Bowdoin College Reviews

I would avoid Walsh simply because...

I would avoid Walsh simply because it's dirty, it smells, and it's "party central." I much prefer more polished places like Vanderslice or the Gate.

There is absolutely no Greek life.

Social houses are a lot of fun to...

Social houses are a lot of fun to live in sophomore year, and it’s great to not have to go through the housing lottery.

What bars? What clubs? Parties are...

What bars? What clubs? Parties are decent; I prefer intimate pre-parties, though. Afro-American parties rock, but only if you’re drunk enough to forget the fact that you can’t dance and aren’t black! Nonetheless, they’re awesome!

Security has gotten too strict!...

Security has gotten too strict! They’ve started to bust up so many parties and really crack down on students. Sometimes I feel like they’re taking away some of the culture of college life.

It is very cold in the winter, and...

It is very cold in the winter, and spring comes too late. However, the autumn is very pretty.

They are all about our safety!...

They are all about our safety! They aren’t ridiculous about making sure no one drinks. Security checks parties to make sure people are safe and being responsible but not to make sure that only 21-year-olds drink. It’s a nice atmosphere because we don’t go overboard. There is no pressure here to drink. You can go to parties and not drink at all if that’s what you want. People won’t bother you about it.

Even in the summer, expect to be...

Even in the summer, expect to be wearing sweaters. Winter is severely cold, but everyone here has been able to cope with it and thrive. Bring warm, real clothes (no cheap nylon or polyester, except when going to parties), good socks and boots, gloves and hats, a lot of T-shirts, and a lot of silly as well as classy suits for themed events.

Like a cheap vodka, Maine weather...

Like a cheap vodka, Maine weather is an acquired taste. But once you are around it so much, you get used to it. Remember, layers and thick clothes are your friends.

Maine weather is unbelievable. As...

Maine weather is unbelievable. As a Mainer, I’ve lived through many frigid winters, muddy springs, bright and colorful autumns, and warm summers. The weather is unpredictable in Maine, so bring your snowmobile suits, sweaters, gloves, wool hats, and shorts. Don’t forget your thermal underwear. Yet you won’t need all that come spring. As it warms up, shed the layers and apply the sunscreen because you’ll need the protection after the long winter. You will want to pack a light long-sleeve shirt for those warm days and chilly nights late autumn/early spring Maine offers. Also, don’t forget waterproof boots for mud season and insulated boots for the winter! Just be prepared because, as they say, ‘If you don’t like the weather in Maine, just wait a minute.’

If your legs work, or if you have...

If your legs work, or if you have a working wheelchair, it’s pretty easy to travel around town.

Cars offer a big plus, but they...

Cars offer a big plus, but they aren’t necessary.

At Bowdoin, you’ll find great...

At Bowdoin, you’ll find great academics, great friends, great food, and great accommodations. I have complaints, but, overall, it has been a good experience.

Fortunately, I haven’t had any...

Fortunately, I haven’t had any run-ins with security but, from what I’ve heard, they could do a much better job of arriving on time and giving people rides.

The facilities are amazing. No one...

The facilities are amazing. No one would expect this from a school with only 1,700 students.

Our food is No. 2 in the...

Our food is No. 2 in the nation—what more can I say? The variety at Moulton Union and Thorne Hall is incredible. They meet the needs of a variety of eaters, from vegetarian to vegan to carnivores. The dining halls are spacious and comforting. They offer a good break from the continuous stress of the day.

I have many vegan or vegetarian...

I have many vegan or vegetarian friends who find Bowdoin’s meal plans and dining services to be really accommodating.

Even when the actual dining halls...

Even when the actual dining halls get monotonous, there’s always the pub, and now you can also get sushi at the C-Store or the Café!

Ranks might change, but to the...

Ranks might change, but to the students who attend this school and eat at the food venues, we will always remain No. 1 in the nation for food. Most kids at other schools can’t and won’t say that about their dining-hall food!

We get awesome food 85 percent of...

We get awesome food 85 percent of the time. The other 15 percent is just average. We do have the best dining service in the country! It’s inevitable that you’ll begin to get sick of dining service food after nine months—even if it’s the best in the country.

Bowdoin’s food is excellent....

Bowdoin’s food is excellent. There are good vegetarian options and other creative dishes available. Jack Magee’s Pub makes good pizza, sandwiches, and much more until late at night.

Parents count the days until...

Parents count the days until Parent’s Weekend because they cannot wait to enjoy the Bowdoin cuisine—it’s that good. They feel like they are entering into a four-star restaurant, really. Parents have been known to say, ‘Where was that kind of food when we were in college?’

Holy crap! Dining Services is...

Holy crap! Dining Services is amazing! They’re always serving something new, and the staff will often greet you by name. Students are split on which of the dining halls is the best; Moulton is smaller and homier, whereas Thorne is the type of upscale place where they have trustee dinners. Lunch at Moulton is best, but brunch at Thorne is good, too. The Café has weird hours, but the selection of drinks is great. The pub also has weird hours, but the fried goodies totally make up for it!

Most of the time, the food here is...

Most of the time, the food here is great. They have the greatest salad dressing options I know; they are so tasty. Sometimes dining services can make bad choices, but they deserved to be No. 1 for best college food. The selection is huge.

I know there are a lot of schools...

I know there are a lot of schools whose meal plans can be used at eateries and restaurants downtown. I wish Bowdoin did this!