Swatlight and Swatstruck
Swarthmore's admitted student days
In keeping with our commitment to access, Swarthmore covers the cost of transportation to Swatlight or Swatstruck for admitted students who are first in their families to attend college, students who come from low-income backgrounds, or students who have experienced opportunity gaps or barriers.
What is Swatlight?
Swatlight is an overnight experience for first-generation and low-income students. Swatlight attendees arrive on campus a day prior to Swatstruck and stay overnight with student hosts, hearing from the many voices that comprise our extraordinary, diverse community.
Swatlight events range from panels and information sessions as well as social events and meals to connect students with communities across campus. Swatlight attendees will then attend Swatstruck programming the next day.
What is Swatstruck?
Swatstruck is a one-day program that welcomes all admitted students and their families to campus to experience our community firsthand. With campus tours, open houses, classroom drop-ins, and opportunities to meet faculty and current Swatties, Swatstruck gives future Swatties a chance to really get a feel for life at Swarthmore.
You’ll hear from offices that support our community like the Intercultural Center, Career Services, Office of Student Engagement, the First-gen/Low-income program, Black Cultural Center, Student Health Services, Gender & Sexuality Center, Interfaith Center, Financial Aid, and many, many more.
Better yet, Swatstruck is also home to a campuswide activity fair and a few of our favorite College traditions (You’ll have to attend to find out!).
If your office would like to host an open house, please fill out this form.
Four Ways to Welcome Admitted Students and Families
- Say hi! Rooted in our founding values of open dialogue, simply saying hello to an admitted student or family can go a long way towards making them feel like they belong here. And who knows, you may strike up a life-changing conversation!
- Share your “Why Swarthmore” story. Admitted students and families travel to our campus not only to see what it looks like, but to learn about the people that make this place special. Whether you’re a student, staff, or faculty member, be open to sharing what you love about being part of this community.
- Ask if you can help. Visiting a new college can be overwhelming, so if you notice someone looking lost or confused, don’t hesitate to ask if they need some help – even if that’s simply referring them to campusmap.swarthmore.edu, our online campus map.
Speaking of our campus, we’re laying the groundwork for spaces and infrastructure that will allow us to live into our mission to educate the whole person and steward our resources toward a more sustainable future. If you haven’t done so already, take a few minutes to get caught up on our campus construction highlights so you can answer any construction-related questions you may receive. - Wear your Swarthmore gear! From simply throwing on your Swarthmore cap to going head-to-toe Garnet, now’s the perfect time to flaunt some Swarthmore pride.
