I'm a Batesie, ask me questions!

<p>When you are ready, I think the idea of the coach is the best source. I can see how knowing that the B&B only has 19 rooms could make you concerned. Good luck.</p>

<p>What does everyone do on the weekends? Bates seems great, but very isolated</p>

<p>i would HIGHLY doubt that they start early. NESCAC schools have a lot of restrictions about athletics (ie: no football playoffs, no official offseason practices in any sports whatsoeve) so its unlikely that CC would start early. also, most every college football team starts practice before school, yet NESCAC schools aren't allowed to: i would guess that this goes for all sports. plus, the coach would have probably let you know if they needed to be at school early. however, it is usually best to go straight to the source. good luck.</p>

<p>How do u feel students who come from warm climates adjust to the freezing cold that is Maine?</p>

<p>I've been living in Maine for most of my life, and honestly, it's not that bad. I'm originally from Chicago which I found to be MUCH, MUCH colder. That said, other locations get colder, but Maine winter is longer. and I mean MUCH longer. It gets cold in November and then snowy from December-March with mud season immediately after. Mud season (I think) is much worse than winter because it's several inches of dirty slush everywhere. Just bring a nice coat and some boots and you'll be set! You can always head over to L.L. Bean for some legit Maine weather gear if you need more warmth. Too bad school isn't in session in summer - the ideal Maine season.</p>

<p>My daughter is from Texas and I was quite concerned that she would/could survive the Maine winters...she seems to have adjusted quite well. Not once have I heard her complain. I think that if you get warm clothes, embrace the differences in the climate, and plan for a 'break' away (go back south for Christmas/winter break)...then your southerner will be just fine. Some things she says she can't live without are: earmuffs, those little pocket warmers you shake and they heat up, and wool socks.</p>

<p>My D lived in Clason freshman year and had a great time. The students in Clason are a diverse population-she had housemates from Korea, Myamar, Afghanistan, India, and other countries. The rooms are nice--the bathrooms are small, and there is only one per floor (and that means one shower/toilet/sink) for the entire floor! There is also only one (or maybe it is two) washers for the entire house. So, that part stinks (pardon the pun!)
If you can get by with the bathroom situation, then Clason is a nice choice for freshman year. The location is great-convenient to the Ronj, two doors down from security, and just across the way from the alumni walk (all the academic class buildings).</p>

<p>generally speaking what is the the class size for a typical class (excluding main intro classes, and extremely high level classes, which would be at either ends of the spectrum)? do classes tend to be discussion based?</p>

<p>also, what would you say is the culture/atmosphere on campus (eg: extremely school/work focused, greek centered, laid back/hippi-ish)? any description would be helpful, thanks.</p>

<p>bct89, I'm not a current student at Bates, but I'll try answer your questions from what I know. Bates is KNOWN for it's non-existence of greek societies. Since Bates is a an elite school, the academics are rigorous but you wouldn't expect an extremely competitive atmosphere either. I don't think the students there are hippi-ish..</p>

<p>Hi bct1989, I haven't been on here in a while but I'm just popping in to procrastinate. It is hard to define a general campus culture. It's definitely not "extremely school/work focused." Students often talk about the class material and are engaged and interested...academic discussions spill into the dining hall and dorm rooms, but people don't usually talk about grades. There isn't a competitive atmosphere at all. As Mimanchi mentioned, there's no greek life, but Bates students like to have fun on weekends. Some groups more than others, but going out is typical Saturday-night behavior (as at most colleges). I would say that there is definitely a "hippie" presence on campus...the type that hangs out at the Ronj every night, also known as the "Frye Street crowd." But there are many social groups on campus, and there isn't a sweeping generalization that can accurately describe the "Bates culture." </p>

<p>And I just saw your earlier post. Yes, all classes I've taken are very discussion based.</p>