Emerson College Top Questions

What is your overall opinion of this school?

Julie

The stereotype: chainsmoking, bitchy gay kids and artsy types. Yes, some people smoke and we have a higher-than-average gay population, but I found most people to be friendly and open.

Eric

Eric V. Burnt Hills, NY 2/1/2011 There are a lot of great colleges in the east coast that have strong theater and film departments. I learned about Emerson College while finishing my associates degree in Performing Arts Drama at a community college in upstate, NY. When I went to Boston to visit the campus I realized that the Theater District was right there and the Boston commons was right outside the dorms. Being a transfer student I was older than most of the students on campus, but we all had something in common "Showbiz". Each student there was going after their dreams. Writers, Actors, Singers, Filmmakers, Speakers and Radio Dj's. Being at Emerson was like are own movie Studio set in Boston. I was able to create Emerson Casting for students Filmmakers, TV majors and of course the acting students. I was also able to work on the EVVY Awards which was like being at the Oscars for college kids. Here comes the best part: Emerson had a LA Campus in Toluca Lake not far from Warner Brothers and yes corporate housing provided by the Oakwoods. When I got to LA I interned through Emerson at DreamWorks SKG casting department. Which was an amazing learning experience. I really enjoyed Emerson College and was happy they accepted me. To this day I promote the college through my events. Overall what ever college you decide to go to, make sure they let you create, produce and have fun. College is the middle man for the real world. My final thoughts are this," If you go to Emerson College, ask about the Emerson Mafia", it will help you in the future".

Samantha

You know if you belong at Emerson. In the first three weeks you know. If you visit the school you know. It's a great place for the right kind of person. The students are very busy and "individual, just like everyone else". Fitting in means knowing who you are or being willing to find it. Good things about Emerson: it's all about the network, most of you work will be in extra curriculars, you build relationships for the future, people know what they want and have career goals, everyone there is into the same stuff. Bad things about Emerson: registration sucks, dipshits always smoke in front of the buildings, getting equipment can be difficult, everyone there is into the same stuff.

Shelby

Let me just start out by explaining, I hate Emerson. With a burning passion. The administration won't listen to you, AT ALL, as a student, until you drag your parents into things (and even then, expect to all be treated rudely). The school is ridiculously overpriced and blows massive amounts of money on COMPLETELY unnecessary things (cough, parties for the SGA). That being said, I think my opinion is a valid one; I came to the school excited to attend, and open-minded, and I honestly gave it second, third, and fourth chances all this past year, when it certainly hadn't earned any. The only reason I haven't transfered yet is a good roommate and the fact that I'm going on their Netherlands program next fall. A word of warning to the wise; Emerson is NOT an art school. It's a COMMUNICATIONS school. There are writers, and there are filmmakers--there are NOT painters, sculptors, drawers, etc (or there are very few, and they obviously aren't pursuing it as a major). There is a good deal of musical talent, but there are also a whole lot of people parading around pretending to be musicians. I agree, film is an art form, but there are no artists here. On a happier note, the city is absolutely incredible! Don't don't DON'T stay in the downtown area; check out Chinatown, Southie, ALLSTON, Roxbury, Little Italy, Fenway...it's got SO MUCH personality if you just get out of the school's area and look for it. We are on the Commons though, which is pretty cool.

Kelly

I'm glad I came to Emerson. I've ended up loving Boston and the people I've met throughout the city. I'm not sure how much I've learned that will be practical in the "real world," but it was an okay choice.

Matt

The best thing about Emerson is probably its location. Going to school right at Boston Commons is pretty cool. It's also accessible from any of the subway lines. Basically, you can live anywhere and be able to get to Emerson pretty quickly. Boston is the ultimate college town and I think the heart of it is right around the Commons. There are so many colleges right there that you meet students from other schools as well.

Dave

Emerson College was a little arts-based college that even bordered on a trade school for many media-related fields. Now, its ego as well as its endowment seems to be growing, and the school is hell-bent on expansion. It feels, from a student's perspective, that the school is vaccuuming in as much money as possible from its students and their families, and then instead of putting it to good use improving our media facilities, is striving for the all-important University status. Well, dream big, Emerson, because you were a let down.

