Bates College  -  Bates

Bates College has a compact campus with an intimately acquainted student body, perfect for those who don’t want to feel like a number. With around 1,600 Batesies on college grounds 24/7, students say the campus seems to shrink by the day. "People often call our school ‘Bates High School’ for its small size and your inability to attend the school and remain just another face in the crowd. Secrets don't stay secret at Bates, but the close-knit aspect of the school is one of its most endearing qualities,” says a freshman English major. For most students the cozy size is ideal, but at times it can seem cramped: The size is perfect - but for people who don't want to see their random hookup ever again, Bates might not be for you; you WILL see everyone in the new commons (which is AMAZING), writes a junior majoring in biology.

The college’s size has certain benefits when it comes to academics. Class sizes are small (finding even an intro class with more than 40 students is a challenge), so participation is mandatory and student-professor relationships are encouraged. Hanging with a professor outside of class is not uncommon, and some have even been known to invite students over for dinner parties with their families. The academic atmosphere isn’t confined to the classroom: “My friends and I really do get excited about things discussed in class and it's not unusual to hear ‘intellectual’ discussions at lunch. But that doesn't mean that's all we talk about. Most of the time those discussions of an ‘academic nature’ flow into deeper topics such as the appropriate ratio of syrup-to-waffle or the best Beatles song off the White Album or who is responsible for the latest snow chicken that appeared on the quad overnight,” writes a junior involved in Bates Democrats.

Most students come from the New England area and many comment that the majority claim “20 minutes outside of Boston” as their hometown. There are, however, many students who hail from all across the US and even a substantial number from countries around the globe. As at many private institutions, the high price tag yields a mostly upper- and upper-middle-class population, though the school’s financial aid offerings ensure some socioeconomic diversity. A senior breaks down the student population: “The students at Bates do tend to be in the upper class and dress preppy; however, there are generally 3 categories/social groups of people. First, the ‘jocks,’ who are varsity athletes and make up almost half of the student body. Second, the Outing Club, environmentalists, and artsy people who tend to go hiking, skiing, funky kind of people. Finally, there are the preps, basically everyone else who doesn’t fit into the other two categories.”

Batesies stock up on clubs and extracurricular activities when they’re not up to their waists in schoolwork. The aforementioned Outing Club is among the most popular, offering frequent trips for skiing, rock climbing, hiking, boating, and the like. Many students opt to join either varsity or intramural sports teams. For anyone seeking a less athletic endeavor, a capella groups are available for those who can carry a tune. Clubs are available to suit most interests — the only genre not offered is Greek life, but students say they prefer it that way. Finding an equilibrium between amusement and academics comes easily to Bates students. A senior biology major writes, “There is a great balance between academics and fun on any day of the week. It's not like other colleges [where students] work all week and party all weekend. At Bates, every day is a combination of work and play.”

Since the town of Lewiston is lacking in nightlife and other social offerings, students stick to campus for their after-class pursuits. “Many of the houses off-campus or on Frye Street hold parties, and on any given night, a group of people will be up for drinking and partying. Nothing gets too out of control due to security's watchful eye (the head of security is a former FBI higher-up) and the school's hard alcohol ban,” writes a junior English major. The college hosts events every day and every weekend for those craving a booze-free nightlife alternative. Nearby towns can provide a retreat from the Bates Bubble, but with the cozy atmosphere, friendly students and professors, amazing Commons food, and constant entertainment, it’s easy to see why Batesies have a hard time leaving campus.