Overview of Haverford College

They call it the Haverbubble for a reason. The social scene can be a bit suffocating. It is a very small school, and I feel that I know too much about people I don't know. Although the SEPTA is easily accessible, it can be difficult to get off campus, especially as a freshman.

Haverford prides itself on its Honor Code, a unique student-written and student-enforced living document which covers both academic and social concerns. The Honor Code is logistically useful, as it allows students to take self-scheduled exams and it also creates a general atmosphere of student/administrative/faculty trust. The Code stresses personal involvement and responsibility, and the community takes it to heart. Rules at Haverford are minimal and make sense. Interactions are friendly. Haverford is an incredibly unique community where the average person has a great deal of common sense, is trustworthy, and takes time to listen and discuss concerns. All of this translates to the social environment: students know how to have fun, but are responsible and understanding of others' concerns. Issues on campus definitely carry the feeling of we're all in this together. We have a very strong ethos of student self-government, and the student body comes together once a semester at Plenary to present and vote on resolutions. These, and other forms of student input are actually taken very seriously by the administration. Haverford students are aware they live in the Haverbubble but generally enjoy it. There's a stereotype that the kids who come here are nerdy and socially awkward, but this characteristic is manifested in an endearing manner, and the vast, vast majority of Haverford students are lovely, thoughtful, respectful, and intelligent human beings. Of course, every school has its problems, but in the grand scheme of things, Haverford functions pretty well. It's a pretty good example of a real, cohesive community.