OPINION: The University of Maine is proud to be the host of students reigning from across the country. 61% may already be from Maine and as high as 80% from New England, but rest assured, we still get plenty of diversity in terms of hometowns. Despite our hometown differences, UMaine students seem to have adopted a few different styles and trends across campus. I spent the past week examining the many facets of campus life, and here’s what UMaine seems to like best:
For shoes, UGGs are seen on one in every four girls, most often being the Tasman II model. Dudes gravitate towards a plethora of Nike Blazers and Dunks, New Balance 515s, XtraTuff boots, Birkenstock Footbeds and the occasional L.L.Bean boot (gotta represent). Chuck Taylors still hold the throne with the alternate crowd, often featuring customization through Sharpies and paint markers. Come summer, however, I expect to see an uprising of Crocs and sandals, likely also Birkenstocks.
In terms of pants, wide and straight-cut jeans are as in as can be right now. I remember trying to wear jeans in high school and having my mom curse me out for abandoning sweatpants, yet here we are. Speaking of sweats, Comfrt sets have been on the rise for quite some time now. While they have the strangest color names and are shockingly pricey, they are indeed as incredibly comfy as the name suggests.
Owala bottles appear to be the predominant water bottle on campus, overtaking Stanley and Yeti with vibrant colors and a hybrid straw lid. Among student athletes, scooters are essential, and who can blame them? Every time I walk from Colvin to Knox I feel like I’m on an arctic expedition and my reward is Hilltop pizza. Airpods and JBLs are on just about everyone, which can definitely help the long walks.
Then there’s jackets, and seeing how it’s friggin cold up here, that checks out. Lands End and North Face jackets are all the rage. Short cut, long cut, black, white – it doesn’t matter. We’re all hoping for warm weather soon, but until then we got puffy coats to help us ride it out.
If you ever played a sport in high school that involved the KVAC, chances are you own at least one meet sweatshirt with those overcomplicated championship designs on the front and just about every school in the state on the back. Track, swim and wrestling athletes are surely familiar with these sweatshirts, usually purchased for at least $70 and worn either twice in a year or every other day. I saw at least six of these in one day this week and it almost made me want to fish one of mine from junior year out of the closet. That’s when I learned two things: the freshman 15 is no joke and I need some new sweatshirts.
Every now and then you can spot a REALLY unique outfit that makes you appreciate all the characters UMaine has to offer. I have a vivid memory from the beginning of the semester of passing a kid who was sporting a black trenchcoat and absolutely ripping through a cigarette at 10:45 in the morning. I have no idea who this kid is, but I respect him.
Finally, the best trend to see is school spirit. Whether it’s a random Tuesday or a hockey game against UNH, plenty of Black Bear gear can be seen across campus. Ranging from simple UMaine sweatshirts to the pinstripe overalls that speak for themselves, our student body is proud to be the Black Bears. I know I am.
