Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to your practical guide to the first-year experience at Bowdoin. Use it to work through the parts of arrival, orientation, academics, housing, campus life, and student support that matter most to you right now.

You do not need to read everything in order. Start where you need to, then come back as new questions come up.

Pre-arrival essentials

Start Here

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First things first: take a breath. There is a lot coming at you, but not all at once. Your main job right now is to finish high school well, keep an eye on your Bowdoin email, and chip away at the required summer steps. 

Think of this section as your pre-arrival checkpoint: names, forms, privacy, and what to do if you are still figuring out classes.

Important: incomplete required forms or placement surveys may delay registration and parts of Arrival Day, including getting your OneCard and moving into your residence hall.

Names and privacy

Bowdoin is committed to using your chosen name. You can update or confirm your name through Workday or by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

Once enrolled, you will have full control over access to your academic records under federal privacy law (FERPA). You can choose to grant access to parents or guardians through your Workday account.

1. Finish strong

AP exams, finals, performances, games, shifts, projects—handle what is in front of you now, and avoid conduct issues that could appear on your final high school transcript

2. Learn the placement and registration timeline

Keep track of when placement surveys open, when results are posted in Workday, and when you can register for classes.

3. Explore tips on choosing courses and attend Zoom sessions

Use our tips to explore courses, understand placement results, and build your schedule to register.

Placement Timeline

Placements Open for Students

Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at noon EDT

Deadline to Complete Placements

Monday, June 29, 2026, by 8:00 AM EDT

Placement Results Available to View in Workday

No later than Monday, July 27, 2026, by noon EDT

Registration Dates

Transfer Students

Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT

First-Year Students

Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT

Choosing Courses and Designing Your Schedule Zoom Calls

  • Tuesday, July 28, 5:00 to 6:00 PM EDT
  • Wednesday, July 29, 10:00 to 11:00 AM EDT
  • Tuesday, August 4, 1:00 to 2:00 PM EDT
  • Wednesday, August 5, 5:00 to 6:00 PM EDT

What’s Next? Zoom call to discuss waitlists, changing your schedule, and meeting your advisor

Friday, August 7, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EDT

Individual Department Information and Placement Zoom Calls

Department / Session Date & Time
Francophone Studies Monday, July 27, 2:00 to 3:00 PM EDT
Italian Studies Monday, July 27, 3:00 to 4:00 PM EDT
Studying Languages at Bowdoin: classes, research, fellowships, and summer opportunities Monday, July 27, 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT
German Tuesday, July 28, 9:30 to 10:30 AM EDT
Japanese Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 to 7:00 PM EDT
Chemistry Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT
Economics Wednesday, July 29, 5:00 to 6:00 PM EDT
Computer Science Wednesday, July 29, 6:00 to 7:00 PM EDT
Pre-Health Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT
German Thursday, July 30, 5:00 to 6:00 PM EDT
Classics Thursday, July 30, 6:00 to 7:00 PM EDT
Biology General Q&A Session Thursday, July 30, 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT
Hispanic Studies Monday, August 3, 10:00 to 11:00 AM EDT
Classics Monday, August 3, 6:00 to 7:00 PM EDT
Biology Placement Questions Monday, August 3, 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT

Students Meet Their Liberal Arts Advisor

Monday, August 31, 2026

What should I do first?

Take a deep breath. Then focus on finishing high school well while keeping track of Bowdoin deadlines and summer academic steps.

You do not need to solve college all at once. Right now, the goal is to stay organized, meet important deadlines, and use the support Bowdoin offers as registration gets closer.

What if I have no idea what classes I want yet?

That is normal. Start exploring the Academics and Course Registration section of the website, which provides step-by-step guidance, resources, and links to live help—all in one place. 

Summer Zoom sessions are also offered to help you understand placements, explore courses, and start designing a workable first-semester schedule.

Do I really need to attend the Zoom sessions?

You may not need every session, but they are one of the best ways to get clear answers before registration. They can save you a lot of confusion about placements, course choices, registration, and next steps.

What happens if I miss something important?

Missing deadlines or required materials can create unnecessary stress later, especially as course registration and Arrival Day approach.

The best approach is to check your Bowdoin email regularly and complete items early when possible.

Arrival & travel

Arrival Day & Getting to Brunswick

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This is the logistics section: when to arrive, how to get to campus, what to do if plans change, and how to make move-in smooth.

The goal is simple: arrive at your assigned time, bring what you need, and let the day run as designed. The more closely you follow your assigned slot, the easier the day will be for everyone.

