Colby College provides a safe and welcoming environment to prospective and new students as well as an experience that is unique, challenging, and gratifying. The largest classes at Colby are probably the introductory science courses, which take place in rather large lecture halls, but most commonly the student to faculty ratio is 10 : 1. Finally, Colby has hundreds of established clubs, service opportunities, sports teams, and campus-wide events, but continues to approve new extra curricular activities at the student body's request.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
As a rising junior, my greatest piece of advice is to come to Colby (or any college) with an open mind. Be ready to jump into things that interest you because that is where you will find most of your college friends and a means to relieve any school-related stresses (especially during finals week). College is ultimately what you make of it, and can very well be one of the most rewarding experiences in your lifetime.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Academically, Colby sets very high expectations for the students, but there are countless opportunities to seek out help. Every professor I have ever encountered has been more than willing to assist me in anyway they can, both academically and personally. Finally, Colby provides you with two advisors (an academic advisor and an advising dean) who are there to answer any questions you may have about Colby's policies, academics, or the steps you must take to reach your career goals.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I thought I would hate living so far (eight hours) from home, but I have actually grown to love dorm life! Most people, especially during their freshman year, are so friendly and welcoming because they, too, are interested in making friends. Every dorm has several CA's (Community Advisors) who work on creating events for their specific dorm. These events can range from going to a school-wide Blue Lights (acapella group) concert to having a T-shirt tie dying day just for their residents. There are many opportunities to meet new people and make friends. I, personally, love decorating my room and turning it into my own little haven (complete with mini fridge and microwave) and then inviting my closest friends over to eat popcorn and yell at the TV.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Colby College has three dining halls on campus as well as a fast-food venue, the Spa. Each dining hall provides a different food style: The cooks in Foss Dining Hall specialize in vegetarian, vegan, and non-American cuisine. Dana Dining Hall serves up hamburgers, turkey burgers, pizza, and fries, as well as comfort foods and pastas. Finally, Robert's (commonly referred to as Bob's) Dinning Hall provides wholesome and more traditional dishes such as its thanksgiving dinner, which includes turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Each of the dining halls have a full salad bar. The Spa graces the students' palates with quesadillas, flat bread pizza, fries, chicken fritters, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Whatever your taste buds demand, Colby has it.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Colby is located in Waterville, Maine. I was born and raised in New York City. The summer of my senior year I asked myself, What in the world could I POSSIBLY do in the middle of nowhere for nine months?. Despite its small town charm, there is quite a lot to do in Waterville, especially downtown Waterville. There are interesting little shops and places to socialize with friends or even a date. You can rent out a bike at Colby and get lost in a day-long 'round-the-town journey. My favorite place is Selah Tea because the food and tea taste great, the workers are friendly, and there are games like pictionary tucked away for those of us who like to stay and play. At Colby, there are always weekend events planned for those who do not participate in the drinking culture. If you take the time to look, you will definitely find your fill of recreation.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Colby's comprehensive tuition cost is expensive, but the college does provide financial aid and a means of paying for your education. Colby College is also affiliated with the Posse Foundation, CAPS (Colby Achievement Program in the Sciences), and the Ralph Bunche Society, three scholarship programs that focus on bringing brilliant leaders and diversity to college campuses across the country. Finally, most events on campus are completely free, and the few events that require the purchasing of tickets are very cheap and affordable.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every year, the student body celebrates what is known as Doghead. This tradition, which takes place the week before St. Patrick's Day, involves dressing up in your best St. Patty's gear, partying it up from Friday night to Saturday morning, watching the sunrise on the library steps with the rest of the student body, going to breakfast together in Dana Dining Hall (and having a food fight), and then going to Champs (off campus) to dance til you drop. Some of the more dedicated Doghead participants are daring enough to swallow live goldfish as part of the tradition. It is a very strange, very enjoyable time.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
With every college comes a stereotypical type of student. The typical Colby student is mostly associated with sports and LL Bean boots, but that stereotype is strictly superficial. I, for one, have never touched a Bean boot in my life (though I hear they are comfortable and efficient). I believe any student who is willing to branch out and experience new things will have a blast at this institution.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I am the president of STEP (Students Towards Equality and Peace), the Chair of Communications for SOBHU (Students Organized for Black and Hispanic Unity), and a CCOR facilitator (Campus Conversations on Race). I also participate in other clubs as a general member. As you can probably imagine, race relations and discrimination are my focus here, but I have found and enjoyed so many other groups. In addition to hundreds of clubs and sports teams, Colby is open to new ideas and will be willing to support students who look to further diversify their campus experience. For example, a friend of mine founded the Colby Animation Society (CAS), which caters to those who enjoy Japanese culture and animation. I never considered myself to be one of those people, but I attended my first meeting and was sucked in ever since: ii desu ne!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are no fraternities or sororities at Colby College. They have been banned for safety hazards associated with hazing.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
The biggest problem at Colby is getting students to lock their doors! Colby's community is so trusting that people leave their Macbook Pros out in the library while they go eat dinner. I once lost my bag (which had my wallet and iPad) and was able to retrieve it from the security office without a hitch. In terms of individual safety, every college campus is afflicted with certain behaviors that are dangerous. However, campus security constantly makes rounds, especially on the weekends. In addition, students are allowed to call security to pick them up from wherever they are on campus and drop them off at their destination if they are feeling unsafe. Let's say I was in the library until 3 a.m. Now, at night, I am constantly plagued with the fear of a zombie revolution or supernatural nightmare, so I can easily have security pick me up and either drop me off or walk me to my room across campus. Demons averted!
