<p>People do go to Swarthmore, but not as often as they go to Bryn Mawr. Some people take classes there, but it’s usually for things that are not as developed at Haverford, like linguistics. Very few people make the trip to UPen as it’s even further away and you have to get there by yourself (no bus/van) on the train or r100. It’s doable, but you have to be committed. </p>
<p>It’s definitely convenient to shop/buy stuff. You can go up and down Lancaster Ave and it’s lined with restaurants, shops, banks, grocery stores, bookstores, movie theaters etc. (and colleges!) from Narberth to Rosemont, which is as far as I’ve biked. It would take more than an hour to bike between those 6 towns, so imagine how many shops I’m talking about! Yeah, it definitely helps to have a bike, but it’s not absolutely necessary and most people walk. Some lucky ones drive! </p>
<p>As for going into the city, I know a lot of people who are too lazy to go, but my friends and I go pretty regularly into the city to shop and go to Chinatown. I also visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some people may also go for community service or events that FAB (a student organization) organizes once a month. It’s really easy to go to the city even if you don’t have a car - which would apply to most people. You can either take the train or the high-speed trolley r100. Once in the city, you can use the incredibly efficient bus or subway system. It is a little expensive, so you probably wouldn’t want to be going every weekend, but I highly encourage people to check out the city. </p>
<p>Again, the really great thing is that you don’t need a car. A car can make your live easier, but most people - 70 percent at least! - get along without a car. Freshmen are not even allowed to have cars on campus. Though, if you want to bring one, all you have to do is park outside. 
</p>
<p>About the social life at Haverford…What people say is true - it is whatever you make of it. You hang out with as many and as few as you like. You can constantly keep expanding your circle or just maintain the same little group. There are people who are politically active, apathetic, quiet, outgoing, nerdy, athletic, weird, rich, poor, nice, white, black, brown, etc. You can find a wide range of people here. I would say that there aren’t that many “extreme” people and that most people have respect for the Honor Code (or at least for the ideal Honor Code). Most people also care about their academics, and you won’t find “dumb jocks.” Most of the sporty people are also smart, or maybe I should say that most of the “nerdy” people are also quite athletic! </p>
<p>If you like to party, you will find plenty of people to party with, as long as it’s Thurs, Fri, or Sat. Other days people are busy studying and doing other activities. There are always parties on weekends, often several going on at the same time. People also attend Bryn Mawr and Swat parties regularly as the buses/vans still run on weekends, making it easy to get back and forth. If you dislike partying, there are also many people you can hang out with during those party hours; watching a movie together, playing guitar hero, attending a concert/show, going to a special event like Tasty Bites (yum yum), just talking to people, or going into Philly! ;)</p>