Bryn Mawr College

Founded in 1885, this private institution is part of the Seven Sisters association, one of seven liberal arts colleges that are historically women’s colleges. The university was the first college in the United States to offer graduate education through to PhD level for women.

The college shares its name with the town of Bryn Mawr – meaning ‘big hill’ in Welsh – where it is located.

Today around 1,300 undergraduate women are enrolled, while the co-educational graduate school has more than 400 male and female students. More than 40 majors and over 50 minors and concentrations from a diverse range of study fields are available to students, and longstanding partnerships with Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, as well as the University of Pennsylvania, allow Bryn Mawr students even more study opportunities.

The Bryn Mawr College campus is home to most students, will a small proportion choosing to live off-campus. There are several halls of residence, each named after a different Welsh town, as well as a 135-acre arboretum, a memorial garden, a theatre, and several libraries. It is widely regarded as one of the United States’ most scenic college campuses.

University traditions are a big part of student life at Bryn Mawr College. Parade Night, a celebration after having completed the first week of classes, is the first of the academic year, while Lantern Night, where sophomores present first-year students with lanterns in their class colour, follows shortly afterwards.

The May Day traditional celebrations last all-day on the Sunday after classes end and there are numerous events put on by the students, including plays, a parade, and a concert.