A Very Brief “Colby 101” for International Students

 

General things about your Colby experience:

​

• Understand that everyone’s Colby experience is/will be different, so don’t take every advice you hear from upperclassmen literally. We’re not saying you should not ask for advice, but remember not to let their advice to cloud your own judgment. Your Colby experience is what you make of it!

• Cultural shock may or will be experienced differently by everyone. Adapt at your own pace - take your time, and seek help when needed. 

• COOT: It may be intimidating for some, but just be yourself and don’t be afraid of expressing your concerns/opinions during the trip. 

 

Finance

​

• Getting on-campus jobs: Knock on doors and ask for opportunities! It’ll be a lot more efficient than sitting around and waiting behind your laptop screen. 

• Funds for books: 

• Funds for laptops: 

• Credit cards: Discover (Quite student-friendly; For more info:https://www.discover.com/)

• Davis Center is a great resource center that offers various academic/internship-related funds! This is also the place where you can seek for career/internship advice and opportunities. 

 

Transport

​

• Colby shuttles: Download the Colby Shuttle app for shuttle location and arrival times!

  • Loop shuttle: Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm (Stops: Alfond Commons, 21 Gilman Street, Diamond Building (entrance by Ostrove), SSWAC (Alumni Center))

  • Commons shuttle: Mon-Wed 7am-1am, Thu-Fri 7am-2am, Sat 8am-2am, Sun 8am-1am (Stops: Alfond Commons, Pugh Center)

  • SGA Shuttle: Fri & Sat 2pm-11pm, Sun 11pm-9pm (Stops: Pugh Center, Walmart, Concourse, Gilman Street)

• Jitney: Mon-Wed & Sun 2pm-12am, Thu-Sat 2pm-2am (Stops: Anywhere in Waterville, except downtown), call 207-859-5911(Colby security number) for a Jitney ride.

• Bikes (I-Bike):

• For more info: https://www.colby.edu/securitydept/colby-transportation-services/

 

Food

​

On-campus

​

• Dining halls

  • Roberts (Bobs): Serves more generic food.

  • Foss: Has more vegetarian options; has a cooking station.

  • Dana: Has a “performance bowl” station - for instance, risotto, green curry, crepes are served where you choose the ingredients; has a sandwich bar.

• Take 4 (near the Spa): You get to choose 4 things, as the name suggests. (Opening hours: Mon-Fri breakfast 7-9am & lunch 11am-2pm)

• Meal plan: You get a free swipe at the Spa each week (for breakfast or lunch)!

​

Restaurants in Waterville you might want to try:

​

• Mirakuya (Japanese), Jing Yuan (Chinese), Pad Thai Too (Thai), Jewel of India (Indian), Amici’s Cucina (Italian), Joseph Fireside Steakhouse, Purple Cow House of Pancakes, Holy Cannoli (Coffee + confectionaries) and many more. Explore more when you can!

 

Weather

​

• Boots: There are many options other than L.L. Bean - Sorell, Dr. Martins, Boss etc.

• Down jackets: Get something that can fend you from the strong winter winds and snow.

• Get warm socks!!! 

• Freeport trip: There will be an organized trip to Freeport in October for you to buy your winter gear. 

 

Other stuff

• Sim cards

  • Cheaper options: Mint Sim, Tracfone, FreedomPop

  • Others: AT&T, Verizon, China Telephone Co., T-Mobile, US Cellular

• Rescue Sale: You can get second-hand furniture, school supplies, kitchen appliances etc. for a very cheap price. Remember to queue-up earlier!

• Cinemas in Waterville

  • Flagship Cinemas: A place to watch new releases. (Address: 247 Kennedy Memorial Dr, Waterville, ME 04901)

  • Railroad Square Cinema: A place to watch independent films. (Address: 17 Railroad Square, Waterville, ME 04901)

• Download ColbyNow app for campus-wide updates!