Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article
Culture

The Bowdoin Experience: Expectation vs. Reality

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bowdoin chapter.

Oh, how times have changed since Orientation Week!

1. The Lobster Bake

Expectation: Elegantly dining on Maine’s finest lobster

Reality: Stuffing your plate (and mouth) with as much lobster as humanly possible

2. Social House Parties

Expectation: Enjoying a night of dancing with some of your best friends

Reality: Awkwardly dancing by people you’ve never seen before

 

3. Getting an unexpected notification from the mail center

Expectation: ‘Was this package notification supposed to be for my box buddy?’

Reality: ‘OH MY GOD! IT’S FOR ME! THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!’

4. Signing up for classes

Expectation: Classes will magically fit perfectly into your schedule

 

Reality: Somehow, all the classes you were planning on taking are being offered at the exact same times

5. Getting a Bowdoin Missed Encounter

Expectation: Receiving a flattering, heartfelt compliment from a secret admirer

 

Reality: Not getting one

6. Phone buzzes

Expectation: Your crush just asked you to study with him for your upcoming exam

Reality: Bowdoin Orbit

7. Studying in Smith Union

Expectation: Productivity like none other

 

Reality: Ordering a cafe cookie and people watching for two hours

8. When a close friend makes a good point in class

Expectation: Silently demonstrating your support and solidarity

Reality: Repeatedly voicing your vehement agreement until your professor cuts you off

9. Eating alone

Expectation: Looking completely friend-less in the middle of the dining hall

 

Reality: Realizing that some alone time in the dining hall is actually awesome

10. 45-degree weather

Expectation: ‘This winter must end soon…’

 

Reality: ‘SHORTS WEATHER!’

11. Attending the best school in the ‘Cac

Expectation:

Reality: