As an incoming student, the list of ESem courses may seem daunting at first. The choice of which three to sign up for is even harder if you’ve heard some students say they loved their ESem, while others may not have liked theirs very much. The Emily Balch seminars make for a common experience for all incoming students, one that many find to be beneficial for themselves as well as their writing.

Each seminar’s topic is different from the next, so I would suggest that you read through each description and find the three that would interest YOU the most (not your parents, not your friends, but you!) – after all, you’ll be doing all the readings and writing papers on the topic! The papers themselves aren’t something to worry about. With regular meetings with your professor, you’ll have time to discuss and plan what you want to write. The papers themselves aren’t long and are focused on improving writing rather than being research intensive. ESem as a course places an emphasis on critical thinking and getting your words out as a way of improving, not so much focused on the mechanics of grammar. ESem is a learning process, one I hope you come to enjoy!

When I was visiting Bryn Mawr my senior year of high school, I would have to say that the traditions here really sold me. When you’re away from home, you want to feel welcomed wherever you are staying, and the traditions here do just that. Bryn Mawr really goes the extra mile to make sure that you have a home away from home. One of my favorite tradition has to be Lantern Night. The whole ceremony is amazing and well put together. Just make sure you don’t bring you lanterns inside! If you’re worried about any of the traditions, remember that you are never forced to attend any of the four traditions. Though they’re fun and welcoming, not everyone wants to participate and that is totally fine. We want to make you feel comfortable at Bryn Mawr. Somos familia, we’re family. Welcome to Bryn Mawr, the first tradition is Parade Night. See you then 😉

-Taysha Torres ’20

For the most part, we love our parents. . They’re always there to protect us and make sure we’re breathing, fed, and wake up on time for school. If you’re lucky, they might even celebrate your birthday. But let’s be honest, parents can be a bore as well. After nearly two decades of being told what to do, anyone would be ready to jump at the chance of experiencing what it’s like to live on their own.

From my own experience, the first week and a half (or so) on campus was composed of two things: sunny, cheerful days where I roamed around campus as a bright eyed freshman, anticipating my new life as a certified ADULT. Nights were filled with me tossing and turning, biting my finger nails, anxious over whether I’d really be able to handle this thing known as college.

Spoiler: I handled it. You can handle it too. It (probably) won’t be easy, but it definitely won’t be the hardest thing you’ll have to do in life.

Actually, the hardest thing for me to adjust to during my transition from home-life to dorm-life was taking on foreign responsibilities and making long term decisions. (Do I sound dramatic?)

Since the start of my education, my mom always woke me up for school, made breakfast, and made sure I got to school on time. My teachers would tell me about homework, project, assignments, and even would remind me the day before it was due.

Upon transitioning to living on campus, all of that changed. Suddenly whether or not I went to class became my decision. I either tapped the ‘stop’ button on my alarm in the mornings or I missed class. I couldn’t blame my professor for not telling me about an assignment because it’s not their job to text me each time they update the syllabus.

While that does sound a bit hectic, you can always prepare for these type of responsibilities by moisturizing and staying hydrated.

Don’t worry too much about feeling super comfortable on campus. Everybody’s a little awkward and weird in the beginning. Don’t expect everything to be perfect. You can still have a great time without everything being spotless. Let yourself make your mistakes, get a little dusty, but don’t give up.

You are going to be taking on many different responsibilities while being away from home. Who’s going to wake you up in time for class? Who’s going to make sure you eat all three meals? Who’s going to make sure you stay hydrated and pimple-free? Y-O-U.