I don't find that I notice age gaps. Honestly, I can't tell a second year apart from a fourth year. It doesn't really matter anyway since we're all relatively the same age. You'll have 60 year olds in your lecture and you'll have 17 year olds. Also, the staff living in residence aren't in first year so you'll have someone to relate to. Also, there's alwaysss a few upper years in residence. If you do find that Bates isn't as much of a party residence as you'd like you can easily go to another residence (so long as you don't tailgate). Hess village is like a 10 minute bus ride away. Plus, we do have two bars on campus.

Thanks for all the help!! i'm really excited about getting there! mizosoup - it's nice to know there'll be people from all over in the same boat! i don't know what king's cross in sydney is like lol, but sounds like there's plently to do on and off campus!

do we have residence events throughout welcome week to get to know everyone? really hope i get into bates! does welcome week start from the first day of move-in?

Welcome Week starts the first day of move-in, yes.

And yes, there are lots of events during Welcome Week for you to get to know everyone.