Short term, or as some schools call it J-term, is the best part of college. All of the free time, wacky traditions, and adventures make short term what Bates students talk about all year long. Bates students have their short term in May, when the weather is spectacular, the beaches are open, and Maine is truly "Vacationland."
1. You Only Take One Class
The classes during short term are typically very unique and cover non-traditional topics. These topics include anime, "Downton Abbey," aliens, and some classes get to travel. Short-term classes typically only meet for a couple of hours a week, they are also typically non-intensive and only meet a couple of times a week. This leaves room for a lot of free time and adventure.
2. You Get To Explore Your State And Travel
You can go on a lot of three-day trips! With so many close cities nearby (Portland, Freeport, Boston, Kittery, Montreal, etc.) going on road trips with friends is always an option. There are also beaches open, mountains to climb, places to camp, festivals to check out and more. You will likely find Bates students tanning at Range Pond, exploring Bailey's Island, camping, hiking, biking, and even cliff jumping off of the Turner bridge if they aren't just tanning on Garcelon "The Beach" Field.
3. What Is Homework?
Homework becomes a foreign concept. Going to the library is out of the question. Professors like to enjoy short term as well, so many of them make their course work very light. This means when you have homework, you don't do it and pray for the best. After all, playing IM sports is way more important than homework.
4. You Get To Hang Out
Because you don't have work all the time, you actually have time to take a break, relax and hangout. You spend hours at meals, you tan on the turf, and you might even pick up a book to read for pleasure. It's common to play frisbee, scooter, get ice cream from Diary Joy, and nap on the reg. and that's just the way you like it.
5. You Can Go Out ALL The Time
Because you have almost no commitments, you can go out every single night. Themed parties, lots of darties, and nice weather make for great memories. Whether your liver, your pride, and your stomach can take it is a whole other story.
6. Darties
Cinco de mayo and Derby Day are just some of the reasons why short term is the dream. The warm weather, summer clothes, tans, and darties define short term. If people aren't day drinking, there is something seriously wrong. There is just something special about drinking when it's sunny and warm that is so much more enjoyable.
