Classroom at Bowdoin

Campus Life

Bowdoin's House System

A centerpiece of Bowdoin's social life is the new "House System," an outgrowth of the College's decision a few years ago to eliminate fraternities. To counter the exclusive nature of fraternities, Bowdoin renovated six grand old houses and set them up to become inclusive social organizations. Each student is assigned membership in one of the six houses and has a voice and vote in how the house is run, how it spends its money, and what kinds of social activities it sponsors.

“I’m so happy we don't have fraternities and sororities at Bowdoin. That's one of the reasons I came here.”
—Aliza Marks ’04

Not every activity may appeal to every member of the house — the monthly poetry reading in one house may not be as compelling to some as its Ultimate Frisbee championship — but every student has the opportunity to suggest and organize programs, and to make the house work for all its members. Students find their friends on sports teams, among their lab partners, or through classes or clubs. But many are finding their greatest friendships within their houses, and are working together to entertain and educate house members and the campus at-large through parties, lectures, trips, and other events.

Student Activities

There's just not enough room, even online, to talk about all the programs and facilities and people supporting student life at Bowdoin. There are about 100 student organizations and clubs at Bowdoin, relating to everything from politics and religion to computer games or academics. But the list of organizations isn't static — if there isn't a group that addresses your particular interest, you can start one. In fact, that's how most of these organizations got started, and some of them are now in their second century.

The Bowdoin Outing Club

...with over 300 members, is the most popular student group. Housed in the Schwartz Outdoor Leadership Center, the outing club coordinates activities geared toward exploring the Maine outdoors. Activities cover everything from sea kayaking to rock climbing. Student trip leaders undergo a rigorous leadership training program, which in itself is a great learning experience.

Community Service at Bowdoin

...is not so much a club or activity — it's our culture. Here are some examples of the college-wide commitment to service:

  • We have the Community Service Resource Center on campus with paid staff.
  • Bowdoin students volunteered 13,000 hours of time to 40 non-profit organizations in 2002-03.
  • We have a Community Immersion Pre-orientation Experience for students who want to get right to work meeting and helping people in their new community — even before they start college!
  • Over 400 students volunteered in the community during 2002-03, plus another 165 were involved with service learning projects.
  • We offer Alternative Spring Break trips, which provide our students with the opportunity to travel to a new location with Bowdoin students and staff, meet members of another community, and do something meaningful and educational during their break.
  • 70% of all Bowdoin students volunteer at some time during their Bowdoin careers.
  • Campus-wide "day of service" events include: Common Good Day, Sponsor-a-Family, Caroling in the Community, Eco-Service Day, Kid's Fair.

Dining Service

You can't talk about student life without mentioning food. Actually, a lot of schools talk about student life without mentioning food, and you can figure out pretty easily why that is. But this year the dining service at Bowdoin was ranked #1 in the nation in 2006 by the Princeton Review and is routinely ranked in the top 5. It is also ranked highly in specialty areas, such as vegetarian service.

“This is one college where kids will take their parents to the dining hall rather than out to a restaurant.”
—Aliza Marks ’04

Why is the food at Bowdoin so tasty? “We cook from scratch, using fresh ingredients, locally grown if possible. We constantly experiment with cooking styles, techniques, and cuisines. And we listen to the students — they love to see their suggestions implemented.”
—Mary M. Kennedy, Director of Dining Service

Environmental Commitment

Nestled in a coastal community, Bowdoin has a strong awareness of its connection to the environment. To this end, the College has an environmental mission statement, a full-time sustainability coordinator, an organic garden, a full line of recycling and waste reduction opportunities on campus and a demonstrated commitment to green building practices. Students can get involved with student groups such as the Evergreens that focus on environmental advocacy, study environmental issues through the Environmental Studies Program, or put their ideas to work organizing campus initiatives in the Sustainable Bowdoin office or planting at the organic garden. Learn more on the Sustainable Bowdoin website.