After a rigorous Maine winter (in terms of both academics and weather), Bates College campus blossoms into a sunny, Eden-esque paradise. We are granted five wonderful weeks of bliss to take one engaging, unconventional course. We given the opportunity to explore a vast scope of intriguing topics like Innovations in Mapping, Gender and Tobacco, and Asteroid Impact Threat: What Can We Do? (just to name a few). Since most classes only meet a couple of times a week, we have an abundance of free time, which finally gives us the chance to explore the spectacular state we live in.

1. Long Weekends

Semesters at Bates are filled with a fair share of late nights in Ladd library. As fond as I am of cranking through papers with an order of mozz sticks from the Den as company, I won't refuse some solid four day weekends during short term. All of this free time is a liberating rejuvenation. The general campus consensus is that friendships get so much closer because people finally have open schedules to hang out all of the time; maybe take a drive up to Acadia or just walk around our local Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary.

2. Unusual Courses

This short term, I have the opportunity to take one of our practitioner taught courses. Bates alums make their way back to Lewiston to teach about something relevant to their career out in the real world. It's an incredible chance to see some of the amazing things we can do with a Bates degree.

3. Range Pond

Range is the favorite destination of the Bates student population. A little sun, a little beach on a refreshing Maine lake with all of your friends is unbeatable.

4. Chillin on Mt. David

A three-minute hike up the "mountain" brings you to a one of the highest points in Lewiston. This spot offers some beautiful views of the city framed by the full, green pines. This is also the place to be to see the sky transform into a miraculous, pink sunset.

5. Sunbathing on Garcelon

Warm turf, sunglasses, a small speaker, and a frisbee is really all you need on a bright afternoon on campus. Laying out on the big "B" in the middle of the field truly feels like the center of the world.

6. Ice Cream (All the time)

Short term diet is pretty heavy in the ice cream department. Dairy Joy in Lewiston is quite a hot spot to cool down. Also, Gifford's old-fashioned ice cream can be found all over Maine.

7. Derby Day

Bates students love to celebrate the horse races by dressing in their favorite pastels and roaming around the sunny quad.

8. Good Vibes

During short term, there are waves of serenity flowing through the campus. There is a universal sentiment of happy relaxation. We've recovered from our finals, and now we are just enjoying the sweet weather and lots of sleep.