Brandeis University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Ilyssa

I think too often people dole out advice without thinking hard about the impact they have on those listening. Often times, advice-givers are verbose and self-righteous, and I prefer to be a woman of few words in this instance. My best advice? Be honest with yourself and do what's right for you, in your heart. As the old saying goes, "honest y is the best policy".

Justin

I think that it is very important to really pay attention very closely on your campus tour. So often, many of the college guides do not accurately describe the campus so you really want to observe the campus activities. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable on this particular campus. Listen to conversations between students. Do they sound happy? Do they treat each other with respect? Go the dining halls. Do you like the food? Do students seem to be happyily eating with friends? How do students treat the dining hall workers? Do they treat them with respect? You must sit on on classes of those colleges that you are seriously considering. Go to classes in your intended major. Are the professors engaging? Are the students paying attention or are they simply text messaging? Communicate with department chairs and professors by e-mail and phone. Do they seem eager to welcome you to campus? Do they relish in interacting with you and learning more about your academic and personal interests. Stay overnight. What do the students really do on the weekend? Do they binge drink on a Wednesday or do they sit around playing Wii? Which do you prefer?