Bates is close to Bowdoin College and Colby College. A healthy and undying rivalry exists between the three schools, though they offer activities to each other. Concerts at any of the three colleges are generally open to the students of the other two colleges. Events on campus reflect a braod range of interests. On any given weekend, a student at Bates can take in a movie, attend a concert, see a play, and go to a party. There are upwards of 80 active clubs on campus, each regularly sponsoring events. The most popular events generally involve dancing and alcohol, though there are activities for non-drinkers as well. The art community at Bates regularly has gatherings at the on-campus museum, and there are always dinners to go to during the week, when Commons food becomes unbearable or one feels like something a little different. The college Announce system does a good job of informing students of activities by nearly clogging students' inboxes with e-mails about activities.
Groups like the Brooks Quimby Debate Council are especially active both on and off campus. As a member, students have the opportunity to travel almost every weekend to compete in debate tournaments at other colleges, and even in places like England or Singapore. All of the trips are paid for by the college, which means that all students have the ability to participate. This year alone, I've attended 14 tournaments all over New England.
When all else fails, students can always study. There is always work to be done, so when the social scene fails, most Batesies curl up in the Atrium of Pettengill Hall or in the library and study, study, study for the next exam or paper.
Bates is also constant party. 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. There are no fraternities or sororities at Bates, but that does not hinder the social scene at all. Indeed, it probably aids it, since people of different groups easily mix and mingle at any given party.
The dating scene can get a little stale if you're gay, but otherwise is quite plentiful. Bates seems to be a place where hooking up is more normal than sustaining a relationship. Because the school is small, everyone knows or knows of everyone else. This is great because one can always find a friend to hang out with. It can be bad, however, if one commits a major social faux pas: everyone will know and fast. Nevertheless, the rumor mill at Bates is shortlived and people generally forget faster than they remember. Most Batesies live on campus, which means that, in order to get along, forgetting is usually better for everyone. It also means that people are almost excessively friendly, saying hi almost always in passing, and willing to meet and talk with someone new.
Within that, however, there are cliques on campus. Most of my friends, for example, are people I met in my dorm. Even within my dorm, there are cliques, and strong ones at that. The general rule of thumb about Batesies is that while they are willing to meet and befriend someone new, there is always a particular group with primary loyalty.