Class of 2013 - Some things you may want to know - Page 4

charlie135 · 06-21-2009, 11:01 AM

In the winter time, will starting my car be an issue? Does Colby have outlets in the lots like many stores do in colder climates?

mountains · 06-21-2009, 03:29 PM

Hmm, I don't think you'll have an issue so as long as your car is well-maintained. My S does not have a car (doesn't want to bring his car), and I'm pretty sure there are no outlets in lots. There's no need to. We've never had any issues starting our cars and we have similar weather.

If anything, cleaning snow off your car may be a pain, just because Maine gets a ton of snow. Make sure you have a good snow brush.

We have snow tires in all our cars (even our AWD) and that helps a lot driving in the snow.

thinker88 · 06-22-2009, 07:19 PM

Do I need to do anything special to be able to have my car on campus freshman year? I recall reading that freshman are allowed cars, but I am not sure whether or not I have to register it with Colby. I am also wondering if there is designated student parking where I should park on the first day. Thanks in advance for any responses.

mountains · 06-23-2009, 06:06 AM

Since S does not have a car on campus, I am working on what I recall happened on the first day. Campus Security had a table where they were handing out information, and yes, there are designated student parking places. When you get there on the first day, there will be a ton of people (get there early - we got there at around 8:15 am and it was packed) helping out, so don't worry about parking. They'll tell you where to park so you can register, get your ID, mailbox key, and tons of other things. After you register, there will be tables in another room and one of them is Campus Security (I think).

I would call Colby, though, to make sure they have not changed the procedure.

For those licensed students who do not have a car, check with your insurance company; they may lower your premiums if Colby is over a certain number of miles from your home (our insurance company gave us a big break since we live over 100 miles from Colby).

sailfish · 06-23-2009, 02:57 PM

Once all the commotion of moving in ends you'll be able to find a parking spot in a lot near your dorm and then get a parking sticker. I think there will probably be a short grace period when campus security isn't ticketing cars in the lots, to give you a chance to get a sticker. They are reasonably lenient while people are moving in. There's plenty of space in the lots and you won't have an assigned space or anything, so once you have a sticker you can park in any of the lots and move the car from one space to another or one lot to another if you need to.

cadence76 · 06-24-2009, 11:53 AM

how about boots for girls?

LAC24 · 06-24-2009, 08:19 PM

what is project based learning?

sailfish · 06-25-2009, 08:00 AM

As far as boots for girls, seems like I've seen lots of Uggs or similar-looking boots when walking around campus.

mountains · 06-25-2009, 05:00 PM

LAC24: From the Colby website:

Quote:

Project-Based Learning
Research shows that students learn more, and knowledge sticks better, when they learn by doing. Colby stresses project-based learning in courses throughout the curriculum to engage students in the types of discovery that make learning exciting. In the sciences students synthesize molecules or decode DNA. In the humanities creativity blossoms in studios, concert halls, and on stages. Social scientists engage in the political process, studying campaign finance or creating an economic forecast for the state of Maine. Interdisciplinary projects include GIS mapping work for the state government. Project-based learning underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the world.

LAC24 · 06-26-2009, 04:14 PM

So is project based learning a group project, individual project, or a mixture of both?

mountains · 06-26-2009, 06:00 PM

S has done group and individual projects, so both.

LAC24 · 06-27-2009, 06:57 PM

Would Colby be difficult for someone who is shy

mountains · 06-27-2009, 10:15 PM

My S is shy, but managed to find his own group of friends, mostly from his dorm. We gave him the following advice:

1) The first week is crucial - appear friendly, smile, don't lock yourself in your room.
2) Keep your door open (used a door stopper); this encourages people to stop in and say hi.
3) Join clubs that interest him (thus finding kids similar to him).
4) Attend events on campus.

The first couple of weeks were not easy but he knew that was part of the adjustment process. He made sure he had the cell phone numbers of all his COOT friends. He'd call them to see if they could have some meals together. A lot of the meals during the week before classes are with your COOT group. Eventually, S became very friendly with kids from his dorm.

Kids in Colby are quite friendly.

peanutbutter · 07-03-2009, 03:49 PM

Hi mountains

Thanks for your help. Do you know anything about the freshmen chemistry classes at Colby? Specifically, is the Honors Chem (145) only 1 semester as opposed to the 2 semesters of 141 and 142? And would I need a good chem background for that?

Also, I saw that the top ranked student after freshman year is named a "Strider Scholar." Is there any money involved in that?

thinker88 · 07-04-2009, 04:24 PM

Would you recommend bringing a printer/how much does it cost to print at the library?