Swarthmore: The Big Picture
Swarthmore isn't in a college town, which sucks, but you don't really need anything that doesn't exist on campus or the college doesn't provide access too. There are weekend shuttles to Philly and Target and the local movie theater, so transportation is sometimes free here! That relates to Swarthmore's Quaker roots - Quakers are said to really highly value community, so everything on campus is free!
Swarthmore Academic Life
Professors here definitely know your name! One of my professors had all of our names memorized for the first day of class - he looked us all up on the student directory available to professors and made an effort to be able to recognize us!
Swarthmore's Student Body
The Intercultural Center on campus is kind of weak because there isn't that much administrative support.
Swarthmore Student Activities + Social Life
It's hard to judge "popularity" on campus because there's no real hierarchy. People are popular amongst their own friends, which tends to comprise a group.
No real dating scene. Students just tend to hook-up or have unhealthy relationships that lead to them not having other friends.