Sean

Emerson is a great school and it is in an amazing location. The Boston Common is pretty much the campus. It is full of life and young people, along with the rest of the city. The school is fairly small, and you can know/be friends with everyone in your class. The administration is getting aggressive with acquiring land in Downtown, so the tuition could definitely spike in the next few years, but the facilities will surely be getting better as well. There are complaints between the Emerson Sports department and the acting department over space and school funding. There is a great new gym and the new paramount building will have a lot of extra rehearsal space for actors.

Diana

Emerson is amazing. It's right in the center of everything in Boston, which is both fun and extremely convenient. Boston is also a great college town and you're able to meet so many other people from different schools. Of course, Emerson isn't without it's faults (Not as much housing as we should have- although this problem is in the midst of getting fixed), but if you're looking for any sort of career in communication or the arts, there is absolutely no other college that compares. The programs here are amazing and especially all the organizations on campus allow you to get experience in anything you could imagine, even if it's outside your major. The student body is also incredibly supportive and makes networking easy and beneficial.

Kaitlin

Emerson has a wicked location in Boston, you can get to anything you want. There are many alumni active in their fields who are still connected with the school and therefore help with networking and finding internships and jobs. We actually do have sports, and our soccer teams are quite good along with basketball, softball, tennis, hockey, and lacrosse. Financial aid is basically non-existent. The castle program is the best thing you could ever do in your life and worth every penny (or euro that is).

Sarah

The best thing about Emerson is that fact that I get to study pop culture. What school is going to let you do that in an academic context other than Emerson. We have some of the best communications programs in the country. We have no school spirit however, and as an athlete, working to change that is like fighting an uphill battle, but were working on it. Everyone is very into and dedicated to what they are doing. DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU ARE NOT PASSIONATE.

Brittany

The size of Emerson is just right. What I'd change is the parking!!! There is NO off campus parking. Hell, there's no on campus parking. If you drive--don't!!! Boston is an amazing city, but can be daunting to small-town students. The environment there is rich with history and culture, so anyone interesting in the arts will feel right at home. The class size is fantastic, and the atmosphere is very liberal and flexible. I find, though, that sometimes the instructors are too flexible. Students need to be held more accountable. How else are we supposed to get better at our respective crafts? It is an immeasurable advantage to go to Emerson if you're focus is anywhere in the Communications. The name is nationally respected, and the connections are irreplaceable; being taught by published authors, poets, journalists, screenwriters, and etc, is a huge advantage over a school where the arts often fall by the wayside. People who know the arts give a knowing nod, or enthusiastic smile when I tell them this is where I go--it's highly competitive in its field.

Carson

To be honest I really didn't take much advantage of the school beyond the classroom. I liked being anonymous and not concerning myself with the activities of the normal college student. Living off campus was easy since Emerson was so centrally located in Boston and close to where i worked. I used some facilities like the gym, library, and Em Cafe while around campus but i really liked my freedom to leave and have a life outside of the college.

Sarah

Emerson is literally in the heart of downtown Boston, which means it's close to anything and everything. There is ALWAYS something going on, whether it be a free show at Emerson or a local concert, movie, whatever. Seriously, the location rules. And there's a ton of other colleges nearby, so it's easy to meet people from other places. Emerson is small, but that means it's easy to meet people (and rumors travel fast). There are a lot of eccentric people, a lot of musical theatre majors that will sing loudly as they walk through the Dining Hall, but that just keeps things lively. Public Safety can be a bitch sometimes, though. It can be pretty hard to get away with things, but if you're not stupid about it, you shouldn't have a problem.

Nico

Emerson is the kind of school where everyone can be comfortable. The administration is not as bad as people complain about - you just have to stay on top of your own finances, grades, all that stuff -which you should anyway, it's your responsibility. I've loved it here.

