Brandeis University Top Questions

My overall opinion on Brandeis is that it is a tremendously friendly, accepting place for students from all backgrounds- be it geographic or ethnic. Students are always willing to help one another, even in the most competitive classes, and that is reinforced by the multiple advisors students are set up with upon entering Brandeis. Teachers are the same way- approachable as well as experts in their fields. I often email my favorite teachers to have lunch with me! Brandeis is a small school- it has under 3300 undergraduate students, but I love the intimate size because the student-faculty ratio is unbeatable! This is an experience you just cannot receive at a large-state school university. The overall atmosphere of the campus is inviting and ever-growing with student volunteers who want to make a difference in the campus and world at large! I am constantly inspired by the incredible things going on around me, be it academic and professional success or seeing a student take time from his busy schedule to go off-campus to help the needy in the greater Boston Area. This is a school where anyone can thrive with the right attitude- all the resources you need are right here.

My overall opinion on Brandeis is that it is a tremendously friendly, accepting place for students from all backgrounds- be it geographic or ethnic. Students are always willing to help one another, even in the most competitive classes, and that is reinforced by the multiple advisors students are set up with upon entering Brandeis. Teachers are the same way- approachable as well as experts in their fields. I often email my favorite teachers to have lunch with me! Brandeis is a small school- it has under 3300 undergraduate students, but I love that it is small because the student-faculty ratio is under 10 students to one teacher. This is an experience you just cannot receive at a large-state school university. The overall atmosphere of the campus is inviting and ever-growing with student volunteers who want to make a difference in the campus and world at large! I am constantly inspired by the incredible things going on around me, bit it academic and professional success or seeing a student take time from his busy schedule to go off-campus to help the needy in the greater Boston Area. This is a school where anyone can thrive with the right attitude- all the resources you need are right here.

Brandeis is one of the most academic challenging, creative and inspiring campuses in the United States. Brandeis encourages their students to dream big- I've had friends create their own programs in India, Indonesia and Thailand while receiving funding and grants from the school. I believe it is the perfect size- you feel at home on this small campus. The professors are some of the best around- engaging and personable- it is their goal to educate and be available for students whether in office hours or by email. Every week there is a fascinating lecture or speaker to attend, and hundreds of clubs to choose from. However, the aesthetics qualities of the school could be improved- the campus architecture is pretty bleak. The dorm choices in comparison to many schools of this caliber are not up to snuff. Waltham, although it has many delicious ethnic food offerings, is by no means a college town. The only quick way to get into the main streets of Waltham is by car so many students, as much as they love Brandeis, feel stranded on campus. On weekends, Brandeis provides an excellent free shuttle service to Cambridge and Boston to enjoy its cultural offerings. Brandeis pride could be much stronger, but school wide events like basketball games, Relay for Life and Dance Marathon give the campus a sense of community that I have not witnessed at other friends schools that I have attended.

Overall, I love this school. I strongly feel that our embracing diversity is one of the strongest aspects of Brandeis. Academics aside (which are great), I feel like it is important to be happy where you go to school. It is also really easy to get involved on campus, which is great, because students can easily follow their passions. I also feel that compared to most schools, both our faculty and administration is accessible and willing to discuss student input. A few years ago, when I was looking into schools, one thing I would do is go into the school's respective campus center and talk to current students. I felt the most passion and honesty from the students I talked to at Brandeis. That sentiment still holds true today.

The best part about Brandeis is definitely the students themselves. The people around you are makes or breaks a college experience, something I learned as a transfer student. At Brandeis it is so easy to meet other people, even after a month or two into school, where at many places people feel like they have their friends and they don't want to meet new people. At Brandeis that is not the case at all, and it definitely helps that most of the people I meet I could see myself being friends with if I had the time. I DID NOT feel that way at my previous school, and most of my friends at other schools don't feel that way. People at Brandeis may be a little awkward, but they are also genuinely nice, incredibly interesting, and fun to be around.

