I think many would agree that one of Bryn Mawr’s greatest assets is the Quaker Consortium. Comprised of Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Swarthmore, and UPenn, the consortium allows students to freely take courses or participate in activities at any of the listed schools. The Bi-Co, referring specifically to the historical ties between Bryn Mawr and Haverford, is especially close. While I do enjoy my sojourns to these campuses, I admit I spend most of my time on a campus not tied to Bryn Mawr at all: Temple University.

To be honest, I was pretty ignorant of Temple until I began dating my boyfriend and current student. This past year, mostly in thanks to my flexible schedule, I’ve found myself studying, eating, and hanging out on their campus at least once a week. I never considered large universities during my college search because I preferred a smaller environment, but through my self-created Bi-Co I’ve been able to get a feel for university culture. While that environment certainly has its perks (Starbucks on campus? Into it.), I’ve also been able to appreciate my own campus even more. Though Bryn Mawr and Temple are completely different institutions, I can still find a few reminders of home while walking around the North Philly campus…

We both appreciate owls (!)

Paley Library is suspiciously similar to Canaday, no?

While I’m partial to Taylor, the Temple bell tower also serves as a focal point on campus.

Though much of Temple’s campus comprises of modern buildings, there are still areas that remind me of home.

I even spotted a lantern!