1. Everybody asks if you go to Hogwarts
Yes, we do live in castles that were built like Oxford and Cambridge. However, what we have that most colleges don't have is an actual Harry Potter Dinner. That's right, the entire school comes out to Thomas Great Hall for wizardly fun. Everybody dresses up, and I mean everybody. You'll get to see your own president dressed as Dumbledore, and beloved professors dressing up as Hagrid, professor Trelawney, and Snape (RIP)
2. Traditions are everything
What other college has major traditions like welcoming the freshman with flowers and candy, passing on the light of knowledge, Hell Week, and May Day? Who knew there were steps only seniors could sit on, or a path only seniors could walk down? Who knew there was a moon bench and friendship poles that you could never split? And, if you broke any of these rules who knew you could repent and give offerings to Athena, the goddess of wisdom? Only Bryn Mawr students, all of whom have come to know the same traditions for decades.
3. WTF week will always be Hell week
It's true. Forever and always Hell week will always be known to the student body as Hell Week. Arguably one of the best traditions Bryn Mawr offers. Welcome home first years!
4. You probably had a fireplace in your dorm
Bryn Mawr isn't just any old place - founded in 1885 - the dorms are unlike any other dorms and are all unique in their own way (except for New Dorm that's a cross between a hotel and a mass produced state school) Nevertheless, some dorms even have gold plates that tell you the name and year of a former student that shared your same room. There's a reason that over 95% of Bryn Mawr's undergrads stay on campus!
5. Every meal is strategic
Since Bryn Mawr offers students two dining halls, it's always imperative to check that weeks menu to figure out where to eat. Some notorious favorite include Wednesday Onion and Gouda Pizza at Haffner, Thursday's Magic Cookie Bars and Haffer, Thursday's Broccoli and Cheddar Soup at Haffer, and Chicken fingers and fries at Erdman. And, when in doubt, Haffner always serves the best pizza. So good that the haverbros travel to Bryn Mawr and are usually spotted eating it.
6. The Valley of Death
You most likely have the best glutes and calves if you live in Brecon or Batten. Why? You have to go through the Valley of Death...aka where two huge staircases collide. On top of that, all Bryn Mawr students know and wonder why on earth the gym was built at the bottom of the hill. After feeling good about working out you then have to trudge up the stairs to get to your dorm. And the kicker? Everyone on the treadmills can watch you struggle
7. Complaining
You will get quite good at it since 80% of your conversations with friends will be about how much work you have. Whether it's 300 pages of reading, two exams, a 15 page paper, or labs or 100 pages or reading, no exams, and a 5 page paper, you will probably complain about it to let off stress and steam.
8. On May Day we wear white
As far as the eye can see you will see beautiful dresses, rompers, shorts, pants, and blazers of white. Undoubtedly one of the best traditions Bryn Mawr has to offer, it's a day that has been compared to being in a land of fairies. Picnic blankets go out on Merion Green, mason jars are abundant, live music plays, flower crowns shine, and great food is served.
9. Knowing Ford's campus at night before knowing what it looks like in the daytime
Likewise, memorizing the blue bus schedule for the weekends. Ah, freshman year, taking the blue bus to Haverford every weekend. Being able to confidently navigate to Montgomery basement, or Lunt, Founders, etc. at night was turned upside down once we ventured to the Ford in the daytime. Seriously, completely different place.
10. The Housekeepers are your dorm moms
They're there in the rain, in the snow, when you're feeling sad or happy, you can always count on them. Notorious for being second mothers to their dorm is Filomena based in Rhoads Basement and Darlene based in Pem West. Both have fantastic attitudes and will always be there to ask you about your day and what you've been up to. Never forget your housekeepers, for they do more for you than you know!
11. Specialty dinners
Everyone has their own favorite - from Thanksgiving, Hummus Harvest, Soul Food to the 100 Mile dinner. They are looked forward to by many, and you will find a number of students stuffing their takeout boxes to have for leftovers over the course of the week. I have been guilty of this, since freshman year I had hummus that lasted me 4 days. So worth it.
12. You will spend a lifetime intimidating the male race with your intellect and confidence
Being a student at Bryn Mawr College, it is inevitable that you grow as a person. You will gain confidence, become empowered, and as a result, be strong. You realize that you can truly do anything that you put your mind to
13. All of your favorite classes are at the same time
This is especially true of humanity majors that find year after year all of their classes fall during the same time. It's hard, it's a struggle, and it's during preregistration that you wish you had a time-turner like Hermione.
14. Alumnae will always ask what color you are
Once again, unlike other colleges every year is awarded one of 4 colors (or purple for McBrides) From then on you will be bonded with those who also share your color, and with those who are your sister class. Odds forever!
15. Your college experience is not the "norm"
Being enrolled in an all women's college already sets you apart from the myriad of universities and colleges that are out there. But, you also come to love the community (even though it feels small most of the time) the energy, the pro-activeness, and the sheer brilliance of your fellow peers. Stay weird, my friends!
And, never forget...