Arrival Day, in order

Register for one arrival slot, arrive at that assigned time, check in, receive your OneCard and room access, move into your residence hall, and begin Orientation.

Students who arrive early must wait for their assigned time. Students arriving before Arrival Day must arrange off-campus accommodations.

Register for one arrival slot

Choose a single Arrival Day time slot in advance. Arrival slots run between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Arrive at your assigned time

Arriving on time helps reduce traffic congestion and ensures residence hall access is ready when you arrive.

Say goodbye by 4:00 

Orientation promptly begins at 4:00 p.m. All families and guests should plan to depart the campus by then.

Bring with you:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Any required health or arrival documentation
  • Medications and essentials for your first 24 hours
  • Important contacts and travel information

The easiest Arrival Day is the least improvised one: show up on time, have required steps completed, and assume Orientation begins as soon as your family leaves.

Getting to Brunswick

You can reach campus several ways:
By air: Fly into Boston Logan (BOS) or Portland International Jetport (PWM).
By train: Amtrak Downeaster from Boston North Station to Brunswick.
By bus: Concord Coach Lines from Boston Logan or South Station.
From Portland: Train, bus, or taxi service to Brunswick.

Traveling alone?

Students receiving financial aid may request transportation from Portland International Jetport (PWM) to campus.

All students traveling alone can contact Orientation Coordinators for additional support in planning their arrival.

📦 Shipping your belongings

Packages will only be accepted starting August 15, 2026. Items sent earlier may be returned.

Use this format:

Student Name
Bowdoin College ### Smith Union
Brunswick, ME 04011

Ship bulky items after you receive your mailbox number, and avoid sending essentials you will need immediately.

Can I change my Arrival Day time slot?

Yes. You can cancel your original slot and select another before August 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Availability may be limited if you switch.

What if my travel plans change or I am delayed?

Contact the Orientation team as soon as possible so they can help adjust your arrival and make sure you can still check in smoothly!

What if I arrive before my move-in time?

You will need to wait until your assigned time. Unfortunately, early arrivals are not permitted in residence halls.

Can my family stay for Orientation events?

No. Family programming ends at 4:00 p.m. on Arrival Day.

Students are expected to remain on campus for the full Orientation program.

Can I stay off campus during Orientation?

No. Orientation is required, and students are expected to live on campus and participate fully.

International students

🌍 International Orientation

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International students arrive earlier than the rest of the incoming class to participate in International Student Orientation (ISO).

ISO supports your transition to campus life, U.S. academic expectations, immigration check-in, and community building before full Orientation begins.

Packing & Documents

Before traveling, make sure you have key immigration documents and essentials for your first days on campus.

  • Valid passport
  • F-1 or J-1 visa (as applicable)
  • I-20 or DS-2019 form
  • Travel + emergency contact info

You should also pack essentials for your first 24–48 hours since ISO begins immediately after arrival.

Arrival & ISO

Arrive by August 21, 2026, before 5:00 p.m. to begin International Student Orientation.

ISO is required for most international students and includes check-in, advising, community activities, and onboarding support.

Some students may have slightly different arrival requirements depending on visa status or travel constraints.

Full Orientation

After ISO, you will join the full incoming class for Arrival Day and the complete Orientation program.

This includes academic advising, residence hall move-in completion, and community programming with all new students.

Important immigration & support notes:

  • Students typically arrive on F-1 or J-1 visa status
  • ISO participation is required for first-year international students
  • The college provides basic arrival essentials (e.g., bedding starter set and towel set in ISO support kits), but do pack a small bag with essentials for two days
  • Bring all original immigration documents
What is an ISO bag? What should I pack for it?

The ISO bag is a starter kit you receive during International Student Orientation to help you settle in immediately after arrival.

It typically includes basic essentials like bedding items and toiletries, so you can function comfortably before fully unpacking.

What you should still pack:

  • Clothing for multiple weather conditions
  • Medications and personal care items
  • Important documents (passport, I-20/DS-2019)
  • Chargers and electronics
  • A few comfort items from home
When should international students arrive?

International students must arrive by August 21, 2026 before 5:00 p.m. to participate in ISO.

What if my travel is delayed?

If travel delays affect your arrival, contact Orientation staff as soon as possible so support can be arranged.

Email: orientation@bowdoin.edu

Orientation trips

Orientation Trips

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Bowdoin’s Orientation Trips are not just a pre-semester activity. They are part of how the College introduces students to each other, to Maine, and to life outside the classroom.

