I’m going to be the Class of 2022 at Colby College this coming fall. I am from California so going all the way to Maine is very nerve-wracking. I want some advice in going across the country for the first time. I never left California before even for vacation so I am very out of my element. How are the people there? Is it easy to go shopping? Are the dorms good? Is the lack of diversity a big issue there? (I’m Korean American) Are the laws very different there from California? What was your overall experience there at Colby College? I am so excited to go yet very nervous since I always thought of going to school in state until I got a scholarship there.
Were you admitted through QB?
Yep!
Ok, see if they have a fly-in for admitted students, or email your admissions rep, indicating you were admitted through QB and were wondering whether they organize fly-ins because you have tons of questions and worries that perhaps being there would help clear up. Ask about availability of Korean foods in nearby areas or spices/kimchi in the cafeteria, for instance.
Compared to California, Colby will not seem diverse and the weather will feel harsh (cold, wind, snow). On the other hand, snow and clear winter skies can be awesome. You’ll spend most of your time on campus, it’ll soon feel like “home”. There’ll be tons of things to do, all the time, in fact time management will be your greatest challenge. 
You’ll get a very personal, intellectually challenging experience in a great environment. It’s hard to put into words but you’ll realize how lucky you are when you think back, a year from now, and realize how much your life has changed.
Thank you so much! This makes me feel so much better!
Congratulations! ! You’re going to have a wonderful adventure. Colby does a great job with its orientation, so I suspect you’ll be feeling at home very quickly (and you will have seen a little bit of Maine!) California is more diverse than Maine.
The dorms are not so fancy, but the food is great. The students I know there feel like it’s very friendly and although students work hard, it’s not competitive.
It can be cold during the short winter days but it’ll be mild at the beginning and end of the year. If you like the outdoors, there’s almost always some way to enjoy it.
I heard a lot about the January Program. Is that mandatory?
For freshmen, yes! Everyone says it’s great. A little more relaxed and often a chance to do something that’d be hard to do during a regular semester but easy during Jan Plan because everyone’s schedules are more flexible.
It sounds really fun! Thank you for your help!
My daughter is going to be a Senior next year at Colby. She loves it. As far as Jan Plan goes, you have to take three Jan Plans but they are pretty liberal about what that means. You can have an internship, but it could be in your home state if you can make a case for it. You can do a research project, and internship or a class for credit. This past Jan Plan my daughter took a class that counts towards her major. You can also do an internship abroad and DavisConnects, will help you pay for that. My daughter has already taken three Jan Plans and is hoping to go abroad for her senior year. This year my daughter has three different jobs, she is a research assistant in the Psychology department, a Campus Life assistant and the Publicity head for the Student Planning Board! So yes, if you would like a job on campus with workstudy or not, that is possible too! Just enjoy your time there because it goes way too fast! My daughter’s roommate for the first two years was from South Korea and they are still best buds!
Hi Seojung! I was admitted to the Class of 2022 too! I am Korean and I was concerned about the diversity issue as well as some other questions you raised. I recommend you do the Admitted Students Program in April (I’ll be there!) and I’m pretty sure Colby will pay for your travel expenses considering you’re a Quest bridge scholar. (I’m receiving a large scholarship so I got my expenses covered). You’ll get all of your questions answered there, and I’m hoping to get mine answered too. Also, check out the Class of 2022 Facebook group!
I graduated from Colby years and am an Asian American. At the time there were only about 4 other Asian students in my graduating year. Although I did feel that there was a lack of diversity, I did not feel profoundly out of place. This could be that I was often one of the only Asians in whatever group I am in. I love/d Colby- the diversity has improved greatly from my time, and apparently the food (which was often pretty disgusting) has improved. The downtown area is experiencing a revitalization, which is being spearheaded by Colby. The education was great and I really liked many of my professors. The Jan Plan can be interesting- I went abroad for one of them. Freshmen were required to stay on campus during Jan Plan, but it was really a great opportunity to get to know people, especially since you are all stuck on top of the hill, often with not a lot going on during week days outside of classes. The best friends that I’ve ever made are my Colby friends. They are my closest friends to this day. In regards to Korean food and culture- you likely will not find much in Waterville. I’m not sure what Portland has to offer, but the availability increases as you go south toward Boston. I live in the metro Boston area and I know that there are a number of Korean churches, grocery stores and restaurants in Mass. If you go to Colby with an open heart, you will come to love the school and Maine is a beautiful place. I suggest participating in a COOT trip if you are able to do so prior to the official start of school.
From the Colby website (emphasis added):
Even if you do the “Global Entry Semester” study abroad program for your first semester, as my son did, you will do the COOT in January – they call it IcedCOOT.
My son is now very involved in the program as a COOT leader. So it must be good, right? 
Coot is awesome! Didn’t realize your kid was the reason, @colfac! :))
As an asian american at colby I think it can be tough if your circle of friends in high school was all asian. I’m a current freshman at colby now from a new england suburb with a large asian american population (about 25% of my hs was asian). Never encountered any real racism or anything, but it can be a culture shock. I’d also take into consideration the fact that most people at colby are from the northeast as well. In terms of food quality, ur not gonna find anything great in terms of asian food, I just binge when I go home. what I will say though, is that colby’s prestige, connections, and tight knit community is a huge plus. My professors here are incredible, and while the friends I’ve made are mostly white, its been a great opportunity to get out of an “asian bubble” that people from certain suburbs, or even california as a whole may experience. Maine is a beautiful place, and the opportunities are unique, but definitely fulfilling. I wish u the best of luck on your admitted students visit!