Hi, I visited Bryn Mawr in June and absolutely loved it. It has a beautiful campus and a superb academic reputation, but, I wanted to know what it's like to be an eighteen year old in Bryn Mawr. I love the idea of a women's college; the sisterhood and support that I know will be there throughout my college years. Yet I wonder what my social life will be like, i know a lot of girls who attend a women's college say that your social life is "what you make of it" but I'm scared that if I'm super loaded with homework (which I'm pretty sure I will be), I'll end up pretty lonely. How is the relationship of Bryn Mawr girls with people from other schools, and the dating scene? I know there are guys around campus and haverford being so close makes everything even easier. So I guess basically my question is: have you guys enjoyed or are enjoying your years in Bryn Mawr and are able to balance social and academic life?
Yes, work will be tedious at times, but Mawrters at large are resourceful and definitely abide by the "work hard, play hard" mantra. On the days I have a lot of work, I still feel pretty connected to the world. By living in a small dorm I interact with a lot of visible neighbors (we aren't just hiding away in our rooms), and meeting up with friends for meals. Bryn Mawr is a great balance because you have a campus to come home to do work on but it's so easy to walk into town to catch a movie and get dinner or even take a 20 minute train to Philadelphia. As I've said many times, I truly believe Bryn Mawr is the best of all worlds. The free bus system between Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore runs very regularly and makes you feel like you're part of a larger university. I definitely think Bryn Mawr students are as social as they are studious. You'll find a perfect niche for whatever you're looking for.
I'm applying to Bryn Mawr for the class of 2017. In your opinion englishivy, does Bryn Mawr have a "catty" atmosphere? My greatest worry about going to women's college would be widespread PMS!
I'm also a student at Bryn Mawr, and I would answer your question with a definite no. I remember the first time someone asked me that, I was genuinely surprised, because the idea had never occurred to me. In the absence of guys, women become closer, rather than turning on each other. Ask any Mawter, and the number one thing they will tell you they love about Bryn Mawr is the amazing community here of support and encouragement. The Bryn Mawr network is incredible
That's awesome! I only ask because my closest friends have always been (gay) guys. But I suppose my high school just attracts catty girls! Glad to know the women at Bryn are better than that.
I, too, found high school to be exhausting with social cliques and hierarchies. One of the reasons I love Bryn Mawr so much is that it fosters this unexplainable bond between all the students, past and present. The atmosphere, aided by the women-only environment and social honor code, is totally supportive and inclusive. Everyone is interested in encouraging each other to be our best-- whatever that may be.
