I can start this review by telling a joke popular around the campus: "what are the two things Brandeis students do on Friday nights?. . . They're either at Temple or Filling out their transfer applications." Social Life at Brandeis is terrible. There is hardly anything to do on campus, and despite what people say, it is not "easy" to get into Boston without a car.

The student population, most specifically the lack of diversity, is the greatest cause of the dead atmosphere. Almost everyone is too rich and similar, and people form into exclusionist cliques right away. This not only affects clubs and organizations, but social life overall. It is very very very hard to make friends at this school, and people are oftentimes seen eating alone. There is a "bar" on campus, but it is small dirty and old. It is not even well-attended, since on the weekends people seem to disappear into thin air. Walking around campus is like a scavenger hunt: "let's try to spot more than 15 people on weekends." I don't know where all the people go, they seem to be locked away in their rooms. Although, I shouldn't complain too much, for I'd rather not be in contact with these students. Student Events tries to make things more social. They have movies two times a week, and occasional concerts and gatherings. However, they are mostly not well planned (with the exceptions of the movies) and are certainly not well attended.

I will never forget orientation week. The second night they had a "huge video dance party" scheduled. A friend and I entered the hall - there were not more than 10 people there - the 5 orientation leaders and some other scattered students. It's like someone put sleeping pills in everyone's water. Nobody danced, talked or did anything. What terrible times. Other parties are usually sponsored by frats, and the only reason to go is to get smashed, not to meet people.

Boston is not that easy to get to - you have to wait for a commuter rail which hardly shows up and then do some subway switching to get anywhere decent. You really need a car up there to do anything fun or worthwhile.










Recommended: Yes