I have heard terrible things about the freshman dorms (and housing availability in general) at Brandeis. Are there some Freshman dorms that are better than others? Are they renovating dorms? Are all of the freshman bathrooms hall style (not suite style)? Is there AC in any of the dorms? Are there single rooms available for freshman when the need is supported by doctor’s notes? I have also heard that some upperclassman that want to live on campus can’t because of availability. How close are off campus housing options? Lots of questions… Thank you!
Freshman dorms aren’t that bad. I only know of one room I would classify as ‘too small.’
The two freshman dorms are North and Massell, unless you are a midyear (then you are in the Village). The dorms are about the same quality (albeit, I think North is a little nicer but I am definitely biased). They are not renovating dorms right now - however they are building new sophomore dorms which will be where some of the Castle used to stand. Some triples, especially lofted triples are a bit small. Usually they’re big for a lofted triple.
There are AC in some of the rooms. My room has AC…I have used it maybe twice. Brandeis is in Massachusetts.There are single rooms that are available for freshman with a doctor’s notes. They were very accommodating with me, I had zero issues. Just make sure it is a legitimate issue and don’t brag about it - kids that are put in triples get annoyed by that. DCL is very helpful.
Off campus housing is pretty close if you are in the Charles River apartments. There is a Branvan that goes every 15 minutes or so around campus, so it isn’t like you need to do a ton of walking, you just request the Branvan at your stop and it will make sure to stop and get you. Also, 80% of students stay on campus all four years. If they need housing, they will get housing more than likely. I haven’t heard of anyone with any issues. Some kids opt to live off campus as it can be cheaper and nicer in some cases.