Colby College provides a safe and welcoming environment to prospective and new students as well as an experience that is unique, challenging, and gratifying. The largest classes at Colby are probably the introductory science courses, which take place in rather large lecture halls, but most commonly the student to faculty ratio is 10 : 1. Finally, Colby has hundreds of established clubs, service opportunities, sports teams, and campus-wide events, but continues to approve new extra curricular activities at the student body's request.
As a rising junior, my greatest piece of advice is to come to Colby (or any college) with an open mind. Be ready to jump into things that interest you because that is where you will find most of your college friends and a means to relieve any school-related stresses (especially during finals week). College is ultimately what you make of it, and can very well be one of the most rewarding experiences in your lifetime.
Academically, Colby sets very high expectations for the students, but there are countless opportunities to seek out help. Every professor I have ever encountered has been more than willing to assist me in anyway they can, both academically and personally. Finally, Colby provides you with two advisors (an academic advisor and an advising dean) who are there to answer any questions you may have about Colby's policies, academics, or the steps you must take to reach your career goals.
I thought I would hate living so far (eight hours) from home, but I have actually grown to love dorm life! Most people, especially during their freshman year, are so friendly and welcoming because they, too, are interested in making friends. Every dorm has several CA's (Community Advisors) who work on creating events for their specific dorm. These events can range from going to a school-wide Blue Lights (acapella group) concert to having a T-shirt tie dying day just for their residents. There are many opportunities to meet new people and make friends. I, personally, love decorating my room and turning it into my own little haven (complete with mini fridge and microwave) and then inviting my closest friends over to eat popcorn and yell at the TV.
Colby College has three dining halls on campus as well as a fast-food venue, the Spa. Each dining hall provides a different food style: The cooks in Foss Dining Hall specialize in vegetarian, vegan, and non-American cuisine. Dana Dining Hall serves up hamburgers, turkey burgers, pizza, and fries, as well as comfort foods and pastas. Finally, Robert's (commonly referred to as Bob's) Dinning Hall provides wholesome and more traditional dishes such as its thanksgiving dinner, which includes turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Each of the dining halls have a full salad bar. The Spa graces the students' palates with quesadillas, flat bread pizza, fries, chicken fritters, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Whatever your taste buds demand, Colby has it.
Colby is located in Waterville, Maine. I was born and raised in New York City. The summer of my senior year I asked myself, What in the world could I POSSIBLY do in the middle of nowhere for nine months?. Despite its small town charm, there is quite a lot to do in Waterville, especially downtown Waterville. There are interesting little shops and places to socialize with friends or even a date. You can rent out a bike at Colby and get lost in a day-long 'round-the-town journey. My favorite place is Selah Tea because the food and tea taste great, the workers are friendly, and there are games like pictionary tucked away for those of us who like to stay and play. At Colby, there are always weekend events planned for those who do not participate in the drinking culture. If you take the time to look, you will definitely find your fill of recreation.
Colby's comprehensive tuition cost is expensive, but the college does provide financial aid and a means of paying for your education. Colby College is also affiliated with the Posse Foundation, CAPS (Colby Achievement Program in the Sciences), and the Ralph Bunche Society, three scholarship programs that focus on bringing brilliant leaders and diversity to college campuses across the country. Finally, most events on campus are completely free, and the few events that require the purchasing of tickets are very cheap and affordable.
Every year, the student body celebrates what is known as Doghead. This tradition, which takes place the week before St. Patrick's Day, involves dressing up in your best St. Patty's gear, partying it up from Friday night to Saturday morning, watching the sunrise on the library steps with the rest of the student body, going to breakfast together in Dana Dining Hall (and having a food fight), and then going to Champs (off campus) to dance til you drop. Some of the more dedicated Doghead participants are daring enough to swallow live goldfish as part of the tradition. It is a very strange, very enjoyable time.
With every college comes a stereotypical type of student. The typical Colby student is mostly associated with sports and LL Bean boots, but that stereotype is strictly superficial. I, for one, have never touched a Bean boot in my life (though I hear they are comfortable and efficient). I believe any student who is willing to branch out and experience new things will have a blast at this institution.
I am the president of STEP (Students Towards Equality and Peace), the Chair of Communications for SOBHU (Students Organized for Black and Hispanic Unity), and a CCOR facilitator (Campus Conversations on Race). I also participate in other clubs as a general member. As you can probably imagine, race relations and discrimination are my focus here, but I have found and enjoyed so many other groups. In addition to hundreds of clubs and sports teams, Colby is open to new ideas and will be willing to support students who look to further diversify their campus experience. For example, a friend of mine founded the Colby Animation Society (CAS), which caters to those who enjoy Japanese culture and animation. I never considered myself to be one of those people, but I attended my first meeting and was sucked in ever since: ii desu ne!
There are no fraternities or sororities at Colby College. They have been banned for safety hazards associated with hazing.
The biggest problem at Colby is getting students to lock their doors! Colby's community is so trusting that people leave their Macbook Pros out in the library while they go eat dinner. I once lost my bag (which had my wallet and iPad) and was able to retrieve it from the security office without a hitch. In terms of individual safety, every college campus is afflicted with certain behaviors that are dangerous. However, campus security constantly makes rounds, especially on the weekends. In addition, students are allowed to call security to pick them up from wherever they are on campus and drop them off at their destination if they are feeling unsafe. Let's say I was in the library until 3 a.m. Now, at night, I am constantly plagued with the fear of a zombie revolution or supernatural nightmare, so I can easily have security pick me up and either drop me off or walk me to my room across campus. Demons averted!