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Students come to Colby to learn from the outstanding teachers on the faculty and because of the ways that Colby’s active community and campus atmosphere support that primary purpose—academics. But the Colby experience is hardly self-contained on Mayflower Hill, and it is not all work. Increasingly, Waterville and Maine’s famous outdoors are environments for learning and service as well as recreation.
 
The Kennebec RiverThere are some important differences between Waterville and a big city.

Main Street has a great coffeehouse with cappuccino and chai tea. But at Jorgensen’s café, you’re likely to recognize many of the customers.

There’s a downtown movie theater as well as a local multiplex. But at the independent Railroad Square Cinema downtown, you’re likely to see an award-winning foreign film before it gets nominated for an Oscar.

Waterville, with about 16,000 residents and more than 40,000 people living in the city and abutting towns, is a retail center for a wide area of central Maine. Recent development near the two Interstate 95 exits have brought familiar names like Staples, Ruby Tuesday’s, Home Depot, and Applebee’s to town. Downtown are several excellent sources for Asian and Middle Eastern food and other restaurants, including the Freedom Café, which features family-style cooking, soul food, and generous portions. Colby is within walking distance of downtown, or the College’s regular jitney service will get you there and to other shopping areas.
 
Downtown WatervilleThe city is host each year to the Maine International Film Festival (established in 1998), to the Voices of the Kennebec festival celebrating the area’s cultural diversity, and in recent years to a fall jazz festival.

Colby is a partner in the Waterville Main Street civic organization and in several other downtown programs and initiatives, including the Waterville Regional Arts and Community Center. Each year Colby students put on performances in the historic Waterville Opera House. Volunteer programs, including Colby Cares About Kids with more than 200 volunteers, have built strong bonds, particularly between college students and local schoolchildren.