<p>I’ve been reading a lot of Brandeis threads and they all touch on the social aspect and nightlife of the school. I know Brandeis is considerably more laid back and calm compared to some of its preppy and pretentious peers which makes for a comfortable environment, but can someone delve deeply on the topic of nightlife at Brandeis for a social person? A lot of people mention its proximity to Boston and its clubs/bars, however I’ve always liked the more homegrown party scene with people and friends and proximity to campus. Is Greek life very active? How easy can you find a good party without traveling to Boston? Or if you can only answer one question, why are there complaints about dead weekends and a sub-par nightlife? Thanks in advanced, I love everything about Brandeis but am a little apprehensive about the fun aspect about it.</p>
<p>I guess I can answer more specific questions, much better than the general. Campus life perception, as with any school, varies greatly from person to person. Yes, it is close to Boston, and yes Thurs-Sun Brandeis runs a free bus service that goes from Campus to Boston and Cambridge until fairly late. But, save for a few, do you really want to go into Boston every weekend? No, most people only go a few times, if ever, during the year. Greeklife is very active (note: Brandeis does not recognize Greeklife, it is all off campus), and it’s responsible for most of the social scene (for realistic reasons). Most (good) parties are off-campus at the houses which fraternities either rent or own, and usually the only group of people in a house that can afford to throw parties, want to throw parties, and have 40-60 people to work during the party, help clean-up, and set-up. There’s also some athletes, like the “soccer house” or “baseball house” who throw parties intermittently. There’s almost always one of these happening every weekend, and during rush week (the two weeks following orientation, and the first two weeks of second semester) everyday. As for on-campus, mostly Ridgewood and the Mods (sometimes Grad) have smaller parties that are open during the weekends. If you’re part of the social scene there is rarely “nothing going on,” you just have to know where to go. If you have any other questions I can answer them, or you can PM me.</p>
<p>I wasn’t much of a partier myself, so I may not be the best person to answer your question. But I think the social scene is really what you make of it, maybe more so than other colleges. If you want to find parties, you will find them in upper class dorms or off campus with fraternities or connected with student athletes. Every so often there are also centrally organized party type events at campus venues. But there is also more lowkey social life for when you’re in the mood for that. I’d say that the problem at Brandeis generally with all events (including more academic related ones) or things like Theater, is more that you will have more than one going on at the same time than the reverse.</p>
<p>I’ll save you the trouble…if you’re a partier, go to BU. When you hear, “It’s what you make of it,” that usually means that the night life is limited.</p>
<p>Sure there are parties…sometimes, but I’m more than sure you’ll be disappointed with the quality.</p>
<p>I’m currently transferring out because of the lack of social scene :)</p>