Every campus has it’s own knits and quirks, but I am one hundred percent sure that Brandeis blows all the other schools out of the water. Students on campus deal with many outrageous and unique issues on the daily. Here are a few examples of what it’s truly like to attend our little Deisian Island.
1. FOOD
Sherman is the main watering hole on campus, well for the underclassmen at least. After a while the upper classmen start staying away from the all you can eat buffet because they don’t have meals to use. Sherman is the location for constant gossip sessions, nonstop awkward encounters, and a pot full of hot fudge (filled once in a blue moon). For those trying not to gain weight, STAY AWAY. Once you start consuming the numerous adequate food options you just can’t stop. But to its defense Sherman is where incredible “family” dinners and so many random memories occur. It’s also responsible for the extra poundage.
Usdan forces you to stay on top of your calories because unlike Sherman you are be charged an obscene amount of points for wanting extra. Good news you stay fit. Bad news you will be so hungry that you end up spending the extra points either way. So maybe the cap on food intact isn’t as efficient as the system believes. Warning Upper Usdan has “assigned” seating arrangements. Do not be surprised to see designated tables with particular frats, sororities, and sports teams. It is quite a site.
Best Off Campus Spots: Baan Thai, Asia Wok, Prospect, In A Pickle, Chipotle
2. CLIQUES
Okay yes Brandeis tends to get cliquey but the great thing about being at this school is people do branch out! Yes Greeks, athletes, acapela groups, and other organizations tend to be friendly with each other. But they do have friends all around school. So if you are someone who doesn’t like to stick with just one group then Brandeis is the place for you. Sadly our school does have high school moments. Try not to get sucked into them.
3. LOVE LIFE
Too be honest, this aspect at Brandeis can be best described as going back to the sixth grade where no one knew how to communicate. When no one would man up. When kids would sit in the corner and stare.
4. LIVING
A few on campus dormitories are a tad outdated which makes them an undesirable pick for glorious lottery number season. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which dormitory you end up living in. All that matters is what you do with your experience. I lived in East and it was the best time of my life, even though it wasn’t the best dorm. Although a Rosie/Ziv with your best friends isn’t a bad option. Just make the best of where ever you end up and it’s guaranteed to be awesome.
5. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Parties at Brandeis have a tendency of getting shut down pretty early, occasionally when the clock strikes midnight. This is an extremely irritating obstacle for all of the active drinkers at the university. Especially since you have to walk nearly a mile to even get to the party. Luckily we have ways around this tragedy. There are weekends when the after school social gatherings do last and guests thoroughly have a good time. Or get sucked into one of the sweat mosh pits in a basement. Or local creepy Townies come up behind you while dancing with friends. Or you end up at the exact same party you were at the last two weekends.
But hey creative minds can always start a party, whether in your Rosie or at Sherman. Just depends who you are with. Any true night owl knows how to have a good time. Every party has it’s own little story, just remain optimistic and the fun will find you. The sad reality of attending a small school is having a local police station that knows exactly which houses the parties are…
Sidenote: Events on Campus tend to be the craziest nights of the year, i.e. ATRAK, Purim, Rumba
6. EDUCATION
Brandeis has a great ranking and is a known name (for the most part). A degree from Deis is something that pays off. Science kids have it pretty rough. They practically live in the library. But normally courses here are pretty rigorous and require hard labor. There are ways around the strenuous work hours and constant weekends in the library. All you have to do is work the system. Choose your classes wisely, secure that GPA, and have a little fun. I personally always choose a class that will lighten my load. Not to mention a good percentage of students actually wanted to attend Ivies or other academically strenuous schools for college. Brandeis was their safety school. This makes being surrounded by Smart Kids a competitive factor to push you to be somewhat intellectual.
7. FUN FACTS
- Purim is a must. Best party of the year hosted at the Chabad house.
- Kosher section at Sherman is the best.
- C-Store will always be the C-Store
- Upper Green Room is party
- Check the bookstore sale section every week. Trust me great steals.
- Faculty Club is incredible
- Sherman Blondies changed my life
- Use the Boston Shuttle, take advantage of this beautiful transport
- Book the Bran Van early on Friday nights, gets booked real fast
- Brandeis will always be awkward, and we like it that way.