Super Hot, but Cold as Ice

Introduction
I love Maine weather, but if you can't stand the cold, step away from the college application. It is gorgeous and there is a lot to do both on and off campus, plus everyone is super friendly and very open, pretty much anything goes. The people here really sold me on University of Maine.

Campus Life and Social Life
Well on the positive note, there are plenty of bars nearby, on a negative note, everyone and their mother go there because thats about it for drinking. There are dance clubs, dive bars, a jazz bar, and of course the 3-story "everything but the kitchen sink" Bear Brew Pub which includes a pool hall, dance club and pub (plus a full menu till late!). Since most people who go here are from Maine, the weekends arent the best time to scope out the scene, Thursday nights rock and on the weekends, unless theres a major rager, most students go home. Oh and the hockey games are a blast! With one of the highest ranking teams in the nation, the school turns up the heat for the home games creating the most intimidating rink on the east coast. Advertisement
Academics
Maine's probably about average, i know it catches a bad rep from local kids who pretty much knew they were going here since age 2, but its really not what you think. They're engineering departments are world class and their education program is amazing. UMaine is all about creating highly qualified teachers. As far as art and music, the music program is extensive, but not so much the art department. Id say the art program is mediocre. Mostly the liberal arts majors are total blow offs but if you enter into a specific college, all of your academic needs are met. The advisors are knowlegeable and helpful and the Professors have all been in the field.

Student Body
I can tell you this much...Mainer's love boozin, the outdoors, and gettin down with some friends...oh and hockey. Id say the average student is a mix between a rugged hippie and an Abercrombie ad, you know the ones where they make being outside in some mud look sexy. These guys like to get drunk in the sticks as well as get down on the dancefloor. There isnt a lot of diversity, (anyone who isn't white is probably imported from another state), but diversity is strongly welcomed. Everyone is super friendly and instead of being like "hey lets get drunk" or theyre more like "hey lets go hike mount Katahdin and get hammered at the summit"... just to give you a perspective.

In Closing...
So the campus food sucks and the dorm life isnt really the way to go, but with a big and beautiful campus, there is always a ton to do. Partyin at an frat or at Reggaefest at Sugarloaf after some late snowboarding is the ultimate range of the UMaine experience. I mean don't expect a city life, its def rural, and fraternities and sororities def have the old stand by party available, but its a blast. Oh and the RedSux/Yankees thing is huge here...being a Yankee fan its hard to hold it down for the tri-state, but i do what i can, without getting beat.