Frequently Asked Questions for New Students
Welcome to Bowdoin College! The following information is designed to provide new students with a quick reference source to answer the big questions about thriving on the Bowdoin College campus. Coming to college is a major transition for most students, but we want to make it as easy for you as possible! Please read on.
When do I need to be there?
The College residence halls open for new students at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2005. It is best to plan to arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., but if you must be later, don't worry. We will still be waiting for you!
What if I am going on a First-Year Pre-Orientation Trip?
You should plan to arrive on campus by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2005. Trip leaders will be present to let you put your belongings in your residence hall.
What do Proctors do?
One of the first people you will meet when you arrive at Bowdoin is your Proctor. Proctors are upper-class students carefully chosen to serve as advisors and administrators to the First-Year Residence Halls. Think of them as your guide to Bowdoin College. They can answer many of your questions about academic, residential, and extracurricular concerns. They will assist you in every way possible in adjusting to Bowdoin life. Your Proctor will meet you when you arrive on opening day.
When does Orientation start?
Orientation begins Saturday, August 27. Don't worry about the details. Your Proctor will have your Orientation Schedule ready when you arrive!
What about class registration and placement exams?
You will register for classes during Orientation. You will have the opportunity to meet with your academic advisor in a small group and in a one-on-one session. There will also be an academic open house. Again, don't worry about the details.
If you want to place out of intro-level classes in some sciences and foreign languages, or music theory, you will have to take placement examinations during Orientation. Exams are an hour long. Again, your Proctor will have all the details when you arrive.
When do classes start?
Classes begin on Thursday, September 1, at 8:00 a.m.. The first few days are usually spent "shopping" for different courses before settling on a final course schedule for the semester.
When do I learn about student organizations?
The Student Activities Fair is scheduled for the second week of classes. You may sign up for activities then. Student Activities and Organizations
Where do I get my mail?
All students share Smith Union post office boxes. Your post office box will be noted on your Residence Hall Assignment Sheet. All mail coming to you should be addressed as follows:
- Student Name
- Bowdoin College
- ### Smith Union
- Brunswick, ME 04011
How should I ship my belongings?
Three services—United Parcel Service, Federal Express, and the United States Postal Service—are available for shipping belongings to campus. The address you must use is listed above. The College Mail Center will hold it and notify you when it has arrived. The Mail Center will accept packages any time after August 17, 2005. You can claim your package at the Mail Center window in the Smith Union when you arrive. Your exact Smith Union address will be included in the early July, 2005 mailing.
How can I get a job?
Many Bowdoin students take part-time jobs on campus, and most find that it enriches their campus experience, helps them to manage their time, and provides important source of income for incidental expenses. The Student Employment Office runs the First-Year Job Placement Program which provides you with a guaranteed job upon your arrival at Bowdoin—and eliminates the hassle of having to find and apply for it yourself! Apply now! If you would rather wait until you arrive on campus and then search for a job on your own, the SEO maintains available jobs and job descriptions on its web site. Visit the Student Employment website, or contact seo@bowdoin.edu or 207-725-3386 for more information.
Does the College provide health services?
Yes. The Dudley Coe Health Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and there is a doctor on call 24 hours a day. The Midcoast and Parkview hospitals are both minutes from campus. In case of emergencies, College Security will drive students to an emergency room. Students are not expected to transport themselves in emergency situations.
What about telephone calls?
Each residence hall room has a telephone. Individual phone numbers will be listed on your Residence Hall Assignment Sheet. The College provides local phone service. Direct-dial long distance service (through STC) and voice-mail services are available through the College. Information will be provided by the Telecommunications Office, (207)725-3966, during Orientation and is also available on the IT Telecom website.
Does the College provide network services and e-mail?
Yes, the college provides a high speed network that is accessible in dorms, public areas and libraries. Wireless access points are also available across campus. Each student is assigned an email account. Computer labs are located in Searles Hall, Coles Tower, Hawthorne-Longfellow Library and Kanbar. More information will be provided during Orientation. Helpful links for the Class of 2009.
Where can I bank?
You can find a listing of all local banks by searching for "banks" at http://midcoastmaine.com/. The ATMs on campus are through Peoples Heritage Bank, a subsidiary of BankNorth.
Where can I do laundry?
There are numerous laundry facilities on campus. First-Year Halls with facilities are West and Maine. The cost is $2.50 to wash and dry one load of laundry. You will use your Bowdoin ID card to pay for laundry; there are several machines on campus where you can add money to your card for this purpose. If you will be doing your own laundry, make sure you get a crash course before leaving home.
Who can I get to do my laundry for me?
For a cost, students may contract with a local vendor, Auburndale Cleaning Center, for weekly laundry service. Pick-up and delivery takes place once each week. For more information you may contact Leo, Missy or Sandy at (207) 782-9389. Further details will also be provided in the First-Year Information Packet.