Expect small-group experiences, upper-class student leaders, and a start to college that is more personal than a lecture hall welcome.

A trip for different comfort levels

No outdoor experience is required. Trips range from outdoor adventure to service, wellness, and community-based experiences.

Small groups, real conversations

Small-group settings and student leaders help create space for conversation before the full campus rush begins.

Plan for simplicity

Meals, transportation, and group gear are provided for most trips. You just need to follow the packing instructions and show up ready.

What students should expect

O-Trips are welcoming and inclusive experiences designed to help students connect early and naturally.

Students are encouraged to be present and engaged rather than constantly connected.

 

In emergencies, Safety and Security is available 24/7 at 207-725-3500.

Orientation Trips 101

You do not need to be an “outdoors person.” The goal is shared experience, connection, and a slower start to college life. Think of your O-Trip as your first network at Bowdoin!

Packing and gear

You will receive detailed packing lists after trip assignment. Some gear may be available through the Bowdoin Outing Club.

Items like backpacks, sleeping bags, and pads may be loaned in limited supply. Personal clothing and toiletries are your responsibility.

What if I do not get my first-choice trip?

We try to place students in one of their top choices, but assignments depend on capacity. Every trip is designed for a strong shared experience.

When will I know my assignment?

Assignment details will be sent to your Bowdoin email. Check regularly for updates.

Are food and transportation included?

Yes. Meals, snacks, and transportation are provided. First aid supplies are also carried on all trips.

Can I bring my phone?

We ask students to leave phones behind to support presence and connection during the trip.

Students consistently report stronger connections and a more meaningful experience without phones during trips.

What if I need my phone for medical or disability reasons?

Contact orientation@bowdoin.edu by August 1 to request accommodations. In emergencies, Safety and Security is available 24/7 at 207-725-3500.

Living at Bowdoin

Rooms, Roommates, and Everyday Campus Life

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The first-year residential experience is designed to be shared. First-years live in central-campus residence halls, often referred to as the “bricks,” with support from proctors and RAs.

This section covers rooms, roommates, dining, packing, shipping, laundry, and the everyday details that help campus start to feel like home.

Your room has the basics

Rooms include an extra-long twin bed, a desk and chair, a dresser, a closet or wardrobe, and a bookshelf. Bring Twin XL sheets, bedding, daily essentials, and a few items that make the room feel like yours.

Food is a real Bowdoin strength

Bowdoin has consistently been ranked high for Best Campus Food by The Princeton Review. First-years have the full meal plan: 21 meals per week plus Polar Points for places like Jack Magee’s, Bowdoin’s Café, and the convenience store.

Pack, then adjust

Brunswick can be warm in August and snowy by late fall. Pack layers, avoid overbuying, and use nearby stores if you need more after arriving.

If you need more layers or room supplies, Walmart, Staples, T.J. Maxx, Target, Renys, thrift stores, and L.L.Bean in Freeport are nearby. 

What to pack

Start with bedding, toiletries, clothes, chargers, school supplies, medication, and practical room items. Once you know your roommate and storage situation, you can fill in the gaps.

Wait until room and roommate assignments are released before renting or buying shared items like a microwave/fridge combo.

You can find a complete packing list here.

Campus Move-In Day

You do not need to solve every detail before you arrive. Bring what helps you sleep well, study comfortably, and get through the first few weeks. The rest can come together once you are here.

Housing details you should know

  • Housing and roommate information is communicated in early August, but you can find more information on roommate assignments on ResLife's website.
  • Curious to see what first-year dorms look like? Check out all eight bricks!
  • Some bathrooms are coed by suite or floor; gender-neutral bathrooms are also available in several campus locations.
  • Thumbtacks are preferred. Adhesive strips are not allowed. Over-the-door hooks are allowed if they fit between the door and frame.
  • All first-year residence halls have laundry facilities at no additional cost, but you should bring your own detergent.
  • Medication, including EpiPens, should be stored in a separate container so it is not misplaced. Contact Health Services for care coordination questions.
  • First-year students are not permitted to have cars on campus.
Roommates and housing timing
Housing assignment and roommate information is communicated in early August.
What’s already in my room?
Bed, desk, chair, dresser, closet or wardrobe, and bookshelf. Beds use Twin XL sheets.
Do I have to live on campus?
Yes. Bowdoin provides housing for all four years, but upper-class students sometimes decide to live off-campus. As a first-year, you're required to live on campus.
What about bathrooms and laundry?
Bathrooms are shared, and some are coed by suite or floor. Laundry is available in all first-year residence halls at no additional cost. Do bring your own detergent.
What is the meal plan?
First-year students are required to have the full food plan: 21 meals per week plus Polar Points usable across campus, including Jack Magee’s, Bowdoin’s Café, and the convenience store.
Fridge and microwave
Students can rent a microwave/fridge combo from Polar Rentals, but Bowdoin recommends waiting until room and roommate assignments are released so roommates can coordinate shared items.
Shopping nearby
For nearby supplies, students use places like Walmart, Staples, T.J. Maxx, Target, Renys, and L.L.Bean in Freeport.
Health services & insurance
Students must have health insurance. The Health Center provides on-campus care during the academic year. For nearby medical care, MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital is in Brunswick.
Shipping mail and packages

