The Best Places to Party at the University of Maine
(In Your First Year)
You are fresh out of high school, and you probably still have a little
bit of the SATs on your mind, so we’ll use a little analogy to get this started.
HIGH SCHOOL : STUDYING :: COLLEGE : PARTYING
Okay, so there is some studying and meeting people mixed in there too, but college
students are known for their devil-may-care attitude and authoritative knowledge
on how to get down, get down, jump up, jump up, and finally, get down.
- Ushuaia:
Don’t worry; you’ll learn how to pronounce it before you even memorize
your class schedule. The dictionary suggests you pronounce it like this
(but is that really any more helpful?): ü-'swI-ä. Sound
it out. What if someone sees you talking to yourself? Do you feel a little
self conscious all the sudden? Focus, computer. Ushuaia is a nightclub
that hosts all sorts of underage events. It’s right across from campus
so you’re almost required to go there if you don’t have a car.
- Greek Life:
Ah, the good life. Well for some the Greek equals good, while for
others, the thought of it makes their stomach turn (and not because they
had too much to drink). But whether you’re at you’re Greek freak
or can’t stand the reek, it’s worth attending some parties for the experience. Frat
parties are the best way to meet tons of people at once; especially first
years that are underage like you. If you’re not planning on pledging
to frat, don’t fret—JHU frats are open to anyone who wants to attend. Just
note, the second semester is when they start focusing on pledges, so the
party scene may fade out.
- Canada: Well probably not the entire country, but at
the very least the parts that let 18-year-olds have jolly time. Wait a
second, that is the entire country! Do you see where this is going? It’s
a bit of hassle, but if you’re really desperate to get out of town and
take a road trip with some friends to Quebéc (6 hour drive) or Montréal
(8 hour drive). Border patrol can be pretty strict, so make sure you meet
the provisions before heading out.
- Have your own party: Some panic at the idea of hosting
a party and are immediately reminded of that dream where they show up naked
to class. “What if no one shows up?” they ask, “What if we run out of
alcohol?” Some people on the other hand revel at the notion of leading
the team, serving the pigs in a blanket, shaking the martinis and telling
everyone where to put their coat. If you are one of those people, use
your gift and share it with the others.
- Houses: The classic “house party" is usually thrown
by student organizations or fraternities. Make sure that you go with someone
who knows someone who lives in the house (unless you’re particularly attractive).
It really also helps to go with someone who knows how to find the house.
Expect a small fee at the door to help the house cover their beer costs
(and finance any damages).
- Apartments: These parties are usually more intimate.
Parties in apartments are much more difficult to slip into because the
person who rents the apartment will probably be handling the door. If you’re
invited to an apartment party, definitely take it up, as the relaxed atmosphere
will be a great change from the hustle-and-bustle of house parties or clubs.
- The Dorms: Okay, so maybe partying in the dorms isn’t
really a party, but it’s pretty common. If you’re smart, you’ll keep the
numbers down to six or less, because more than that creates a lot of noise,
and that will probably attract the attention of an RA. Use the dorms to
pre-drink, if you're legal and not driving, as it will be a more quiet
way to get a buzz going and it is safer than having a bunch of people over.