Robert

I think the school is just a little too small for how many students go to that school! Taking elevators are out of the question during "rush hour" classes because the wait can be extremely long. Get a work out on the stairs! When you take the stairs, though, they are very crowded, but we Emersonians manage...=) But I know that they are working on getting the dorms fixed which is a plus! If I could change one thing, it would be get the drug addicts off and change collectors off of our campus!!! Best things about Emerson is definitely the education, networking, uniqueness, and computer labs! I spend most of my time in the cafe doing work downstairs, which is newly rennovated. Lots of school pride!!!!! The one unusual thing about Emerson is that everyone is very, very different. Administration at the school is definitely amazing - They are very quick in their actions and reasonable. Most people react almost surprised, but very intrigued that I go to Emerson. "That's a great school!" I'm not the typical "Emo", but I'm extremely creative in my craft of sport and am at the school to help me use my sport creativity into entertainment. One experience I will always remember from my time at Emerson are the finals...they weren't so much difficult in terms of academics, but just challenging in terms of communicaction skills. I liked that it was mandatory to work with groups and present because that's what we need in the real world after graduation. Love that some of our classrooms have a computer for each individual student, too!

chris

Emerson is a school for students who can teach themselves. Classes are, particularly for film majors, a waste of time. Because Emerson does not place much emphasis on math or science, the required classes in those subjects are not taken very seriously, and the courses related to the majors pale in comparison to what students can learn on their own. What makes Emerson College worth considering is that the creative atmosphere of the student body results in a very unique experience, with most students spending more time on extra-curriculars than on classwork. If you are willing to spend your weekends working on film shoots with upperclassmen, you can learn all you need to know from a film II or III shoot before you even take the class yourself.

Alex

In my 4 years at Emerson all - literally ALL - of my professors were incredible. They were passionate about their subjects and every one of them inspired me to better myself. Even in classes that didn't focus on creative writing (my major) I went to class with that point of view asking myself what I can get out of the class regarding how I can write better and, I kid you not, it worked. I believe I have found my Voice at this school and I also believe I am not the only one. Read the schools motto and live by it in each class. The professors are good enough to live up to it.

Jerry

It is the perfect size for someone who is pretty sure of what they want to major in and who wants to be in Boston. Boston is the ultimate college town. On campus, there are constant meetings of student groups. The only way to really be involved is to join an extracurricular. These are designed to enhance your education here. Some students even say they learned the most about their major though the hands on experience outside of class. There are film shoots, news and radio broadcasts, marketing firm meetings, newspaper meetings. There are publications and magazines as well. If you go to Emerson, GO TO THE CASTLE Emerson owns a Castle in the Netherlands which is used for a study abroad program. It is the experience of a lifetime and I encourage all Emerson students to apply.

Nick

Emerson is the greatest. The students and its location are amazing. It's really expensive and the dining hall and cafe have terrible hours of operation. The student body is really diverse. From film nerds to indie hipsters and everywhere in between. The amount of students is great. You know almost everyone who lives on campus, but then you see random new people everyday. It's nice. And living is Boston is an absolutely amazing experience. It is such a beautiful city and the size is manageable. I learned my way around in a couple weeks. Boston's biggest disadvantage is the clubbing, bar, and alcohol scene. Obtaining alcohol is harder than at many other colleges. All bars and clubs are 21+ and bouncers are strict on ID's.

Jody

Emerson is good for two reasons: the connections and the opportunities. Emerson is basically a trade school for the industry, so there's a lot of hands-on learning. You don't talk about making a film, you make a film. The administration is a beuracratic nightmare that lives to screw the students over--say goodbye to your money, for the moment it enters the Emerson coffers it is sucked up by the president or the board members to pay for their condos, cars, etc. This parlays into the most frequent student complaint, that we pay a lot of money yet barely see any return.