You may ship belongings through UPS, FedEx, or USPS only after August 15, 2026. Although you will receive your Smith Union address in July, the Mail Center will not accept shipped items until August 15, 2026.

Use this format:

Student Name
Bowdoin College ### Smith Union
Brunswick, ME 04011

Practical tip: ship bulky items only after you have your mailing information, and do not send boxes too early.

Academics & technology

Courses, Registration, and Technology

How registration actually works

The Academics and Course Registration section of our website will guide you through each step of the process—from completing placement surveys to exploring courses and building a schedule that reflects your interests.

You’ll also find opportunities to connect with advisors, attend live help sessions, and access resources along the way—so you can approach registration with clarity and confidence.

Before you arrive

Technology expectations

  • You’ll receive a MacBook Pro, an iPad mini, and an Apple Pencil after your orientation trip, ready to support your coursework and campus life.
  • You will also learn how to navigate Workday, which is Bowdoin’s system for course registration and academic planning.
  • Bowdoin IT offers ongoing support, resources, and guidance whenever you need help.
Do I register for classes before arriving?

Yes! Registration opens in Workday for Transfer students on July 30th at 9:00 AM (EDT) and for First Years on August 6th at 9:00 AM (EDT).

What if I do not know what I want to study?

That is okay! We encourage you to approach your first year at Bowdoin with curiosity about the many subjects and courses available. Our course selection section can help you get started.

Do I need to complete placement surveys?

Yes! Placement surveys help us understand your background so you can begin in the course that’s right for you.

To register for classes, you must complete the Information Literacy and Quantitative Skills surveys.

If you plan to continue studying subjects from high school—including sciences, languages, or music—you’ll also need to complete the relevant placement surveys.

Do I need to take a First Year Writing Seminar?

Yes! All first-year students are required to register for a First-Year Writing Seminar during their first semester at Bowdoin.

Transfer students are not required to register for these seminars.

Do I need to buy textbooks before classes start?

You don’t need to buy textbooks before classes start. Professors will list required and optional materials in the syllabus, which you’ll get at the first class meeting.

Once those materials are assigned, it’s your responsibility to obtain them. Bowdoin College works with eCampus, which provides options like new, used, rental, and digital formats to help you get what you need.

Will I have an academic advisor?

Yes. When you arrive, you’ll meet with your liberal arts advisor to review your schedule and make any adjustments.

Can I work on campus as a first-year?

Of course! More information can be found here.

Campus resources

Support, Guidance, and Community

We ask our students to use the people and programs around them. Academic support, dean support, public engagement, community connection, and spaces for belonging are all part of the student experience here.

This section is less about memorizing office names and more about knowing where to start when you need help, perspective, or a place to plug in.

A practical way to use this section

You do not need to know every office immediately. You do need a rough sense of where to begin: academic help, dean support, community engagement, outdoor community, or belonging and identity.

All of these offices provide year-round support. Feel free to rely on them as an ongoing resource or simply stop by whenever you need assistance!

Health, Wellness, and Counseling

Bowdoin supports student well-being through Health Services, Counseling Services, Wellness Services, recreation opportunities, and Spiritual Life resources designed to help students stay healthy, grounded, and connected throughout college.

Whether you need medical care, mental health support, stress management, movement and recreation, or spiritual and ethical guidance, these resources are intended to support both everyday wellness and more difficult moments. You can explore the broader range of offerings through Bowdoin’s Health and Wellness resources page.