Sometimes I try to pin down the one reason why I love Brandeis so much before I realize that I can't. It's more of a feeling I have when I'm on campus - a sense of belonging. Yes, everyone has there own group, and at times I feel trapped in my own little circle of friends. Even so, there is a sense of community that just doesn't exist on a bigger campus. The students complain about lack of school pride, a heavy work load or crappy Boston weather. But deep down, there's a tiny, magical Brandeis "seed" planted in everyone. As corny as that sounds, it's the best way I can think to describe the place. You just have to experience it for yourself!

So the latest thing on campus is about changing from plastic water bottle use to metal. They gave every undergraduate student a free metal water bottle, and are trying to stop the sale of plastic ones at most campus dining locations. The environment tends to be a big deal at Brandeis, and given the current green fad, even more. The school is also oober liberal, but there is a voice for just about everyone.

I love Brandeis because the academics are great and my fellow students are interesting, smart, friendly people who care about each other and about the world. I feel comfortable here, but I also feel intellectually and personally challenged, which is great.

Brandeis, like a lot of other schools out there, I'm sure, is a make-your-own-experience school. If you're looking for someone to hold your hand every step of the way as you try to figure out your academic focus, your social life, your extracurriculars and your career ... you can actually probably find them here. But you'll have more success at Brandeis if you are independent and can figure things out on your own. If you have an interest that has even a minor following, there is probably a club for it at Brandeis. Don't like the way the club is run? Change it. Club doesn't exist? Make it. The school has the resources to fund some crazy clubs thanks to a percent of everyone's tuition (the Student Activities Fee) which goes towards student organizations and events. There is no dearth of majors here, and most people find after a year or two that they fit into one of them. But for those that don't, it is always possible to make your own. I know a couple of students who started a major about neuroscience and how it relates to music. Our relative proximity to Boston means there is always something to do, even if it's getting a little lame on campus. Although usually there is some kind of party happening at the Mods or in Ziv on the weekends, as well as a Student Events run shindig. I can only speak to my personal experiences, but I haven't ever experienced a void of activities on a night where I wanted to go out and do something fun. Brandeis is a small school. And you can tell. You tend to see a lot of familiar faces around, and there is a nice small-town kind of atmosphere where, even if you don't know everyone, you probably know someone who does. But even if you want to be anonymous, there is room to breathe. 2,000 students is still a lot of people. But just like it is possible to find exactly what you want at Brandeis, it is also possible that life here may just piss you off. There is always at least one Negative Nancy who is going to complain about their school no matter where they end up. I've heard a bunch of complaints about Brandeis, all of which I'm sure have been voiced about most other schools. I honestly believe that if you know what you want out of college, or have the energy and the willingness to try out new things, then you can get everything you want from Brandeis.

A sense of community is what really makes Brandeis a special place. Most people are inspirational and passionate--we make up for a lack in big sports and athletic scenes by actively pursuing social justice and other exciting endeavors. It is great to be so close to Boston and Cambridge!

Brandeis is small. You will know by name many of the people you see every day. Don't worry, there will be plenty of strangers and people who don't know or care who you are. If you aren't feeling anonymous enough- take the commuter rail into Boston! Brandeis is in Waltham, which is a cramped little city situated 9 miles outside of Boston. Boston is wonderful. You will never be bored, except for the 4 months a year you never leave your dorm because it is too freaking cold outside. Just kidding! You adjust. Adapt! Bring a big coat and some snow boots. You'll be fine. Waltham is actually a nice place to live. It's busy and has everything you need. There is a Walgreens up the street from Brandeis. There is a Target one town over (Towns sort of run together in that part of the country, so let's say the Target is 15 minutes away.) Waltham has lots of food and hotels. Personally, I recommend Bertucci's. It's a delicious Italian chain and a good place to work if you have a car. Anyway you can find what you need there. Living off campus: It's expensive. It's crappy and expensive. My apartment was a one-bedroom attic-type place and cost me $1000/ month without utilities. I split that with my boyfriend, but it was pretty awful. My place was actually larger than most for the price, but staying on campus or sharing a house with a bunch of people is a much better idea. Parking: You can't have a car your freshman year. After that, you get a permit for a specific lot and it can definitely be hard to find a spot during certain hours of the day if you are off-campus. If you live on campus it isn't a big deal, but you will probably have to park pretty far away from your dorm. Dorms: They are just like any other school's dorms. They are low-tech, design-less, low-budget living. You have internet, cable, but no air conditioning so bring some fans. For your first two years or so- you will share a bathroom that only has a couple shower stalls. Floors are mostly co-ed, but there will always be some that aren't. Bathrooms are single-sex, unless the whole floor is fine with co-ed. There are a couple single rooms on each floor and you can probably get one if you need it, but don't! Having a roommate is awful and will drive you insane, but it is an important part of the social experience. It just is! If your roommate makes you too crazy, you can always take to res. life and get switched around. Juniors and Seniors usually live in suites that have 6 or more single rooms and a common room with a kitchen. The campus isn't covered in ivy. Some people think it's ugly. It is slanted, so get used to walking uphill. I think the campus is beautiful, but what does that really matter anyway. Brandeis gives generous scholarships (academic and otherwise), so definitely apply for those.

