Making the Most of Your College Experience
"College is naturally a place where you will find community, especially at a place like Bryn Mawr."
"College is naturally a place where you will find community, especially at a place like Bryn Mawr."
From declaring your major to navigating support resources on campus and making new friends, there’s a lot to experience over your four years in college. Who better to ask for advice on making the most of those opportunities than a recent alum? Below, Sofia Azuara ’25 shares her top five tips for thriving at Bryn Mawr, drawing on what she’s learned over the years as a senior tour guide and alum.
Sofia's Tips:
1. Take advantage of our location!
With Bryn Mawr located a mere 20-minute train ride outside of the city of Philadelphia, you can build your college experience around a suburban and metropolitan feel. One of my biggest regrets is not getting into the city sooner. There are tons of museums, theatre shows, restaurants, events, and student discounts abound. Additionally, it’s so simple to get to DC, Boston, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and even NYC for a day trip from Philadelphia. Bonus: All students get free SEPTA passes!
2. Utilize your dorm leadership team!Â
Go to the hall hangouts that your hall advisors and customs people host! The Dorm Leadership Team works hard to decorate your halls, source snacks, and. brainstorm fun activities. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other people in your dorm life. It is more fun when you know your neighbors!
3. Use the free resources on campus!
You can begin meeting with professionals and going to events hosted by the Career and Civic Engagement Center. The academic support on campus ranges from the Q-Center, Writing Center, peer mentors, Student Support Services, to TAs and more! Plus, with an 8:1 student-to-professor ratio, your professors are readily available to answer any questions or offer any advice. There is no shortage of people looking out for you who want to see you succeed.
4. Worry less about whether you’ll make friends—you will!
College is naturally a place where you will find community, especially at a place like Bryn Mawr. Bryn Mawr students come from a variety of backgrounds, and with BMC’s emphasis on community building (in the dorms, in the THRIVE seminar, and through our traditions), you’ll be able to find and make friends throughout the entirety of your four years here. Remember, there is no time limit on finding your people.
 5. Make Bryn Mawr your own!
Personalize your experience by taking classes in unexpected departments, for example, by taking an environmental studies class at Haverford! The consortium can also be a great way to choose your own adventure. Campus jobs can help you branch out by being the friendly face in the library or dining hall. Given our small student body, there are plenty of opportunities to take on leadership roles that allow you to make a mark on campus through clubs, committees, and by proposing a plenary resolution.
Curious about student life at Bryn Mawr?
Living in the dorms, eating together, and engaging in clubs and activities are opportunities to make memories and build friendships that will last a lifetime. What will student life look like once you set foot on campus? Click the link to learn more about what your undergraduate experience will look like.