Megan

I absolutely adore Emerson College. I'm so glad that I didn't end up at another school - this place has really become a home to me and I don't think I would have nearly as many opportunities for success in the future at any other school. Compared to a lot of other schools, Emerson is kind of small, but I've found that to be a good thing. It's not ridiculously small, it's just small enough that you can recognize most of the faces you see while walking around campus, but big enough that you can meet new people anytime you want. Most people seem fairly impressed when I tell them I go to Emerson - I think this school has established a solid reputation as a communications/arts college, and most people in that field would recognize that students who come out of Emerson know their stuff. What I really like about Emerson is that it allows you to take your education into your own hands. When I applied, I applied for the film program, and was placed in TV/Video instead. When I got here, I was a little disappointed about not being able to learn about film, but instead of being upset about it, I took matters into my own hands. While I was learning about TV in the classroom, I was learning about film through a handful of different extracurriculars. In fact, I'd say that right now I probably know more about film than TV because I was able to experience being on shoots right away and learn from hands on experience and other students advice. It's a real community here, and everyone is willing to share their knowledge. It's a really great thing. As far as controversy and complaints go...I don't know. I personally think it's ridiculous that Emerson doesn't provide on campus housing for all four years. I know they are working on that (the Paramount opens in 2009...just in time for me to graduate haha, GRRREAT.) but with the high prices of apartments in the city, it's just unrealistic to ask half the student body (who, by the way, is competing with students from about 100 other colleges in the area for apartments) to find their own off-campus housing. I also think this school is way too expensive, but I don't really know if there's a legitimate way to fix that. If we didn't pay so much god damn money we probably wouldn't have access to all this cool equipment. You get what you give I suppose.

Cameron

The administration can be difficult to say the least. Sometimes it seems harder to deal with all the loopholes than it is to take and pass a class. But everytime I am in the classroom, I am happy with the professors that teach there, and the students opinions and enthusiasm. I think overall it is a friendly campus enviornment. Small enough that you get to at least know everyone's face, but big enough that you can find your own niche.

Peter

Emerson is very, very different from other colleges. The biggest thing is that there really isn't a campus. It is a totally urban school, based along the Boston Common. While there are definite downsides to not having a campus, Emerson could not be in a better location. Emerson is a great school if you know exactly what you want to do with your life, and do not plan on ever changing your mind. If you do change your mind, the options available to switch into are very specific and limited. For a school that emphasizes communications and the arts, many students have found it odd that Emerson offers very limited language and technical art classes. Photo classes are offered, but there are no other art classes available, which is clearly an area of interest within the student body. Emerson also only offers Spanish 1-2, French 1-2, and American Sign Language 1-4. I find this to reflect very negatively on the college, as languages seem to be of great importance to almost all majors the school offers.

Rachel

I love coming into the city to have class everyday. There are so many things that someone could get involved with. I love how the classes are for the most part small and intimate so you get a lot of one on one time with the instructors. My favorite thing about Emerson though would have to be the access to the top of the line equipment. There are not many schools that can say they have Avid editing suites or a professional television studio! Also, the external programs are unbeatable. If you want to live in Los Angeles, they'll place you there for a semester with an internship, or if you want to study in the Netherlands, go ahead!

Amanda

There is a lot of drama at Emerson but you don't have to be involved in drama to be involved.

Harper

Emerson is awesome because we are right downtown Boston which is THE college town. Not only are we in the middle of the city, but we get to be hands on within our majors right away. Because Emerson is basically a liberal arts school, you need to know what you want to do when you come here. It's not a school for someone who may want to try science or math on top of something more arts based. Emerson has let me get my hands dirty which is the best way to learn. Emerson doesn't really have a campus so we typically flow out into the Boston Common during nice weather or spend time in the various editing suites/doing extracurricular activities. Emerson is very small and artsy so if you're looking for that big college experience, this is not the place. Overall it's been a wonderful experience and a wouldn't go anywhere else.

