Bryn Mawr College

Important Info

When will I receive my housing assignment?

You will receive your assignment at the beginning of August. This information will include the dorm and room number, phone number and name(s) of your roommates(s). We encourage you to get in touch with your roommate(s) before arriving on campus. More than 95% of new students live in doubles, triples, or quadruple rooms.

What bank should I use? Should I have an account near Bryn Mawr?

The College does not endorse a particular bank, but we do have one ATM on campus that is a Commerce Bank ATM. This ATM is located in the basement of the Campus Center near the Bookstore. The following is a list of banks that are in the area; Bryn Mawr Trust, Wachovia, Citizens Bank, Commerce Bank, Bank of America, Sovereign Bank, and PNC Bank . Most students find it very convenient to have a local bank and it may reduce the amount of finance charges you incur from ATMs. Also, if you plan to hold a job on campus you must use direct deposit for your paychecks which will often require an account at a local bank.

Do I have to use the campus phone system?

No. The College does not provide telephone service to the student dorm rooms unless they are specifically requested through the Telephone Services office in Taylor Hall. 

Will I have voice mail?

No. The College no longer provides this service.

What should I bring?

While this is not an exhaustive list, you should plan to bring the following items: a lamp, extra long bed linens*, pillow, wastebasket, towels, telephone, fan, umbrella, and flashlight. We encourage you to wait to purchase "shared" items (i.e. telephone, etc.) until after you've had a chance to talk with your roommate(s).

*Since most of our beds have extra long mattresses, we encourage everyone to bring extra long linens. If you end up with a regular mattress, you can just tuck in the sheets a little further.

Can I bring a microwave?

No. Microwaves, toaster ovens, air conditioners, and hot plates are not permitted for safety reasons. Each dorm has tea patnries that contain a refrigerator and microwave. You may bring a small "dorm refrigerator" if you choose. Click here for more information on dorm policies.

What furniture will I have?

You will have a bed, desk and chair, bookcase or shelves, and a chest of drawers. You will also have either a closet or armoire, and window shades or curtains.

Can I bring my own furniture?

Due to extremely limited storage space and the wear and tear of moving furniture, the College won't permit you to remove furniture from your room. While some rooms are large enough to accommodate additional types of furniture, it would be better to wait until after you've arrived to make that decision.

What about carpeting?

Each hall is unique; therefore, some rooms are carpeted and some are not. The vast majority of our rooms are hardwood floors with no carpeting. If your room is carpeted, you will have access to a vacuum for cleaning. You should wait until you see your room before deciding whether or not you will require additional carpeting or an area rug.

Are there laundry machines in the halls?

Yes. Each dorm has its own laundry facilities. The cost for laundry is incorporated into your fees, so the machines are not coin operated.

Is there summer storage?

Due to extremely limited on-campus storage space, we are only able to offer summer storage to international students and students from the west coast (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming). We provide you with information about off-campus storage areas within the local area.

Do I have to eat in a specific dining hall?

Since you are living on campus, you are required to participate a meal plan, which means that you can eat in any of our dining halls (Erdman, Haffner or Rhoads). You can also purchase food at the cafe in the Campus Center, or buy snacks at the bookstore, also located in the Campus Center. Click here for more information about Bryn Mawr's Dining Services.

What kinds of stores are available in the area?

There are a number of opportunities for shopping in and around the Bryn Mawr area. The town of Bryn Mawr hosts a number of specialty shops, in addition to hardware stores, bookstores, office supply stores, and restaurants. The town of Bryn Mawr features a Borders bookstore, as well as Acme and Foodsource grocery stores. There are nearby Eckerd and CVS drugstores. If you are looking for school supplies, there is a Staples in Bryn Mawr, as well as a Target in nearby Norristown. The Norristown shopping complex also houses Best Buy , Bed Bath & Beyond , and Lowes . Near the Norristown shopping complex is a brand-new Ikea , as well as Circuit City and the Home Depot . Bryn Mawr College is a short, 20-minute drive away from the King of Prussia Mall , the largest mall on the east coast. For more information about area stores and attractions, visit the Student Activities website .