Ivies is a very popular time for friends from other schools to visit. They want to experience Bowdoin at its very best! So if you are a friend who is hosting or visiting here are a few guidelines.
Do figure out what you need to bring:
Different weekends call for different clothing/accessories. For example, if you are a student coming to Ivies, Do bring a tank top, do bring a water bottle. Even though we are in Maine, we like to dress to impress for summer/spring weather. Also, figure out if you need a sleeping bag or other necessities when visiting.
Don’t invite yourself to visit:
If no one invited you to visit then DON”T just show up. Of course, you can say I would like to visit on this weekend, but don’t just show up and say you are coming. Maybe that friend has exams or other things to do or they just… don’t want you to visit.
Do become friends with your friend’s friends:
Friends of friends are very important and make an effort to become friends with your friends’ friends. After all, you may be going to the same celebrations that this friend hosts. Also, don’t you want to know what your friends’ college friends are like? I am sure they are amazing if you are both friends with the same person.
Do be courteous of the guest host:
Your friend is going to do what he/she has to do. Allow her/him to have fun and don’t be overprotective. Show the friend a good time and they may be by just allowing that friend to do what he/she wants to do. If your friend wants to nap, then nap and if they want to go party then party. It as simple as that. Overplanning and overpacking a day could tire out the friend.
Do have a good time:
a.k.a. don’t be a Debbie downer guest. Be happy and make the best of your visit. Even if you are not having the best time.
Don’t say your school is better than this school:
I hate hearing friends compare their own universities to the one they are visiting. Nobody really cares if your school happens to have a better nightlife or better food. And if it does have better food or a better night scene, then when we come to visit it, they both better be the best thing that has happened to this planet since cookie dough ice cream.
Don’t get sick (if you know what I mean):
This is a tricky one. Of course, if you get sick as the guest, don’t worry. But try not to. Know your limits and try not to drink too much. On another note, if you are the host, don’t get sick because that would just be embarrassing.
Do find out who is on limits and who is off limits:
There is a lot of college drama that you wouldn’t know of because you don’t go to the school. Your friends friend’s ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend may be that person that you should danced with and kissed. AVOID THAT at all costs. You don’t want to kiss someone your friend may get mad at you for kissing.
Do show your appreciation for the visit:
Say thank you or write a little note thanking your friend for allowing you to visit. VHosting a friend is hard and showing your appreciation is a good idea.
So if you have a friend who is visiting, maybe you should share these Do and Don’ts or if you are a friend visiting, then realize there are a lot of mistake that you can make, but should try to avoid. Remember to be on your best behavior and to have lots of fun.