Rosie

Emerson is a very concentrated school. The class sizes are great because they are pretty intimate and you get a lot of attention. For the most part the teachers are brilliant and care about their students. But sometimes the small size of the school can get a little annoying. The good thing is you see a lot of same people everyday, which is good because you see your friends and people you like very often so they become familiar and you get close with them. The bad thing is you see the same people everyday even the ones you don't ever want to see. The students don't necessarily gossip that much, but since it is small, people find out about things. Sometimes it can be like a high school in that respect, but the people are really great. They are interesting and cool and, for the most part, very open and welcoming. Don't come to Emerson if you don't know what you want to do. If you already know what you want to do in life and know what you want your major to be, Emerson is perfect because the programs for all the majors are really great, but not if you don't know what major you want to be. The school isn't good for trying things out. It is specialized and trains you from the beginning. The campus is smack dab in the middle of Boston, which is amazing. We are right by the Boston Common and Public Gardens, so on nice days, there are people from all over walking around and playing frisbee which is so much fun. Almost everything is within walking distance, but if not, the T(subway) is right there. I LOVE the T. The only thing I hate is that it stops running at 12:30, which really blows. A lot. But there are always cabs and sharing a cab will usually cost like $4 a person if you get 4 people. Overall, the people are fantastic, the programs are fun and interesting, and the campus is beautiful. But there is virtually no diversity and people dress really individually, but they are all variations of the same style. But being different is encouraged. That's why the people are so interesting. But I love it.

Susan

The size of Emerson is just right, although some facilities need to be updated due to our growing population. The one big thing I would change is the library- cramped, under-resourced, and LOUD. Emersonians are for the most part academic, but unfortunately the small percentage that isn't is also the percentage that uses the library as a social gathering place. Complaints: Library, not enough language courses offered, the Administration I think people are proud to go to Emerson, but we're not super into school pride. Let's put it this way-- I really enjoyed my first year and a half but because of things like limited on-campus study space for off campus students, an elitism that seems to surround the greek life and SGA, and not enough non-major classes (language, history, etc.) I spent my senior year away from the Emerson Campus student teaching and doing an internship. ALSO- I'm not emo and don't mean to put down any organizations, but I was just over the drama by senior year.

Missy

Emerson is amazing - if you know exactly what you want to do for your career. If you think you might want to change, or get a broader educational experience, you should probably go to BU or something. The classes are extremely hands-on and interactive, and we don't like to waste time on math, science and all those other nonsense subjects. We're artists, dammit! Career services is great, they really know about the industries and try to get you emplyed as soon as you graduate. Some common complaints: students don't tend to be very friendly or outgoing; the school can be hesitant to upgrade equipment; the classes are competitive, both to get into and in their projects and curriculum; don't tell the athletes, but the Emerson "Lions" are kind of a joke; campus life tries to be social, but unless you're very outgoing and willing to go looking for people, there's not much going on socially at the school. But you're in the middle of the city, so who cares?

Robin

As a journalism major, Emerson has so far provided me with a great education. I'm learning about so much, more than I would at other schools. One thing I'd change is the campus. Although this campus is what initially drew me in to this college, now that I'm here, I wish there was more of a campus to bring the school closer together. Our school is really small, but I like it that way. When I say I go to Emerson, I almost ALWAYS get the response, "wow that's a really good school". I live in the little building at Emerson, which is where most of my time is spent. Boston is a college city holding roughly 50,000 college students, so it's not weird to be going to college here. Emerson's administration is pretty laid back and understanding. They cater to their students. Teachers here are pretty laid back as well. You just have to be a good student, and they'll most likely understand any problems of yours. School pride? hah. Well, we're not really into sports nor do we have a homecoming or anything, so there's not much school pride here. I mean, not that students aren't happy to go here, but there's not that many ways to show it. However, student groups and such are huge here, so I guess when it comes to school pride you can see it there. Emerson is an unusual school in itself. People here are weird, but very smart and creative. They know what they want.

