Enjoying the Great Outdoors

If you enjoy nature’s playground, the Biddeford Campus of UNE is the place to be. Located so close to many outdoor recreation areas, your choices for fun in the great outdoors are endless. Canoeing, kayaking, skiing, sailing, hiking, biking, surfing, camping, rock climbing, or lying on the beach are all ways that UNE students have fun on the weekends. Grab your gear, and get going.

A member of the U N E surf club catches a wave

Clubs

Recreation Council

The Recreation Council is made up of the following clubs. The clubs of the Recreation Council encourage new members to get in contact at the Get Involved Portal.

Mitchell Becker stands smiling at the camera atop a mountain. We see blue lakes and green mountains in the background

Mitchell Becker '21

Medical Biology, Medical Biology (Medical Sciences)

Welcoming Community

I really loved the kind of people that are at UNE — the community. When I came onto campus for my first tour, that's when I noticed that there was something special about the students at UNE. It felt like a tight-knit community. Everybody is so friendly and kind. I really felt at home when I first toured here.

UNE is awesome — it was a perfect fit for me, and I’ve been so happy for my four years here. I couldn’t imagine myself being anywhere else.

Beyond the Classroom

I love all of the opportunities that we have on campus for stuff to do. My involvement first started at the clubs and organizations fair at the beginning of the school year when I first got to UNE. I saw the Outing Club table from a mile away. They had a tent set up and some surf boards and other equipment out. I knew it was the table for me, so I rushed over and signed myself up. I became an officer my junior year and have continued since. I’ve taken on more responsibilities each year and have just been having so much fun with it. I love picking what we get to do.

My favorite trip is the Acadia trip. Outing Club has an annual trip there in October, so it’s when it is starting to get cold, and the leaves are changing. We stay at a campground for three days and two nights, and we get to see all of the beautiful foliage. We go on a lot of hikes. It’s a great time to get outside and take a mental break. It feels good to just be with friends and not have to stress about homework.

We also take weekly evening trips to go rock climbing at an indoor climbing gym in Portland, and we take trips to hike on the weekends. I love the chance to get out to the White Mountains to hike.

It doesn’t really matter what you get into at UNE, but I think it’s so important to get involved in whatever you’re passionate about. Just do whatever makes you happy. UNE is really here to serve the students, so whatever students are interested in, they come up with the resources for.

Outing Club has an annual trip to Acadia in October, so it’s when it is starting to get cold, and the leaves are changing. We stay at a campground for three days and two nights, and we get to see all of the beautiful foliage. It’s a great time to get outside and take a mental break.
Medical Biology, Medical Biology (Medical Sciences)

Equipment Room

The Equipment Room is fully stocked for your next outdoor adventure. Check out our offerings in the Campus Center, including:

  • Backpacks
  • XC skis and boots
  • Wetsuits
  • Camping equipment such as sleeping bags, rain guards, cooking items, and more
  • Bike and ski/snowboard repair and tuning
  • Maps and guidebooks

Hours

Outdoor Recreation equipment is available for rent Thursday through Sunday each week. To ask about equipment availability email the Equipment Room at equipmentrentals@willowsgolfresort.com. For questions, consultation on available equipment, or to request equipment outside standard reservation times email Mira D’Amato, coordinator of Outdoor Recreation and Education at mdamato1@willowsgolfresort.com

Nor’Easter Bike Share

No bike, no problem — UNE’s Nor’easter Bike Share is designed to make your life on campus more mobile and enjoyable. Whether you want to ride across campus or to the beach, this opportunity was made for you. It’s free for students to use and bikes are available at three locations, Campus Center, Alfond Forum, and Padua Residence Hall.

Watch: Bike Share Tutorial