What size sheets should I buy?
All the beds at Bowdoin are "dorm size, extra long" (36" x 80"), although twin sheets do fit on the beds.
What about insurance?
The College is not responsible for the loss of, theft of, or damage to personal property by fire or other causes. Be sure to find out if your family homeowner's policy will provide coverage for your belongings.
Is it really that rainy and cold in Maine?
Weather in Brunswick varies greatly. It can be very warm at the beginning of the academic year, but temperatures may drop below zero by the end of the first semester. Expect a good bit of rain in the fall and spring and heavy snow in the winter. You will also find very sunny and warm days. The best advice is to pack for any and all situations.
Do most First-Years live in triples?
Yes. Some of the most significant relationships you will develop during your first year at Bowdoin will be with your roommates. The three of you will share a space in which you will study, sleep, and socialize. The success of this living experience will depend largely on your ability to compromise and share, to be honest, open, and understanding. It is something at which we must all work.
You will find your roommates' addresses, phone numbers and e-mail on the Residence Hall Assignment Sheet included in your July mailing. We encourage you to write or call one another, introduce yourselves, and make plans for bringing items that might be shared (i.e., microwave, rug, refrigerator, TV, etc.).
Are there co-ed bathrooms?
There are no co-ed bathrooms. In order to maintain single-gender bathrooms, several buildings require that students use bathrooms on floors above or below their own rooms.
May I have guests in my room?
Guests are welcome in student residences for a period of up to three consecutive days. Any actions that infringe on the rights of other Bowdoin students, as those rights related to the expected and normal use of a residence, are unacceptable under any circumstances. Roommates or other residents shall not be deprived of accommodations. Guests and their student hosts will be subject to disciplinary action for failure to abide by this or any other college regulation.
What should I pack?
It is better to pack a number of small boxes and suitcases rather than a few large ones. You may want to bring the following items:
- Informational mailings received from Bowdoin (brochures, paperwork, etc.)
- Bedding: Comforters, extra blankets, linens (extra long), mattress cover, pillow
- Seasonal clothing (heavy coat, hat, boots, gloves)
- Hangers
- Walking shoes
- Umbrella and rain gear
- Towels
- Laundry bag/basket and detergent
- Toiletries
- Throw rug
- Microwave oven
- Pictures, posters, tapestries, and other decorative items
- Stereo equipment
- Iron
- Computer
- Small tool kit
- Broom
- Sports equipment
- Can opener and flatware
- Drinking glasses
- Possibly a refrigerator (no larger than four cubic feet)
Do not bring the following:
- Hot plate or other appliances with an open coil or burner
- Pets (yes, fish are pets)
- Firearms/weapons
- Candles or incense
- Anything else that could be harmful to you or others
May I bring a car?
Yes. First-Year students are currently allowed to bring automobiles, but this policy is subject to change. Parking is extremely tight and Security is very rigid about parking violations. Under the 2004-2005 policy, First-Years are allowed to bring an automobile to campus. Cars must be registered with Security (for a $40 fee) when you arrive on campus. Students are only allowed to park in designated areas, and First-Years park in a remote lot. You might want to wait until your Sophomore year to bring your car.
What's the story on food?
The Dining Service at Bowdoin is quite good. Students may eat in the Moulton Union Dining Hall or in Thorne Hall. First-Year students have the option of Full Board or Board without breakfast. Students also may use points at Jack Magee's grill, which provides short-order food. In downtown Brunswick there are a variety of reasonably-priced, quality dining establishments, including Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, seafood, pizza, and fast food. The local shopping plaza offers Applebee's, McDonalds, Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, Wendy's, Friendly's, and KFC.
What kind of entertainment is available?
Movies, bowling, pool halls, arcades, video stores, and bars are all available in Brunswick. Though Brunswick is not a cultural center, Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, has dance, theater, music, and movies, in addition to restaurants, the Portland Seadogs (baseball), and the Portland Pirates (hockey).
What if I have more questions?!?!?!
Don't panic. Your Proctor will be on hand as soon as you arrive on campus to answer all of your questions. If you cannot wait, call the Residential Life Office at (207) 725-3225.
What is the Residential Life Office?
Located in the Moulton Union, the Residential Life Office will become a familiar place for you. It will be a place to discuss your living environment: facilities, furniture, ID's, maintenance, roommate concerns, community issues, and so on. The office can be reached by calling (207) 725-3225. Staff members will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about residential life.
- Kimberly Pacelli, Director Residential Life
- Julie Barnes, Assistant Director Residential Life
- Mark Roberts, Assistant Director Residential Life
- Ginette Saimprevil, Assistant Director Residential Life
- Lisa Rendall, Operations Manager