Amanda

Frist off Emerson has a student body of about 3,000 and that's it. There are a very few select people who belong here. Everyone who gets into emerson, belongs here, they fit into the intellectul hard working atmosphere. I am a transfer student into emerson and I have found it extremely hard to intergate with the already existing student body. The closest friends I have made, I made at orientation. (Almost every student will tell you that they still talk to their friends from orientation). I suggest paying very close attention to the groups you join during this one week period. I will say that emerson's transfer system is not a good one. They do not intergate their transfers very well. No clubs can be joined second semester, but yet they allow students to enter in during the januray semester. If entering the college this semester is an option, the clubs should be open to these students as well. Clubs on campus will give you real world experience, help get you published, and get into grad school... use them wisely. Emerson is a lot of work, so if you want to come here expect to do the work. Not including my workshop class, I had 3 12-20 page papers due, 2 finals, and over 7 short essays, a typical short essay is 3-7 pages long. Now to keep ahead in readings, in workshop classes, in essays, and still write three 12 page papers is alot and a headache, the thing is it's challenging (and stressful) but worth it. If you want to fly by college this is not the place for you. I came here because I was ready for this work load and craved it, my advice is if you don't crave a challenge, stay away! There is definitely a ceryain stigma that comes along with being an emersonain. My mom tells just about everyone back home that I go to emerson, and they reaction is always the same , "oh wow, that's a really good school." When I tell people I go to emerson I always get, "Wow". The unintellecutal though have no clue what the heck or who the heck emerson is. "Where?", "Where's that?", "Oh i've heard of it" but those who have kids in school or appericate learning and high standards are ALWAYS impressed by the school. THIS IS NOT A REASON TO COME HERE! The faculty and staff will think it's sweet that it was your dream, but they will not care that it was, they're not there to care about the dream of being there. They are there to care about pushing the dream you have that brought you to emerson. (Tho many of the faculty members can be uninspiring, and I have yet to meet one that will inspire me, I know there are many of them here just by the stories I hear). Emerson is a place that so resignate in your heart, and if it doesn't find a place that does. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, I have no question that this is the place for me. i worked 3 1/2 years to get here, and it was worth all of it. When you come to visit ignore the parents, they will make you and your family feel small. Pay attention to what the school actually offers. IGNORE YOUR PARENTS.... pay attention to what the school actually offers. Many parents just want their kids to go to EMERSON, it's sad and sickening. They school be focused on you, your goals, and what you want. Fight for what you want. And if that's something else, FIGHT FOR IT! I love this place, and it make it so much better knowing that everyone else does here too. Do not take away from other students by coming to this place half heartly.

Andy

I think the small setting is just right. A lot of people in my highschool hadn't heard of Emerson, and a lot of family friends etc. hadn't heard of it either - but it's known in certain fields. Boston is fantastic, and Emerson is in the perfect place.

Kim

Emerson gives you hands on experience right off the bat. I could've gone to any school in CA, but I choose Emerson because I knew I would be able to do things with my major from the first year. If I could change one thing it would be to enforce a smoking rule. Most kids here smoke right outside the buildings and it's so annoying. It's a smaller school, but the classes and teachers are great. No one is setting you up to fail, everyone wants the best for you. When I'm on campus I usually hang out in my suite living room, it's great but there is really no campus which is good and bad. Bad because there is nowhere we can all just hang out but really cool because Boston is our campus and it's a great city. Also, the sports are alright. We have good teams, but they go unnoticed, but taht is changing with time.

Tristan

I like that emerson has many extra curricular activiteis.. and that you can experience what your career would actually be like by getting involved in those.. The journalism department has very good technology,..

Dylan

Emerson is great about getting experience in the field you hope to work in. Although it is a small school, Boston is so big that it doesn't even matter. It is a very overtly friendly school.

Jay

If you go to Emerson, you are guaranteed to meet extremely ambitious people who are (for the most part) passionate about their work/major. Everyone says that the most important and valuable thing to do here is social networking, since it will get you up the chain. If that's what you're into.

Tristan

Lacks a cohesive campus which makes for odd or difficult opportunities to socialize. Recent efforts towards adding sports programs and a business concentration fly in the face of the "little-liberal-arts-school" mentality. A lot of really wonderful and creative people go to school here. Generally, the common theme among students (despite their major) is their desire (and sometimes) to create interesting creative works.

