everyone. And starting a club isn't hard at all!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
No greek life here! So if that is what you are looking for, Bates is not for you. I really like it without Greek life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Campus security is really chill, but gets the job done. Campus is located in Lewiston, a poorer city of Maine, but I never feel uncomfortable on campus, let alone off campus. Security patrols around day and night, and is always there to help out.
What captured me was the modest intelligence of the students. Everyone here not only passionately wants to be here, but every student sincerely deserves to be here. The student body, friendly and easy-going, is a part of the aura of subdued learning and knowledge, that makes Bates a truly welcoming and enjoyable environment.
Although Bates is an amazing school, think about its geography. It has a wealth of opportunities for the outdoors and isn't that far from big cities such as Boston, or more close to home, Portland, Maine. Make sure you are good with the isolation. But isolation does not mean lack of opportunities. Visit campus! Merely looking at photos does not capture the experience. Talk to the students when you visit, everyone is very friendly and usually love to talk to prospective students about what it means to be a Batesie, even a newly named bobkitten (first-year).
After participating in the full IB Diploma program in high school, I found that Bates still managed to fullfil my desire to intellectually challenge myself. Now, at the start of second semester, I appreciate the level of work the professors and other students expect of each other. It's a mutual relationship. It is hard to skate by here, and it seems that no one really wants to, either.
I have to say, the dorms at Bates are some of the best I have seen. Most are generous is size, my double being the size of some friend's triples at other institutions. With a small campus, being centrally located is not as big of deal, but they are definitely all well placed. Freshman dorms are going to be loud on weekends, but it is not unbearable. There are low-chem and chem-free dorms which provide a quieter environment for those looking. Most people form a strong bond with their floor during freshman orientation. The janitors are also some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Unlimited meal plan; what more needs to be said. I guess I could add the fact that we have a cereal wall of over twenty different types of cereal, available at every meal. There is also only one dining hall on campus, which adds to the sense of unity felt throughout Bates. No decisions where to eat, and all your friends in once place. The actual food itself is good, the pizza being one of my favorites. There is also late night dining for money, called the Bobcat Den. A popular stop for late-night snacks when Commons is closed. Le Ronj, the student-run coffeehouse provides the ever-famous Chai for your late-night studying habits. The food really is superb and is always improving.
The Student Activities Office provides shuttles in and out of the surrounding cities, Lewiston and Auburn and bigger trips on the weekend. Including the famous Freeport (home of LL Bean) and Portland, for a few examples. There are also plenty of outing club activities for those with the outdoorsy gene in them. Skiing during the winter is also popular. Also, many Batesies enjoy each other's company during the weekend, taking some time away from the books. There are also themed dances every month put on by the Student Activities Center. The multiplicities of clubs also leave no person bored here at Bates. Not to mention concerts, this year K'naan performed.
Yes, Bates is pricey; but I believe that there are plenty of opportunities and the education I am receiving is top-notch. Being a first year, I can't really speak to much to this. If Bates didn't give so much financial aid, it wouldn't be worth it. But they are good about giving those who deserve aid, aid.
One of the best traditions on Bates just occurred, which is the Puddle Jump. The pond on campus, affectionally named the Puddle, freezes over during the winter. During Winter Carnival a hole is carved out and hundreds of Batesies dress up in crazy costumes and jump into the frozen water. It is something people look forward to, if not to participate in, than merely watch.
Great for students who are easy-going, yet want a rigorous education. It is also good for people who enjoy the outdoors, or at least embrace it.
There are many clubs and activities throughout campus, as you will learn from your student e-mail the first week of school. From ethnic groups, to environmental groups, to athletic club teams to the biology club; there is something for everyone. And starting a club isn't hard at all!
No greek life here! So if that is what you are looking for, Bates is not for you. I really like it without Greek life.
Campus security is really chill, but gets the job done. Campus is located in Lewiston, a poorer city of Maine, but I never feel uncomfortable on campus, let alone off campus. Security patrols around day and night, and is always there to help out.