Academics
Located in Lewiston, Maine, Bates College is a small liberal arts college that invites intellectual exploration and tailors every education to the individual student. This “unbelievably tight-knit community” thrives on an “everyone is welcome” atmosphere and an open classroom environment in which everyone is “challenged to express their opinions, try something new and stand up for a cause.” “I’ve honestly never felt competitive in a class at Bates,” says a student. Between academic studies, extracurriculars, volunteering, and employment, students here are known for being “well-rounded, curious, and supportive of all aspects of Bates life.” Classes are small here which means that students can really take advantage of their professors’ time and attention. The “dynamic” teachers here “make you think and come up with your own opinion about issues.” They are “incredibly passionate people who are not afraid to stand on a desk, play devil’s advocate, and urge you to think critically about the material you are learning.” “The most important thing I’ve learned so far is how to come up with an intelligent stance on an issue or idea,” says a student. A Short Term at the end of the year allows students to explore one subject in depth, and the “flexible calendar” also encourages studying abroad (which the majority of students do). The extensive and “helpful” alumni network demonstrates “a fundamental love for the school,” and students are given plenty of additional support through “advising and residential life staff, student leadership opportunities, [and] fun and engaging school-wide traditions.” “I couldn’t ask for more helpful professors, a more helpful administration, or a variety of classes that suit the needs and requirements of my major,” sums up a student.
Student Body
Bates students have a range of interests and passions—“no student does just one thing”—and “are not a judgmental group.” Everyone finds their niche, and there “is a ton of crossover and interaction between different people.” In order to “fit in” here, a student “just has to be friendly and willing to make new friends.” A normal lunch conversation “will span from the divine cheese quesadillas in Commons to the implications of language-use and its impact on creating a culture of apathy and ableism.” Many here are New Englanders, so there are a fair number of “really preppy” students, and everyone “enjoys the great outdoors.”
Campus Life
Bates students are a busy group, but they also appreciate the weekends and having fun with friends. There are “dances, theater productions, and a multitude of other events to go to any day of the week”; students also “really enjoy eating out and going to on-campus events like Wind Down Wednesdays,” hosted by various student groups,” and “the Village Club Series on Thursdays” when musical groups and performers play for campus. Students say that the Bates security plus a “pretty strict no-hard-alcohol policy” is “quite effective” at restricting underage alcohol consumption as well as maintaining a safe campus environment. The food and dining are “absolutely amazing at Bates”: fare here is “all extremely healthy, organic, and naturally sourced,” plus “there’s food for every dietary restriction.” Opportunities to serve the community surrounding campus are abundant, and students take advantage of the outdoor activities Maine has to offer. The student-run Outing Club, in particular, “hosts events every weekend, from skiing at our nearby mountains to sunrise paddles to backpacking trips” and “has a room full of gear that’s free to check out.” The nights start early and end early here, mostly because “students want to get up early the next day to ski, hike, or just do something with their day.” With Portland and Boston being so close, “you can always switch up your scenery when you need city life.”
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