Blake

The best thing about Emerson is the environment. For me, it was a very fertile and intimate place to grow and learn in. All of the classes are within a few blocks of each other and they are small so you can really get to know your peers and teachers. Even though we are in a communication school, the communication isn't so great. The offices and different departments don't collaborate and some of the more beaurocratic elements are messy and a pain to go through as a student. For example, the class and housing selection processes are long, involved and confusing and every adult I asked had a different solution to my problems. Emerson is growing, which I don't agree with. The size that it is now, in my opinion, is just perfect. I don't feel like a number, but I can really get to know my peers. When I tell people that I go to Emerson, they usually say "Ahhh, I wish I could have gone there!" or "Oh, I heard about that school? Do you like it?" I spend most of my time in my dorm building or in the neighboring classroom buildings. The library is in the same building as several of my classes so I go there to chill a lot- especially when I have work to do. When the weather is nice, I spend a lot of time out in the Commons or the Gardens. It's so beautiful when all the trees are blooming and you can just sit in the sun on the grass and get your homework done. There is a lost of school pride. I have become aware that the Emerson kids dislike the Suffolk (a neighboring school) kids because "They are smaller and in our shadow and trying to copy us!" I don't get it, but there's Emerson for you! We can insult and make fun of ourselves, but if a student from another school tries to insult Emerson kids, they're in for it!

Andy

Everyone at Emerson is passionate about their major. It's a very creative and committed student body. It's nice to be around people that won't let you down. When I tell people I go to Emerson, they're either impressed because they know Emerson's a good school, or they've never even heard of it before. Those who know Emerson know it's a great school that's hard to get into. I love being right in the heart of Boston. It's always strange when I go to big campuses like University of Illinois, where the campus is isolated from the city itself. All the class buildings and dorms are clumped together, then the city surrounds it. In schools like that, all the action happens on campus. At Emerson, our buildings are scattered around the city. There's no separation between the city and the campus. Sometimes, I like that Emerson student's are right in the center of the hustle and bustle of the city, but sometimes, I wish there was a feeling of community on campus. Emerson's administration is so knowledgeable and friendly. They treat you as equals. We can call them by their first names and many of them will come out to Emerson events and support the school. They're really cool people.

Sierra

The best thing about Emerson is the reputation is has in the film industry and the connections you make that are essential to your career. The school is small, but the class sizes are nice. You get a lot of individual attention from your professors. Living in the city is great because even though Emerson isn't a huge party school there are still tons of places you can go if you like the night life. If I could change something about Emerson I would change the housing situation. They can only offer students housing for freshman year, and trying to get an apartment in the city with a reasonable commute is a huge hassle, not to mention really expensive. I also wish this school had more school spirit. If you like going to football games or any other sporting event for that matter this school is not for you. As an athlete I get next to no recognition. Teachers won't even let me leave class early to get to my games on time.

Brittany

The best thing about emerson for me is all the creativity everyone has. Everyone is a little out there in their own special way. The only thing I would change about Emerson would be the food and giving us more options to get food besides 3 very limited places. Emerson is very small but I like small it is also in Boston which is a college town so there are a lot of other people around the same age. When I tell people about Emerson they either have no idea what I am talking about or they go WOW in a good way of course. I spend most of my time on campus either in the dorms or labs doing work. Boston is known to be a college town but there is absolutely no night life for people under 21 you would have to go to an apartment or something to get any type of nightlife.

Meg

I transfered to Emerson and couldn't be happier. Being in downtown Boston is a lot of fun, especially with Chinatown so close and Newbury Street just a few blocks away. I often find myself just walking the streets or going into the common when I have a break between classes. The teachers are open-minded yet demanding. I had to work hard in every class, but I also saw a distinct improvement in my writing by the end of the semester. The students are accepting, and because it's a rather small school, by the time you've spent a year there you at least recognize most faces. The student/teacher ratio is good and the largest class I've been in was about 28 people (and that was a required intro class). The only thing that I would change would be the attendance policy. If a student misses more than a week and a half of classes without a doctor's excuse it is an automatic fail. This doesn't sound so bad until it is put in perspective. If you are taking a class that only meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays you are only allowed three absences in that class without a doctor's note for an entire semester. This means, if you live off campus and are so sick you can barely move, you still better get your butt to campus and get into the health and wellness center so that you can have your note. However, this is the only real drawback I've come across. There are lots of groups and organizations to join, lots of them completely student run. If you are interested in any facet of the arts, this is the school!

