So Bowdoin is currently my top choice. I like many aspects of it, and I am pretty much on the verge of committing. There is just one more thing I would like to know about: how’s the party scene/hookup culture at Bowdoin?
I have read that the hookup culture at Bowdoin is prevalent and student’s aren’t big on dating (not that I expect to date anyone as an international student). For the record I abhor hooking up. I know, call me regressed, but please do answer my questions before insulting.
So I would like to know whether hooking up is the social norm at Bowdoin, and would it be stressful for someone like me to be there?
Thank you.
Oh well I did some research on the social scene in Middlebury, my second choice, and found out that people pretty much say the same on this point about the two schools. Well yes, I probably will feel uncomfortable, but it seems that it wouldn’t be different anywhere else.
BTW the level of similarity between Bowdoin and Middlebury is astonishing, by all means.
I am an adult poster, but looked at Bowdoin College for family & neighbors. The hook-up culture flourishes there. This is an aspect that certainly could make one uncomfortable. One reason that when I was an undergraduate & graduate student, I preferred large universities since everyone knows your business at small LACs.
I really understand where you are coming from and would be disgusted with that type of social scene.
Both are wonderful schools and you don’t have to participate in the hook-up culture, but then that makes a small school even smaller.
If you “abhor hooking up”, I’d call you enlightened and reasonable.
Well while my cultural background certainly had its share of influence, I would much rather attribute my attitude on this to my personality.
Thank you for the information.
Yeah, you’re going to see stuff you’re uncomfortable with anywhere you go to school. I certainly did, back in the early '80s! It’s best just to worry about yourself and ignore what other people are doing. You will have enough to keep busy with!
I am flattered. I am assuming the American in his/her 20s I meet merrily engages in emotionless, non-committed sex regularly until proven otherwise.
My insecure personality will give me a hard time, but I will try nonetheless. Thank you for the advice.
I’m a junior at Bowdoin. People do date here, and no one will judge you at all for not wanting to hook up with other people. As to what’s the party scene like: it depends what you’re into. There are the loud, crowded parties–that tends to be where many first years end up, but as I got older I tended to gravitate towards smaller parties with friends. Any decently sized group or club on campus, such as a capella, will probably offer the occasional get-together like that as well. There will certainly be people around you who choose to hook up and date, and as to whether that will be stressful for you, I can’t know. Still, no one will judge you for not wanting to hook up.
I also chose between Bowdoin and Midd. I would be extremely surprised if there was any meaningful difference in this regard.
Thanks a lot! Your reply reassures me greatly.
Also, could you point out some reasons why you end up choosing Bowdoin over Middlebury? Thanks again.
I chose Midd over Bowdoin because I fell in love with the campus and the mountain views. Both schools are equals in terms of academics. Bowdoin is stronger in government studies, while Midd is stronger in languages.
My D just chose Bowdoin over Midd (and Wes). Honestly she loved both schools but she liked that Bowdoin is slightly stronger in economic diversity and racial diversity. She loved Brunswick and that Portland and Boston are accessible. She felt both schools would provide a desired level of rigor. She slightly preferred Midd’s glorious campus to Bowdoin’s lovely environs. I know she loved the warm, collaborative vibe at Bowdoin. Getting into a school that accepted 10% of applicants didn’t hurt. She would have loved Midd too. She was very fortunate to be choosing between these amazing schools.
Hey @Cangeroo I’m in the same boat, but I’m choosing between Carleton & Davidson instead of Midd.
I agree with you on that I don’t think I’d fit in or be conducive to hooking up with random classmates, espeically since our class is so small and tight knit. But I have been reading some articles from the Orient and it gives a good sense of what’s going on. If you haven’t seen already, here are some specifically about the hook up culture:
http://bowdoinorient.com/bonus/article/9879
https://bowdoinorient.com/2017/10/13/on-hook-up-culture-a-roundtable-with-bowdoin-men/
https://bowdoinorient.com/2017/09/29/on-hookup-culture-a-roundtable-with-bowdoin-women/
https://bowdoinorient.com/2018/02/09/with-hookup-culture-in-mind/
http://bowdoinorient.com/bonus/article/7821
https://bowdoinorient.com/2017/09/15/love-lust-and-like-liking-hooking-up-at-bowdoin/