<p>So, I have heard that the city that Bates is located in is in pretty bad shape. For those of you that have visited, what did you think?</p>
<p>Based on my son's Freshmen year experiences the city does not seem to be particularly unsafe but it also doesn't add much to the college experience. There are quite a few opportunities for volunteer work, particularly with the growing Somali community.</p>
<p>It appears stable economically to me, based on observing the stores and houses. I think it was in worse shape years ago. There is, like at any college, plenty to do on campus.</p>
<p>I concur with ctParent2006 in all respects. There is so much to do on campus that the fact that Lewiston is not, say, Ann Arbor, is a non-issue for most students. The bad news for parents is that visiting isn't as much fun as visiting schools in some other cities would be (one or two decent hotels; a few decent restaurants); the good news is that there's little for kids to spend money on.</p>
<p>Lewiston is pretty ugly, but the opportunities for volunteering are great. Also, with transportation you can get to the mountains and the shore which are amazing-and there are trips to Portland (less than an hour away) which is a great small city.</p>
<p>I'm putting together a HS graduation present for a Bates freshman. Are there any "college hangouts" (pizza shop, restaurant) in Lewiston where I could get gift certificates? Thanks in advance....</p>
<p>Not sure the kids get off campus that much. There is a new Longhorn Steakhouse that is fairly near campus, though easier by car.</p>
<p>I would think that might be a place a college kid might like to try for some variety and that they may have gift certificates. You could also go for an LLBean gift certificate as the kids sometimes go down to Freeport to their big store and the outlet.</p>
<p>I would think that might be a place a college kid might like to try for some variety and that they may have</p>
<p>gift certificate to the "ronj" wuld be helpful, that is the off campus coffee house and smacks etc that kidz love to hang in, otherwis think of places in portland or freeport, as they tend to stay away from lewisotn</p>
<p>The Ronj it is. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>The Ronj is actually on the extended Bates Campus. It's a student run coffee shop on Frye Street (a street with almost only college-owned properties). I don't think they will open until the school year starts...</p>
<p>As an entering student I would say that the thing I'll be most looking for is the care packages I get from home. ^_^ Just little things like a favorite snack and a letter telling about your recent activities/what's going on with you and the family (even if you talk on the phone a lot) will be something to look forward to. Not really sure about gift-cards and the like, but just thought I'd toss out the suggestion!</p>