Arielle

The best thing about Emerson are the people. I have a great group of friends who are all creative and fun and have the same interests as me. It's awesome living in Boston, it's the best campus town and there is always something fun to do. Boston is our campus!

Angela

A lot of students act like they're trying to prove something. A lot of people who build their entire personality around one political issue (usually relating to sexual identy) or around one interest, etc. The academics are pretty good, but some of the students can be impossible to stand.

Katie

Emerson is currently in a transitional phase. Residence space is changing, studio and classroom space is changing, and the school is becoming "The campus on the Common," with the addition of the Paramount. Right now, every Emerson student will complain about something because they like to voice their opinions, while still being thankful for the wealth of good teachers, resources, and experiences at the school. The school, in my opinion, is administratively a mess. Miscommunication up the wazoo, for a communications school. I wish I had known. However, it's more than worth it for the training, experience, and students. Students love: students projects and people to help you...i.e. film makers need actors, actors need projects, directors need actors, actors need writing majors to edit their papers... the team work all works out in the end. Also, the teachers are great contacts and resources as to what the business is really like. The school is overwhelmingly harsh sometimes, but it helps you grow. Students hate: Financial aid and lack of it. Students services. The mail system is effed up. The dining hall and stores hours (closes at 7 on the weekends! So early!)

Lisa

Emerson is a great place to go if you're looking for a unique school - it is NOT your typical college, where sports teams and sororities/frats rule the school. Everyone is really creative, and although it makes us conceited, we do end up doing some pretty cool stuff. There isn't much of a campus - just a few major buildings right downtown, which makes going to parties difficult when you live on campus (unless you're up for a 30-minute subway ride to Allston). However, the Boston Common is absolutely gorgeous when it's nice outside, and being in the heart of Boston is an experience like no other. If you're opinionated, a vegetarian, homosexual, an "individual", or just looking to be around a lot of creative minds, Emerson is the place for you.

Jessika

Emerson is really a great school; small classes, eclectic students, teachers, and classes. Our campus is the entirety of Boston Common and the Public Gardens, which is really nice. Unfortunately, there aren't alot of nice "student spaces" for those not living in the dorms. I don't know if we have a lot of technical "school pride" but I think the students here are proud to be going to Emerson. We have many causeless rebels that complain about the school, but besides the ludacris cost of tution, Emerson is worth any trouble it causes.

Megan

Best Thing: Opportunities to make art. One thing I would change: The way the school seems set up to alienate transfer students. Size: Just right. Reaction: Where's Emerson? People usually think I am talking about Emmanual.

Katie

Emerson is small. You will recognize almost everyone who has lived on campus. This is good and bad. Bad cause of gossip, good cause you can make closer friends. WHen i tell people i go to emerson i almost always get asked "emory?" no. emerson. but once youre in boston people know where it is. Boston is college city. 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the population (when schools are in session) of boston is students. the fact that all the clubs are 21 plus sucks. you will def meet people from almost every school if you go out to a party. (jus be wary, most people will know who you sleep with within 48 hours) partying in the dorms is fun too... sometimes more fun than going out. Emersons administration is ok. I was in the design tech for theatre major and switched into organizational and political communication. the art and theatre teachers can be a bit much, kinda high on their horse but still fun to talk to. the gen ed classes suck to the utmost meaning of the word. research writing will still your soul and speech will have you begging to escape. If you are not sure you want to do something emerson offers, dont come here. its easy to transfer departments but transfering is a pain and emerson doesnt offer many typical majors. dont come to emerson for marketing, you can do better. the political communication prof's generally are awesome. dont come here if you want school pride. go to bu or bc. emerson is awesome in the fact that it is in the heart of downtown, major t stops all around, chinatown and newbury(shopping) are blocks away and the common and garden are awesome when its nice out. my freshman year on halloween the trash cans in the common were set on fire.. it gets crazy. thurs fri and sat nights get intense because there are clubs and bars on our campus. gypsy bar. you will have a love hate relationship with it if you attend emerson college. (the cops are cool if you act innocent)