I definitely feel like I have found the best possible school for me with Brandeis. It definitely isn't the best school for everyone, like someone looking to become an engineer, or someone who will die without wearing a polo shirt every day. There are of course some downsides- the lack of football team, the what feels like minimal percentage of straight guys (could be related...), and the kinda insane Massachusetts drivers. Even so, there is a lot about Brandeis that makes up for this. Waltham is a nice town with great ice cream (Lizzy's), and we are so close to other schools in the Boston area that it is really easy to branch out if you want to. Brandeis students don't take fashion all too seriously, which I personally love, and it is great to feel comfortable in whatever you're wearing without being judged. People can be pretty awkward around here, but on the plus side, there is always someone weirder than you!

The size of the school is good. When I'm walking to class I see tons of people I know and it makes me feel like I am a presence, not like I'm lost in a state school with 40,000 kids. Waltham isn't so bad either. When living on campus, it's difficult to appreciate what the city has to offer since you're kind of stuck in a bubble, but off-campus experience has shown me better parts to Waltham. Plus, Brandeis is an excellent school and there's no denying the fact that it is quickly becoming one of the most accredited non-Ivy universities in the country.

Brandeis University is an incredible place to go to school. I know everyone says this, but choosing to attend this college was the best choice I have ever made. It's just the right size, in a residential area, with the conveniences of being close to a big city - Boston. When I tell people that I go to Brandeis they immediately say, "Oh, the 'Jew' school?" Though a great percentage of the student body is Jewish, not everyone is, and I'm not. I was raised Christian and consider myself a Christian. A lot of people ask me if I find it difficult being a Christian in a Jewish University. Absolutely not! It is such a gift to be surrounded by peers with such a deeply rich culture. I have learned so much about the Jewish faith and the Jewish people, a college experience that I would have missed out on otherwise. The Brandeis Administration is, for the most part, welcoming of student imput. There are open hours with the President of the University where students can, independently or in groups, meet with the President and give feedback. The biggest recent conversation on campus is mixed-gender housing. There is a great deal of school pride. The big joke on campus is that we're all socially awkward, unathletic (we don't have a football team), and pretty big nerds. For the most part, that's true! But for a socially awkward student body, we know how to party, get involved in the community, and represent our school in a truly unique way. I LOVE Brandeis, through and through. It's an amazing place to be.

Overall, Brandeis is a wonderful school. I just started graduate school at a higher rated University and only now that I have a comparison to make do I realize what a wonderful institution Brandeis is. The best thing about Brandeis is the organization of the school. Everything is catered to make students lives easy. Everything from protesting a parking ticket to getting a new ID card is convenient. Students at other schools complain about getting "screwed" in terms of classes, credits, requirements, etc. That does not happen at Brandeis. There are so many resources available for students to organize their academic programs and get things done. The registrar at Brandeis is not out to get you; it's out to help you. The size of Brandeis is just right. Not too many people to get lost, but enough people that you meet new people eery day through graduation.

the best thing about brandeis for me is to feel confident about the quality of education we receive.. whenever i mention to someone random that im going to brandeis, first thing they say is always "great faculty great professors!!".. even the required classes i had to take turned out to be very interesting and has taught me so many new things.. if i had to change one thing that would definetely be the ARAMARK dining services.. they suck.. noone deserves such poor quality food!! I think size of the school is perfect!!!! it is not small, i mean obviously it is a UNIVERSITY.. there are quite alot of internationals.. i really like the fact that the size of the school is just right so you can say hi to people when youre walking, you dont get lost in the community..

