Dear Emily,
I’m a freshman and I’m nervous about Ivies week coming up – there is so much hype and I still don’t really know what to expect. I was even talking to an upperclassman who said they were too hungover to make it to the concert their first Ivies and I really don’t want that to happen to me. Any tips to make the most of my first Ivies?
Sincerely,
Excited in Osher
Dear Excited in Osher,
I’ve put together an Ivies survival guide that I hope helps! Ivies is one of Bowdoin’s oldest traditions, and be sure to read this article in the Orient about it’s history. Below is a summary of the weekend festivities, but remember that for many the party starts the Sunday before Ivies and continues before, during, and after classes, up until Sunday morning. Keep an eye out for impromptu gatherings and definitely consider a drunk-dinner (or breakfast, it’s Ivies!) during the week. As a freshman, be sure to stop by your affiliate social house, they’ll definitely have things going on.
Thursday:
- Racer X in the Union! Wear your best ‘80s getup and prepare for a hot, sweaty and very fun crowd outside the pub.
Friday:
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Brunswick Quad during the day: One of my favorite parts of Ivies weekend, the party on the Brunswick quad is definitely where to go on Friday during the day. Nothing says Ivies quite like day drinking in the sun with 1,700 of your closest friends.
- Things to bring: your favorite sundress, a blanket, sunglasses, sunscreen (sorry to sound like your mom, but really, a sunburn won’t look cute with even your sexiest party-top), a bag that zips to keep all of your things together, WATER (and maybe some other beverages…)
- Harpswell Apartments at night: Drained as you may be from a hard day of lounging, after the quad its time to eat, nap and rally and hit Harpswell Apartments for nighttime festivities. Definitely switch from your cute sundress to something party-appropriate – everybody comes out to Harpswell Friday night, making it one of the best and biggest parties of the year.
Saturday:
- The main event, the concert at Whittier! Basically Saturday is the Brunswick quad times one thousand, no other party could ever come close to bringing so many Bowdoin students together to dance, relax on the grass and have just about the best time ever. Bring all the same essentials from the Brunswick quad.
- Pinestock at night: Again, after the concert, eat, nap and rally before Pinestock, hosted at Pine Street Apartments. Another party of epic proportions, make sure to come ready to have a good time and send Ivies off just as you welcomed it – dancing and having fun with your friends… and a little tipsy.
To make sure you make it from Racer X (or whenever your party starts) through Pinestock, definitely try to avoid those notorious destroyers of fun: hangovers and sleep depravation. Both are easy to avoid if you stick to the golden rules – drink lots of water, don’t forget to eat, take Advil before bed and SLEEP. While it might be tempting to wake up early to start the party, definitely try to log at least 6 hours each night and do your best to start the weekend very well-rested. Keep in mind at meals that foods high in protein and carbohydrates will help you digest alcohol better and absorb it more slowly, meaning they’ll make you less likely to get either sick or way more drunk than you want to be. Definitely take advantage of the faux-super snacks Bowdoin Security sets up at Harpswell and Pinestock to keep yourself in control and happy.
Speaking of Bowdoin security, they deserve all of our undying love and affection for how amazing they are, especially during Ivies. This, however, is not to say that you can’t get in trouble if you want to. Security sets up an amnesty table outside of Thorne and Moulton before dinner – surrender your alcohol! It’s not worth getting caught for trying to drink in the dining halls, especially because you can just reclaim your bottles when you leave (how great is Bowdoin??). Security also does a quick bag-check before the concert on Saturday so if you do choose to bring alcohol do not carry any bottles or cans in your bags.
Ivies is one of the best parts of Bowdoin – it’s a great opportunity to meet people who aren’t normally in the circle of people you go out with and it’s really just a lot of fun. Meet new people, go to all of the events and start some of your own during the week, and be smart and safe (remember: water, protein, carbohydrates, sleep, no bottles or cans!) – and it will definitely be one of your happiest memories of Bowdoin. HAPPY IVIES!
Click here for more of Her Campus Bowdoin’s Ivies Survival Guide!