Baldwin Center for Learning and Teaching

The Baldwin Center supports students across the academic experience. They offer academic mentoring and coaching, academic communication support for multilingual speakers, quantitative reasoning, and writing and rhetoric.

This is a good place to go when you want to strengthen how you learn, write, organize, communicate, or work through quantitative material.

McKeen Center for the Common Good

The McKeen Center connects learning and leadership to public engagement through volunteering, leadership opportunities, community engagement programs, and broader work connected to the common good.

This is a strong fit for students who want service, civic engagement, community partnerships, or a more public-facing dimension to their Bowdoin experience.

Bowdoin Outing Club

The Bowdoin Outing Club is not just for Orientation, but for leadership opportunities, student-led trips, training programs, and a broader effort to make outdoor experiences accessible and welcoming.

For many students, the BOC becomes both a social space and a way to keep exploring Maine after the first week.

Ladd House

Ladd House is a place of belonging, equity of opportunity, and a community where students know they belong.

The Center for Multicultural Lifethe Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, the Sexuality, Women, and Gender (SWAG)Accessibility, and THRIVE are great resources to explore if you're looking for identity-based community and support.

Office of the Dean of Students

The Dean's Office supports you throughout your time at Bowdoin, helping you navigate academic and social transitions, connect with campus resources, and work through challenges as they arise. Deans are available for guidance, problem-solving, and referrals, and they collaborate closely with faculty and staff to help you succeed and feel at home in the community.

Community Host Program

Bowdoin’s Community Host Program is designed to foster informal friendships and community connections between students and residents in the Brunswick area and beyond.

Students do not live with hosts. Instead, the program offers a local connection outside campus life.

A useful first-year rule: asking for help at Bowdoin is not a sign that something has gone wrong. It's how students ensure they’re thriving and getting the most out of their experience.

Where should I go if I want academic support beyond class?

Start with the Baldwin Center for Learning and Teaching. Support is available for mentoring and coaching, multilingual academic communication, quantitative reasoning, and writing and rhetoric.

It is built for skill-building, not just crisis moments.

What if I want service or community engagement to be part of college life?

The McKeen Center is the main hub, providing community engagement programs, direct volunteering, leadership opportunities, and related public engagement pathways.

It is one of the clearest ways to connect Bowdoin with the Brunswick community and beyond!

What if I am looking for belonging, identity-based support, or spiritual life resources?

Everything identity can be found in Ladd! The Center for Multicultural Lifethe Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, the Sexuality, Women, and Gender (SWAG)Accessibility, and THRIVE are great resources to explore.

What if I am not sure which office is the right one?

That is a good reason to start with the Office of the Dean of Studentsor your assigned academic advisor! The right first contact is often the office that can redirect you well.

Is there a way to connect with people in Brunswick beyond campus?

Yes. The Community Host Program is specifically built to foster informal friendships and community connections between students and local residents. While international students receive priority, domestic students can also be matched when hosts are available!

Activities & organizations

Getting Involved on Campus

Interested in board games? The ethics of AI? Horseback riding or water polo? Want to explore public health, finance, or consulting? Sing a cappella or connect with international students?

At Bowdoin, student life extends well beyond the classroom. Student organizations, athletic teams, service programs, and campus traditions give students multiple ways to find community, test interests, and take on responsibility early. Explore Bowdoin Student Activities!

Start at the activities fair

Bowdoin’s Student Activities Fair takes place at the start of each semester and includes organizations chartered by the Student Organization Oversight Committee. It is one of the simplest ways to see what exists, talk with current members, and sign up for email lists before your schedule fills up.

You do not need one “type” of involvement

A Bowdoin student might join a performance group, play an intramural sport, attend a McKeen event, and explore a professional-interest club all in the same year. The point is not to pick one identity immediately. It is to start trying things.

What you should know

The most useful approach is usually simple: go to the fair, put your name on more lists than you think you need, attend a few first meetings, and then narrow down after you have seen the pace of classes and life on campus, rather than trying to lock in every commitment before you arrive.

Student organizations

Bowdoin’s student organizations cover cultural life, arts, advocacy, academic and career interests, recreation, identity-based communities, publications, and more.

Leadership

Leadership opportunities begin early. Class Council, Bowdoin Student Government, club leadership, BOC training, and learning assistant roles are all examples of what leadership could look like!

Athletics and recreation

Varsity sports are one visible part of campus life, but Bowdoin also emphasizes club and intramural options with different commitment levels and broad student access.

