Life at Bryn Mawr

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>So I was accepted at Bryn Mawr and I’m seriously considering attending there. I’ve been to the campus and know every program they offer, however, yet I know nothing about the social life there. I LOVE Bryn Mawr, but I’m scared it might be a bit isolated and the all girls factor (even with the tri-co) might get a bit hard to deal with at times… I wanted to know, from a current student, what their social life is like. Are there any restaurants near the college? Is there a balance between your academic and social life? Would you choose Bryn Mawr again if you had the chance? </p>

<p>Thank you so much, deciding which school to go to is nearly impossible, and this would help out a lot!</p>

<p>Well, first of all, congratulations on your acceptance!
I’m a current junior and would be happy to shed some light on social life at Bryn Mawr. Having lived in both extremely rural and urban areas, I found Bryn Mawr to really be the best of both worlds. It has a beautiful, distinct campus without feeling like I’m surrounded by farmland. The town of Bryn Mawr is a very short walk from campus and has a lot of great things to do: the Bryn Mawr Film Institute has amazing screenings of independent/foreign films, cute shops, great restaurants (I’m partial to Sushiland), plus your chain destinations like Starbucks and Rite Aid for random errands. Two stops away on the train/a short walk from Haverford is Ardmore which has Suburban Square, an outdoor mall-like area with a Trader Joe’s, Farmer’s Market, Urban Outfitters, Gap, restaurants, etc etc. Although first-years aren’t allowed cars, it’s likely you’ll have an upperclassmen friend who does. It’s about a 5 minute drive. Additionally, if you wanna get out of the Main Line, the train to Philadelphia is short walk from campus. </p>

<p>I’m involved with bi-co student organizations which have allowed me to meet students at the other colleges, but most of my non-Bryn Mawr friends I’ve made in Philadelphia by attending concerts, events, etc. I’ve also made some friends through my Penn classes. I really think Philly is such an invaluable resource. I love having the city literally at my fingertips but being able to turn it off when I want to and come home to my castle (seriously, these dorms…). </p>

<p>Bryn Mawr social scene is truly what you make of it. I like that each of my weekends can be totally different depending on my mood-- ordering food in and watching movies with friends in a common room, going to a concert at Haverford, or out in the city. People find what works for them and there really isn’t a judgement call on how or where you like to spend your time. </p>

<p>When I came to Bryn Mawr I knew it had a consortium but wasn’t totally sold on it being as great as the brochures made it seem. To my shock and amazement I had fellow first-year friends taking tons of classes at Haverford and Swarthmore our first semester. I have friends from Haverford majoring at Bryn Mawr and vice versa. It’s a system that really works and it’s such an invaluable resource. </p>

<p>If I had to make the choice again I would without question choose Bryn Mawr. It’s really been the perfect balance for me and I don’t think my social life has suffered in the slightest.</p>

<p>How are classes at Bryn Mawr? What are those like? I know that all classes are different, but if I could have a general idea or description of a specific class that stuck out, that would be great.</p>