Bates College Reviews

The workload is what you make of...

The workload is what you make of it. If you want to do well, you're going to be spending a lot of time in the library. There are times during the semester when you have something major due in every class, and other times when you're actually getting a normal night's sleep. But, it is academically very challenging.

There are only two bars that are...

There are only two bars that are frequented by most students: The Goose and The Pub. Parties on campus are frequent and fun, but the best ones are in off-campus housing, which means no encounters with security. To throw a big party in a dorm, the host has to work it out with security first, which includes paperwork.

Security is pretty good on campus,...

Security is pretty good on campus, and a lot of students are friends with them. They're only harsh on hard alcohol-it's illegal on college campuses in Maine-but, for the most part, they're really easy-going. There is always tension between Bates and the surrounding Lewiston community, which can result in theft and sometimes violence.

One thing that almost everyone at...

One thing that almost everyone at Bates has in common is quirkiness. Also, most students are at least a little bit outdoorsy. The Outing Club has the biggest participation of any group on campus. A lot of the students are from Massachusetts or New York, so non-East Coasters will feel it sometimes.

Students can park all up and down...

Students can park all up and down the city streets before it starts snowing. But after about November, parking is really scarce.

A lot of students play a varsity...

A lot of students play a varsity sport on campus, but the culture itself isn't so big. Students flock to bleachers for big rivalry games only.

Drinking and smoking are widely...

Drinking and smoking are widely talked about on Bates' campus. Harder drugs exist, but they are by no means in your face.

Bates is not the most diverse...

Bates is not the most diverse school. Economically, the campus is home to middle-upper-class students. The dominant ethnicity is Caucasian, but Bates is working very hard to gather students from all walks of life. Ideologically, students are generally very liberal, which brings about a comfortable discussion environment.

I never feel unsafe, and the...

I never feel unsafe, and the campus is pretty secluded within its walls. However, occasionally locals enter campus and cause disturbances.

The athletic facilities are...

The athletic facilities are definitely subpar. The gym is often crowded, and it's hard to find an open machine, especially after 3 p.m. on weekdays. However, we did recently get some new equipment. If you want to be an athlete at Bates, don't expect any free gear or special treatment—you pay for everything and wear outdated uniforms.

Beer is allowed on campus, but...

Beer is allowed on campus, but hard alcohol is prohibited. Security keeps everyone safe, while not being too invasive.

Lewiston-Auburn is not a great...

Lewiston-Auburn is not a great social scene. Parties remain on campus and tend to be generally the same.

It is very helpful to have your...

It is very helpful to have your own computer and printer, but you don't necessarily need them, as there are many computer labs available on campus.

I think living in a dorm is a rite...

I think living in a dorm is a rite of passage. I lived in Smith freshman year, which is undoubtedly one of the most confining living spaces you could ask for in a dorm—there are four people living in two small rooms. That being said, it was also a lot of fun, in retrospect. I met a lot of people and formed some pretty close friendships. I also lived in a great room in Page sophomore year.

Bates has one of the best college...

Bates has one of the best college dining facilities in the country. It gets old sometimes, but you really can't ask for a better college meal plan than Commons. If you have the meal plan, you get unlimited access to Commons whenever it's open, which makes it great for running in to grab a quick coffee or snack at no extra cost. There are also other options like Milts and the Den, which can be great for midnight snacks or for when you want something specific from the grill.

There is not much to do outside of...

There is not much to do outside of campus in Lewiston, especially if you're underage. However, Bates occasionally provides buses to Freeport and Portland, as well as a bus that runs to Wal-Mart and the Lewiston Mall. But I have never used these. I recommend finding a friend who has a car freshman year (your JA probably will) and using that as a way to get off campus when you really need to. After that, I highly recommend getting a car on campus if you can, although parking permits are tough to get.

Starting in November, there is...

Starting in November, there is going to be a rare day when you don't need a sweater and a jacket. Even into March, there will continue to be snowstorms. Pack warm and pack layers. Boots (L.L. Bean's Duck Boots) are a must for the ice and snow. When the weather gets into the 40s it will feel warm, so a long-sleeved T-shirt will feel about right.

To be honest, I've had a hard time...

To be honest, I've had a hard time adjusting to being at Bates. I'm from Georgia, and culturally, the North and South are much more different than I expected. That being said, Bates is a wonderful school where you can really get to know your professors. I've found that if you're forthright and honest with them, you can get them to work with you, even when you feel like you have a lot working against you. The social scene is not what I expected from college, but there is a lot to be said for having to find new ways to meet people and manage your time. You have to be proactive about having a social life, but the rewards of that are pretty great. You meet great people and get to know them pretty well. I have vacillated no whether or not I should transfer since Freshman year. I even took a semester off, not planning to return. Despite how lonely or uncomfortable I felt at times, there was always something keeping me here or bringing me back. When all is said and done, I am glad I stayed and have a great experience to take back home with me.

You can only live off campus as a...

You can only live off campus as a senior. It is pretty easy to apply and get permission. There are many nice apartments and houses surrounding campus, and all are within a very reasonable distance. If you move off, you can choose to be on or off the meal plan, and I would say the ratio is about 50/50 for those who stay on the meal plan. Many apartments have kitchens, so some would just prefer to cook for themselves, although the dining hall is fantastic, so many people still come to campus for meals.

Most restaurants are not within...

Most restaurants are not within walking distance, but there are plenty within a 10-mile radius. There's lots of price and cuisine variety, from Thai, Mexican, Chinese, pizza, pubs, and nicer restaurants for parents' weekend, dates, or a nice dinner with friends. There are also lots of delivery places.

Lewiston is quite a large city,...

Lewiston is quite a large city, and not necessarily the most student-friendly. Having said that, there is no shortage of nice, fun restaurants to take your parents to on parents' weekend, places to call for take-out, or places to shop for groceries and other essentials. Bowdoin College is about 45 minutes away, and Colby is a little further. They are our predominant sporting rivals. Students don't usually travel there to hang out unless there is a concert or sporting event of interest, or if, of course, you have a friend who goes to one of them.

You can find many different types...

You can find many different types of people here, but if I had to describe a typical Batesie, I'd have to say most of the guys here are either jocks or stoners, and the girls here are either really preppy and athletic or slightly off-beat and interesting.

It is a somewhat noticeable part...

It is a somewhat noticeable part of college. Weed smoking is, at least. I don't really hear that much about people doing harder drugs very often.

I have had a great experience so...

I have had a great experience so far. I've definitely had my ups and downs in transitioning to college, but I would do it all again. My greatest memories have been formed with my teammates. I have made some great connections here, and I have learned a lot.

You're not allowed to live...

You're not allowed to live off-campus until you're a senior. And even then you have to get permission, but it's not that hard to get. Some people really like living off campus, but it is usually a bit of a longer walk than any of the dorms or houses on campus. There is a lot of good housing on campus, so for some people it might not be worth it to move off.