In this review, a number of approaches to superstring cosmology which make use of key
features which distinguish string theory from point particle theories are discussed, with
particular emphasis on emergent scenarios. One motivation for the discussion is the
realization that, in order to describe the evolution of the very early universe, it is necessary
to go beyond a conventional effective field theory (EFT) analysis. Some of the conceptual
problems of an EFT analysis will be discussed. The review begins with a summary of the criteria
for a successful early universe scenario, emphasizing that cosmic inflation is not the only
scenario of early universe cosmology which is consistent with current cosmological observations.
Bouncing and emergent scenarios as interesting alternatives are introduced. Some realizations of
these scenarios from superstring theory are reviewed, e.g. String Gas Cosmology, the Pre-Big-Bang
scenario, the Ekpyrotic model, Double Field Theory cosmology and matrix model cosmology. In light
of the difficulties in obtaining cosmic inflation from string theory (at the level of EFT), and
realizing that there are promising examples of alternative early universe scenarios which are
derived from basic principles of superstring theory, one must entertain the possibility that the
cosmology emerging from string theory will not involve an extended period of accelerated
expansion.