A good first semester at Bowdoin usually does not mean doing everything. It means finding a few places where people start to know your name.

How do students find clubs and organizations?

Bowdoin’s Student Activities Fair is one of the main entry points. It happens at the start of each semester and brings together chartered student organizations so students can meet members and sign up for notifications.

That makes it the fastest way to move from “I might be interested” to actually hearing about meetings and events.

Can first-years take on leadership roles?

Yes! First-years can run for Class Council or Bowdoin Student Government, and clubs also offer internal leadership opportunities for members.

Other pathways open later, including Residential Life positions and learning assistant roles, after a student has completed a course.

What if I am interested in the outdoors?

The Bowdoin Outing Club’s leadership training is great for first-years, as is its broader outdoor programming.

That makes the BOC both a social and leadership space, not just a trip calendar.

Do I have to be highly competitive to join sports on campus?

Not necessarily. Outside of varsity, there are both club and intramural sports available, each with varying levels of intensity and commitment. The vast majority are open to students of all levels.

Shopping, services & daily life

Everyday Logistics

Once classes begin, most questions are practical: where to buy essentials, how to do laundry, what to do about dietary needs, and how daily life works in Brunswick.

The good news is that Bowdoin and Brunswick make daily life pretty manageable. Most things you need are on campus, downtown, or a short ride away.

A simple way to think about this section

Once you know where to shop, do laundry, check your email, and get support, the everyday logistics start to feel routine.

Shopping nearby

Hannaford is about a five-minute walk from campus. For dorm basics, you can also use Walmart, Staples, T.J. Maxx, Target, and local shops.

Food and dietary needs

Bowdoin Dining works with students who have food-related medical conditions or specific dietary needs. Email Susanne D’Angelo-Cooley at sdangelo@bowdoin.edu or visit Dining Services.

Getting around

First-years cannot have cars on campus, but most daily destinations are within a short walk. Many students bring bikes, scooters, or skateboards.

Laundry and room basics

Laundry is available in all first-year residence halls at no additional cost. Bring your own detergent, and use LaundryView to check machine availability.

Internet, email, and tech

Bowdoin provides high-speed campus internet and wireless access across most spaces. Your Bowdoin email is the College’s main communication channel, so check it regularly.

Banking and personal care

There is a Bank of America ATM in Smith Union. Downtown Brunswick also has banks, salons, barbers, and personal care options within walking distance.

Helpful local places

Once you get familiar with a few key places and routines, day-to-day life at Bowdoin becomes much easier to manage, and the campus starts to feel more like home.

Where should I go shopping for dorm basics?

You’ll find most essentials nearby. Brunswick has Walmart, Staples, T.J. Maxx, smaller local stores, and thrift options. Nearby Topsham has Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Renys.

What if I have special dietary needs?

Students with food-related medical conditions or medically restricted diets can contact Susanne D’Angelo-Cooley, Bowdoin’s Operations Manager-Nutritionist, at sdangelo@bowdoin.edu. Bowdoin Dining can help with menu selections and needed ingredients.

Can first-years have cars on campus?

No. First-year students are not permitted to have cars on campus. Classes, dining halls, libraries, athletic facilities, and many daily needs are within a short walk.

How does laundry work?

Laundry is available in all first-year residence halls at no additional cost. Bring your own detergent, and use LaundryView to check washer and dryer availability.

Where can I get medical care nearby?

Bowdoin College Health Services/Peter Buck Building: Functions as your primary care away from home. Visits are free for all students, regardless of insurance, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Walk-In Care: MaineHealth Walk-In Care: 22 Station Ave., Brunswick, ME; Open Daily 8a-7p; Can manage non-emergent needs

Emergency Care: For nearby hospital care, MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital is just a 10-minute drive from campus! For emergencies, Safety & Security can provide rides. 

Where can I get my hair done and buy hair products?

Brunswick has several salons and barbers, including Pura Vida, Starz, The Looking Glass, and Kings and Queens on Maine Street. For beauty supplies, students can shop locally, visit Sally Beauty in Topsham, or order online from sites like Hair Sisters and Carol’s Daughter.

What do I need to know about internet and email?

Bowdoin provides high-speed network access in residence halls, public areas, and libraries, with wireless access across most campus spaces. Your Bowdoin email is the main way the College shares important updates.

Still have questions?

Start with the sections above, then review Bowdoin’s helpful videos and first-year materials for more detail. If you still cannot find what you need, contact the Orientation team directly.

orientation@bowdoin.edu