Colby College
- Local Atmosphere

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Waterville is typically viewed as a tiny, quaint, and growing old mill town, and year after year, it is becoming more economically sustainable. Though Colby is situated away from Waterville on Mayflower Hill, one can always find Colby students roaming around downtown. To bridge the divide, the Colby Volunteer Center, Burst the Bubble Weeks, and groups like the South End Coalition are working hard to improve town-gown relations. Students also recognize some of the truly unique aspects of downtown Waterville. Railroad Square Cinema is a small, independent movie theater that is well loved by students and faculty, and the Waterville Opera House is a cultural oasis in a town that sometimes seems to revolve around Wal-Mart. The most recent addition includes a Starbucks.

Even though it is situated in central Maine, Waterville actually has quite good cuisine. Pad Thai Too, Last Unicorn, and Big G's are popular destinations for students looking for an alternative dining experience. The newly opened Barrels Community Market carries freshly grown food and organic meats. However, Waterville can be something of a culture shock, especially for students used to looking for trendy boutiques and unaccustomed to Wal-Mart greeters. Most students, though, accept its flaws and enjoy getting off the Hill every now and then. Almost every Colby student has spent time skiing at Sugarloaf, and the 45-minute drive to the Freeport outlets is well worth it.

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Local Atmosphere at Colby College

lareinesoleil

'15

English

3.1

B-

Not That Great

Let's be honest: Waterville is not exactly a metropolis or cultural hub. To do anything, really, you have to go to Portland or Augusta. Let's just say that being here has not been good for my shopping problem -- I do it all online. The local attitude towards students can be mixed; some people really don't like the students, but some really do enjoy our company.

Nov 08, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Colby College

kmherrim

'12

English

3.1

B-

On It's Way

Waterville is an old factory town that is now trying to rebuild itself. The local restaurants are surprisingly good and a nice alternative to the dining halls once in a while, especially Kennebec Cafe, Apollo, and Pad Thai Too. There aren't many shops in town, but there is a potential for growth starting with efforts like the new organic market Barrels in town.

Nov 09, 2010

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Local Atmosphere at Colby College

hotlawyerson1

'13

Neuroscience and Neurobiology

3.1

B-

Has Everything You Need

There's not much to do in Waterville (except a few restaurants to go to and a movie theater), but anything that you might need to buy can be easily bought somewhere close by.

Nov 08, 2010

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