I love Brandeis, I really do. I think it's a fantastic liberal arts university (although the tuition is far too high) and there is something for everyone and a niche for every possible group. We have religious groups, cultural groups, performance groups, academic groups-- pretty much anything you could possibly think of. There are two major complaints which I hear over and over: tuition is too expensive (think in the range of 24K a semester) and the food is terrible. As someone who has a pretty regimented eating plan, the food does not do great things for me. There are not enough healthy, low-anything choices (the salad bar doesn't count as a meal!) and the dining halls have really bad weekend hours due to the fact that Brandeis is somewhat shomer shabbas as a school. 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my time is spent in Spingold Theater or Shapiro Theater as I'm an acting and movement major and I work in the box office. I love it there-- both places are great for hanging out or getting work done. My dorm (Ziv) is also wicked close so I don't have to go too far at night after a long rehearsal.

I love the size of Brandeis. I wish the administration gave students a little more leeway. They crack down on parties far too much and it would be nice not to have to worry about getting in trouble every time I drank a beer. Brandeis is much better looked upon by those in academia than the general public. I love being near Boston, which is something I didn't even consider when I decided to come here. I have had very good professors and I like the choice of classes.

Brandeis, over the last two years, has become my home. It's seems sort of corny to say, but almost everyone here- from the staff to the students and professors- are so nice and open. And it's really easy to stay clear of the small minority of people here who aren't as friendly and welcoming because they are a really small minority. I honestly think that it's this warm and encouraging environment that makes Brandeis amazing. Since we're a pretty small student population- about 3100 undergrads, the sense of community felt here is pretty strong and the campus life benefits from the fact that we are small and most people live in some form of on campus housing for all 4 years. Of course, since this is honest and uncensored, there are some issues with Brandeis that can become huge since people here often snowball everything out of proportion. We've had issues during my time at Brandeis about racism jokes in a student publication, a controversial visit from former President Jimmy Carter about his book about Israel and student and professor issues with the administration over student money, professor reviews and arming the police. Brandeis students are incredibly vocal and passionate on a variety of issues and sometimes our passions butt heads with the feelings and politics of the administration, leading to a somewhat strained relation between the two camps. But the activism and passion of Brandeis students is part of what makes Brandeis... well Brandeis. In the 1960s we were known for student activism and that spirit continues to live on. When injustices happen both within and outside of the university, Brandeis students take a stand, leading to an environment of political and social discourse. While Brandeis is pretty political, we are also fairly artistic a well. The arts at Brandeis are amazing and with so many student performance groups including acapella, dance troops, improve groups, theater clubs and a sketch comedy group; there is always on campus, student performed entertainment throughout the week. Brandeis, location wise, has the best of both worlds as well. Waltham is a nice town and Moody Street is a great place to go with friends for ethnic food and Lizzy's Ice Cream, which rocks. We're also close to Boston so it's really easy to take a shuttle bus over the weekends or the commuter rail into Boston or Cambridge. In all honesty, what Brandeis has in political and artistic spirit is sort of lost on sports. If you want a school where everyone goes to games and sports make up a big part of campus life, Brandeis is not the place for you. We do have good Division III sports teams and we do have fans, known as "The Jury" who come out and cheer on the Brandeis Judges, but it's nothing like at other schools. Coming from a football orientated high school, I love that sports aren't the focus here, but it's a fair warning to note.

- I fi could change one thing, i'd make campus easier to get around - right now it's full of hills and it's a pain. - I spend alot of time hanging out with friends in dorms or in the campus center cafe. - The food is not bad (in the non-kosher dining hall anyway) and Waltham has a ton of really good ethnic restaurants. Waltha is actually a pretty nice place, especially Main and Moody streets. - The closeness is Boston/Cambridge is a real plus. I go almost every week. - The administration? The President, Jehudah Reinharz, is a dog. A goat. A beast. But he's never around so he doesn't cause too much trouble.