As students at UMaine, we often take for granted the daily things that we all enjoy complaining about. While it’s true that Orono lacks many food options, nightlife, or other activities, there are naturally things we grow accustomed to and miss when we leave. Here are 15 surprising things that you miss about UMaine when you study abroad.
1. Hockey games
Schools abroad do not tend to have much school spirit and often lack sports teams. Nothing can really compare to the spirit that abounds in the student section of the Alfond on a Friday night in January!
2. Aroma Joe’s
Europe and other parts of the world lack full-sized brewed coffee- they drink espresso instead. At UMaine, we definitely take for granted the easy access to iced coffees of any flavors, and free rush hour.
3. The Union food
While this may not be the best food in the world (it certainly beats any of the dining halls), it’s nice to have the food option on campus any day that you forget lunch. The plethora of different worldly food options and customized stations doesn’t hurt, either.
4. Bear Brew
I know what you are thinking, who on earth would miss the Bear Brew while abroad? Obviously clubs in foreign countries are better, but there is still something to be said for showing up at The Brew every Thursday with your group of friends and seeing everyone you know. Before we know it, we won’t have any more drunken nights with our peers to look forward to at this downtown staple.
5. Woodman’s
Delicious food, cocktails, specials, the addition of their patio, need I say more?
6. OHOP
Do I need to explain this one?
7. Greek life
Whether or not you are in a sorority or fraternity, there are definitely no frat parties to attend abroad if there is nothing else going on.
8. Dunkin Donuts
Similar to the Aroma Joe’s post, but on here for different reasons, obviously.
9. The Rec Center
While many of us groan and complain about the gym, we have one of the best college gyms in the country. Many gyms abroad tend to be very small with shorter working hours.
10. The close proximity to all of your friends
Obviously one of the things that a collegiate abroad misses the most about UMaine!
11. The library
While we all complain about Fogler and joke about forking over our rent to live there, there is something to be said about the sheer size, working hours and amount of services that our library provides compared to many schools abroad and elsewhere.
12. Extracurriculars
Her Campus!
13. Theme parties
Usually lacking while abroad, but you can find the occasional theme party maybe a couple times a semester.
14. Maine Day
Go black bears!
15. Any other holiday
We Black Bears tend to love celebrating holidays, as it is any excuse to throw a party. From Halloween, to Valentine’s Day, to St. Paddy’s day, there are always holidays that a collegiate abroad will miss at UMaine.
So, while you may complain about UMaine and Orono on a daily basis, you know that someday you will miss these little quirks that we have grown used to and learned to love. Take advantage of every moment while you can!