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Brandeis is known for not being a party school and maybe even spending too much time in the library. This is true in comparison to other universities. (I transferred from a big state university where the party scene was much more active.) Of course, it's still a college campus and parties do exist, if that's what you're into. The main difference is that if you'd rather spend your time doing something else, it's acceptable and there are plenty of options.

Brandeis is also known for having a large Jewish student population. Again, very true compared to other universities. What I found, however, is that most students identify as "culturally" Jewish. So while there are a lot of Jews, it's not really "in your face" unless you're looking for a more active religious experience, like Hillel or Chabad.

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!

Brandeis attracts literally all types of students from jocks to computer geeks to book worms to political activists. You know it, they're at Brandeis. The only type of person who wouldn't fit in is a close-minded student.

The student body is predominantly left. 'Deis Dems, the Democratic group on campus, is extremely active.

Most students are from the New England area, or international. There is a handful from the Boston area, but it's definitely not a suitcase school.

Dances are often held as fundraisers, which tend to be the most popular (and successful) student events on campus. Theater and music, especially a capella, are also overflowing on campus. I am active in Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser for cancer research. This event is always packed with students. It's really nice to see that different groups on campus come together for such an awesome cause. Writing is also prevalent on campus. I am a copy editor for a weekly newspaper called The Justice. There is another paper, The Hoot, which is also weekly.

Greek life exists but the fraternities and sororities aren't officially recognized by the university. Because of this, the houses (and the parties) are located off campus. Basically, it's there if you're interested and it's not a big deal if you're not. Greek life definitely doesn't take over the school.

Being close to Boston is great, but most students stay on campus during the weekends. There is so much to do on campus! It nice to have the city as a get away if Waltham ever gets to feel too small (it happens).

Students complain most about the food and housing. The food isn't the best, although there are a fair number of options. The dining halls also have weird hours. The housing options are all pretty old and beat. It is difficult to live in the few nice on-campus housing options.

I decided on Brandeis because of it's proximity to Boston without being in the center of the city. I also liked the friendliness of the student body and the size of the school. Brandeis is big enough that you can meet new people all the time, but never feels overwhelming and anonymous.

You won't find Brandeis' campus in the top 10 list of beautiful universities. Probably not even in the top 30. It's a mish mosh of buildings from the 70's and new, energy-saving structures. That being said, it's not absolutely awful, and Brandeis does it's best to make sure the grounds are always beautiful and blossoming.

The campus itself is fairly small. The longest walk (from end to end) might take 15 minutes, if you're walking slowly. I usually don't find myself walking all that much in one day because my classes tend to me in the same area. (Humanities in three or four buildings, sciences in one or two, etc.)

My classes are pretty standard, very much like what I was used to in high school. The big difference comes around exam time, when I have to balance multiple papers and tests in a short amount of time.

My classes are tend to be small, around 10-15 people. The one exception was Intro to Sociology, but that's a given. The professors except you do to the homework and come prepared to class. It's definitely easier and less intimidating to speak your ideas in a smaller classroom environment.

If you're looking to attend high-stakes football games with thousands of cheering students with painted faces, you need to be somewhere else. It's not that our teams are bad, it's more that the student body isn't interested. However, the athletes' are playing at a college level and any game you attend will be entertaining. (There just might not be a huge group of fans watching with you.)

Intramural sports are possibly more of a big deal than division sports. The frisbee and soccer teams are always crowded. There are many options and all the teams are really accessible.