<p>What is the social life like here? Is it centered around parties at the social houses, or is it more individual friend groups? How much drinking is there, and how hard does the administration crack down on it? I’m not saying I want to get hammered Thursday-Sunday every week, but I definitely want a normal college experience and partying and stuff. Are there lots of places to meet people? Also, how strict are the sports teams on drinking and partying? Thanks!</p>
<p>Hey there,</p>
<p>I’m a freshman at Bowdoin, so I may be able to help with some of your questions. For underclassmen (mainly Freshman and Sophomores), the main partying scene occurs in the social houses - which rotate holding parties so that there is a party every Friday and Saturday night in one of the houses. The Juniors and Seniors tend to stick to parties held in their apartments, dorms, or off-campus housing. However, regardless of class, there are also a lot of smaller parties among dorms, halls, and friends. </p>
<p>The head of Security’s name is Randy Nicholls, and he is absolutely idolized by the student body. He came around to each of the Freshman dorms in the first week of school and spoke about the drinking/partying scene. Here at Bowdoin, the main concern is safety. In the words of Randy, they care more about the 23 year-olds getting trashed and putting themselves in danger than they care about the underage students drinking moderately. As long as you are safe, security won’t come down too hard on you. However, hard alcohol is banned on campus due to the higher risks it can cause - although that’s not to say that it still doesn’t exist on campus in small amounts.</p>
<p>There are tons of ways to meet people; I’m not sure if you mean in parties or just in general - but you can meet people both by socializing on the weekends and through student clubs and organizations. </p>
<p>As far as the last question, I’m not sure because I don’t play a varsity sport. I do know that the rules depend on the sport - some sports are dry all season long whereas others have a 48-hour rule.</p>
<p>Saying all of this, I live chem-free and don’t go out to parties to drink. However, I have never felt pressured or uncomfortable because the drinking scene is really low-key. You drink or you don’t. The decision is yours, and no one tries to change your opinion; I have never felt judged or out-of-place at parties where drinking takes place.</p>
<p>Hey,
I am a freshman at Bowdoin as well. I agree with everything that Taylorann11.
I would be happy to answer all of your other questions; however, I would prefer to do it in a private message.
I am on both the sailing team as well as the diving team. And I live in Coleman which isnt chem free
If you are still interested in me answering questions just send me a personal message.</p>