AUG
06
It's your first year at Bowdoin!
This time can be incredibly exciting—and a little bit overwhelming. We're here to help!
Check out the list of helpful resources below. If you don't need this information right now, you can always come back to it, or reach out to your dean with questions.
Campus Life and Community
A lot of what Bowdoin has to offer is found outside of the classroom!
Explore resources ↓Academics and Key Dates
Need academic support? Learn about the BCLT and key dates.
Explore resources ↓Wellness and Support
Find wellness resources, such as counseling and health services.
Explore resources ↓Living in Brunswick
Learn how to get to nearby hotspots and find fun local things to do!
Explore resources ↓Meet Your Dean
Get to know your first-year dean, who will help you navigate your transition into Bowdoin.
Meet Dean Khuong ↓Your first year is exciting!
Here are the big events to look out for:
Campus Life and Community
Interested in joining a club to play board games? Want to learn more about pre-health, computer science, or finance? Love cooking? Bowdoin has a wide variety of clubs students can join!
CampusGroups
CampusGroups is where you will be able to log in and find a list of all of the clubs available to sign up for. Simply join a group, and you will be added to their mailing list, where clubs will send out notices of events and meetings.
Have an idea for a club but can't find it on the list? Start one! Learn more about the application process.
Community Service
Bowdoin offers a variety of community service projects you can participate in through the McKeen Center for the Common Good.
Identity and Culture
Ladd House hosts the Center of Multicultural Life, Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, and the Sexuality, Women, and Gender Center.
Sustainability
Bowdoin has various sustainability initiatives to explore! The Bowdoin Organic Garden, Yellow Bike Club, and many more!
Academics and Key Dates
Bowdoin offers a wide range of classes you can explore! There are also a variety of academic resources to aid you as you transition into college academics.
Baldwin Center for Learning and Teaching
The Baldwin Center supports students across the academic experience. Students can take advantage of academic coaching, writing coaching and peer assistance, and quantitative reasoning tutoring.
You can work independently in the BCLT between 8am-10pm Monday-Friday, meet with professional academic and writing coaches 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, and/or meet with peer time management and ADHD coaches, writing assistant, or Q-tutors Sunday-Thursday nights 6-10pm.
Academic Advising and Office Hours
Professors regularly host office hours for students to drop in and ask questions! Don't have a specific question? Students are still encouraged to attend! Office hours are a great opportunity to meet your professors and learn about the resources available to you throughout the course.
You will also be assigned an academic pre-major advisor for your first year. They will help guide you to explore different areas in your academic schedule as you prepare to declare a major in your Sophomore Year.
Want to learn about key dates throughout the school year?
Check out the Bowdoin calendar.
Health and Wellness
Back to Jump To ↑A big part of thriving as a Bowdoin student is taking care of YOU! From counseling to health and fitness classes, there is a wide variety of options available.
Explore Wellness Resources
Health Services
Health Services provides medical care, check-ups, and support for students throughout the year.
Medical Vending Machine: Free and confidential over-the-counter supplies, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, condoms, Plan B, and band-aids.
Location: Buck Center, 3rd floor, immediately off the elevator.
Access: 24/7 with your Bowdoin OneCard.
Counseling
Bowdoin Counseling provides individualized, evidence-based mental health services that are confidential and free to all students.
Services include crisis intervention, single-session counseling, short-term counseling, and more.
Students experiencing a mental health crisis are offered an immediate appointment. Most other students are offered an appointment the same or next day.
Wellness Classes
The Wellness Center offers activities throughout the week, including yoga, barre, meditation, Zumba, and spin cycling.
Explore the full list of wellness activities on CampusGroups.
Integrative Wellness Clinics also offer acupuncture and Reiki on campus.
Funding
Funding is available to help students with urgent or unexpected expenses.
Winter Coat & Boots Fund: Helps students purchase winter clothing for Maine's colder months.
Supplemental and Emergency Funding: Can assist with uncovered medical expenses, emergency travel, and unexpected financial hardships.
Support When You Need It
Health Services Appointments
Online: Schedule through the Student Health Portal.
By Phone: (207) 725-3770 during office hours.
In Person: Peter Buck Center for Health and Fitness, 3rd Floor.
Walk-In Care
For minor urgent concerns such as a cough, cold, sore throat, or minor injury, stop by Health Services during business hours. Staff will try to see you.
Additional care is available through MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital Walk-In Care.
After-Hours Support
When Health Services and Counseling are closed, TimelyCare is available at no cost.
Crisis Now: Call (207) 805-7539 anytime. No registration needed.
TalkNow: On-demand mental health support for stress, anxiety, homesickness, and more.
MedicalNow: On-demand medical support for common illnesses. Prescriptions may be provided when appropriate.
Tip: TalkNow and MedicalNow require registration. Register ahead of time!
In an emergency, call 911. For immediate mental health crisis support, call Crisis Now at (207) 805-7539, available anytime.
Residential Life
The Office of Residential Life supports Housing Operations and Residential Education through the student staff (your Proctor and RA!)
Proctors and RAs
Reach out to your Proctor or RA anytime you have questions about Residential Life, Housing, or roommate conflicts. They are your first stop for residential concerns.
Workorders
Broken light fixture? The shower stopped working? Submit a workorder.
Roommate Conflicts
Living with strangers is hard—bring up your concerns early to your Proctor and RA. They have great tips and can offer coaching, or they can help mediate conflict in conversation. They will solicit support from the professional staff if needed.
Living in Brunswick
Brunswick and Maine have a lot to offer! Here are some options for you to explore.
BREEZ
The BREEZ bus is a convenient way to travel between Bowdoin, Freeport or Portland. There is a stop near Pickard Theater and one at the Brunswick train station. You can find more information about stops, times and fares here.
Amtrak
The Amtrak has a station conveniently located a 10-min walk from campus! Its Downeaster train can connect you directly to Freeport, Portland and Boston.
Bowdoin Shuttle
The Bowdoin Shuttle (207-725-3337) provides safe and convenient transportation for students within a one-mile radius of campus. The Bowdoin Shuttle operates seven days-a-week when the College is in academic session.
Helpful local places and events
- For upcoming Brunswick events, check out the Brunswick Downtown Association Events Calendar!
- The bi-weekly Brunswick Blast Newsletter, where you can find promotions for businesses across town.
- Hannaford is about a five-minute walk from campus for groceries.
- Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Renys are in nearby Topsham.
- L.L.Bean and outlet stores are in Freeport.
- MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital is in Brunswick.
Meet Your First Year Deans!
Back to Jump To ↑Dean Khoa Khuong
Welcome to Bowdoin, Class of 2030!
My name is Khoa Khuong '04, and I have the privilege of serving as your first-year dean. As a Bowdoin graduate and first-generation college student, I understand the excitement and uncertainty that come with starting college.
Throughout your first year, I will be a primary resource as you navigate academic and social life at Bowdoin. Whether you have questions, need support, or simply want to talk, I am here to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out!
Khoa Khuong
Associate Dean of Students
Dean Rebecca Banks
Welcome to your First Year!
Since joining Bowdoin College in 2013, I’ve served as an Academic Coordinator in the Department of History and Academic Affairs, supporting academic advising, the first-year and transfer student experiences, and a variety of campus programs and initiatives.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three children, my husband, Jonathan, and our dog, Gus. I love to travel, cook and watch soccer, and I’m always happiest when I’m surrounded by family, friends, and good food.
I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you throughout your first year!
Rebecca Banks
Interim Assistant Director, Student Affairs and First-Year Experience
Have any more questions? Reach out to odos@bowdoin.edu