1) Where to find something on campus.
You may feel a little silly asking another student where English house is, but it's much better to know where you're going than to feel lost. During the first few weeks of the semester it's totally normal to need to ask questions about where things are, and even if you need to know where Canaday library is on December 3rd people will be happy to point you in the right direction.
2) Where the best place to work on campus might be.
Yes, some students are bound to be biased but others will give you a genuine opinion on hours, pay, coworkers, and more.
3) What happens during certain traditions or events.
If secrets and surprises make you anxious and you want to know what Parade Night even is? That's totally cool, ask away. The same goes for other traditions and any other reason you may have for asking. There are a lot of people on campus who believe that keeping some things a secret make certain experiences better, but if something being secret is really upsetting you, talk to us and we will help however we can.
4) Why pronouns are such a big deal here/why people emphasize that Bryn Mawr isn't a women's college even though you told everyone at home that's where you were going/what x,y,z means
Honestly, this topic in and of itself could be an entire series of articles but I will keep my answer short and sweet. Pronouns and gender representation are a big deal at Bryn Mawr because of the reputation that Bryn Mawr is a women's college: despite the glitter there are many people at Bryn Mawr who do not identify as women and to assume that everyone does is harmful. It is always ok to ask what someone's pronouns are, even if you've known them for ages and it feels awkward. It is always ok to ask questions relating to something you don't understand, or to attend a meeting for one of the wonderful clubs on campus that explore gender and sexuality and all that good stuff (Rainbow Aliiance, Sexplanations, Taboo, GenderQuest).
5) Anything, really.
Although some of us may seem intimidating and put together we're really not, and we certainly don't want to come across as unapproachable. Well, maybe that student finishing their lab report 15 minutes before it's due who glares at anyone that approaches them does, but the rest of us don't. If you have a question please don't be afraid to ask. And if approaching a random person on campus is too much, that's why you have Customs People, H.A.s, Peer Mentors, Deans, and more resources around campus.
